Category: Seniors

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 3, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

More appointments are available at this time. Register at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines

Beginning this week, the state has begun to use a 70/30 formula in allocating vaccine doses. 70% of our vaccine doses will go to those who are 65 and over while 30% will be going to those residents who fall under Vaccine Tier 1B: education/child care workers, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers.

Vaccine appointments will be made available for Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care workers beginning March 1st at 9am on the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment website.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced yesterday that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura – More Vaccine Appointments Open

There are now 1st and 2nd dose vaccine appointments available as of 2/25/21 for those eligible.

Please make your appointment by visiting the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

2nd dose appointments are available for Moderna. Pfizer appointments are full at this time. More will open next week.

2nd dose appointment information can be found at the following link:
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/registration-d2/

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 24 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced today that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, effective today.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open every Monday.

If you have limited internet access you can also call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

Natalie Orfalea Foundation and Lou Buglioli Sponsor Hospice of Santa Barbara’s illuminate Speaker Series

Natalie Orfalea Foundation and Lou Buglioli sponsor Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.  

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through their illuminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality. 

Timely Vaccines Going Strong at GranVida

Carpinteria’s only senior living and memory care community, GranVida, can rest easier, as almost all of their staff and residents received their final vaccinations.

Management has expressed deep gratitude to the residents for adhering to vaccination schedules, and for staff and residents’ immediate cooperation with COVID-19 protocols. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 18 — Vaccine Update

More vaccine appointments are now available for those 65 or older or in health care. Please make your appointment by visiting www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/ or by calling 805-477-7161.

Frequently Asked Question: How do I get my 2nd dose appointment?

After receiving your first dose, you will become eligible for your second dose after a waiting period of 21 days if you received Pfizer and 28 days if you received Moderna.

You do not need to receive your second dose on the exact date you become eligible. You have a window of 6 weeks from getting your first dose to receive your second dose. Please do not schedule your second dose earlier than recommended. Refer to your vaccination card, which will list the date you received your first dose.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 17 — Vaccine Update

Frequently Asked Question: How do I get my 2nd dose appointment?

After receiving your first dose, you will become eligible for your second dose after a waiting period of 21 days if you received Pfizer and 28 days if you received Moderna.

You do not need to receive your second dose on the exact date you become eligible. You have a window of 6 weeks from getting your first dose to receive your second dose. Please do not schedule your second dose earlier than recommended. Refer to your vaccination card, which will list the date you received your first dose.

There are three ways to secure a 2nd dose appointment:

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older. Appointments open weekly.

Vaccines are in limited supply throughout the State of California. Appointments are full at this time. The current phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and now 65 and older.

Appointments are limited because of the limited supply of vaccines. It will take time to secure an appointment if you are in the current phase. The County of Ventura wants you to have a vaccine and is advocating for more vaccines.

Once more appointments open a message will be sent. At that time, community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may:

1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Limited Vaccines Available for 65+ Starting Tuesday & More Mask Guidance

Residents of Santa Barbara County who are age 65 and older will be eligible to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021. This expanded eligibility means that local health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health vaccination sites can open appointments to those 65+ once vaccines become available to them. Vaccine supplies are still very limited and health care providers are simultaneously ensuring those that received a first dose will also be able to receive a second dose.

LEON surprises seniors with gifts, Valentine’s Day message

Yesterday, the Latino Elder Outreach Network (LEON) surprised 400 isolated seniors in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Isla Visa, Santa Maria, and Lompoc with goodie bags and Valentine’s Day cards to share a message of support during the pandemic.  LEON is exploring the expansion of its network to North County and used the opportunity to introduce itself to seniors and organizations in Lompoc and Santa Maria.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

There are 453 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 6,537 new tests performed for a total of 1,051,626 total tests performed. There are 226 people who are currently hospitalized and 52 in the ICU.

There have been 18 additional deaths: 75 year old male, 72 year old male, 87 year old male, 56 year old male, 81 year old male, 74 year old male, 56 year old female, 82 year old male, 79 year old male, 51 year old male, 64 year old male, 89 year old male, 48 year old male, 53 year old male, 80 year old male, 89 year old female, 62 year old male, and a 85 year old male

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands. Registration begins March 1.

