Category: News

Museum of Ventura County — ‘Arte Para la Gente: The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia’ and more upcoming events

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Arte Para la Gente:
The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia
Now – Spring 2022
at the Museum of Ventura County

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County.
?Learn more here.

Sponsored by
Lazer Media
KXLM 102.9 • KLJR 96.7 • KOXR 102.1
and The Port of Hueneme

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Social Justice Fund for Ventura County February 2022 Update

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We are currently living in a time that will surely be written about in history books. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty about the future, what it will look like and who will shape it. Nevertheless, we must persist. With your support and donations, we will persist.

To bring some positive and hopeful news to you today, we are sharing the inspiring work of our 2021-2022 Fellows. Your donations have helped to make this work possible. Our Fellows are all demonstrating extraordinary leadership and ingenuity in carrying out their projects. We hope you find inspiration in their work and the impact they are having in the community.

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Museum of Ventura County — How Does Your Museum Engage You?

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We at MVC care deeply about creating bold and relevant programs to share our county’s diverse artistry and history in-person and online. Preserving, expanding, and making accessible our Research Library and Collections. We find what we share with you, our community, and our visitors very meaningful.  

But we need your help. Our visitors come to us with different needs and values, and we want to understand them so we can best serve you. From how museums (like ours!) can support your wellbeing in these tumultuous times to how we address challenges our society is facing, we need to hear your thoughts. 

To learn more about how we can do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.

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Business Law Firm, Trusted Legal, Expands into Estate Planning

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Trusted Legal, a boutique law firm specializing in business, litigation and employment law, is pleased to announce it now provides estate planning.

Attorneys Nicole E. Hornick and Elke Kane are leading this practice group in addition to assisting clients with litigation and transactional matters respectively. Both are long-time Santa Barbara County residents who excel in their chosen legal fields.

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Awarded $50,000 Grant to Support Healthy Living Curriculum

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 Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on March 3 announced it received a $50,000 grant from Cottage Hospital Foundation to provide buffering services to local girls and support growth in the organization’s ‘STRONG’ program, which combines physical activity, nutrition, and a healthy living curriculum to engage the mind, body and soul.

The awarded funds will enable Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to focus on three critical areas to support overall health for the girls it serves, including:

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Make Waves At 7th Annual Mermaid Month In Ventura Harbor Village

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Calling all Mermaids and Mermen…Mermaid Month has officially returned to Ventura Harbor Village! It’s the perfect time to head seaside as these mystical aquatic creatures take center stage all month long. Special themed events and live mermaid sightings are scheduled for select Sundays, March 13th and March 20th from 1-4 PM.

Locals and visitors across all oceans are encouraged to make a splash and delve into a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which runs from March 5th to March 31st. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery in Ventura Harbor Village and return for prizes. On Saturdays in March, bask in the sunshine with sounds of the steel drum (March 12th, 19th and 26th from 1 – 4 PM) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.

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Mitchel Sloan Appointed Interim President & CEO for United Way of Ventura County and Selected for Worldwide Leadership Program

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United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) announced today that Mitchel Sloan has been appointed Interim President & CEO. Sloan will serve in this role as the UWVC Board of Directors identify the organization’s next leader.  

Since 2019, Sloan has served as the Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing, advancing United Way’s awareness, community outreach, and philanthropic efforts. He’s helped lead several local initiatives, including Women United, which provides support for single mothers by empowering them through financial capability and education, and United to End Homelessness Ventura County, which supports individuals, families, seniors, and veterans experiencing homelessness.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 2, 2022 update

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COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 108 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,152 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 9 new deaths of community members between the ages of 36-94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the 1,434 community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.65, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Updated state masking guidance: In California, starting March 1, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals, but strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. For more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/02/28/governors-newsom-brown-and-inslee-announce-updated-health-guidance/

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Santa Paula Art Museum — This Month: Fieldnotes, Gorgeous Gourds & More

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Premiere Party: Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson & A Narrative: John Robertson

Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
Free admission

Join Ventura artists (and couple) Lynn Hanson and John Robertson for the March 12 premiere of their concurrent exhibitions, Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson and A Narrative: John Robertson. The side-by-side exhibits span thirty years of each artist’s work, including drawings, paintings, assemblages, and more. Admission to the event is free, and reservations are not required. Fieldnotes and A Narrative will be on view March 12 to July 10, 2022.

