Category: News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2023 • Comments Off

UNLOCK THE EMERGING ROMANIA MARKET: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ROMANIA – U.S. BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

August 30 @ 8:00 am

This webinar will provide valuable insights for U.S. companies interested in expanding their business to Romania. Seize this opportunity to hear from representatives from the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles and Romanian companies sharing insights on partnering with U.S. firms. Additionally, you will hear from representatives from WITOC, EDC SBDC and U.S. Commercial Service Irvine working together to increase the level of Romania-US trade and economic relations. Learn more about the upcoming Trade Winds Mission to Europe and Eurasia on May 13 – 15, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ocean water quality results for samples collected this week indicate ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling location failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

Bilingual report — EDC SBDC Business Advisor Juliana Ramírez Receives Pacific Coast Business Times Community Spirit Award

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2023 • Comments Off

We are thrilled to share an exciting accomplishment that speaks to our team’s dedication and impact on small business development. We are delighted that Juliana Ramírez, an EDC SBDC Business Advisor, was honored at the Pacific Coast Business Times (PCBT): Spirit of Small Business Awards held on August 17th.

The Spirit of Small Business Awards, a partnership of Pacific Coast Business Times and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Los Angeles District Office, shines a spotlight on the innovation and resilience of small enterprises. Since its inception in 2003, this event has showcased inspiring company profiles, informative how-to articles and a valuable resource guide.

Bilingual commentary — Trying to Grasp Infinity…and Beyond!

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2023 • Comments Off

“Infinity” means, quite literally, “without end.” Since humans could reflect, they have pondered infinity. Very likely, the first inklings of infinity occurred as the earliest humans contemplated the night sky replete with what seemed to be an infinite number of stars.

Having taught college math, I often talked with my students about “infinity,” but in a mathematical sense. For instance, we discussed infinite iterations, infinite limits, an infinite number of classes of numbers, the infinite number line, infinitesimal differences, infinitely large numbers, infinitely small numbers, the infinite decimal nature of constants such as “pi.”

Bilingual report — UC Santa Barbara conducting research on families living in the U.S. and Mexico

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — UC Santa Barbara is conducting a research project with Latina, Latino, or Hispanic immigrant families who currently live apart because one parent migrated to the United States, while the other parent remained in a country within Latin America. Families who participate in the study will receive $140 in compensation for their time.

Explore Lompoc — Take The Ultimate Fall Road Trip to Lompoc Along Calfiornia’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — With cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the ideal season for a road trip to Lompoc! Sip award-winning wines from Sta. Rita Valley wineries, warm up with a pumpkin latte in one of our cozy coffee shops, take a lazy drive on our scenic country roads or relax at Jalama beach, catch a rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB, and stay at one of our comfy hotels!

Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, the comfortable weather conditions clear the way for outdoor activities like these:

Savie Health Clinic Expands Behavioral Health Services for the Uninsured

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a free medical clinic for low-income people without health insurance, is pleased to welcome a new behavioral health specialist to its team.

Art Dossey, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with expertise in mental health and addiction treatment, is now available to see patients at Savie Health’s clinic in Lompoc on Saturdays. The nonprofit, which relies on private donations and volunteers, was able to hire Dossey with the help of the Santa Barbara-based Towbes Foundation.

Young Change-Makers: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program Empowers Voices in Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria A group of eleven young girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program recently returned after a five-day excursion to Washington D.C. The trip included a visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal and Senator Padilla plus a tour of the white house!

The focal points of this year’s excursion were centered around three main topics: 1) The challenge of healthcare accessibility because of financial obstacles or inadequate insurance coverage, 2) Reversing the decision of Roe vs. Wade and safeguarding women’s reproductive rights, and 3) Inequalities around the pink tax and the financial burdens associated with menstrual products.

“This trip showed me that women and people like me from a small town can truly achieve any dream or goal we may have. It was also impactful because having our voices truly heard by people in congress will help better change/develop our future”, Eureka! cohort member Camila E Hernandez-Sanchez.

