Category: Noticias

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves over $1 Million in funding to The ARCH to address homelessness

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In an ongoing effort to combat homelessness and support vulnerable populations, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a second amendment to the agreement with the City of Ventura, allocating $1,013,063 in financial support for the operation of The ARCH year-round emergency shelter. The agreement emphasizes both financial responsibility and measurable outcomes to ensure effective use of public funds.

The ARCH, located in the city of Ventura and operated by Mercy House, is a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness. This funding, provided on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis with the City of Ventura, supports the shelter’s operations under a newly established performance-based model.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura honors employees for 645 years of public service

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura celebrated the dedication of 24 employees who have served the community for decades and have a collective 645 years of public service. The recognition took place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

This special event is part of the County’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program, which highlights the contributions of employees who have worked for agencies across the County of Ventura for 25 years or more. Their hard work and commitment invest in County agencies and help improve the lives of residents throughout Ventura County.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Help Shape a Creative Ventura County: Take the Arts & Culture Survey!

From museums to murals, theater to street art, car shows to art walks – how do YOU experience arts, culture, and creativity in Ventura County?

Share your story through our community survey and help build a more vibrant creative future for all!

Whether you’re an artist, supporter, or simply love experiencing local culture, we want to hear from you! Your input will directly influence Ventura County’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Strategic Plan.

Take the survey here or by clicking the button below. It only takes 10 minutes. Be included in drawings for local arts & culture experiences.

Bilingual commentary — Too Busy to Exercise

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

When I used to work in offices and organizations, I heard all the excuses from colleagues for not exercising, such as:

I don’t have enough time for exercise
I’m too tired to do exercise after working all day
I’m not interested in exercising
Too much effort is required to exercise
I don’t have to lose weight
Exercise is “not necessary”
But in an era of unprecedented rates of obesity and lifestyle-induced diseases, it becomes imperative for us to somehow, in some way, carve out sufficient time for exercise in our daily lives. For without exercise in our routine, the body, designed for motion and exertion, begins to naturally degenerate.

Bilingual report — Community Call to Action (event on Jan. 25): Response to ICE Sighting on Milpas Street, Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Community event to be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 25 at La Casa de la Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara

— A Call to Unite. The IAC is calling on community partners, including service organizations, advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and the broader public, to join forces and address this urgent issue. Together, we can protect the most vulnerable children and families, and ensure the continued vitality of our protected-class neighborhoods.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Assistance for Businesses and Residents Affected by the Fires

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Mountain Fire: SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Wildfires and Straight-line Winds: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.

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

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

January 6, 2025 – January 27, 2025
February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025

Bilingual Report — Community Environmental Council — Act Now: Save up to $24,000 on an EV

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Central Coast residents can receive up to $12,000 to purchase or lease an electric vehicle (EV) thanks to funding that was just released through the California Driving Clean Assistance Program. Combined with other incentives, participants could save up to $24,000 on an EV. You must be income-eligible to receive funding, and you must pre-qualify online before shopping for an EV.

Bilingual report — Air Quality Alert for smoke issued in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.

Smoke from the Hughes Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.

The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.

The alert is in effect until conditions improve.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students return for Spring classes

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“It’s always exciting when we get to see students back on campus for the start of classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our entire team of faculty and staff are dedicated to helping make their college experience as rewarding as possible.”

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

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

This year sees People’s Self-Help Housing celebrate its 55th Anniversary!

Since 1970, when a group of committed individuals said ‘we can do better to help house our neighbors’, we have been doing just that. Originally building through the self-help program – ten families building alongside each other, working on one another’s homes – and then amplifying those efforts through the development of multifamily housing, the DNA of our organization is mutuality and support.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Eye Contact for Pedestrians

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

When I was a teenager, my father seemed eager to teach me how to drive. He himself never had any formal driving instruction, but he had earned his “street cred” as a driver on the battlefield known as the Los Angeles freeway system.

Every workday during my first 18 years, I saw him put on his “driving armor,” metaphorically speaking. He would leave home early in the morning, get into the family car, and go out to fight the good fight on the freeways of Los Angeles to earn a living. There were grueling miles between our modest home in the suburbs and his job at a print shop in Hollywood.

Bilingual report — Ventura County supervisors ceremonially sworn in at Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, Jan. 14, during the first regular meeting in 2025 for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, members of the Board who were elected to office following the 2024 elections were ceremonially sworn in. The swearing-in ceremony…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Shelter at 142% capacity! Offering free dog adoptions until Sunday

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2025 • Comments Off

We are at 142% capacity in our dog kennels. To help relieve overcrowding we are holding a free dog adoption promotion* from January 16th – 19th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelters. Can’t adopt? Please share the flyer above. Thank you.

