Category: Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks To Complete Rincon Seawall Beautification Project

VENTURA — Ventura County Parks has launched the Rincon Seawall Beautification project located south of Solimar Beach. This pilot project is being funded by County Parks in an effort to introduce art into parks and inspire community beautification. The 285’ stretch of seawall will take approximately 5 weeks to complete and will depict an ocean scene with the sea life found off the Ventura County Coast. Successful completion of this project will provide an upgraded look to the day-use parking area.

For more information on County parks and trails, please visit www.ventura.org/parks-department or call (805) 654-3951.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Golden State Education and Training Grant Program

The Golden State Education and Training Grant Program (GSETGP) supports Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time grant of $2,500 to reskill, up-skill and access educational or training programs to get back into the workforce.

Eligible Applicants:

Were displaced from employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be a displaced worker, individuals would have to had lost their jobs completely, and not just experience a decrease in wages or business

Were not enrolled in a training program or institution of higher education at the time they were displaced from employment

Have been unable to obtain employment that provides an average monthly wage that is equal to or greater than the average monthly wage received from their employment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

Bilingual report — Ventura College Foundation Acepta Solicitudes de Becas para El Año Escolar 2022-23

The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 20, 2023. 

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2022-2023 academic year, who have completed at least six credits by the end of Fall 2022 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“We recently lowered the minimum number of credits from 12 to 6 so many part-time students now qualify to apply,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Many of our students work full time and have family commitments that prevent them from taking a full class load. Our new credit policy opens eligibility to these students.” 

Teatro de las Américas — Curso-Taller para niños/Kids Workshop | ¡Jimmie… continúa este fin de semana!

WHEN:

8 WEDNESDAYS: 4-5:30PM

October 19 – December 14 (no class Nov 23)

WHERE:

TEATRO DE LAS AMERICAS   

321 6TH ST. OXNARD

WHO:

Ages 7-15  

COST:

$50

(Scholarships available)

More info:

805 341-3837

cenalio@aol.com

Public Memorial Planned and Scholarship Fund Established to Honor Supervisor Carmen Ramirez to be held Oct. 15

A Celebration of Life event to honor Supervisor Carmen Ramirez will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Pacifica High School’s Outdoor Stadium located at 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard, CA 93036. Community members are invited to attend to honor Supervisor Ramirez’s life and legacy. Doors open at 2:00 pm.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility informing the future drought resiliency for Ventura County and others

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) Waterworks District partnered with Lawrence Berkely National Lab scientists to study the groundwater recharge potential of the percolation basins at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The results of this study will help inform the future design of Ventura County’s planned stormwater diversion and groundwater recharge project at the MWRF. This project will be important to reducing Ventura County’s reliance on imported water by increasing our groundwater supplies.
Aquifers are increasingly stressed. Groundwater recharge is a critical factor in assessing groundwater sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like California but recharge is very difficult to measure precisely.

Bilingual report — Oaxacan Indigenous community demands the resignation of Los Angeles City Council members: Gil Cedillo, Kevin de León, and Nury Martinez

Community leaders and Oaxacan communities living throughout the United States strongly reject racism, classism, colorism and discrimination against the indigenous people of Oaxaca.

The Oaxacan community living in Los Angeles, California, whom have been an essential workforce during the pandemic, working in restaurants, construction, and contributing to a vibrant culture in the United States, are subject to racism, classism, and discrimination from Los Angeles, California, City Councilors.

These outrageous comments were made known in an audio recording published by the Los Angeles Times where the voice of the sixth district councilor, Nury Martinez, is heard mocking minority communities that include LGBTQ, children, African Americans and the indigenous community. Particularly Oaxacan residents of Korea Town. “I see a lot of short and dark  people,” the councilwoman said with laughter about the Oaxacan residents of Korea Town.  “I don’t know what village they come from,” she continued to mock, “so ugly.”

Bilingual report — Covered California Supports the Biden Administration’s Proposal to Expand Affordable Coverage to More Californians by Fixing the So-Called “Family Glitch”

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman commended President Joe Biden’s administration for finalizing the proposed fix to the “Family Glitch,” an issue that had prevented millions of Americans with unaffordable employer health insurance from getting marketplace coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

“Covered California supports this proposed rule change, which will build on the Affordable Care Act’s vision and intent to expand access to affordable health insurance, by opening the door of coverage to millions of Americans.