Young crime victims attend Camp Hope hosted by the Ventura County Family Justice Center

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — To provide hope and foster resilience in childhood victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and physical and sexual abuse, the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) hosted 49 children at its annual Camp Hope summer retreat.

Since 2015, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and VCFJC have hosted an annual five-day-long summer camp in partnership with Camp Hope America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the nation for children exposed to trauma. Camp Hope’s goal is to give healing, hope and childhood experiences back to children and teens who have been impacted by violence.

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County partners with Goodwill to offer short-term jobs restoring local parks damaged by flooding

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is excited to announce short-term jobs for unemployed adults, to help clean, repair, and restore local parks damaged by the devastating winter storms of 2022-23.

WDBVC and Goodwill of Ventura have partnered with the federally funded National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG), which allows Goodwill to hire workers to clean up mudslides and landslides from the severe storms of 2022-2023. These temporary jobs as restoration team members have flexible hours with pay of up to $25 an hour and provide on-the-job training and work experience.

With Ventura County unemployment at 4.2%, this is an excellent chance for those who have faced long-term unemployment (four weeks straight or more) to earn an income making a meaningful difference in their community. No previous experience is required, though workers must be at least 18 years old and have the legal right to work in the U.S.

Bilingual report — EDC Granted Funding from VCCF to Advance Isabella Project

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has been granted first-year funding by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) to advance the Isabella Project. With the impending implementation of Universal Pre-K (UPK) in California, the funding will be instrumental in addressing potential disruptions faced by early childhood education (ECE) providers and fostering resilience during this transition.

California’s implementation of UPK over the next several years with full implementation by 2025-26 will ensure all children who turn four years old by September 1 of a given school year are provided free access to a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program from their local school district.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1,500,000 Line of Credit investment from Montecito Bank & Trust in support of affordable housing

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces a $1,500,000 CRA line of credit from Montecito Bank & Trust. The EQ2 (equity equivalent investment) product being leveraged for this Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) line of credit is a long-term loan that allows community development financial institutions (CDFIs), like Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, to strengthen their capital structures and leverage additional debt capital resulting in the ability for increased lending and investing in economically disadvantaged communities, in this case through the development of affordable housing for seniors, farmworkers, the homeless, transitional age foster youth, and low-, very-low, and extremely-low income individuals and families in communities throughout Ventura County.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Documenting names crafted in public places with nails, tar, bark and bubblegum, artist Alex Lukas releases 12th edition of his fanzine’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

The new issue of Written Names Fanzine, which chronicles occurrences of hyper-localized, unsanctioned public writing, features found names stuck in bubblegum in San Luis Obispo.

CSUCI’s Fall OLLI classes offers a window to the worlds of art, music, history, literature and more

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — From the dawn of the earliest humans to the backstage behavior of Broadway divas, the Fall 2023 semester of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a window to the worlds of art, music, history, literature and lots more.

Enrollment is underway for the OLLI Fall 2023 classes, which will run weekly from Aug. 21 through Sept. 29. Classes will be on Zoom or in-person at CSUCI’s John Spoor Broome Library, Ventura College of Law, or the Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo.

Some of this fall’s offerings will include a closer look at entertainment on the stage, screen and in between the pages with courses on “The Art of Abbott and Costello,” “Golden Girls: Essential California Women Writers,” “Dante’s Divine Comedy and Our Journey Toward Wholeness,” “Edgar Allen Poe: His Life and Writings” and “Broadway Deconstructed.”

Museum of Ventura County — See upcoming events here

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Tuesday, August 29
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard

Calling All Storytellers! Be a Star in Our New Exhibit. We are looking for volunteers to take part in a video shoot as we explore the deep and diverse meanings of “home.” Your voice matters, and we want YOU to share your unique perspective on what home means to you. Each story is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of our community. Sign up HERE.

CSUCI to offer a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Applications open Oct. 1 for graduate students seeking a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (or Ed.D.) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI).

Pending final approval, the CSUCI Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice (DELEJ) will launch its inaugural cohort of students in summer of 2024.

