VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
May 11 @ 10:30 am
Social media is constantly evolving, which can make it difficult for your business to keep up. In this webinar, SCORE will break down social media marketing for businesses with best practices that you can use to improve your digital marketing strategy.
CAMARILLO – Several Ventura County property owners in fire risk areas have shared concerns recently about notices from their insurance companies that indicate coverage would not be renewed unless certain steps to reduce fire risks were taken.
The insurance companies appear to be acting on new rules from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara that went into effect in April. The regulation was not made by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors or the Ventura County Fire Department.
The state’s new rules were intended to create more transparency in the process when insurance companies determine premiums or decide whether to cancel a policy.
As I read an article this past week about the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel, I found myself wondering, for a few moments, whether I was actually reading about Israel or the United States.
Israel has been contending with a hyper-religious, ultra-Orthodox contingent in its government that is very influential regarding national policies. Since December of last year, Israel’s government has taken a hard turn to the right, guided by ultraconservative, extremist lawmakers who have strong authoritarian tendencies and who have no intention of negotiating with the Palestinians regarding their statehood. The history of the Palestinian territories has been fraught with dizzying complexity since 1916, around the time of World War I.
County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website
In honor of the County’s 150th anniversary, we’re excited to announce that our VC 150 Memories website has launched!
VC 150 Memories is a community-driven project that aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The goal is to collect and archive photos that capture special moments and experiences that people have had in the county both past and present. Residents are invited to submit their favorite images, which will be featured in a public photo gallery and used to create a visual representation of the county’s rich history and diverse community.
The project is a celebration of the people, places, and events that make Ventura County such a unique and special place to live.
Visit www.venturacounty150.com and share your favorite memories and why you love Ventura County!
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday (April 25) to approve a change in the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s administrative reporting structure, which will see the VCAAA become a division of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. The move is intended to better align the county’s older adult services.
The VCAAA will retain its current organizational structure, and there will be no change to the existing services provided by the VCAAA, or how clients access these services.
A newly formed Aging and Disability Department will oversee both the AAA functions and programs, and in a phased manner, will assume oversight of four programs currently managed by the HSA: In-Home Support Services (IHSS), IHSS-Public Authority, Adult Protective Services, and Public Administrator.
EN ESPAÑOL: SBA: 10 PASOS PARA INICIAR SU EMPRESA
2 de mayo a las 1:00 pm
¿Estás interesado en iniciar un negocio? Si es así, únase a la Oficina del Distrito de Los Ángeles de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) para un taller virtual para aprender sobre la Guía de 10 pasos de la SBA sobre cómo iniciar un negocio. Este taller virtual está dirigido a nuevos emprendedores. Los temas cubrieron desde la creación de un plan de negocios, la búsqueda de capital, el registro de su negocio, la obtención de los permisos y / o licencias necesarios y la obtención de una cuenta bancaria comercial. Esta es una gran oportunidad para obtener cualquier pregunta que pueda haber respondido y conocer los múltiples recursos disponibles para ayudarlo. Los programas y servicios de la SBA se extienden al público de manera no discriminatoria. Para solicitar adaptaciones razonables, envíe un correo electrónico a LADO@SBA.GOV con al menos 7 días de anticipación.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
View Dogs Vea Perros Ventura County Animal Services | 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
The County of Ventura, in honor of the county’s 150thanniversary, has launched the “VC 150 Memories” website.
Designed to be a community-driven project, “VC 150 Memories” aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The website provides an opportunity for residents from across the county to collectively contribute photos of special moments and experiences, both past and present, that have shaped their lives in Ventura County.
The California Labor Market Information Division just released its March 2023 report, showing very little change, both for statewide data and for Ventura County specifically. Ventura County’s unemployment rate improved slightly, from 4.1% in February to 4.0% in March, while the state as a whole remained unchanged at 4.8%. Our other major labor market indicators showed little change too, though generally for Ventura County trending toward the positive.
