Category: News

Port of Hueneme — Two Ventura County Ports Drive Innovative Solution to Improve Trade

PORT HUENEME — Following the exciting announcement of a $16 million sub-award from the California State Transportation Agency’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) grant, the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme are set to commence the next phase of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Reimbursement for Employee Training Still Available!

Thanks to a recent contract the Economic Development Collaborative won from the Employment Training Panel, your company can now be reimbursed for training. Employers in manufacturing, biotechnology, agriculture, nursing and healthcare, construction, high technology services, multimedia and entertainment, goods movement and transportation logistics can access this funding.

Qualifications

To benefit from this program, employers must actively pay into the California Unemployment Fund on behalf of employees. Employees must:

Teatro de las Américas — Theatrical exercises end of course presentation | Prácticas Teatrales, presentación de fin de cursos

Come to the end-of-course presentation of the THEATRICAL PRACTICES of the Teatro de las Américas as part of our First Jueves activities

Throughout the month of July, THEATRICAL PRACTICES coordinated by Juan Pablo Yah Yah were carried out in which the participants, some with, others without theater experience, performed exercises and dynamics to fine-tune their theater techniques.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital First on Central Coast to Implant TriClipTM System, Device to Repair Leaky Tricuspid Heart Valve

SANTA BARBARA — August 1, 2024— The structural heart team at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) now offers the TriClipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system, a minimally invasive therapy for treating patients with a leaky heart valve, known as tricuspid regurgitation or “TR.” SBCH is the first hospital on the Central Coast to provide this innovative therapy.

“We are proud to make this treatment option available to our patients who suffer from a leaky tricuspid valve,” said Michael Shenoda, MD, interventional cardiologist. “Previously, patients living with TR faced the prospect of invasive open-heart surgery. With this new option, we provide a less invasive alternative, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care.”

Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) announces workshops Aug. 3, 10, 17

Whether you prefer in-person sessions or the convenience of webinars, we’ve got you covered. Join us for an enriching experience where you can not only learn valuable homebuying information but also connect with industry professionals who are eager to help you on the road to homeownership.

Ventura Music Festival — Save on Weekend Two!

If you missed weekend one, don’t miss WEEKEND TWO starting this Friday at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center! Grab last-minute tickets with a 20% discount using code NEIGHBOR at venturamusicfestival.org

INFO & TICKETS

Farm Bureau of Ventura County announces Queensland Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted!!

Note from the CEO,

I am thrilled to report the completion of the Queensland Fruit Fly Eradication Program. I also want to acknowledge the CDFA Fruit Fly team for their on-the-ground efforts, our Ag Commissioner Korinne Bell for her quick and thoughtful implementation of the requirements, the citizens of Thousand Oaks for their compliance, and the farmers in the potential expansion area who went through enormous effort to protect commercial agriculture from the risk of expansion.

805 CoWorking Collective Announces New Member and International Coworking Day Celebration

SANTA BARBARA — The 805 CoWorking Collective welcomes Flow Community Workspace in Santa Maria as its newest member, further expanding the network of coworking spaces available to professionals on the Central Coast. “By joining the 805 CoWorking Collective, Flow is…

AHA! in Santa Barbara is thrilled to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors

SANTA BARBARA — Healthy Attitudes, Emotional Harmony and Lifelong Achievement (AHA), which equips teenagers, educators, and parents with social and emotional intelligence to dismantle apathy, prevent despair, and interrupt hate-based behavior, has announced three new members to its board of directors: 

July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Last month, PSHH students participated in College Signing Day, an event where their friends, family, and educators celebrated next steps into higher education. Congratulations to our 60 hardworking students who graduated this year!

Gov. Newsom appoints the first CSUCI student to join the CSU Board of Trustees

CAMARILLO — Nursing student Jazmin Guajardo of Santa Paula has become the first CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) student ever appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees. The first-generation college student’s name was on a list of appointments released July 18 by…

Seven Attorneys Join Employment Law Firm LightGabler LLP

“The complexities of new employment laws and regulations have resulted in an increased number of businesses seeking legal guidance,” says Jonathan Fraser Light, LightGabler managing partner. “Our incoming associates have a range of experience in all types of employment matters and work-related disputes. They will be a great asset to our clients.”