Ventura County Animal Services

*Please note: Promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable.

Bilingual report — Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Wind Event Community Update 01/14/2025

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important Extreme Weather Updates and Resources

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

Dear Ventura County Residents,

Our hearts go out to all of you as we continue to navigate one of the most challenging fire seasons in our region’s history. We understand the hardships that many of you have faced, particularly with the extended power outages that have left so many without electricity for days. During the current event, we anticipate that there may be prolonged electrical outages once again so we encourage all residents in impacted areas to prepare accordingly. To find out more information please refer to vcemergency.com.

We want you to know that your safety and well-being remain our top priority. To address the ongoing power issues, we have engaged directly with Southern California Edison executives at the highest levels to advocate for the urgent restoration of electricity to our communities as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also reached out to State and Federal authorities to emphasize the critical need for swift action.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Statement 1/10/25 (regarding current wildfire emergency)

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Southern California remains on high alert from devastating wildfires throughout the region. Kaiser Permanente is deeply concerned about everyone in our community who has been affected by this tragedy. Our top priority remains the safety of our patients, members, staff, and anyone seeking care at Kaiser Permanente.

Currently, most of our facilities in Southern California are open and operating normally. We will remain vigilant and ready to respond fluidly as conditions change.

Our hearts go out to those affected, including our own staff and their families. We are grateful to our dedicated employees who continue to work tirelessly to care for our members, even as some of them are personally impacted by the fires.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Official Update — Red Flag Conditions

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

National Weather Service Update

The National Weather Service is forecasting Red Flag Conditions starting today, Monday, January 13 through Wednesday, January 15. Ventura County and nearby areas will experience very strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire danger. Conditions will be very dry, with humidity between 10–20% (and not much better at night). Because of these dry conditions and strong winds, any new or existing fire could spread very quickly.

Winds in coastal and valley areas: 25–40 mph
Winds in mountains and foothills: 30–45 mph
Peak gusts could reach 45–70 mph (especially on Tuesday).
Highest wind impact: Tuesday 4 AM – Wednesday 12 PM
Areas at greatest risk: Simi, Moorpark, South Mountain, Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula

Bilingual report — Ken Ostini joins Allan Hancock Board of Trustees

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Lompoc resident, veteran and Bulldog alumnus Ken Ostini is the newest member of the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees. Ken was elected in November 2024 to represent Area 4, which covers Lompoc, and brings decades of leadership and service to his new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken Ostini to the Board of Trustees,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “His extensive leadership experience and deep connection to our community will undoubtedly strengthen our mission of changing the odds for students.”

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Donates Money to Assist Farmworkers Impacted Heavily by the Recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to assist residents who were heavily impacted by the recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County, Kaiser Permanente has donated $95,000 to 805UndocuFund to provide relief to farm workers impacted by the destructive blaze.

The fire that erupted last month sent thousands fleeing, injured multiple people and destroyed at least 240 structures. It had a particular economic impact on the Ventura County agricultural sector, including the farmworker population. Many of these residents are undocumented or live in mixed-status households and have been disproportionately affected by the loss of work and wages, and the lack of access to available state and federal relief programs.

“Understanding the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, Kaiser Permanente has chosen to partner with 805UndocuFund to support their mission of providing direct assistance to farm workers during this challenging time,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County. “This organization will offer undocumented farm workers and individuals in mixed-status households financial aid and resource coordination to help them through the lengthy rebuilding and recovery process following the devastating wildfire.”

Bilingual commentary — Immigration Triggers a Civil War

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader.

Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.

Bilingual report — Oxnard’s Housing Director Departs for New Role in Riverside; Brenda Lopez Named Interim Director

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Housing Director Emilio Ramirez has left his position to serve as Chief of Staff to Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. City Manager Alexander Nguyen has appointed Assistant Housing Director Brenda Lopez as Oxnard’s Interim Housing Director while the City begins a formal recruitment process for the position.

Said Nguyen, “Emilio gave Oxnard nearly six great years of service. His intellect and creativity were outsized only by his heart. He left the Housing Department in a much, much better position looking towards the future.”

Since joining the City in April 2019, Ramirez has led the transformation of the Housing Department, improving the operations of the Housing Authority and beginning an Asset Repositioning Implementation Plan, which allows the City to preserve and improve its affordable housing stock by moving away from the traditional public housing model.

Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2025 | Vision Board | Kid’s Workshop

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

¡Comenzamos el 11 de enero!
Taller de Cine 2025
Proyecto cooperativo en español para realizar un corto de ficción de aproximadamente 15 minutos de duración en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, actuarán y producirán una película original a lo largo de 12 sesiones semanales

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Official Community Update

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2025 • Comments Off

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Receives three new S&P Credit Rating Upgrades

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2025 • Comments Off

leading provider of transparent and independent credit ratings worldwide, upgraded the City’s Issuer Credit Rating from “A+” to “AA-” and the underlying City’s General Fund Lease from “A” to “A+.” S&P also raised the City’s Gas Tax Bond from “AA-” to “AA.”

“I’m pleased that S&P has once again recognized the City’s financial progress with these rating upgrades,” said Mayor Luis Mc Arthur. “This shows our ongoing commitment towards securing long-term financial stability and a stronger future for Oxnard.”

S&P credit analyst Krystal Tena stated, “The upgrade reflects the city’s improved financial position characterized by a trend of stable financial performance and improved reserve position, underpinned by strong financial management practices that we view as well embedded.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Environmental Health announces opening of Debris Removal Operations Center for residents enrolled in County-Led Debris Removal Program

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Environmental Health is pleased to announce that the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) for residents enrolled in the County-Led Debris Removal Program will officially open its doors on Wednesday, January 8. The DROC will be located at the former Ventura County Fire Department Headquarters at the Camarillo Airport. The center will serve as the main hub for all Phase 2 debris removal operations, as debris removal for properties impacted by the Mountain Fire is set to begin this month.

Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Art Exhibitions: Two New Openings You Won’t Want to Miss!

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Opening Reception – Enfoque: Voces Indígenas Mexicanas del Condado de Ventura

(In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County)

Saturday, February 8

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Únase a nosotros en el Museo de la Agricultura para la inauguración de esta esperada exposición que muestra más de 40 retratos fotográficos del fotógrafo de fama internacional Diego Huerta. Estos retratos destacan las vibrantes y resistentes comunidades indígenas mexicanas del condado de Ventura. Disfrute de las actuaciones de Los Elegidos de Asís y Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas-Las Isabeles, comentarios de los artistas, y comida y bebida. Para más detalles sobre la exposición, haga clic AQUÍ. Los detalles de la recepción sólo para miembros están AQUÍ. Para confirmar su asistencia a la recepción inaugural gratuita, haga clic AQUÍ.

Join us at the Agriculture Museum for this highly anticipated exhibition opening showcasing over 40 photographic portraits by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta. These portraits highlight the vibrant and resilient Mexican Indigenous communities of Ventura County. Enjoy performances by Los Elegidos de Asís and Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas—Las Isabeles, artist remarks, and food and beverages. For exhibition details, click HERE. Members-only preview details are HERE. To RSVP for the free, community opening reception, click HERE.

This exhibition is made possible by the Busch Family Foundation, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, and Gabriella Navarro-Busch and Peter Busch

Bilingual report — The final news of the year from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

nueva unidad pediátrica

El miércoles 18 de diciembre, líderes locales, pacientes y sus familias se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración de la recién contruida Unidad Pediátrica del Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC por sus siglas en inglés).

Financiada con una subvención estatal de 15 millones de dólares de la Propuesta 4, la nueva unidad de 16 camas está diseñada para proporcionar una atención integral y centrada en la familia a niños, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos jóvenes.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Medical Center celebrates grand opening of new pediatric unit

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are thrilled to have this dedicated space to care for the children of Ventura County,” stated Dr. Todd Flosi, Director of Inpatient Pediatric Strategy. “Our multidisciplinary team—comprising physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and child life specialists—has specialized training and expertise in caring for children. We focus not only on their medical needs but also on their developmental and emotional well-being. Our goal is to provide excellent care while minimizing the discomfort and disruption that hospitalization can cause for both the child and their family.”

Jan. 24, 25, 26 — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara kicks off the New Year with three free performances by La Santa Cecilia

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, January 24 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta

Saturday, January 25 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA

Sunday, January 26 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners.

Feb. 8 — Bilingual report — Museum of Ventura County — ‘Enfoque (In Focus)’ community opening reception

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

May 31 and June 1 — Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company celebrating 44th year with two performances at Oxnard College

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Through Nov. 2 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Free Family Days ‘Día de los Muertos’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

For the 36th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered in the Art Learning Lab.

Bilingual report — Nov. 7, 8, 9 — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara presents Gaby Moreno

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for four free community performances by Gaby Moreno.

Armed with a warm, soulful sound, the Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated artist Gaby Moreno creates music that offers an intoxicating invitation into her musical world for English and Spanish speakers alike.