This is a new era for the Affordable Care Act, as Covered California prepares to enter its 10th open enrollment period, with increased financial help available for those who need coverage as well as our 1.7 million enrollees.

With renewal beginning Oct. 18 and open enrollment starting Nov. 1, we look forward to spending the next four months getting every Californian covered.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Preparing for the 2022 Flu Season

As we enter Flu Season, the Ventura County Health Care Agency is reminding the community that the best way to protect against the flu virus is to receive an annual flu vaccine.

The Ventura County Health Care Agency is offering multiple options for the community to conveniently receive a flu shot, through our Ambulatory Care Clinic system, Public Health Clinics, as well as pop-up community clinics.

Although seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The timing and duration of flu season can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, and most often, flu activity peaks between December and February.

Bilingual report — Local Health Care Providers Propel CenCal Health to top 5% Nationwide in Postpartum Care

CenCal Health, the community health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, received high marks in two respected professional health care assessments — the national Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), and the state-wide report on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®). With results released in 2022, the findings in both annual audits concluded that, in multiple categories, CenCal Health and its providers delivered exceptional care to child members, as well as members that are new mothers and members with diabetes

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Alondra Gaytán Selected as 40 Under 40 Winner -EDC Business Alert

On Thursday, September 22, EDC’s Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra Gaytán, was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ (PCBT) annual 40 under 40 event. Each year the PCBT hosts an event to recognize 40 people who positively impact the Tri-county region.

Since childhood, Alondra has always been committed to serving underserved communities. Alondra shared, “I love that every day I contribute, collaborate and strategize ways to build economic growth in the region for now and our future.” As the Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra oversees vital relationships with the community and businesses.

CLICK HERE to read the full article on all 40 Under 40 Recipients.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Launches New Audio Alert System in Mixteco and Zapoteco to Protect Farmworkers from Wildfires

In partnership with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Líderes Campesinas, the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and the Public Health Institutes Achieving Resilient Communities (ARC) project have added audio alerts in Mixteco and Zapoteco to the recently launched smoke alert system to protect farming communities from wildfire smoke.

California is experiencing longer and more intense wildfire seasons. Wildfire smoke exposure is becoming a growing health threat to farmworkers, who must often continue to work in the fields during wildfires and extreme heat events. Wildfire smoke has been linked to a variety of health problems, including burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and headache, and can also worsen and cause chronic heart and lung disease. Due to climate change, wildfire seasons are getting longer, more intense, and more dangerous: This year’s season in the US is 116% above the 10-year average before 2022, according to the National Center Fire Interagency.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Sustainability Division Gets a New Look, Launches New Online Hub to Support Climate Action

The County of Ventura’s Sustainability Division has launched a new online hub to support local climate action, available at sustain.ventura.org. Community members and partners can now easily access sustainability resources and information about county progress towards meeting climate action goals and find information about local sustainability events and initiatives.

“Climate change is presenting challenges and opportunities to Ventura County,” said Chair of the Board Matt LaVere. “Our new Sustainability website provides our residents tools to directly engage with these issues by allowing them to participate in local climate action, social equity, and economic vitality efforts and learn about actions our Board has taken in support of a sustainable and resilient future.”

Bilingual report — Governor Appoints Oxnard Councilmember Vianey Lopez as District 5 County Supervisor

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 23 announced the appointment of Vianey Lopez as District 5 County Supervisor to fill the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez on August 12, 2022. Lopez will serve as appointed District 5 County Supervisor until the next general election in November 2024.