OLLI at CSUCI brings the excitement and stimulation of college learning to area adults (50 or better!) who wish to extend their learning experiences in a university atmosphere.

OLLI members take university-level courses without the distraction of grading, preparing for a career, or meeting degree requirements. OLLI is learning for the joy of learning!

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Joyce Dudley 

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Joyce Dudley to its Board of Directors. Dudley has a BA in psychology, and two Master’s Degrees in Education; one with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and the other with an emphasis on Educational Administration. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 3 — Vaccine Progress

The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched last Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

Second COVID-19 Mutation Detected in Ventura County

 A second COVID-19 mutation has been detected in Ventura County. An Oxnard sewage study result revealed the presence of a second mutation in a small amount of the COVID virus present in the sample. Oxnard has been testing samples of its wastewater on a weekly basis for a number of weeks. The new mutation was identified as N501Y. It is present in both the United Kingdom and South African variants.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Marian Medical Center Administering COVID-19 Vaccine for SB County Residents 75+

In partnership with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Marian Regional Medical Center will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Santa Barbara County residents age 75 and older by appointment only.

Health care workers who provide direct care to patients, residents of a facility, or in a home care capacity in Santa Barbara County continue to be eligible and may also take advantage of this opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccinations will be given by appointment only to eligible Santa Barbara County residents and health care staff. To make an appointment please call (805) 739-3815 or visit: https://sugeni.us/Wg5A.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A. This phase includes those in the health care sector and 75 and older.

The State provides vaccines to the County on a weekly basis. The supply is not enough for the amount of people needing vaccines. The County is advocating for more vaccines and is prepared to administer once the shipment arrives.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may

1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 26 — Vaccine Update

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. Vaccines are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

The County receives vaccines from the State once a week. Once vaccines are received the County creates appointments for those vaccines to be distributed.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online on Mondays at the following link:

www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 22

Ventura County we want you to have access to vaccines as soon as possible! We receive vaccines each week from the state and open appointments for the vaccines we are provided. We are not given enough supply to vaccinate all community members at one time. We are advocating for more vaccines and we have the infrastructure to get vaccines in arms as quickly as possible once they are received.

We understand headlines in other places say 65 and older now. Unfortunately, in those places many people in that age range cannot get vaccinated yet because Counties throughout the State are in the same position of not having enough vaccines. The supply issue impacts the ability to expand the vaccine to more sectors at this time.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are full at this time. There are more community members wanting vaccines than appointments available this week because of the amount of vaccines we have available. More appointments will be added as more vaccines become available. The County receives vaccines from the state on a weekly basis. More vaccine distribution sites are launching but the County still needs more vaccines to add more appointments. We understand this is frustrating. We want to vaccinate the entire community as quickly as possible. We continue to expand infrastructure for distribution which will help move things forward once we receive more vaccines.

Through Feb. 6 — Friendship Center to present ‘Festival of Hearts’ 2021 Virtual Fundraiser

Join fellow artists, neighbors, family and friends as we bid on a fantastic selection of items to raise funds for Friendship Center’s HEART (Help Elders At Risk Today) Program.

HEART is a keystone program that allows Friendship Center to offer services and care to hundreds of adults and seniors, particularly those living with a dementia diagnosis or other cognitively/ physically impairing conditions. In our first ever virtual fundraiser, you can show support by:
Purchasing valentine’s baskets
Collecting a one of a kind piece of heart-art
Bidding on unique experience packages
Sponsoring membership fees for low income seniors to enjoy our programs!

March 18 — Bilingual report — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Dr. BJ Miller

Next up on the illuminate Speaker Series line-up is Dr. BJ Miller, who will present Let It Fall: The Power of Existential Crises on Thursday, March 18th at 6:00 PM PDT.  

Miller will go over how 2020 has shaken us to the point where nothing can be taken for granted and death is being realized as something that can come at any time. This is hard news, but it’s also an essential human experience and what our patients and families go through all the time. In this webinar, we will explore what binds us as human beings underneath our roles and learn practical ways to reframe your experience.