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California Lutheran University’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary starts programs for change agents

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California Lutheran University’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering new programs to prepare religious leaders and laypeople to work for social and environmental change with online options.

PLTS will launch a master’s degree program in spirituality and social change in September to address the need for educational programs for Lutheran deacons while also serving those interested in ministering in other roles and Christian faiths.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are 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 twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the fiscal year 2021-2022, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit between March 7, 2022 – March 28, 2022

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Tickets available for Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business ‘Spring Bash’

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Dear Ventura County CoLAB Supporters,

We are busy preparing for our biggest event of the year – Our Spring Bash! We are so excited to welcome you to our NEW venue – the beautiful Petersen Ranch in Somis on April 30th! This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets or to Sponsor the Event!

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Channel Islands Maritime Museum Debuts New Look for Logo

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After thirty years, the original logo of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) has been retired, and a new logo has been created in its place.

The Museum celebrated a wonderfully successful 30th anniversary year in 2021, and it was decided that a new logo should be created as the Museum steps into its next 30 years. The new logo features bright colors with a tall ship silhouetted against the sun. Local artist and graphic designer Brett Bednorz created the new logo.

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The Collection prepares to welcome several new tenants this year

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As The Collection at RiverPark continues to thrive, several new tenants will be opening their doors in 2022. From one-of-a-kind restaurants to unique entertainment, these new merchants add even more variety to The Collection’s expansive selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings.

Foodies have cause to rejoice with the announcement of Two Hands Corn Dogs, the Korean-style corndogs joining the lineup at The Annex Food Hall. Restauranteur Jorge Cueva, also known as Mr. Tempo, brings his unique culinary experiences to the shopping center with King and Queen Cantina, opening on Town Center Drive.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 28, 2022 update

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Since Friday, there have been 402 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,704 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 4 new deaths of a 67 year old male, 73 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 94 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.51, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

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Friendship Center is in the News!

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Our Executive Director, Heidi Holly was interviewed (Feb. 28), as well as Caregiver Marlene, discussing the positive impact Friendship Center has made for her husband and member, John, as well as herself. Our members were filmed as they enjoyed singing with Carol Ann (our Vitality partner from SBCC), and while doing outdoor activities with our wonderful staff members.

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Masks Mandate for Ventura County Students Ends after March 11

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Students at public and private K-12 schools in Ventura County and throughout California will no longer be required to wear masks after March 11, regardless of their vaccination status. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration made the announcement today, saying COVID-19 conditions have sufficiently improved to warrant the change.

The state’s decision to lift the mask mandate for students is in line with guidelines issued Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says schools should only mandate masks when COVID cases and hospitalizations are high in the counties where they are located. Ventura County’s rates are in the medium category according to the CDC’s website.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Democracy Under Threat

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I know you have noticed, but democracy and our way of life is being challenged at home and abroad. But these challenges are rarely clearly understood in the moment for what they really are, and rarely met before they spiral out of control.  

Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine is a crisis for the good people of Ukraine, a young and imperfect (as if ours is perfect) democracy in the heart of Eastern Europe. Putin is bombing civilians in Ukraine, and it will get worse. Ordinary citizens in Ukraine, people just like you and me, people who were only last week at their jobs in restaurants, as nurses, as accountants and factory workers, are now taking up weapons to defend their democracy and their freedom from the full might of the Russian army.  

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Ventura County’s Community Colleges Named Among Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics

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In recognition of Ventura County Community College District’s commitment to the success of its Hispanic/Latino students, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine™ named the District’s colleges among the Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics. The national magazine’s 2021 annual Top 100 issue recognized Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges in the categories of Total Enrollment for Two-Year Schools and Total Associate Degrees Granted for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.  