A long-time resident of South Oxnard, Lopez was elected to the Oxnard City Council in November 2018 and re-elected in November 2020. She serves as District Director for Assemblymember Monique Limón in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Prior to joining Assemblymember Limón, Lopez worked for former Congresswoman Lois Capps. For six years, Lopez served as a Trustee on the Hueneme Elementary School District Board. She served on the Board of Directors of the Future Leaders of America. She is the former vice president of the Ventura County Women’s Political Council (VCWPC) and is an active member of the Ventura County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

“I am honored and humbled to have been appointed by Governor Newsom to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to carry out the term of my friend and mentor, Carmen Ramirez,” said Vianey Lopez. “Carmen was unwavering in her passion for public service and the belief in working together for the greater good. I am committed to this purpose and working towards building a better and brighter future for Ventura County and its residents. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support I have received from people throughout our community.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

Bilingual commentary — The Flaw in Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot”

Laudably, President Joe Biden has reignited the “Cancer Moonshot” that he had previously launched in 2016 when he was vice president. There is now renewed energy, new leadership, and more advanced medical experience, knowledge, and technology. The goal is now more focused: to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years. 

The initiative was termed a “moonshot” to evoke the historic call by the late President John F. Kennedy to land a man on the moon within a decade. So far in our history, nothing compares with the boldness, wisdom, and foresight of that vow to take the “giant leap for mankind.” Nonetheless, a spirited call to take on the current, daunting epidemic of cancer in the United States and save American lives is certainly a necessary step in the right direction.

Bilingual report — Join the Oxnard Fire Department at Upcoming Fire Prevention Week 2022 Events

 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety at home and in the workplace. This year the Oxnard Fire Department joins the association in celebration of Fire Prevention Week’s 100th anniversary and its “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape” campaign with a series of community events throughout Oxnard.

According to the NFPA, you may have two minutes or less to safely leave a home once your smoke alarm goes off. Having a fire evacuation plan will help to keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that each home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Stephen McNaughten, Oxnard Fire Marshal. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that you plan to help them.”

Bilingual report — Public Memorial Planned and Scholarship Fund Established to Honor Supervisor Carmen Ramirez

Supervisor Carmen Ramirez’s family and staff have established a Legacy Scholarship Fund in collaboration with the Ventura County Community Foundation to honor her lifelong work and support the next generation of public service leaders. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/Carmen-Ramirez-Legacy-Scholarship-Fund. Inquiries about the Scholarship Fund may be directed to the District 5 Office at 805-654-2613 or District5@ventura.org.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for August 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its August 2022 report on Friday, the overall data showing little change, though an uptick in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.2% in July to 3.5% in August. That increase, however, had less to do with any loss in jobs—in fact, Ventura County had zero change in total industry employment, from July to August—rather its cause was by a change in the total participating in the labor force, specifically by an increase in the total number of officially unemployed workers, up from 13,100 in July to 14,300 in August. We’ll unravel that best we can a bit more in our commentary below. For the official August data, click here.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

EN ESPAÑOL: SBA Y SCORE: REUNIÓN VIRTUAL EN ESPAÑOL CON MENTORES DE SCORE

Septiembre 20 a las 4:00 pm

Acompaña a la SBA para hablar con los mentores de SCORE. SCORE es una organización, de voluntarios que prestan su tiempo, gratuitamente. Ayudan a las personas a crecer o a crear pequeñas empresas.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE

Bilingual report — Discover Latino Heritage by Metrolink Train

Southern California is home to millions of people of Latino heritage, many with family roots in California going back centuries. It is no surprise that Latino culture has influenced almost every aspect of life in SoCal, ranging from food and…

Bilingual report — Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

On September 13, 2022, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected during the fourth week of August from the City of Simi Valley area tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first bird collected in 2022 to test positive for WNV in Ventura County. There are no confirmed human cases at this time.

WNV is considered endemic, so we can expect the virus to stay in our environment.

Bilingual report — Unpermitted Food Vendors – Residents and Visitors Beware of Foodborne Illness

The County of Ventura’s Environmental Health Division (Division) advises the public against consuming food and beverages made or sold by street vendors that do not possess a valid health permit.

Informational Flyer

Food trucks and food carts that operate with a health permit are expected to follow food safety laws and are subject to routine health inspections by the Division. These vendors will have an identifying sticker issued by the County of Ventura on the vehicle or cart that looks like this:

The Division is seeing an increase in unpermitted food sales from food carts and pop-up food stands throughout the county. Many unpermitted vendors are coming from areas outside of Ventura County. These vendors are unfairly impacting local vendors who have obtained their licenses and training to do business in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Selects First-Ever Disability Access Manager

Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura’s Executive Office has selected Dani Anderson as the County’s first-ever Disability Access Manager to expand community engagement efforts and improve service delivery for individuals with disability access and functional needs.