Sept. 10 — Friendship Center to present 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

We invite you and your
golf enthusiasts
to join in this popular, fun event!

Friendship Center is this year’s charity recipient for the ever-popular SBAOR (Santa Barbara Association of Realtors) Golf Tournament! This event takes place on Friday, September 10. Spots are filling fast, so please sign up now!

Please See the registration form below for details.

SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, JULY 16TH

Nov. 11 — Join Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation in the 2021 “Honoring Our Veterans” campaign; honorees from yesterday and today will be celebrated on social media through Veterans Day

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is pleased to extend a warm invitation to the greater Santa Barbara community to participate in a new campaign, “Honoring Our Veterans.” With your support, veterans from all service branches (Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard) from yesterday and today will be remembered and celebrated on PCVF’s social media accounts leading up to Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11th. To participate in this novel online campaign to honor “those who serve,” simply submit a jpeg photo of your loved one in uniform and include their full name, branch of service and years served. Please email the information to media@pcvf.org. Your submission will appear in the “Honoring Our Veterans” online series posted on PCVF’sFacebook and Instagram accounts through Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11th. Please use “tags” to help the post go “viral” and reach more people. Provide your Facebook handle and we will tag you and anyone else! #HonoringOurVeterans.

Dec. 15 — Bilingual report — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 38th Annual Light Up A Life (Virtual Event)

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance to honor the many that are missed this holiday season, online via Zoom featuring event emcee Rev. Julia Hamilton on Wednesday, December 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. PDT.

Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. — COVID-19 update

December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 737 New Cases

There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.

Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.

Message of Thanks – Friendship Center

Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber  
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule for Dec. 16

The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Oxnard College 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd 10-7
Santa Paula E Main/N Ojai 10-7
El Rio, Revive Community Church 2640 Alvarado St Oxnard 1-7
Community Park, 901 S Kimball Ventura 9-3:30

Bilingual report — Homes with Heart VC Encourages Community Members to Make their Lives more Meaningful

Local human services agency urges community support to open their hearts and homes to children and older youth in (foster)care, as additional census shows a growth in need during the pandemic. VENTURA — The holidays are a special time of…

OC LIVE: ‘Essential Oxnard ~ A Film by Sal Anguiano’ now available for viewing

OC alumnus Sal Anguiano’s short film Essential Oxnard sheds light on the important work and contributions of the Hispanic community in Oxnard, California, and celebrates its resilience amid the pandemic. From local Oxnard business owners to farm workers, Essential Oxnard asks the question, “Who is considered essential?”  

In this special presentation, OC Film and TV Professor Anitra Lawson is joined by the filmmaker as well as OC alumni Luis Guereca and Arcelia Martinez to discuss the making of the film in the early days of the pandemic and where we are now. 

Watch the film, meet the filmmaker and discover the beauty, the grit, and the heart of the city of Oxnard. 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 9

Good Evening, There are 170 new cases for today (35 (20.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/2 or earlier) 1,638 additional people tested and 2 additional deaths (85 and 86 year old males with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 43.6. Current hospitalizations are 147 and current ICU is 42.

The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 8

Good Evening, There are 308 new cases for today (7 (2.3%) of which have a lab collection from 12/1 or earlier) 1,936 additional people tested and 6 additional deaths (5 males and 1 female between the ages of 51-93, all but one with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 47.9. Current hospitalizations are 142 and current ICU is 40.

The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.

Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

A press conference will take place on 12/9/20 at 1pm. It will be streamed at www.venturacountyrecovers.org and Facebook @CountyofVentura.

A testing location update will be sent to update on any closures for tomorrow. Today, there were closures due to adverse weather.

Gold Coast Health Plan — Medi-Cal Pharmacy Program Implementation Extended by Three Months

The timeline for Gold Coast Health Plan’s pharmacy program transition has been extended to April 1, 2021.