SANTA YNEZ — The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has announced it will be accepting Pre-applications for Harry’s House Development to establish a waiting list, effective April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The waiting list will close May 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Harry’s House, presented by the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation is an affordable senior development for 62 years and older, consisting of 60 studio apartments with limited kitchen facilities. Harry’s House is located in Santa Ynez and is scheduled to open this summer.
“My own dear dad, Harry Burstein, was the inspiration for Harry’s House,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of The Rona Barrett Foundation. “Caring for him during his later years opened my eyes to the immense and growing need for solutions to housing and services for seniors who need a safe and supportive home in which to enjoy their golden years. I’m so proud of our team and partners as we now open the waiting list!”
17 farmworkers filed a lawsuit today in the Ventura County Superior Court of California, alleging that they were not fully paid for picking Driscoll’s strawberries during the 2022 harvesting season.
Seventh Tree Farm, a farm labor contractor and corporation based in Oxnard, CA hired the workers to pick Driscoll’s strawberries and promised to pay workers $2.10 for each box of strawberries that they picked. However, the complaint alleges that the employers systematically undercounted the number of boxes that workers picked, resulting in widespread wage theft.
According to the lawsuit, Seventh Tree Farm also frequently required many workers to work overtime on weekends, paying them in cash or personal check but failing to pay overtime premiums required by law. In many cases, workers were paid below the minimum wage for the hours they spent performing harvesting work. The workers lodged complaints with managers about the failure to pay accurately, but managers refused to address the issues.
Much like a hurricane that roars in from the Gulf of Mexico, the ultraconservative far right is gaining strength in Florida. Ron DeSantis, the Harvard-educated governor of the state, is an emerging authoritarian who is creating a political environment that resembles that of the autocratic government of Hungary.
Mr. DeSantis is a strong proponent of “parents’ rights.” This concept transfers educational authority from the highly trained educators to parents of elementary through high school students. These parents often have no training whatsoever in child psychology or school curricula, and little or no experience in the classroom.
… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.”
A Fox News article I came across seemed to gleefully announce the virtual demise of the study of the humanities. The “humanities” consists of areas of study such as philosophy, religion, languages, music, the fine and performing arts, history, and cultural studies. This latter category could include disciplines such as Black and Chicano history, or Pacific American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ studies. Many conservatives view these majors as “dangerously woke,” “unnecessary,” or “disadvantageous.” Some on the extreme right of the political spectrum view these fields of study as threats to their ideology.
There were 2,441 adults and children who were counted as homeless during the point-in-time count. This number represents an increase of 203 persons or 9.1% when compared to the 2,238 persons who were counted as homeless in 2022. The continued increase in the count can be attributed to several factors, although rising rent costs in the region and limited availability of affordable housing are leading causes. The number of calls for homeless prevention and rental assistance continues to increase across the county-wide homeless services system.
When Juana “Jenny” Cue began working at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH), it was 1953 and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first year as president. Jenny was 30 years old.
On March 22 this year, Jenny turned 100 and retired after 70 years of service at Cottage Health. Cottage honored Jenny and her amazing milestones by hosting a special celebration at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. 25 of the 26 members of Jenny’s family that joined her at Wednesday’s event were born at Cottage.
“We are extremely grateful for Jenny,” said Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “She’s been an important part of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for more than half its 131-year history and has had a positive impact on countless patients. We are definitely going to miss her.”
Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) recently launched its 8th annual drive for WeGive Employee & Retiree Giving for its county employee donation campaign. This annual campaign is an opportunity for county employees to support the most urgent medical needs of their community, with one hundred percent of every donation invested back into the local healthcare system. To date, this campaign has provided over $475,000 in critical medical equipment.
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) recently launched Business Solutions a program to answer the needs of many employers and business people post-COVID-19. Small Business Statistics Of 2023 – Forbes Advisor reports that by 2031 only 87 percent of jobs lost due to COVID-19 will be recovered. The WDBVC is well prepared with a full range of no-cost support for Ventura County businesses.