“We are thrilled to have Dani Anderson join our team. She brings extensive professional and lived experience that will help us build upon efforts to ensure county services are accessible and inclusive of people with disabilities and other functional needs, particularly in emergency response,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “Ensuring that our services align with the needs of our community members is critical, and we believe Dani is the perfect person for this new role.”

Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Black Death of the Middle Ages

Many Americans who are “done” with the pandemic and its devastation are ready to “move on” and “get back to a normal life.” Would that we could actually do this.

The pandemic may in fact be in the rear-view mirror. The problem is that we just don’t know if it is in retreat as we go on with our lives. We don’t want to think about it anymore. Unfortunately, it may be in that rear-view mirror because it is catching up to us, once again, from behind. This is the kind of thing that happened in the Middle Ages in Europe starting in the 14th century. 

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black Death,” caused massive devastation in Western Europe and surrounding regions. We in the modern age, armed with vaccines and highly effective treatments, do not expect to ever face such horrors. Still, we have lost over a million Americans to COVID-19 and continue to lose several hundred American lives each day. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update for Aug. 30

If you test positive for COVID-19, there are treatments you can take at home that are safe and effective at preventing severe illness.

Most treatments must be started within 5 days of getting symptoms, so get tested and talk to your health care provider or find a Test to Treat location as soon as you notice symptoms. Your health care provider or Test to Treat site can tell you if you are eligible to receive treatment and which type would work best for you. To find a Test to Treat location near you, or for more information about COVID-19 therapeutics visit: www.vcrecovers.org/therapeutics/. If you are immunocompromised, ask your health care provider today if pre-exposure prevention therapy with Evusheld would be right for you.

Bilingual report — State Awards County and Camarillo-Based Casa Pacifica Additional $5.9 Million in Homekey Funds

The State has awarded the County of Ventura an additional $5.9 million in Homekey funds to expand Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families’ Stepping Stones project in Camarillo in the County’s third Homekey award. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarded funding on August 24, 2022, as part of the statewide program, for the renovation of three existing buildings at Casa Pacifica to create 27 new units of transitional housing and high-quality support services for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.

“This announcement marks great progress towards ending homelessness in Ventura County,” said Acting Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Thanks to these significant state funding opportunities that our County has pursued in collaboration with community partners, we can provide homes and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents more rapidly.”

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Labor Day

As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment. 

The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here. 

On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for July 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its July 2022 report on Friday, Ventura County’s unemployment rate remaining unchanged from June to July at 3.2%, a bit off from our low of 2.7% in May, but still at an extraordinary low. The County benefitted from gains in several sectors—Construction, Manufacturing, Professional & Business Services, Private Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services—but on net the gains were overshadowed by large declines in Farm, down by 2,800 jobs, and Public Education, down for summer break by 3,500 jobs. For more on the labor force and specific gains and losses in jobs, see below; for the July data, click here.

Bilingual report — Covered California Hails the Signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, Which Will Continue to Provide Lower Costs and Expanded Access to Quality Health Insurance for Californians

The Inflation Reduction Act extends the increased financial help initially provided by the American Rescue Plan through the end of 2025. The increased subsidies expanded health care coverage, leading to record enrollment in California and across the nation, and lowered…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Mourning The Loss Of Honorable Chair Carmen Ramirez

VENTURA COUNTY — Our County mourns the loss of our Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Carmen Ramirez. Chair Ramirez was a pedestrian involved in a vehicle accident in Oxnard and passed away Friday evening, August 12, 2022. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and her City and County community. An additional statement will be forthcoming.

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CONDADO DE VENTURA – – Nuestro Condado lamenta la pérdida de nuestra presidenta de la Junta de Supervisores, Carmen Ramírez. Carmen Ramírez fue peatón involucrada en un accidente de automóvil en Oxnard y falleció viernes 12 de agosto de 2022 por la noche. Compartimos nuestro más sentido pésame a su familia, seres queridos y su comunidad de la ciudad y el condado. Próximamente publicaremos información adicional.