The new program by the state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), known as Medi-Cal Rx, will carve-out all prescription benefits from managed care plans like GCHP. Upon implementation, all pharmacy claims will be submitted directly to the state via its pharmacy benefit manager, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc. DHCS announced the new implantation date last month, citing “the ongoing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency” for its decision to extend the timeline.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors to hold Special meeting on Dec. 8

IN RESPONSE TO THE DECLARED STATE AND LOCAL EMERGENCIES DUE TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S RECENT ORDER TO LIMIT INDOOR OPERATIONS AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, THE HALL OF ADMINISTRATION IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. TO FIND OUT HOW YOU MAY ELECTRONICALLY ATTEND THE BOARD MEETING AND PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT PLEASE REFER TO PAGE 2 OF THIS AGENDA

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update – Stay Home Order Issued

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

State’s Stay Home Order Triggered in Southern California Region, Effective December 6, Midnight

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 3 — Regional Stay Home Order

Today the Governor announced a Regional Stay Home Order, it will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.

The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3-week period. Learn more about this order.

The State projects the Southern California Region, including Ventura County, to fall below 15% capacity as soon as tomorrow, and likely within a week.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:

Friendship Center — December Newsletter – Holiday Hacks for Happiness

“We are very thankful for the caring wonderful people that work at Friendship Center who have brought many great moments to my life. Your Staff are always willing to go beyond what is expected and that is what Makes Friendship Center!”
*
“We want to thank all the staff and everyone that worked so hard to put together and deliver such a wonderful lunch. There was enough food to serve not only Jon and myself but also for my frail 86 year old mom and my step-dad Jay, who is on hospice at home. Jay loved the lunch and was able to eat all of his. For Jay, the pecan pie brought back happy memories of his mom who had a pecan tree in the front yard and made delicious pecan pies. It was a story we never heard before and it made him happy to share it with us.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household

Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household. Your actions are saving lives and keeping businesses open.

Today, volunteers helped deliver special Holiday meals for the most vulnerable populations in Ventura County. More than 150 volunteers from across the community and from County agencies helped with this effort.

Nearly 1,000 deliveries and a total of 3,000 meals were provided. Along with the meals each recipient received a homemade holiday greeting card. The cards were received as part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign. Nearly 1,000 cards were received from children and adults alike from throughout the County.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 24

Good Evening , There are 140 new cases today, 1,971 additional people tested and 0 additional deaths. Current doubling time is 68.2 days. There are 82 people in the hospital and 17 in the ICU. Thank you Ventura County for following the public health guidance of wearing a mask, social distancing and not gathering. You also answered the call to action with increased testing. More than 40k people have been tested over the last two weeks! Increased testing has allowed for a rate adjustment from the state and has also helped to slow the spread of COVID-19. Once someone tests positive they isolate which prevents further spread. We appreciate your efforts in helping to save lives and keep businesses open.

View today’s special press conference message:

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces ‘Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays’ Campaign

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) has connected Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to develop a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the Holidays – and supporting the County’s food system – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these Network partners are launching an aligned “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” campaign to encourage County residents to avoid large gatherings and enjoy locally sourced holiday meals with their household instead.

The campaign, which launches on Saturday, November 21, sprouted from conversations with County Public Health around how to emphasize the importance of avoiding gatherings during the holidays to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” takes that message and elevates it by also encouraging residents to shop local in our safe, outdoor farmers markets for affordable and healthy holiday meal ingredients that support Santa Barbara County farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans,” said SBCFAN’s Executive Director, Shakira Miracle.

Friendship Center — Veteran’s Day Message of Thanks

Friendship Center staff are helping to distribute hygiene kits, put together by the Elk’s Lodge, to Santa Barbara area Veterans.

Please consider making a donation to Friendship Center so that we may continue to support Veterans in our community

Friendship Center November Newsletter – Gratitude & Sign Language Addition!

Giving Thanks can make you Happier
by Sophia Davis, Advancement & Project Manager

November kicks of the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Research suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it’s built right into the holiday — expressing gratitude.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Mary Solis

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Mary Solis to its Board of Directors. Solis recently retired from the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center after 34 years as an oncology social worker and department manager. During her time at the Cancer Center, Mary expanded services to include 12 support groups, case management, financial assistance, and individual & family counseling services.  

Prior to working with the Cancer Center, Mary spent 2 years at Catholic Charities as a caseworker. She also developed a wig & hat closet, a lymphedema clinic and worked collaboratively with other community organizations to create a Community Palliative Care Program. 