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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February 28 @ 12:00 pm

Are you thinking of starting a new business of your own but don’t know where to begin? Join SCORE Santa Barbara for an Interactive Business Start-Up Webinar Session led by Greg Loosvelt and Eric Saltzman to learn key elements that will help you be successful. 

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Agromin Continues Rapid Rise in Organics Recycling

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Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler, composted and marketed over 1 million tons of organic waste in 2021. It is poised to increase its organic waste capacity considerably this year as it helps cities, counties and other jurisdictions throughout California meet the strict organic waste mandates of State Senate Bill 1383, which took effect on January 1.

Cities and counties are creating municipal programs instructing residents and businesses how to manage their food waste in response to this landmark climate change legislation. Communities across California rely heavily on waste haulers and companies like Agromin to fulfill their organic waste recycling requirements.

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Port of Hueneme — Heroic Actions of Tugboat Crew to Save Vessel Recognized by Coast Guard and Port of Hueneme

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It was an unusually slow day on the docks back on April 21, 2021 when crewmembers onboard a Brusco tugboat sprang into action from the Port of Hueneme to assist a vessel in distress. A 17-year-old container ship named the President Eisenhower was headed from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it suffered an engine room fire that disabled command of the vessel.
A vessel named Teresa Brusco and her crew pushed the Eisenhower vessel away from shore while other tugboats and salvage companies came to assist. The vessel was disabled in the shipping lane while fully loaded and drifting to shore. Crewmembers of the Teresa Brusco, Capt. Mike Fullilove, Jason Diaz, George Gonzalez, and Justin Donick worked quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.

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YMCA Spring Break Camps For Simi and Conejo Valley Students

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is hosting camps during spring break for students in the Simi and Conejo valleys. The Simi Valley Family YMCA camp is March 28 through April 1 and the Yarrow Family YMCA camp (serving Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills students), is April 18 through April 22. Camp is scheduled to coincide with local school district spring breaks.

Simi Valley camps will be at Atherwood Elementary School (2350 E. Greensward St., Simi Valley) and White Oak Elementary School (2201 Alscot Ave., Simi Valley). Spring break camp in the Conejo Valley will be at Willow Elementary School (29026 Laro Dr., Agoura Hills).

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Is Your Business Prepared for the Next Disaster?

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The Economic Development Collaborative is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development, and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign which equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 25, 2022 update

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We have extraordinary people serving our Health Care Agency! Dr. Thomas Duncan is the Trauma Medical Director at the Ventura County Medical Center. He works alongside a team of highly trained nurses and technicians to care for people suffering life-threatening injuries. Their work is truly remarkable.

“In order to save lives on a minute-by-minute basis, it takes a well-groomed trauma center with skilled trauma teams. A fastidious trauma team is the equivalent of a successful sports team that has many important components to be triumphant. Trauma is no accident, and most traumatic situations are preventable. Working in concert with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, our aim is to achieve zero preventable deaths.” Learn more here.

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National Association of Women Business Owners – Santa Barbara announces BRAVO 2022 Award Winners

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The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara Chapter (NAWBO-SB) has announced the winners to the 8thannual BRAVO Awards, which recognizes women business owners and community leaders in the Santa Barbara area who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.

Accomplished leaders in their industries, dozens of women were nominated by NAWBO-SB members and the Santa Barbara community.  The eight winners will be celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta on March 23.

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Flamenco Arts Festival holds first ever Film Fest, Flamenco on Film on April 23-24

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A year in the making, the Flamenco Arts Festival will launch its first Flamenco on Film virtual festival in April showcasing 3 countries, 8 short films, and 16 world- renowned artists performing in beautiful spaces in and around Sevilla and Santa Barbara, California with highlights of flamenco festivals in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Querétaro (Mexico).

“While facing daunting challenges, arts organizations, artists, and promoters have found innovative ways to adapt and survive during the pandemic,” said Vibiana, President and Co-founder of the Flamenco Arts Festival. “Returning to the arts scene with a virtual festival has given us a creative outlet and a renewed vision to continue presenting and supporting flamenco.”