Bilingual report — List of City, School District and Special District Offices In Extended Nomination Period for Nov. 8, 2022, General Election

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the extension of the nomination period for the following City, School District and Special District offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the November 8, 2022 General Election. The extended nomination period will close on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. The extension does not apply to incumbents.

CITIES

The nomination period extension for City offices applies to the following:

Fillmore City Council (Full term, Short term)
Moorpark Mayor
Ojai City Council, District 1
San Buenaventura (Ventura) City Council, Districts 1 and 5
Santa Paula City Council
Simi Valley Mayor
Thousand Oaks City Council

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Are You Prepared for the Next Big Disaster?

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. Here’s two ways you can take immediate action for your business:

Take the Resilient Business Challenge – a self-guided, five-step process to help your business become more resilient. CLICK HERE
Watch a recording of a Disaster Resiliency Clinic and receive a walkthrough of the basics of preparedness and the campaign’s Resilient Business Challenge. CLICK HERE

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Celebrates National Child Support Awareness Month

August is recognized nationwide as Child Support Awareness Month. August serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role the child support program plays in promoting the safety and well-being of children. Statewide, California provides support services to one million children—helping families thrive and setting children up to succeed.

The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) recognizes that children are our community’s legacy and future. VCDCSS promotes children’s health and well-being by encouraging responsible parenting, understanding parental support, and involvement in children’s lives, which helps drive positive child development outcomes.

Bilingual report — Cultural Relations Commission Accepting Nominations for 2022 Community Recognition Awards Program

The City’s Community Relations Commission (CRC) announces that nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Community Recognition Awards Program. Since 1989 the CRC awards program has recognized deserving individuals and groups that have furthered human relations in the Oxnard community.

“We look forward to celebrating the individuals and organizations that represent the best of Oxnard – acceptance, courage, and a determination to highlight the good in our community,” said CRC Chair Adam Lopez.

The public is invited to nominate youth, seniors, individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the Oxnard community. 

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 9, 2022 by 5 p.m. 

Teatro de las Americas — ¡Roma al final de la vía en YouTube!

Es un gran gusto compartir el video de nuestro montaje de Roma al final de la vida. Gracias a su autor, Daniel Serrano, por permitirnos publicar esta documentación.

It is a pleasure to share with you the video of Roma at the End of the Line at Teatro de las Américas. Thanks to the author of the play, Daniel Serrano for letting us make this video available to the public.

¡Disfrútenlo!

Enjoy!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura update for Aug. 9, 2022 — Monkeypox Update & COVID-19

Make sure kids are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines before the start of school! Children 5 and older are eligible for vaccine boosters. Learn more at https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/. For information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments, visit www.vcrecovers.org.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Celebrates National Certified Farmers’ Market Week

County Supervisors, at their Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Board meeting, proclaimed August 7 – 13, 2022, as Certified Farmers’ Market Week in Ventura County. This coincides with National Farmers’ Market Week.

There are one hundred and twenty-seven certified local farmers and ranchers that provide Ventura County consumers with access to healthy foods produced locally through fourteen certified farmers’ markets, which accommodate the demand for a diverse variety of fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, meat, cheese and other agricultural products.

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors Appoints Dr. Sevet Johnson as County Executive Officer

Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Dr. Sevet Johnson as the County Executive Officer. The Board of Supervisors announced the appointment following a special meeting.

“Our Board thanks Dr. Johnson for accepting this offer of employment and for leading our County during this time of transition,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our County.”

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for Aug. 2, 2022

Since Tuesday, July 26, there have been 1,751 new COVID-19 cases reported and 17,959 new tests completed. There are 73 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU. There have been 6 new deaths of a 62 year old male, 62 year old male, 74 year old male, an 80 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 95 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.94, which means that the spread of COVID is likely stable. The R-effective for California is 0.98.

73.8% of the total county population has been fully vaccinated (completed initial COVID vaccine series).

Bilingual report — County Of Ventura Ranked a Top Ten Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties

The County of Ventura has ranked eighth among digital counties nationwide by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Ventura County’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Department was awarded in the 20th annual Digital Counties Survey for being an information technology leader amongst counties with populations of 500,000 – 999,999, after Gwinnett County, Georgia, followed by Polk County, Florida, and County of Chester, Pennsylvania.

