Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Salud

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 16

by  • 

Good Evening, There are 433 new cases (35 (8.1%) of which have a lab collection from November 9 or earlier), 5,429 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 90 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 49 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Our current data published as of November 16th is 13.3 (purple tier) for the case rate, 4.5%% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 6% for the health equity positivity (red tier) for the measurement period ending.

Read more →

Education, Events, Family, Home, Local, News, Youth

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Project Christmas Spreads Cheer during COVID-19 

by  • 

Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) spreads holiday cheer to families in the tri-counties who have a child battling cancer, and their siblings. They look to the community to help secure hundreds of gifts during the months of November and December. This year, their greatest needs are donations of $25 Amazon gift cards for teens and new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6-11 valued at $25 each.  These will be among the gifts given to over 200 children in need at their holiday drive-thru event in December. In addition to the $25 gifts, they will be sponsoring 35 families (85 children) through their Project Christmas Program.  

Read more →

Business, Family, Food, Local, News

Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive

by  • 

Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive, its popular, annual, festive food & fund drive. The event, now in its ninth year, features hundreds of “trees” built from collected food cans, and usually takes place at Figueroa Plaza in downtown Ventura. This year, CAN-tree comes to you! Individuals, families and local businesses are being asked to build their tree at their home or business location. 

Read more →

Cultural, Educación, Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — SBCC Music’s Big Band is world’s first to perform together remotely using exciting new technology and more news

by  • 

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SBCC continues to provide students with instruction and virtual support services aimed at keeping them on track with their education, staying connected and healthy. We are also providing our entire community with history-making, innovative musical and dramatic entertainment that can be viewed online. The SBCC Foundation Campus Conversations series this month peeks behind the curtain to reveal how the Theatre Arts department is keeping theatre alive and thriving on the South Coast, and EOPS/CARE is providing a way for the community to see that our single-parent students give their families a Thanksgiving dinner. Read about all of this and more below.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

by  • 

COVID-19 is not only still with us, but it also casts a shadow over everything we think we know, including our understanding of the 3 Es that are the foundation of the Ventura County Civic Alliance: Environment, Economy, and Equity.  Livable Communities has for years focused on land use and the creation of attractive and functional places to live and work with minimum impact on the environment.  All of this has been impacted by COVID.  While “livable” may start with wise land use, we know now that it truly is so much more encompassing.  

Therefore, it is fitting that this quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter explores the 3 Es and Livable Communities in a COVID-19 world:

Read more →

Cultural, Events, Local, News

Santa Paula Art Museum — Time running out to purchase raffle tickets

by  • 

This is last call to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of two original paintings by Santa Paula’s most famous artist, Jessie Arms Botke! Purchase raffle tickets on our website. Raffle winners will be chosen and notified by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16. The raffle is part of the Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser, which is being hosted entirely online this year.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 13

by  • 

Good Evening, There are 265 new cases (20 (7.5%) of which have a lab collection from November 6th or earlier), 1,665 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 36 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 10 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.

We are all working diligently to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community by wearing masks, social distancing, and taking other necessary precautions. Thank you for your hard work! Another way to help is with COVID testing. It is easy, free, and nearby at a variety of convenient sites in the County. Because case rates have recently increased in Ventura County and other nearby counties, and the holidays are approaching, we are encouraging all Ventura County residents to get tested frequently starting now and throughout the holiday season. As you know, testing and tracing are key tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Read more →

Business, Family, Finance, Local, News

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Announces New Director of Real Estate Development

by  • 

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce Gustavo Almarosa as their new Director of Real Estate Development.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is Ventura County’s largest developer of affordable housing with an additional project in Santa Barbara County, and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services with community economic development activities.

Read more →

Local

Coverly Professional Services, Inc. announces two new hires to support its growing client portfolio 

by  • 

Despite a challenging year, Coverly Professional Services, Inc. (CoverlyPro) celebrated its 10thyear in business in 2020 by expanding its team to support a growing client portfolio. The company welcomed two new team members. Aylin Alvarez joined the company in August as its Marketing Communications Coordinator and Ikia Velazquez was added to the team as its Digital Communications and Project Management Specialist in October. 

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — How to Become an Expert

by  • 

We often hear about having to hire, refer to, or consult an “expert.” But what exactly is an “expert”? 