The City of Santa Paula is kicking off the spring season with several exciting events for the community to enjoy. These events provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the beautiful Santa Paula weather. Whether you’re interested in celebrating holidays or simply spending quality time getting to know your neighbors, there is something for everyone in Santa Paula. The City encourages all residents to get involved and mark your calendars for a season of fun and community spirit.
“Community events like Cruise Nights and the ones put on by the Parks and Recreation Department are an essential part of our City’s fabric and provide a unique opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a shared experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes. “These events not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also strengthen the bonds between neighbors and promote a sense of civic pride.”
Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced today the final election results for the March 7, 2023 City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member District 6 with 100% of precincts reporting. A total of 1,530 ballots were cast in the election yielding a 12.65% voter turnout of the 12,092 registered voters in Oxnard District 6.
The City of Oxnard Election was a California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election giving District 6 voters the VCA’s “More Days and More Ways” options to submit their ballots. The election schedule was as follows:
Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.
Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.
Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Cultural Heritage Program is pleased to announce the designation of four new Ventura County Landmarks that received that designation between 2021-2022. The newly designated properties include those that honor the historical development of Ventura County. The designations identify these properties for their scientific, educational, and cultural value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of Ventura County.
The Cultural Heritage Program, administered by the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division, recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the county.
Last month, Senator Monique Limón (California Senate District 19) introduced Senate Bill 675 to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts by expanding support of statewide prescribed grazing. On Wednesday, March 22, she will join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and its partners for a community webinar that will dig deeper into this new legislation and how prescribed grazing can help Central Coast communities build climate resilience.
The free webinar, offered in English and Spanish, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific. Hosted by CEC’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager, Molly Taylor, presenters include representatives from Cuyama Lamb, Channel Islands Restoration, and the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), who will discuss the importance of prescribed grazing as an ecological and fire resilience tool – and how SB 675 will ensure that prescribed grazing is better integrated into existing statewide wildfire resilience programs and strategies.
Applications Available Now | Due Monday, April 10
Aplicaciones disponibles ahora | Fecha límite el lunes 10 de abril
pshhc.org/new-housing | pt@pshhc.org
The Board of Supervisors is seeking applications for two at-large board members to join the governing body for a four-year term on the Cultural Heritage Board (CHB). The positions serve as part of a seven-member board that helps to oversee and works to preserve historic resources in the unincorporated areas of the County of Ventura. The Clerk of the Board’s office is accepting applications until Monday, April 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
The CHB Program recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the County. Active members of the CHB hold public meetings in-person on a bi-monthly basis and residents of the county are encouraged to attend.
Regular reviews of utility rates are an industry-wide best practice and are typically conducted every 3-5 years. Since Oxnard’s Water Division has not raised rates since 2017, the City engaged an independent consultant to create a Water Rate Study (Water Cost of Service Study).
Based upon the study’s findings, the City is considering proposed rate increases starting in 2023 to keep pace with the rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and to continue making investments in the City’s water infrastructure. The Oxnard City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to consider proposed rates for water services.
The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Oxnard City Council Chambers, 305 W. Third Street. The City Council will consider protests and comments prior to adjusting or adopting the proposed rate increases.
The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and El Concilio Family Services will exhibit artwork from the finalists and announce the winners of the COVID-19 Poster Art Contest at OPAC’s Family Art Night on Friday, March 24, 2023. Free and open to the public, the event takes place from 5 to 8 pm with a short program/award ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm.
A way to continue to educate youth, families and the community about COVID’s continued presence and ways we can all stay safe and healthy, the COVID-19 Poster Art Contest received over 300 submissions from across Ventura County!
Last week I wrote about the English language as a de facto universal language. No matter where Americans travel, we expect that someone—if not everyone—speaks English.