This program will be the most advanced degree offered at CSUCI and classes are being designed so that working professionals can obtain their Ed.D. in three years.

“The Ed.D. is built for working professionals and we expect people will be working full time as they pursue their doctorate,” said Director of the DELEJ program, Andrea Bingham. “We want people to use their professional experience and draw on that as they write their dissertations.”

Oxnard College Receives $100,000 Grant from Metallica’s All Within My Hands’ Scholars Initiative

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Oxnard College has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant from the Grammy Award-winning band Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands. The award will support students in the college’s Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene and Fire Academy programs as the band continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The workforce initiative marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. MSI now directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this year, it will have helped over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over six million dollars in the American workforce through career education programs like those at Oxnard College.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Metallica and are grateful for their commitment to supporting Oxnard College’s impactful career education programs,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, Interim President of Oxnard College. “This grant will help provide much-needed technical instruments, tools and safety gear to over 100 of our hardworking students.”

Bilingual report — August News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

This month we’ve been looking back, and looking ahead, and celebrating all that’s brought us to the milestone of serving our communities for 53 years. Much has changed, and much has been accomplished since three local volunteers came together around a common mission to serve their community, and eventually form our organization to carry it out and magnify. What’s not changed is the need for creating many more affordable housing opportunities, and coming alongside those among us who are struggling to meet basic needs, in support of our community’s most vulnerable.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and School District Collaborate to Expand Youth Sports Access

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Unified School District are proud to announce a transformative partnership focused on increasing access to youth sports in the community. This collaboration aims to overcome barriers and provide a comprehensive range of sports opportunities for students in 3rd to 8th grade.

Recognizing the importance of youth sports in fostering physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth, the Parks & Recreation Department and the School District have come together to develop a program that addresses existing challenges. The goal is to ensure that all interested youth have the chance to participate, regardless of financial constraints or logistical hurdles.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing selects Joanna Dominguez as Director of Resource Development

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Joanna Dominguez has been selected to serve as the new Director of Resource Development for People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH).

Originally joining PSHH in 2018, Joanna previously served as the Director of Education. Her then role included the oversight of the organization’s ten learning centers as well as the leadership of the award-winning CELEBRE program for Latinas entering higher education. During that time, Joanna was also actively involved in donor relations, gift stewardship, and grant writing.

Following a brief time away from PSHH, Joanna has now returned as the new Director of Resource Development and will play a key role in expanding fundraising and grant acquisition efforts. Her focus will be on seeking funding for services which support the organization’s over 5,000 residents.

“We are grateful to see Joanna return to PSHH in this vital position” Chief Operating Officer Anna Miller said “Joanna is compassionate, enthusiastic, and has a proven track record for collaboration and results. She has a well-rounded background, giving her the essential skills to take on this new role.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Budgets Pavement Plan to Improve Road Safety and Quality

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Board of Supervisors recently approved Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) Multi-Year Pavement Plan 2024 – 2028. The Road Repair and Accountability Act funds this Plan with a planned five-year budget of $45 Million.

VCPWA has plans to resurface 192 centerline miles (centerline miles represent the total length of a given road from a start point to an endpoint. The mileage does not include the size, number of lanes, or other features, like shoulders and turn lanes). Other works added to the paving projects are repairs to culvert and storm drains, curb and gutter, and sidewalks (which are reimbursed by the property owners). In addition, VCPWA will improve drainage, ADA access curb ramps, pavement widening at curves, and correct safety issues when feasible.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: HOW TO START AND GROW A PROFITABLE CONSULTING BUSINESS

August 23 @ 10:30 am

If you are a Consultant or are considering becoming one, this webinar is for you! It doesn’t matter what your specialty is: business management, social media marketing, information technology, security, personal image and credibility and more. SCORE Ventura County will cover it all. In just a few hours, you will learn powerful tips and strategies you can use right away, to attract, win and retain more of the most valuable clients.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Santa Paula Police Explorers Excel in Regional Tactical Competition

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Channel Islands Challenge” regional competition in Oxnard August 11-13, 2023. Seven Santa Paula Police Explorers participated and competed with other explorer posts in a three-day competition. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful with a first place, second place, and four (4) third place awards.