Technically, an expert is someone with either substantial knowledge or skill in a particular endeavor.  A data analyst might be consulted for his expertise in statistical studies, whereas a professional musician might be hired for her adroit skill with a particular musical instrument that she has practiced playing throughout her entire life.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Government, Local, Opinion, Politics

Guest commentary — The Crucial Latino Vote Helped Elect Biden

by  • 

The American people have driven the mad tyrant out of the White House, long live Democracy! The last four years have been the most polarizing, uncertain, and painful years in our lifetime, nonetheless, we got the job done we have a new president. Without doubt Biden would not be the president-elect if Black, Latino, Asian, Native American and the young folks vote had not come to the rescue of the Democratic Party again. 19 million Latinos voted in this Presidential Election, more than 13million or roughly 67% of the Latino votes went to Biden. The first time in American history that the Latino vote represented the highest minority vote in the nation. The powerful and decisive Latino voting pattern will continue to grow in the coming years. Both the Democrats and the Republican are aware of this growing American electorate, and we will no longer will be appeased, marginalized, manipulated or simply be ignored. Biden know this better than most, and he must act accordingly! We will closely watch Biden not in what he says but in what he does.

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Veteran Business and Environmental Leader is Elected to United Water District Board

by  • 

Mohammed A. Hasan, a longtime business and environmental leader in Ventura county has been elected to United Water Conservation District board.

The United Water Conservation District boundary encompasses Piru to Ventura harbor along the Santa Clara River valley, and the Oxnard coastal plain. The cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the very eastern part of the city of Ventura are part of the District. This public agency was formed nearly 70 years ago. They recently moved their main office close to N. Rose Ave. in Oxnard, at 1701 North Lombard Ave. The District diverts surface water from the Santa Clara river, manages and serves groundwater to farmers and cities. Detailed information about the District is available at unitedwater.org.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Health, Local, News

Guest commentary — Tips for a Safe Family Gathering this Thanksgiving Holiday in a COVID-19 World

by  • 

If you’re planning a large Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends this year, think twice!

That’s because health officials are warning against such gatherings this year, and they are imploring the public to take important safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones against the coronavirus, which continues to pose a serious health threat in California and across the nation.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, En español, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves $3.65 million for Farmworker Household Assistance Program

by  • 

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved $3.65 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding to support the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) to help farmworkers struggling to maintain their households due to pandemic-related hardships.

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Richard Yao Appointed Interim President of California State University Channel Islands

by  • 

California State University (CSU) Chancellor Timothy P. White has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as interim president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao currently serves as CSUCI’s vice president for student affairs. Yao will assume the leadership of the university on January 11, 2021 with the departure of current CSUCI president Dr. Erika D. Beck, who will begin her new role as president of California State University, Northridge. Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American, becomes the first person of color to lead the campus.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 12

by  • 

Good Evening, There are 305 new cases (16 (5.2%) of which have a lab collection from November 5th or earlier), 3,718 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

First on the West Coast, Port of Hueneme Secures Cold-Treatment Finishing On-Dock

by  • 

Known as the Banana Port of the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme can now add another title to their brand: the Peruvian blueberry pilot Port. Being the specialized reefer port of the U.S. West Coast, Hueneme has been able to receive completed cold-treated produce containers for years; however, they now are now going to be making history by offering the ability of completion of this treatment on-port. This new service is the first of its kind on the West Coast and stands to reduce the cost of transporting blueberries, eliminate thousands of pounds of Green House Gases, and support local California and Peruvian growers.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Museum of Ventura County Insider Returns + Reopening to Public + More!

by  • 

This week, we bring you a special appeal from Ventura County leaders: Please get tested for Covid-19 at one of the free testing sites throughout the County. As the virus worsens across the country, the metrics that will take Ventura County from the red to the purple tier (which is the most restrictive) are on the rise. One way to help stem the spread of the virus and keep our numbers down is to get tested. Please watch the video below that walks you through the testing process. And please, stay safe! 

You can subscribe for COVID-19 updates from the County here.

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

Joyce Coleman selected as VP of SBCC School of Extended Learning

by  • 

At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees approved Ms. Joyce Coleman as the new Vice President, School of Extended Learning. Coleman has over 28 years of experience as a community college educator and administrator —18 years in California and 10 years in Minnesota and Oregon. She describes herself as someone who has provided equity-minded leadership, vision and effective management in all of the positions she has held. Her prior experience includes Dean of Students at Bakersfield College, Dean of Community Learning Programs at Mt. Hood Community College, Vice President of Student Services at Umpqua Community College, and Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Century College.