This might explain why Americans are so stubbornly monolingual: Why learn a new language if the whole world speaks English?
Of course, the whole world does not speak English. When I was visiting France some years ago, most of the people I met spoke very little to no English. I was fortunate to have studied the French language before going.
I recall being in a marketplace in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it seemed that no one was speaking Spanish, let alone English. What I heard the people around me speaking was probably a mix of Mixtec, Zapotec, and other indigenous languages. I noticed a young American couple who stood out like a sore thumb and who appeared to be flustered. In desperation, the man exclaimed, “Does anyone here speak English?
On Saturday, March 4, the County of Ventura presented a check for $5 million to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in support of the CSUCI Early Childhood Care and Education Center and programs. The Center is intended to support expanded programs in childcare and educational enrichment for pre-school aged children of university students and farmworker families in the community. This expansion is part of a greater initiative by CSUCI to increase local access to childcare in order to support working families during a time in which there is a growing need for increased numbers of early childhood education workers.
“Thanks to the proactive leadership of the late Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, who was a champion for CSUCI and this center, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to support the allocation of these funds alongside my board colleagues,” stated District 5 Supervisor Vianey Lopez. “These funds ensure the County’s ongoing commitment to the development of youth, educational programs, and opportunities for families in our County.”
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) partner up to provide helpful services & resources to residents throughout Santa Barbara County for tax season. Tax season is here and low to moderate income Santa Barbara County residents are invited to take advantage of putting more money back in their pockets with the help of UWSBC’s and HACSB’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
HACSB started the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for Housing Authority clients twenty years ago in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Approximately thirteen years ago, HACSB partnered with UWSBC and formed the Financial Empowerment Partnership. Since UWSBC took over the management of the program, the two organizations have worked together to broaden its impact, serving more residents countywide. Since inception, the program has grown to seven VITA sites and ten community partners: Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, United Way Santa Barbara County, AARP, UC Santa Barbara, Immigrant Hope, People Helping People, Carpinteria Children’s Project, Santa Barbara Public Library, County of Santa Barbara and John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY).
Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income TaxAssistance (VITA) Program.
On March 18, 2023, IRS certified volunteers will be at Moorpark College to prepare and e-file state and federal tax returns for households with incomes under $60,000. Tax preparers assist tax filers to access the tax credits to which they are eligible. You may qualify for state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low-to-moderate income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases put money in your pocket. You must file your taxes to receive the EITC, even if you did not earn enough money to be required to file.
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 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 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) on March 2 announced the appointment of Dr. Felix Nuñez as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately.
Dr. Nuñez is an accomplished board-certified family physician and health care leader who brings to Ventura County the experience and expertise gained over more than 25 years of leadership in managed care and health care delivery. A proud native Angeleno and Mexican-American, Dr. Nuñez is passionate about improving health care access and quality of care for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“Dr. Nuñez is an innovator and creative problem solver, a thought and action leader, and above all, his work is dedicated to the communities we serve,” said Nick Liguori, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “We are honored to have him join our executive team and look forward to his leadership as the Medi-Cal program evolves to serve the broad needs of its most vulnerable populations.”
***
CAMARILLO – – Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) anunció el 2 de marzo el nombramiento del Dr. Felix Nuñez como su nuevo Director Médico (CMO, por sus siglas en inglés), con efectos inmediatos.
El Dr. Nuñez es un experto médico de familia certificado por la junta y líder en atención de salud que aporta al Condado de Ventura la experiencia y conocimientos adquiridos a lo largo de más de 25 años de liderazgo en atención administrada y prestación de salud. Orgulloso de ser nativo de Los Angeles y mexicano-estadounidense, al Dr. Nuñez le apasiona mejorar el acceso a la atención médica y la calidad de atención para las poblaciones desatendidas y vulnerables.