“We are proud that our County continues to be a leader in technology and innovation and are grateful for this special recognition,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “It reflects the dedication of our ITS Department and entire county team in finding new and efficient ways to serve our community. Looking ahead, we remain committed to leveraging technology and key collaborations to help close the digital divide so that all community members have equitable access to digital services.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Loan Opportunity for Businesses

As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost all designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Releases 2021 Crop and Livestock Report

The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2021 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Ed Williams reported the value of crops for the county for 2021 was $2,085,999,000, an increase of 5% from 2020. Strawberries, lemons, and nursery stock remained the highest valued crops, followed by raspberries, avocados, and celery. For the second consecutive year, the report has been published in Spanish.

“It is good to see the gross values for Ventura County’s crops rising again compared to the bit of a slump in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Williams. “Production costs have increased, and growers must receive a good return on their investments for farming to continue. The impact of farming and ranching goes far beyond the farm gate by providing jobs for processors, marketers, transporters, farm supply companies, and restaurants, to name a few, and especially the tens of thousands of farmworkers who provide the skill and foundation to make it all possible. I deeply appreciate the many people who play a key role in keeping Ventura County’s agriculture thriving.”

Bilingual report — Covered California Lends Support for Wildfire Victims Throughout the State

Covered California has announced a special-enrollment period for people living in counties where a state of emergency has been declared due to raging wildfires.

“Once again, wildfires are disrupting the lives of thousands of Californians, and if you are among those affected, Covered California is here to make sure you have access to quality health care coverage,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “Opening this path to coverage will ensure that those who have been affected by these fires have one less thing to worry about and can get health insurance through either Covered California or Medi-Cal.”

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — Applications Available on Aug. 1 for Broad Street Place – El próximo lunes: Solicitudes disponibles para Broad Street Place

Broad Street Place is a new affordable housing community coming to the City of San Luis Obispo, which will serve low-income households.

With completion anticipated in early 2023, this property will include three commercial spaces for local businesses and 40 residential apartments with studio, one, two and three-bedroom floorplans offered. A number of units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations and 10 units will provide housing for unhoused veterans. Amenities include a community room, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, playground, covered bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and laundry facilities.

PSHH will provide compassionate onsite property management and free supportive housing services to all who call Broad Street Place home.

Bilingual report — Getting Help with Child Support Just Got Easier in Ventura County

The County of Ventura’s Department of Child Support Services has launched a new Simplified Enrollment Process for parents to easily enroll for child support services. The new Simplified Enrollment Process streamlines the application, enhances user-friendliness, and aims to increase the completion rate for those seeking services from the Department. Parents will benefit from a faster enrollment process and the support of an online automated assistant that helps parents with the enrollment process.

“We know that parental support and involvement in children’s lives drives positive outcomes—so anything we can do to make accessing our services easier for parents will help children and families in our community thrive,” said Marcus R. Mitchell, Director of the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services.

Bilingual report — Mayor and City Councilmembers Welcome Dallas Cowboys Back to Oxnard for 2022 Training Camp

Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza and the City Council welcome the Dallas Cowboys back for their 16th training camp in Oxnard. The City has hosted America’s Team nearly every year since 2001 for all, or a portion of, its annual training camp.

“We’re always excited to host the Cowboys, and we welcome all of the visiting fans to Oxnard. Whether it’s your first time here, or your 16th, we know you are going to have a great time,” said Mayor Zaragoza.

The Cowboys Training Camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields (2501 Ventura Rd., Oxnard) is free and open to the public. The action starts with the Cowboys first practice on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. Fans are invited to all practice sessions that are open to the public, with the final one scheduled on Wednesday, August 10.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

Congratulations to Westminster Free Clinic’s student volunteers for completing over one year of service! The Board of Supervisors recognized the students’ accomplishments at this morning’s meeting. More than 200 high school students participate in WFC’s rigorous two-year program that builds excellent job skills in the health care profession by assisting volunteer medical professionals in the delivery of primary health services to over 12,000 low-income uninsured residents annually.