Read more →

Business

Visit Oxnard wins bronze with Northstar Meetings Group “Stella Awards” for Best CVB/DMO in the Far West

by  • 

Visit Oxnard is a 2020 recipient of the 4th Annual Stella Awards for Best CVB/DMO in the Far West, winning bronze in the category, awarded by Northstar Meetings Group and its leading brands, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings. A total of 255 organizations from around the globe are being honored for consistently delivering quality service and innovation to meeting and event professionals. The list of winners, finalists and their profiles can be found at NorthstarMeetingsGroup.com/Stellas.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program

by  • 

The Foundation at Hearst Castle has partnered with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to launch a new, virtual education program. The multi-day online experience is an iteration of the innovative in-person opportunity the nonprofit organization introduced in 2018.

The STEAM Program at the Castle, a key initiative, encourages learning and discovery for middle school-aged students from underserved communities around California. It includes a tour of the unique museum and visit to the San Simeon Pier and beach — now by livestream. The tours align with STEM/STEAM disciplines, showing how pioneering architect Julia Morgan and her team used science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build W.R. Hearst’s dream home — and ultimately how that might apply to their future education and career paths

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures

by  • 

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community.   The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas: Casting and Update/Tenerlos al tanto

by  • 

Merino Productions is a Multilingual Solutions Agency based in Ventura County with a national and international curriculum in video productions, voice-overs and document translations.  

Our experience with local government agencies, has shown a need to raise awareness on multiple subjects such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, drunk driving, drug addiction, personal growth and multicultural awareness. 

Merino Productions has decided to start a new community awareness program on all these matters and will be volunteering hours to create a series of on-going bilingual (English and Spanish) videos. We are looking for volunteer actors and actresses of all ages to help us create these video messages. 

Read more →

Cultural, Events, Family, Food, Health, Local, News

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” in Need this Thanksgiving

by  • 

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) holds Project Turkey to help food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets. 

This year, due to the pandemic, the holidays have hit families dealing with a child with cancer even harder due to increased financial constraints. Many families have had to leave work in order to care for their sick child, and TBCF is working hard to collect items for these families so they can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Read more →

Events, Local, News, Veterans

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation “Night at the Drive-In!” on Nov. 11 Honors Two Santa Barbara World War II Veterans

by  • 

Although it has been difficult to have in person events this year, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is still managing to keep the Veteran’s Day spirit alive with “Night at the Drive-In!,” an event where they will honor World War II Veterans Art Peterson and Ugo D. Arnoldi, deceased. 

Every year, PCVF has their in-person Military Ball to show their appreciation for all Veterans but this year, due to COVID-19, they have changed their usual in-person event to a drive-in event to fit social distancing guidelines. Their drive-in event will have a gourmet BBQ boxed dinner, a movie screening of Memphis Belle, a few surprises and will keep their tradition of honoring veterans from the Santa Barbara community. 

Read more →

Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Racism Declared a Public Health Crisis by County of Ventura Board of Supervisors

by  • 

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. “The resolution is a pledge from the Board and the County to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in housing, employment, economic development, health care, and public safety,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “The resolution also pledges that the County will work to become a more racial equity and justice-oriented organization in service to the community. It is our goal for this to become part of our culture to best serve our community.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 10

by  • 

Good evening, There are 72 new cases today (17 (23.6%) of which have a lab collection from November 3rd or earlier), 1,577 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. Currently, there are 35 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate, 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% (orange tier) for the health equity positivity rate for the measurement period ending October 31st.

Read more →

Business, Education, Food, Local, News

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Temporarily Moves To New Location During Campus’ Solar Panel Installation

by  • 

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace will temporarily move to a new location on the Ventura College campus while solar panels are installed at its current site (East Parking Lot). The Marketplace will open at the campus’ West Parking Lot on November 28. The Marketplace will be closed November 21 and 22 in preparation for the move. The solar panel installation is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.

Read more →

Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

School Reopening Plans May Change as Ventura County COVID-19 Cases Rise

by  • 

Some Ventura County schools could have to delay their plans to resume in-person instruction if the County falls back to the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list, which is looking increasingly likely. Due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases, County health officials anticipate the move back to the purple tier could happen as early as next Tuesday, November 17, but is most likely to occur a week after that on Tuesday, November 24.