The competition, hosted by the Oxnard Police Explorers, included explorer posts from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Oxnard Police Department, Riverside Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department, and California Highway Patrol.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hurricane Hilary Impacts Possible Across Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2023 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are forecasting the potential for Hurricane Hilary to impact central and southern California counties, including any area within Santa Barbara County. Moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, coastal storm surge and erosion, and hazardous sea conditions are possible. These conditions may start locally as early as Sunday afternoon (August 20).

The National Weather Service has also issued a FLOOD WATCH for the foothills above Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria and the Eastern Santa Ynez mountain range due to the potential for heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary. The FLOOD WATCH is in effect from Sunday (August 20) at 4pm through Monday (August 21) at 11pm.

Here are some resources you can use to get the latest information:

Port of Hueneme hosts Countywide effort to prepare for potential Tsunami weather events

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2023 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme’s operations team joined by security partners, NAVSEA, Amergent Tech, Oxnard Emergency Services, VCFD, ILWU Local 46, City of Port Hueneme, Ventura County OES, California OES, ocean shipping customers, and port operators, led a full day of training at the Port today to highlight the importance of successful and timely incident management during a possible tsunami wave to the US West Coast. This year’s exercise program, an integral part of “August Wave”, was born out of a grassroots effort amongst regional partners throughout the County following the Tonga volcano-spurred tsunami of January 2022. “August Wave” consists of several training events in August and finalizes on August 30. Yesterday the port ran its exercise as part of the series that was coined “August Wave” based on the shared tsunami exercise scenarios all taking place in August.

Bilingual report — American Checkmate, 2024

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2023 • Comments Off

In chess, “checkmate” occurs when the “king” on the board is threatened with capture and has no way out. At that point, the game is, for all intents and purposes, over.

We in the United States are being checkmated by Donald Trump, the current GOP frontrunner for the presidential primary nomination. Rather than a checkmate of the king, the very foundation of our country is being threatened. Increasingly, it appears that there is no way out of the upcoming fraught battle for the very soul of the nation.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Notice of Delay | Notificación de retraso for pre-applications for People’s Place in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the pre-application for People’s Place, previously announced for Monday, August 28, has been delayed. Current estimates for this process to resume are late 2023.

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and will update our websiteas soon as new information is available.

***

Debido a circunstancias fuera de nuestro control, la pre-aplicación para People’s Place, anunciada para el lunes 28 de agosto, ha sido retrasada. Estimamos que el proceso será reanudando a finales de 2023.

Lamentamos cualquier inconveniente y pondremos la información pertinente en nuestra página web tan pronto como esté disponible.

CSUCI receives national honor for helping Latinos

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — An innovative CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) program has received a national honor for enabling Latino students to quickly get back on track to graduate after experiencing academic challenges.

Excelencia in Education named the CSUCI Initiative for Mapping Academic Success (CIMAS) a “Program to Watch” for 2023 on Aug. 15.

“We are impressed with the impact your program has had thus far on Latino students and recognize the potential of your program to grow in practice and in evidence of effectiveness,” wrote Erin McCowey, institutional practices manager for Excelencia in Education.

Originally started for Sociology students in 2017 and paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was relaunched universitywide in 2022 to address learning-loss and decreased engagement and sense of belonging caused by the pandemic.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Dogs can detect COVID-19 infections faster and more accurately than conventional technology’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The idea has gained scientific consensus: Dogs can be just as good — and sometimes better — than our best tests at detecting the stealthy virus and its variants, even when they are obscured by other viruses, like colds and flu.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – August 15, 2023

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2023 • Comments Off

This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter offers three fascinating articles pulled together by the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). This edition is designed to give you a quick summary that entices you to click on the link for each full article:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2023 • Comments Off