Ventura County Fair opens tonight — July 31

July 31 – August 11
Open 12pm to 12am daily

Gates open at 11am on Tuesday, August 6 only.

Upcoming entertainment includes:

• Aug. 4 — Los Tucanes De Tijuana is a Mexican Norteño & Corrido band from Mexico. Establishing themselves as one of the country’s most popular Norteño groups with hits like La Chona, El Centenario, El Tuanazo and La Ley 57.
• Aug. 5 — Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy) is an American stand-up comedian and actor, having produced several comedy specials for television, including I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy.

MORE!!!

The Arc of Ventura County Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary

“As The Arc of Ventura County celebrates its 70th anniversary, we reflect on how our programs and services have evolved over the years as we empower our program participants with the tools, skills, and accessibility they need to thrive,” says Mary Platt, The Arc president. “The dedication and support from the community has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

District 216 — TONIGHT: Tatiana Aya Tupinambá’s “The Spiritual Practice of Ayahuasca” Screening + Interview, plus more upcoming events

Topic: “The Spiritual Practice of Ayahuasca + Plant Diets to Address Trauma”

When: Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.

Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.

Splash Into Summer at Lompoc’s Top Water Play Spots

LOMPOC — No matter your family’s water-based interests, Lompoc and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley region have an abundance of refreshing, kid-friendly options to explore this summer. From classic municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes and beach escapes, Lompoc’s top water spots are sure to keep everyone cool, entertained, and make lasting memories. From municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes, this guide highlights Lompoc’s Top Water Play Spots to splash, slide, and soak!

Music Academy of the West 2024 Duo Competition Winners Announced

Congrats to Shengyu Meng, Yoshino Toi, and all of our fellow finalists on their amazing performances!

Thank you to our adjudicators, Gabriel Campos Zamora, Jeremy Geffen, and Rita Sloan.

Shengyu and Yoshino will each receive the Grand Prize of a $5,000 cash award and digital assets for career promotion.

Ron Werft, Cottage Health President & CEO, Announces Retirement

“On behalf of Cottage Health’s Board, we thank Mr. Werft for his many contributions that will continue to benefit this community for generations. He is a skilled and compassionate leader with extraordinary vision and understanding of health care,” said Mr. Steve Zola, chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO CYBERSECURITY

August 5 @ 10:00 am

Empower your small business with a deep dive into cybersecurity basics at SBA’s upcoming Introduction to Cybersecurity event. Discover practical strategies to protect your business online. Join SBA for insights tailored to small businesses, ensuring your digital assets are secure. Do not miss out on the chance to boost your digital security knowledge. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation requests, please email LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Almost 700 YMCA ‘Find My Genius’ Scholars Take Part In A ‘Dolphin Dash’ To Highlight New Safety Around Water Skills

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Almost 700 young scholars who are enrolled in the YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer program from Moorpark, Simi Valley and Conejo Valley completed a five-session “Safety Around Water” (SAW) program that provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children ages 5 to 13 with little or no water experience.

To show off the scholars’ new-found water safety skills, the YMCA held “Dolphin Dash” events–two at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and two at the Yarrow Family YMCA where the scholars swam across the YMCA pool with the help of swim instructors. “Many parents were in attendance who saw their kids swim for the very first time,” says Brigitte Bonafont, YMCA senior aquatics director.

New Cottage Neurosciences Clinic Opens in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health announces the opening of Cottage Neurosciences Clinic in Santa Barbara. The new clinic provides access to comprehensive neurosurgical consultation tailored to meet the needs of patients across the region.

Under the leadership of a dedicated team of neurosurgeons, the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic is committed to delivering excellent care from diagnosis to exploring treatment options and ongoing management of a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Prepares Housing Authority Teens for the Future Through Summer Program

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara launched its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Wellbeing and Culture) free four-week summer program for Housing Authority youth entering grades 9 -12. 

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.

“Our main purpose of our agency is to provide housing, but we think it needs to be so much more than that for families to succeed so this provides us a great opportunity to be able to do that,” said HACSB Resident Program Specialist, Hector Avila.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications 5 p.m. today, July 26

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – At 5PM on Friday, July 26, pre-applications will close for Tiburon Place: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). The pre-application is accessible in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/TIB
 
Tiburon Place, located in the City of San Luis Obispo, will be comprised of 68 apartments, including studio, one, and two bedroom units. This three-story, three-building con?guration with a community room, outdoor courtyard, and playground, will serve individuals and families making at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, as well as populations with special needs. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support. Eligibility is based on income requirements and occupancy limits. Section 8 vouchers are welcomed.  