“El Dr. Nuñez es un innovador y una persona creativa en la resolución de problemas, un líder de pensamiento y acción, y sobre todo, su tarea está dedicada a las comunidades a las que servimos”, dijo Nick Liguori, director ejecutivo de GCHP. “Para nosotros es un honor que se una a nuestro equipo ejecutivo y estamos deseosos de su liderazgo conforme evoluciona el programa de Medi-Cal para servir las necesidades amplias de sus poblaciones más vulnerables”.
I can’t help but notice that many of the world leaders speak English, to one degree or another. Every day, throughout the day, I read and otherwise consume the news. I always want to know what’s going on locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Usually, the news I ingest is written, but I also watch news videos featuring news hosts and interesting personalities.
A few weeks ago, we saw Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in imperfect but easily understood English. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister (again), has likewise spoken before members of Congress. His English is flawless. But this is not surprising once we learn that he was raised in both Israel and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he obtained university degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attended Harvard University.
Recently, a group of non-profit and government partners hosted an inaugural milk collection event to kick-off the opening of the first Milk Depot in Ventura County, located at the North Oxnard Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) site.
The Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) within Ventura County Public Health, a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura Coast Milk Bank, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County (The Breastfeeding Coalition), and University of California Health Milk Bank (UC Health Milk Bank) collaborated to locally implement a program that will supply premature and medically ill infants with human donor milk.
Grandeza Mexicana is L.A.’s premier folk ballet company, preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico’s historic past and promising present. A nonprofit performing arts organization founded by Jose Vences in September 2003, the company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet and to enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana’s work is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico.
***
Grandeza Mexicana, una compañía de ballet folklórico de Los Ángeles, conserva las tradiciones y costumbres históricas así como también del presente prometedor de México. La organización benéfica de artes escénicas fue fundada por José Vences en septiembre de 2003. La compañía se formó para avanzar el campo del ballet folklórico mexicano y aumentar la apreciación del público por la diversidad y profundidad de la cultura mexicana. Grandeza Mexicana está comprometida a la preservación de las tradiciones y costumbres de México.
The Ventura County Fire Department honored 59 people today for their outstanding service in support of public safety during the 26th annual VCFD Awards.
“Each of the people honored today rose to the occasion to enhance public safety in our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “They exemplify excellence. And some went far, far above expectations to save lives. They are role models and inspirations for all of us to emulate.”
Captain Zach Trottier, Engineer Logan Hershman, Firefighter Austyn Frailey and Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Whittaker received Medals of Valor for saving a 16-year-old girl and her mother, who were being attacked by six Cane Corso mastiffs and a Pitbull mix in Thousand Oaks. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor the department bestows.
The City of Santa Paula is excited to begin its annual celebration of Arbor Day this March! The City is planning a month of celebration with fun-filled events that promote tree planting efforts throughout the community. The City invites residents to “Plant a Tree, Be a Hero” and participate in the upcoming ceremonies.
“Arbor Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the vital role trees play in our environment, our health and our daily lives,” said Parks and Recreation Director Greg Barnes. “We are proud to be hosting a month-long celebration of Arbor Day this March and invite everyone to join us in planting, learning about and appreciating the beauty and benefits of trees.”
For many people there never was a pandemic. They have carried on with their lives wondering what all the fuss was about. After all, wasn’t COVID-19 simply a hoax foisted on us by the liberals? If those who claimed this had the misfortune of becoming infected with the virus after not being vaccinated, they often demanded that ivermectin be administered to them. After all, that’s what their “research” or a talk show host told them was the appropriate response. Health professionals beg to differ and usually refuse the request for ivermectin.
For those at the other extreme, the pandemic continues in full swing. They continue to social distance, wear masks, avoid crowds, and pretty much isolate themselves as much as possible.
On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.
These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.
Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.