EN ESPAÑOL: SBA: 10 PASOS PARA INICIAR SU EMPRESA

15 de agosto a las 11:30 am

Emprender un negocio requiere planificar, tomar decisiones financieras cruciales y realizar una serie de actividades legales. Acompañe al SBA en este seminario web para conocer cada paso.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA INSCRIBIRSE

WEV: WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

August 15 @ 12:30 pm

Have you experienced feeling like an imposter? Do you doubt your abilities and/or capabilities? This is called Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is a common experience that is completely normal. Join WEV for this presentation with Isabelle Hertz, founder and CEO of Isabelle Hertz Coaching, who will discuss and teach you about Imposter Syndrome, how to navigate it and what strategies can be used when you notice it arising.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — Attention Veterans! Deadline Extended to File Toxic-Exposure Claims

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2023 • Comments Off

This week marked one year since President Biden signed the PACT Act, the largest and most comprehensive expansion of care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans and their families in more than three decades.

This historic law created presumptions for many respiratory illnesses and cancers, making care and benefits easier and more accessible. The law also streamlined VA’s presumption decision-making process, so that veterans don’t have to wait decades for help that they need today, and the law ensures future generations of veterans are better protected.

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) appoints Nicole Ramos as new Human Resources and Administrative Officer

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Nicole Ramos has been promoted to the newly created position Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer (CHRAO) for People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH).

“After much collaboration to assess how the PSHH organizational structure supports our continued expansion, both in headcount, footprint, and the number of residents served, I’m excited and encouraged about this new position!,” said CEO and President Ken Trigueiro, “Nicole has great respect and admiration among all staff and is very well suited for this role.”

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan Appoints Chief Innovation Officer

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced the appointment of Eve Gelb as its new Chief Innovation Officer. With a proven track record of success, Eve will serve in a critical role, helping drive excellence, innovation, and quality care for GCHP’s more than 250,000 Medi-Cal members.

“As part of Gold Coast Health Plan’s mission to continue to build and improve equity and access across the Medi-Cal system of services and supports in Ventura County, we thoughtfully added a Chief Innovation Officer position to our Executive Team – which itself is an innovation for the organization,” said Nick Liguori, GCHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Eve will lead the way as we improve the execution and integration of complex, mission-critical and strategic initiatives that will ultimately lead to better outcomes for our members, greater access to quality care, and a superior member experience.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — New Classes (15) at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Santa Paula Art Museum Curator of Creativity Gabriel Islas has curated an all-new lineup of classes to experience at the Cole Creativity Center in September! We are excited to welcome you into our new ceramics studio with Wheel Throwing and Hand Building clay courses for all levels. With the kids going back to school, we’re also introducing our new After School: Art and After School: Ceramics programs. Islas himself will be teaching the new Intro to Oil Painting course for total beginners, while the 21-and-over crowd can enjoy Art After Dark, and so much more!

Check out all of our September classes below. All supplies are provided in every class, and preregistration is required.

CSUCI learns about the need for diversity in agricultural careers with a fellowship in Washington D.C.

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the world of agriculture in general need workers, and not always in a field of crops or livestock. Workers are needed in scores of other areas outside of the farm, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture itself.

“You don’t have to be a scientist or a farmer,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Vice President for Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives Michelle Hasendonckx. “The USDA needs people with experience in human resources, communication specialists, accountants, project managers—people from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds make up this huge department. And these are career opportunities nationwide.”

Metalsmart announces new new online marketplace for retail precious metals

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

NEWARK, Del. — Metalsmart has announced the launch of its new online marketplace that is projected to save retail customers up to $5 billion annually by bringing transparency and fairness to the retail precious metals market.

In times of economic uncertainty, precious metals like gold and silver can offer security and stability. But the $27-billion retail precious metals market is rife with high markups and obscure pricing. Metalsmart is poised to bring unparalleled clarity and competition by connecting buyers and sellers through its innovative online marketplace that allows consumers to compare competitive prices across multiple vendors in a single place. It’s like a Lending Tree for the precious metals market.