County of Ventura seeking Assessment Appeals Board Member

VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura is accepting applications for one Board Member to serve on Assessment Appeals Board No. 2.

For information on the position, eligibility, compensation, and instructions on how to apply, visit www.ventura.org/cob/aabmember

First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Rebates Available for Home Batteries

Over the past few years, you may have heard me talk about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), our regional electricity provider, and our realistic plan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.

There is an important way that we can all help meet that goal, and have more control over our energy costs and usage at home.

3CE just launched our Residential Battery Rebate Program, which can earn customers on-average $3,900 to purchase and install a home battery. That’s not to mention that over the lifetime of the battery, customers with solar are estimated to see $9,000 in savings on their bills.

Initially, the program is anticipated to allow for the deployment of 400 battery systems per fiscal year. The rebates will be available to residential 3CE customers, regardless of whether they have a solar system or not.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) 411 Labor Market Report

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its June 2024 report, showing a large increase to the unemployment rates across most all regions. The US moved from 3.7% in May all the way up to 4.3% in June, California followed suit, from 4.6% to 5.3%, as did Ventura County, from 3.7% in May to 4.5% in June. 

These increases are seasonal, an annual pattern that occurs with the start of summer. That noted, not that many years ago the seasonal change wasn’t so severe, with lots of younger workers finding summer employment, especially in Retail, to offset the losses in Education for the summer, but those summer jobs of course have cooled with the larger move away from bricks and mortar based sales to on-line activity.

Cottage Health Named a Seramount 100 Best Company for Working Parents

“We are proud to be recognized by Seramount as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Parents,” said Cara Williams, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cottage Health. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.”

SLO County Fire Department Partners with Nonprofit for Fire Station Tour for Mentored Children

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County, in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, is thrilled to provide a tour of the SLO Airport fire department to volunteer mentors, their mentees, and their families. 

Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 65th anniversary 2024-2025 season go on sale Aug. 2

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 65th anniversary season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024-2025 season go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m.

New Bookmobile to Serve Ventura County Schools

The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students.

Guest contribution — Communities Call for Exact Location of Pesticide Application in Statewide Pesticide Notification System

SHAFTER, CA. — Dozens of farmworkers and their allies — Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety 805, based in Ventura County — held a news conference and rally on July 23 prior to a California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hearing on plans for a statewide pesticide notification system.

The news conference, “It’s Not Notification Without Location,” sponsored by the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment (CRPE) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) was held outside the site of the DPR hearing, Shafter Youth Center. CRPE, CPR and allies are concerned that DPR’s current draft plans will not serve the community without the exact address or farm location of the pesticide application.

Voices of Hope Gala caps 2024 fundraising at nearly $275,000 ahead of Camp HOPE in Ventura County

VENTURA — This weekend, at the second annual Voices of Hope Gala, the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) successfully concluded their 2024 fundraising campaign ahead of August’s Camp HOPE, raising nearly $275,000. During the Gala, held at the scenic Zachari Dunes, three local honorees were awarded for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Hero of the Year, Co-Director of Anacapa Surgery Associates, Dr. Thomas Duncan; Champion of the Year, Ventura County Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Brian J. Back (ret.); and Community Advocate of the Year, Ventura County Community Foundation. During a particularly memorable moment, survivors of family violence and trauma shared their stories of resilience in their own voices, an emotional and inspiring reminder of hope for an audience that included local leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers.

Bilingual report — Three Ventura County Communities Earn Firewise Recognition

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Woodridge Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks, the Rancho Matilija neighborhood in Ojai and the Piru community for earning recognition from the National Fire Protection Association as Firewise USA communities.

“The risk of wildfire is ever present in Ventura County,” Fire Marshal Joe Morelli said. “We applaud these communities for doing all they can to reduce some of that risk.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Expanding marine reserves will redistribute global fishing effort’ and more news, events

Previous studies have looked at regional effects on fishing of individual marine protected areas; this is the first to consider the question on a global scale, accounting for complex interactions between fleets. Its findings challenge assumptions about ocean conservation.