October Newsletter — Virtual Activities Launch in NEW Subscription Memberships!

Back on March 16, when we had to close our physical doors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friendship Center staff immediately began finding ways to reach out and support our community from a distance. Considering ourselves warriors against isolation within our group of senior friends, staff have worked hard on creating unique forms of engagement and inclusion for our members. These activities include our robust schedule of ten daily Zoom classes, weekly tele check-ins, letter writing and supply delivery, Take Care Totes, Drive-In activity hours, porch visits, resource referrals and more.

Friendship Center — Shine a light of hope…

2020 will forever be known as the year of one of the most impactful and furthest reaching public health events in history. We have had to pull together, and stand apart. With no stone unturned, we have had to re-think many of our routine habits through a new pandemic lens. In doing so, we have become even more aware of the importance of our health, our families, and the need for companionship. And conversely, recognize that isolation and depression are very real factors during this time.

CommUnify to replace Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, a non-profit social services organization with a six-decade legacy of helping provide solutions for people living in poverty, has changed its name to CommUnify.

“We’ve come a long way in the 50+ years since we began,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO of the agency initially established here in 1964. “Our new name and refocused identity, tells the story of who we are now and aligns with a retooled master plan to address our commitment to seeing our whole community come together in partnership to address inequalities.” The new name is accompanied by the tagline A Community Action Agency.

Friendship Center — Fiesta Take Care Totes Have Arrived!

Here’s some more great feedback from our
members about the totes:

“Last Wednesday when we returned from the Dr. visit, the Take Care Tote from Friendship Center was awaiting us on the front porch. Inside was a delightful heart scarf ? with tassels, a Fiesta Mexican fan with lace, and a small bag with Fiesta decorations to decorate for Fiesta (including fun maracas)! Thank you for the lovely Fiesta Spirit, and all of those special treats in our totes! The snacks and drinks that are included in every tote are just terrific!”

?Love, Joe & Judith Ewing

United Way of Ventura County — United to Help Homeless Veterans (COVID-19 Update)

We hope this finds you well and you have a moment to read about the inspiring work of our team and partners. As a result of the generosity of community members like you, we’ve been able to temporarily house and provide daily meals for 44 veterans and 17 family members in local motels since April. We’ve also transitioned six of these veteran households to permanent housing and a total of 30 households have been permanently housed since our Landlord Engagement Program launched nine months ago. 

Bilingual report — Mi Vida, Mi Voz Community Collaboration Provides Critical Resource Information for Spanish Speaking Community 

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis, many people in the Spanish-speaking Latino community are not getting the important information they may need for themselves and their families. For years, the Spanish-speaking community has struggled to receive timely, culturally-appropriate information related to emerging needs. In April, Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV), a collaboration of local Latino-serving organizations, pivoted to address this critical need. With the pandemic’s disproportionate health and economic impact in the Latino community, this critical information is more relevant than ever.  

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 22

Here’s your County of Ventura COVID – 19 update:

94 new cases

6,049 total cases

1,524 new people tested

3,100 recovered cases

90 hospitalized

22 current ICU

2,886 active cases under quarantine

63 deaths (1 additional death – 84 year old female with comorbidity)

98,648 total people tested

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 17

Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

224 new cases

1,588 new people tested

5,192 total cases

2,726 recovered cases

95 hospitalizations

31 in the ICU

57 deaths (1 additional death – 77 year-old male)

89,336 total people tested

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 16 — COVID-19 drive through testing sites. No cost. No insurance needed. No appointment needed

*Sites are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

 Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, CA 93060 M-F, 10-7

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 M-F, 10-7

Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura CA 93003, M-F, 10-7

Weekend testing: Friday to Tuesday at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033  10-7

Friendship Center — Donations for isolated seniors in SB!

Friendship Center, with the help of our fabulous partners, has delivered over four hundred Take Care Totes to isolated seniors in South Santa Barbara County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of our senior friends are living with a dementia diagnosis and/ or other health conditions and have had little to no contact with the outside world for four months. The Take Care Totes, providing snacks, personal care items, activities and more, have become a lifeline for our senior friends as well as their caregivers.