Read more →

Business, Family, Local, News, Youth

November/December Happenings at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by  • 

There’s a lot happening at the Santa Paula Art Museum in November and December! For the first time in its ten-year history, the Museum’s annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is being hosted online. Bid on 20 beautiful works of art now through Sunday, November 22, 2020. The Museum’s annual art auction is its biggest fundraiser each year. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and the thousands of children, families, and adults that the Museum serves through its educational programs every year. Find a link to the online auction on the Museum’s website: www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/event/auction.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 9 — COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing

by  • 

COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing. If the cases continue to increase we will be moved to the more restrictive purple tier by the State. We need your help. We need to increase testing numbers. The State gives credit for more testing and testing also helps slow the spread. We also need your help in slowing the spread by not gathering. Gatherings increase the virus’ spread. Let’s work together so we can all move forward and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

EDC NEWS- Welcome New Advisors!

by  • 

The Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to announce the addition of five new advisors to our consulting team! As one of California’s largest direct business support networks, our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is dedicated to providing quality consulting with a diversity of advisor skillsets to assist you with each of your business needs. Access to capital, top tier advising and personalized support is just a phone call away.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

SMHS Advanced Floral Design Students take part in Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival

by  • 

What better way to spend the day than playing with flowers!

This past Saturday, four Santa Maria High School Advanced Floral Design students, along with their teachers, Amanda Rodriguez, Sara Araujo and Kristie Van Horn, made free flower arrangements for anyone who purchased flowers from Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival.

Read more →

Government, Health, Local, News

COVID-19 Cases Increasing in County of Ventura

by  • 

The County of Ventura Public Health Department is reporting concerning increases in COVID-19 cases. The community is urged to use caution. The best protection against COVID-19 continues to be to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing, and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Local, News

Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work

by  • 

Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.

No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.

Now, the hard part begins. Patience.

As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.

Those news services include:

Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump

However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.

Read more →

Education, Government, Local, Opinion, Politics

Guest commentary — What I Learned About America as a Poll Worker in the 2020 Elections

by  • 

I volunteered to be a poll worker in the Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County for the presidential election of 2020. I was assigned to work at Orcutt Junior High School, in the small agricultural city of Orcutt, here is what I learned. …At the end of the final night of poll work, I walked out to my car with a big smile on my face, with the satisfaction of knowing that I had just participated in a very important and sacred part of our American electoral process. And that our team had done a wonderfully honest, transparent, inclusive, and patriotic job.

Read more →

Cultural, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Terms of Endearment in Spanish

by  • 

What if a man is overheard calling his sister “skinny”? Or, worse yet, suppose a wife is seen in public calling her husband “fatty.” Can you imagine the firestorm if a father were to be caught calling his daughter “my little dark girl,” or if a light-skinned woman were to refer to herself as a “little black girl”?

A Twitter flare-up, the likes of which hell hath never known, is exactly what happened when the song “Lonely,” in which Jennifer Lopez, describing herself as a “negrita from the Bronx,” was released a little over a month ago.

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

$1.3 Million in Rental Assistance Still Available for SB County Residents Through United Way of Santa Barbara County

by  • 

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, United Way is offering rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families living in unincorporated areas. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal grants received from the CARES Act. 

The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which gave Santa Barbara County a total of about $46 million in funding. 

Read more →

Commentary, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

12 Acts of Kindness

by  • 

In memory of those taken on November 7, 2018, and in honor of those that survived, this campaign is designed to encourage the community to perform 12 Acts of Kindness. An act of kindness can be simple and performed on behalf of those closest to you, a stranger, an organization, or for some, an act of kindness for themselves.

The campaign is mix of printable items and social media imagery for use across all platforms. The concept is to encourage everyone to participate in the way that is best for them. Participating in 12 Acts of Kindness does not require anyone to spend money, which is a critical aspect. Raising awareness around how many simple Acts of Kindness are possible and helping the healing process for the community is the goal of this campaign.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News

VCCCD Internship Opportunity to Provide Beautiful Music for All

by  • 

The Ventura County Community College District has created a unique internship opportunity for two Moorpark College aspiring music professionals. Students Dan Damore and Alex Fortunato will create original music scores for the District’s marketing projects, including music to be played prior to Board of Trustees meetings and during breaks. Scores will also be written for Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus.

Read more →