Bilingual report — Ventura celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month and Fall Activity Guide

The Fall Activity Guide offers a diverse range of classes and programs for all ages, including Beginner Ceramics, a Bus Tour to see Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre, Aikido, and a collection of classes in fitness, art, aquatics, sports, pet wellness, and more.

Museum of Ventura County — An InnoVision Artist Workshop is Around the Corner!

InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.  

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Seeks Sponsors and Auction Items for 60th Anniversary Gala

“Each year, we host a gala to support the YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius,’ Safety Around Water,’ ‘Youth & Government’ and scholarship programs,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA president and CEO. “This year is extra special because we’re also celebrating the YMCA’s 60th year serving our community. The YMCA was founded in Thousand Oaks in 1964 by a group of dedicated local leaders who saw a need for a YMCA in the area.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE HOUR FOR RFIS

July 25 @ 8:30 am

Do you have a Request for Information (RFI) from the WOSB Certification Review team? The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: WOSB Office Hour for RFIs! This series is intended for applicants who have applied to become WOSB/EDWOSB certified and who have received a Request for Information (RFIs) from the certification review team but are unsure of how to proceed in responding to the RFI. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum about responding to RFIs from members of the WOSB Program staff. Sessions will be held virtually every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 am.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CSUCI earns another eight years of accreditation

CAMARILLO — Academic excellence, inventiveness and a commitment to equity are among the qualities that have recently earned CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) another eight years of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The WSCUC accredits public and private higher education institutions in the U.S. and around the world based on a broad array of educational standards including academic quality, student support and continued efforts toward equity and inclusion.

“WSCUC accreditation is like a quality seal for universities,” explained CSUCI Vice Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti, who served as Accreditation Liaison Officer. “In short, WSCUC accreditation tells you that a university is trustworthy, provides a high-quality education, and is committed to helping its students succeed.”

Bilingual report — Assessor sends Annual Value Notices for 2024

Of the 250,000 notices mailed out, approximately 207,000 are postcard notices showing the 2% increase in value in accordance with Proposition 13. Additionally, just over 6,000 notices will notify owners if their property’s Market Value is less than the Prop 13 (Base Year) Value.

Registration, sponsorships now open for MICOP’S ‘Night in Oaxaca’ on Aug. 9

OXNARD — On Friday, Aug. 9, Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will welcome back its annual flagship fundraising event Night in Oaxaca at the Olivas Adobe Historic Park. We invite local agencies, county leaders, and supporters to join us. Over the years, Night in Oaxaca has become the largest fundraising event that helps MICOP continue its mission of supporting, organizing, and empowering the Indigenous migrant community on California’s Central Coast. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom appoints Jazmin Guajardo of Santa Paula to California State University Board of Trustees

Guajardo was Vice President of Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2023 to 2024. She was a Peer Mentor with the California State University, Channel Islands Educational Opportunity Program from 2021 to 2024. Guajardo was a Certified Nursing Assistant with Coastal View Health Care Center from 2022 to 2023. She was a Senator of Student Engagement for Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2021 to 2022.

Bilingual commentary — Lessons From the Straw Hat Riots

Just over a century ago, in the fashion centers of America’s east coast, men were programmed to wear straw hats throughout the summer. Men who considered themselves of sufficiently high class customarily donned the requisite straw hat on May 15 (“Straw Hat Day”). This social custom was taken quite seriously by the men of that era, especially in New York City.

But after September 15, wearing a straw hat was considered a serious violation of standing etiquette.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Join us at the 1st Annual Government & Disability Summit taking place September 24 – 27th here in Ventura!

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation and a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. Rebecca served at the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts. Don’t miss her keynote speech at this groundbreaking event!

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College encores students in Fall classes

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is reminding students that there is still time to register for fall classes, which start on Aug. 19 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Hancock offers credit and noncredit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment.

“Now is the time for students to register for fall classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “Our faculty and staff are ready to support and help them achieve their educational goals.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Chief Gina Johnson honors staff and officers during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Services Week 2024

VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson is proud to recognize National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Services Week (Probation Services Week), which is celebrated from July 21 to July 27, 2024. During this week, the incredible probation professionals whose unwavering dedication breaks cycles, provides second chances, and transforms lives are celebrated.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.