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Bilingual commentary — Baptisms: Letter vs. Spirit of the Law

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A mortified and remorseful priest who served the Diocese of Phoenix in Arizona for more than two decades resigned from his duties this month. No, he was not embroiled in a sexual abuse case. He had not pilfered any proceeds from contributions to the church. He was not accused of having a flagrant affair with a female parishioner. He was a good man who made an honest mistake. But in the eyes of the Bishop of Phoenix, that error carried huge implications that will reverberate through the congregation for years. The shock waves are no less unsettling than those of a convulsive earthquake.

During his tenure as pastor at St. Gregory Parish, Father Andrés Arango performed thousands of baptisms. However, in all those baptisms, he had replaced one itsy-bitsy but crucial word with another. The formulaic “I baptize you in the name of the Father, etc.” became “We baptize you….” 

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United Way of Ventura County — Uniting Together

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Thanks to your continued generosity, your United Way has been able to navigate through these incredibly challenging times and, together, we’ve been able to continue serving those in need.

Because of your generosity, our homelessness initiative has exceeded expectations since its launch two years ago—permanently housing more than 150 individuals including families, seniors, and veterans. Earlier this month we held our second homelessness symposium, facilitating the important and necessary conversations needed to create housing solutions for our county’s unhoused community members.

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Updated Assessment Shows Port of Hueneme’s Economic Footprint Reaches All Time Highs in Ventura County

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The Port of Hueneme continues to serve as a vital economic engine throughout the region as evidenced by the release of a new economic impact report. The latest results show a steady and significant increase since 2013 in several key areas as demonstrated in the report updated by Martin Associates, a renowned economic consulting company for the maritime industry. The report shows that total economic activity increased by 150% or $1.4 billion to $2.2 billion and tax revenues to local cities and the state topped out at $173.2 million, a stark 224% increase. Since the previous report released in 2018, in two short years jobs grew in record numbers to 20,032 jobs, creating 4,200 additional jobs, of which 95% of these traded-created jobs are in Ventura County.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 23, 2022 update

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Since Friday Feb. 18th, there have been 741 new COVID-19 cases reported and 18,487 new tests completed. There are 65 people hospitalized and 15 in the ICU.

There have been 10 new deaths – ages ranging from 64-89. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.55, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

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Community Environmental Council Announces Earth Day 2022 at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday, April 23

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For the first time since 2019, Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting Santa Barbara Earth Day in person. The one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre, features a wide array of activities to generate the inspiration and motivation needed for building community support to tackle climate challenges. 

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Small Business Development Centers open at SBCC’s Schott and Wake Campuses

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In partnership with the regional Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce the opening of two satellite Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) where – at no cost – professional consultants work one-on-one with business owners and entrepreneurs to help them start-up, grow and navigate today’s complex business environment. The Centers are located at the Schott Campus (310 W. Padre St.) and at the Wake Campus (300 N. Turnpike Rd.).

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — 2022 COVID-19 Supplement Paid Leave

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2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) took effect on February 19, 2022. This SPSL is only applicable to employers, public or private, with 26 or more employees. Smaller employers will not be covered but may be covered by local supplemental paid sick leave ordinances.

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February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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From the broken ‘forty acres and a mule’ promise to the tragedies of the subprime crisis, Black Americans have found themselves both the unintended and fully intended victims of over one hundred years of racially motivated ordinances, practices and policies.
 
As a nation we have much to mourn as we have systematically prevented, and inhibited communities of color from fully participating in the American Dream. During this Black History Month, I invite you to re-exam for yourself how discriminatory lending, nefarious use of eminent domain, and the displacement of communities of color, have prevented the wealth building opportunities routinely afforded the white middle and upper classes.

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Local Thousand Oaks non profit celebrates International Women’s Day 3/8 in Uganda with women the serve

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Honoring the achievements of women worldwide on International Women’s Day is a special cause for celebration to The Greater Contribution,  a Thousand Oaks non-profit founded in 2006 by women who wanted to make a greater contribution to the world by helping those most in need.