LaunchPoint Announces Expansion to New Corporate Headquarters in Goleta and Exciting Job Opportunities

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

GOLETA — LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (“LaunchPoint”), a leading innovator in cutting-edge aerospace electric power generation and propulsion technologies, is thrilled to unveil its expansion to a new, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Goleta, Calif. The move to a larger, custom-built facility marks an exciting milestone for the company and underscores its commitment to better serving its aerospace industry customers as well as its growing workforce.

Bees, Butterflies, and other Pollinators Get a Boost from CDFA Funds

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awarded a nearly $2 million grant through its Pollinator Habitat Program to the Cachuma Resource Conservation District and its partners (Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, and Ventura County Resource Conservation District), to boost pollinator habitat on agricultural lands along California’s Central Coast.

California produces more than one-third of the nation’s vegetables and two-thirds of the nation’s fruit and nuts, of which an estimated $11.7 billion are dependent on pollinators. Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction, pesticides, disease, and climate change, pollinator populations have dramatically declined. The loss of pollinators in California affects both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Celebrates SBDC Director’s Co-Authorship of Landmark COVID-19 Innovation Study

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is thrilled to announce that EDC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director, Dr. Ray Bowman, has co-authored a groundbreaking study titled “Who innovates during a crisis? Evidence from small businesses during COVID-19.” The study, published in the Journal of Evolutionary Economics, provides unique empirical evidence of how small businesses innovated during the initial uncertainty and rapid changes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UCSB — The Current — ‘An art museum with a defining collection of Southern California architecture & design’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The jewels in the crown of the collection held by the Art, Design & Architecture Museum — plucked from the coastal forests and deserts of California Modernism — are its nearly 290 archives of architects, landscape architects and industrial and graphic designers practicing in Southern California.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Progress to Finish the 101 Project

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Good news! We just got closer to finishing the 101 freeway project. Recently we celebrated the award of $132.4 million to finish the Montecito segment of the project. This funding comes from the State SB1 gas tax and is also some of the first funding from the Biden infrastructure bill. Receiving this funding so quickly means we will avoid the project timeline being drawn out and just get it done. The best part is this funding will also go towards new electric buses for Santa Barbara MTD, more electric vehicle chargers, and pedestrian/bike path connectivity in Summerland and Montecito.

Museum of Ventura County — Hot Fun in the Summertime

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Honey Bee Day

Saturday, August 19
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
?
Join us to celebrate Honey Bee Day! This family-friendly event offers an interactive bee demo, beeswax products for sale, honey tasting, crafts, story time, artist demo, pollinator class by UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County, and more. Buzz by and learn how to help protect these invaluable, tiny friends. Limited space, register for free HERE.

Call for Artist Services — County of Ventura Creative Corps Grant

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura’s Office of Arts and Culture and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have been awarded the Central Coast Creative Corps grant, which will provide $100,000 for the County to contract with an artist for the period of one year. The County and selected artist will work collaboratively to develop an art-based project, or projects, during the grant term.

The County has issued a General Call for Artist Services via a request for proposals (RFP), which is the first step in selecting the artist. The RFP can be viewed here: County of Ventura – RFP 6148 – General Call for Artist Services (bonfirehub.com).

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Earn Five-Star Rating for Quality Care & Patient Safety

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) have earned a five-star rating, the highest rating possible, on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2023 quality star rating report.

SBCH and GVCH are among 10 percent of surveyed U.S. hospitals that received five stars, the highest rating.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2023 • Comments Off

CMTC: EXPLORING ENERGY AND PRODUCTIVITY SAVINGS: A CLOSER LOOK AT INDUSTRIAL ASSESSMENT CENTERS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM

August 10 @ 1:30 pm

In California, there are four U.S. Department of Energy (DoE)-funded Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) that offer no-cost energy assessments to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) – during these assessments, IACs typically identify up to 10-20% in energy and productivity savings. To further support SMMs, the DoE is currently offering the Implementation Grant Program which provides SMMs with funding of up to $300,000 with a 50% cost share for implementation of energy-efficient equipment based on recommendations made in IAC assessments. Interested to learn more? Join CMTC for this educational webinar!