The County of Ventura (“County”), the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (CoLAB), and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) are pleased to announce the settlement of CoLAB’s and VCAA’s lawsuit challenging the County’s approval of the 2040 Ventura County General Plan (General Plan). Resolution of the lawsuit resulted from constructive discussions involving multiple County officials including Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams, Resource Management Agency Director Kim Prillhart, Planning Director Dave Ward, as well as CoLAB’s Executive Director Louise Lampara, VCAA’s President and General Counsel Robert Roy, and members of Ventura County’s agricultural community.
“Agriculture has played a central role in our County’s history, and it is imperative we work with the agricultural community to ensure it remains a thriving feature of our local community for years to come,” stated Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to continuing conversations about how the County can best support our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers.”
Today the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of active transportation program cycle 6 grant funds for the Saticoy pedestrian project. This is the second state-sponsored Active Transportation Plan grant awarded to Ventura County Public Works Agency, and the $3.49m grant will be used for the Saticoy Area pedestrian improvement project, which was identified as the top priority project in the Saticoy Active Transportation Plan.
The Ventura County Elections Division is seeking applications for its Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC). This committee is part of the federal and state-mandated outreach requirements to ensure all voters are included in the election process.
Ventura County’s diverse community of voters includes those who speak Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Gujarati proficiently but who may be less practiced in English. Elections is looking for volunteers who have experience with these language-diverse communities and are also interested in elections, to provide insight and ideas on how to best serve these communities. The LAAC will be reviewing past distribution of election information and materials and discuss the direct accessibility for all Ventura County voters.
FEMA Individual Assistance for Storm Recovery Efforts
The January storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County, prompting Sheriff Jim Fryhoff to sign a Proclamation of Local Emergency. This proclamation was later ratified by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and sent to the California Governor requesting his support for the Major Disaster Declaration. Subsequently, and with unanimous support of local congressional delegates, a Major Disaster Declaration was authorized by President Biden, to include Ventura County. This Major Disaster Declaration is key to activating various disaster assistance programs for residents, businesses and public agencies. As a result of those efforts, we are excited to announce that Ventura County has been awarded a Major Disaster Declaration and area residents may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, as well as assistance from other state and federal agencies.
How to apply:
Recently, people have been receiving emails and/or calls from people claiming to be from the Small Business Administration offering “Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Forgiveness”.
EIDL loans CANNOT be forgiven and there is NO EIDL forgiveness program. Please be cautious of anyone reaching out claiming that they can provide loan forgiveness.
REMEMBER: DO NOT provide personal and financial data to anyone you don’t know!
Helpful Tips
To help increase access to care, Cottage Health is excited to announce that Cottage Virtual Care is now offered in Spanish. Launching today for California residents, Cottage Virtual Care – Spanish is always open, offering 24/7 coverage for virtual care visits.
Anyone can visit cottagehealth.org/atencion-virtual using a smartphone, tablet or computer to start a visit in Spanish. Patients start by creating an account and entering their symptoms and health information. Choose from an online interview or have a video consultation with a Cottage Health provider. Within an hour, users receive a treatment plan, and – if needed – prescriptions are automatically sent to a pharmacy of choice.
On Friday, January 13, 2023, the winners of the 20th Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show were announced by the Ventura County Arts Council and the National Arts Program at a special awards reception. The reception took place on the Main Plaza of the Atrium Gallery, at the County of Ventura Government Center, Hall of Administration, with art entries on display throughout the building.
County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson, PsyD, was in attendance and provided opening remarks, along with Ventura County Arts Council Board Chairperson, Carolyn Mullin. David Yoshitomi, County’s Arts and Culture Manager, announced the winners.
“It was such an honor to announce the winners for this year’s show,” said Mr. Yoshitomi. “The level of talent and creativity connected to the County of Ventura team is so impressive,” he continued, “and it’s wonderful to see it all on display on the walls of the Government Center.”
County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the details of the March 7, 2023, City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member-District 6.
The Special Election is a Voter’s Choice Act Election, giving City of Oxnard District 6 voters the opportunity for “More Days and More Ways” to submit their ballot. Voters in this election can:
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.
“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”