For the past 16 years, the organization’s grassroots fundraising has empowered thousands of women in remote villages of Uganda, Africa, with micro loans so that they can start their own businesses and lift their families out of poverty. Coming from a place of dignity and respect, the two-year program includes literacy and business skills training, along with mentoring and peer counseling to create a life-changing impact. 

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Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Put Community Benefit Partnership in Full Gear Supporting Local Reel Guppy Outdoors Youth Program

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The partnership between the Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme goes into full gear supporting the local non-profit Reel Guppy Outdoors youth program. Reel Guppy Outdoors runs its youth programs off Port Hueneme Pier and is now able to expand to Channel Islands Fisherman’s Wharf as the result of funding from the Port-City Community Benefit Fund (CBF) and other local sponsors. Activities of the local non-profit include, fishing, whale watching and outdoor field trips providing an alternative for youth to get out on the water. Engaging in outdoor fishing can provide an individual with positive benefits such as breathing fresh air, engaging in active problem solving, socialization, and even achieving a sense of excitement when a fish tugs on the fishing line, making this an ideal fit for funding out of the CBF.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

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The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health insurance costs, paid to employees. Qualified employers can claim a credit against:

50% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee annually for wages paid between March 13 and Dec. 31, 2020
70% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee per quarter for wages paid in the first three quarters of 2021

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Jamie Morrison Announced as Vice President of Consortium Media

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Art Director, Jamie Morrison, has recently been promoted to Vice President of Consortium Media. Jamie’s award-winning graphic design innovations have launched many successful creative campaigns for brands and nonprofits. Under her vision, she led the rebranding of the Ventura County Public Works Agency and Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties Children and Family Services Foster Care division. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Feb. 18, 2022 COVID-19 Update

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Spotlight on the Ventura County Medical Center

Today we are celebrating Felicity who is 4 years off treatment! We are so grateful to Dr. Francisco Bracho, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist and his team at the Ventura County Medical Center who treat young people like Felicity. We have such exceptional doctors and medical professionals touching the lives of children and families in our community every day. The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at VCMC is the only cancer treatment facility for children and adolescents in VC. Before this center opened, children in Ventura County had to travel to LA to receive specialized care.

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Congratulates 7 Students Awarded with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarships

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 The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) recognized 7 graduating high school seniors and college students for their academic achievements and pursuits with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarships.  

2021 proved to be a challenging year for continuing college students and graduating high school seniors transitioning to college. A recent survey conducted by EdWeek Research Center showed “students from low-income families were more likely than those from higher-income households to suffer disruptions in their college plans or to have had family members infected with COVID-19″.  

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West Ventura County Business Alliance announces annual Award of Excellence recipients

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The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, is pleased to announce the annual Chairperson’s Award of Excellence recipients.

Honorees will be celebrated at the WVCBA’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Directors on Friday, March 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Courtyard By Marriott in Oxnard. Tickets to the luncheon are $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Registration is available online at wvcba.org or by calling (805) 738-9100.

These six, dedicated individuals were selected by outgoing Chair of the Board Tracy Perez, Market Manager – ManpowerGroup, and represent leaders who made significant contributions to the success of the WVCBA.

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Bilingual commentary — A Letter to My 5-Year-Old Self

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David, this is your older self writing a letter to you from nearly 70 years in the future. I have a perspective that people acquire only after having lived through several decades, watching their own children and grandchildren navigate the rivers that are their lives.

At your five years of age, you are living in relatively prosperous times. The world is ten years down the road from the end of World War II, and people are still rejoicing as they build back their lives in a booming economy. The adults around you are creating their families, and that Baby Boom bulge will travel down time like a rodent travels down the gullet of a python. Take full advantage of the opportunities that are going to be laid at your feet. As you become older, you will see that the young people won’t have what your generation takes for granted. 

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Pedro A. Chavez receives Strategic Partner Award from the Women’s Council of Realtors Ventura County Network

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Pedro A. Chavez, team sales manager wit Caliber Home Loans in Oxnard, was recently presented with the Strategic Partner Award from Outgoing Ventura County Network President Sher Heard during organization’s Great Gatsby Gala held recently at the Moorpark Country Club.

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