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. – Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches (this week), the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, and students to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop- off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and Museum of Ventura County announce upcoming series of events in celebration of 150th Anniversary of Ventura County

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will be holding a series of family-friendly pop-up celebrations across the county in celebration of the 150thAnniversary of Ventura County. The pop-up celebrations will be held at larger festival events and will feature community organizations that will provide opportunities for adults and children to interact and learn more about the rich history and traditions of Ventura County. These community partners will provide opportunities for residents to participate in arts and crafts activities, enjoy performances, and learn more about Ventura County’s heritage both past and present. A full calendar of events can be found at www.venturacounty150.com

New SBCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas begins tenure

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Tuesday, Aug. 1, marked Dr. Erika Endrijonas’ first day as the new superintendent/president of Santa Barbara City College.

Dr. Endrijonas’ new role as superintendent/president marks her return to SBCC; She served as the Dean of Career and Technical Services from 2000 to 2009, where she oversaw 28 departments spread across the Business, Technology, and Health and Human Services divisions on campus, along with the School of Culinary Arts and the Kinko’s Early Learning Center. Since then her college leadership roles have included Executive Vice President of Oxnard College, President of Los Angeles Valley College, and most recently, Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College since January 2019.

CSUCI partners with Women’s Economic Ventures to award 45 microgrants to historically marginalized entrepreneurs

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Some entrepreneurs had been working in somebody else’s landscaping business or hair salon and wanted to strike out on their own. Others had been providing child day care and wanted to expand their services. And some had creative ideas for restaurants, food trucks or themed mobile tea parties for kids.

These were some of the 45 business plans chosen for $7,500 microgrants through Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Emprendimiento Program, a program developed to provide training and access to funding for Hispanic entrepreneurs who have limited English proficiency. The program is run in partnership with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI).

“Some of these entrepreneurs don’t have a high school degree, so it’s a beautiful thing to help them become a part of the formal economy, whereas they might have never gotten a loan from a bank,” said Associate Professor of Business Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who coordinates the program at CSUCI. “With this program, not only can you get started with your own business, but you also have a mentor you can call.”

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Announces its 2023-2024 Season featuring Prominent Musical and Dance Performers

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with a fantastic lineup for its 2023-2024 season. The season features five impressive performers including Grammy nominee Perla Batalla, the nationally distinguished Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, America’s first all-female mariachi Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, music innovator Quitapenas, and dynamic Bordeño-soul group Jarabe Mexicano.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — Juguetones (5, 8, 12 de agosto), Entre Pancho Villa y una Mujer Desnuda (11 y 12 de agosto)

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2023 • Comments Off

Teatro de las Américas presenta para la familia un espectáculo lleno de humor, títeres, payasos, magia, y misterio.

Escrito por el grupo cómico del Teatro de las Américas con: James Donlon, Alina Cenal, Albert Smith, Mateo Escobedo y Óscar Marrón. Dirigido por James Donlon.

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Teatro de las Américas presents a show full of humor, puppets, clowns, magic, and mystery for the family.

Written by the comedy group of the Theater of the Americas with: James Donlon, Alina Cenal, Albert Smith, Mateo Escobedo and Oscar Brown. Directed by James Donlon.

Port of Hueneme Eyes Federal Funding to Match CA State’s Historic $80M Investment in the Port

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2023 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — On the heels of the historic state funding for the Port of Hueneme earlier this month, Port of Hueneme CEO Kristin Decas alongside California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and CA Port leaders were in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to discuss leveraging California state funding with federal infrastructure investment grants. California ports play a vital role in the United States economy and supply chain with eleven trade ports providing critical pathways for goods. An increase in federal funding will significantly impact the future success of U.S. trade.

The request to leverage funds was based on the $80 million grant to the Port in July from Governor Newson’s 2023/24 fiscal budget. At the meetings on Capitol Hill, Decas highlighted how the funding is crucial in the Port’s success as a hub for fresh produce and cars. The requested federal support will help fund projects to create new green jobs while uplifting the Ventura County community with workforce development opportunities, equity and environmental sustainability projects.