Business, Education, Local, News

CSUCI faculty members receive PCBT’s Spirit of Small Business Advocate Award

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The Pacific Coast Business Times has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Marketing Ekin Pehlivan and Cynthia Sherman, Director of the University’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI) and Assistant Professor of Management, a 2021 Spirit of Small Business Advocate award.

The award was given in recognition of the pairs work in developing and implementing the Micro-Internship program. The program helped CSUCI students gain valuable job experience and local small businesses and nonprofits survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) sets to launch new environmental science program

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Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has been awarded a three year NOAA Bay-Watershed and Training Grant Award for the implementation of a new and exciting environmental science program titled ‘Ventura River Action Network (V-RAN) in partnership with the MERITO Foundation and with additional support from the U.C. Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science and Ventura Water. 

The V-RAN program is an adaptation of MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA program for VUSD science teachers and focuses on monitoring and restoring the Ventura River Watershed to support the removal of the Matilija Dam. This work will be done in collaboration with local and state environmental organizations.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Scott Lochridge to its Board of Directors

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The Mental Wellness Center announces the addition of Scott Lochridge to its Board of Directors. Scott Lochridge is an executive and strategic advisor to multinational corporations, nonprofits, and early-stage companies. He has over four decades of experience working with CEOs and executive teams to create and scale highly effective organizations, develop dynamic strategies for growth, create new capabilities, pursue new market opportunities, achieve sustainable operating & financial performance, and lead major change initiatives.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with Housing Authority for United Learning Center – GRAD Academy

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United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWBSC) partners with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) for United Learning Center – GRAD Academy. This partnership will transition students who previously attended the Housing Authority’s GRAD Academy after school program to United Way’s long standing United Learning Center programming.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Passes $5 Million Campaign Goal, Community Invited to Special Reception on Aug. 31

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Major improvements will soon be taking place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme now that they have reached their $5 Million Comprehensive Campaign goal. The Believe in Our Next Generation Comprehensive Campaign began two years ago, when BGCOP set out to raise $5 Million to invest in their clubs and young members. With the help of the community and some very generous donors they surpassed their goal and were able to raise $5,079,684.

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Business, En español, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Betsy George as Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer; Announces Finance Department’s Leadership Team

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The City of Oxnard announced the appointment of Betsy George as the Finance Department’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She is joined by the City’s Budget Manager Beth Vo, who has been appointed to serve as Interim Assistant CFO, and new Assistant CFO Mark Sewell to round out the department’s leadership team.

“It’s great that we are adding experienced professionals to lead our Finance Department, while also promoting one of our most dedicated, hard-working team members into a leadership role,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “I look forward to the continued progress of the Finance Department under Ms. George’s leadership.”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 24, 2021

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Since Tuesday, there are 196 new COVID-19 cases reported and 4,319 new tests performed. There are 145 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 82 year old male, 84 year old female, and a 97 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Oxnard Cultural Relations Commission Accepting Nominations for 2021 Community Recognition Awards Program

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The City’s Community Relations Commission (CRC) announces that nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 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.

“Going through 2020 and heading into 2021, a year full of uncertainty, fear, devastation, and of great need, many organizations and individuals stepped up to lend a hand. These unselfish acts of kindness, and demonstration of love, support, and care towards others during uncharted times deserves recognition from this great city,” said CRC Chair Adam Lopez.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 24, 2021

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Since Monday, there are 259 new COVID-19 cases reported and 3,985 new tests performed. There are 147 people hospitalized, 34 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 56 year old female and a 60 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.0% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
77.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Home, Local, News, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Development Corporation — VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – August 2021

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We sat down with our very valued long-time client and volunteer, Yolanda Duarte, and asked her about her journey with VCCDC. Take a look at her experience below!

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Yolanda and I am a single mom. I’ve been living here in California for 24 years and my dream has always been to own a home. VCCDC helped me to achieve that dream!

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Technology

Port of Hueneme — Exciting Day for Clean Air – Port’s Goal to Become a Zero Emission Hub

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When a blueprint is created, it identifies and outlines a plan of action with the big picture in mind. In the case of the Port of Hueneme, their “blueprint project” known as SPARC (Sustainable Power Advancement & Resiliency for our Community) was created to chart a pathway to zero emission operations which is the Port’s overall long-term goal for air quality improvement and climate change adaptation. The plan will include an attainable timeline for the complete transition to a zero emission Port operation.

“This project will be an essential element in charting the Port’s pathway to a zero-emission future as part of the Port’s commitment to being a steward of the local environment,” said Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District President. “The Port recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis facing the globe and is undertaking multiple projects to facilitate reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from Port operations.”

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Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Museum of Ventura County Displays John Nava’s Monumental Tapestry, Big Platter

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The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce and unveil its newest acquisition, John Nava’s Big Platter. A gift of Laura and William Peck, the 27-foot-long tapestry spans the north wall inside the Martha K. and Martin V. Pavilion, where numerous events, pop-up exhibits, and activities occur year-round. Big Platter will remain in the Pavilion as a permanent display.

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Business, Food, Local, News

The Collection at RiverPark offers community fun all fall

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The Collection at RiverPark offers shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities for all interests and tastes in a spacious, open-air atmosphere. To add to the fun, this fall the shopping center is hosting a variety of events and experiences for the community to enjoy.

“We have so many exciting things happening at The Collection this fall,” said the shopping center’s Marketing Manager, Jill Almonia. “There’s fun for all ages, and with so much to eat, drink, see and do, you’ll stop by for an event and end up wanting to spend the whole day exploring.”

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Business, Local, News

Attorney Joshua S. Smith Joins Employment Law Firm LightGabler

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Attorney Joshua S. Smith has joined the Camarillo employment law firm LightGabler.

Smith comes to the firm with a diverse legal background with experience in civil litigation, land use, water law, environmental law matters, public agency representation and contract drafting and negotiation. He previously was an associate with Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Issues New Health Order Requiring Masking Indoors

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Ventura County Public Health has issued a new health order requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. This order will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021. Businesses and other public entities have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021, to comply. The order will be in effect until 11:59 pm on September 19, 2021, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “As of today, we reached a rate of 28 cases per 100,000, a 40% increase. I hope that this order will increase mask usage in Ventura County. I expect that this will have a beneficial effect on the increase in COVID-19 infections we are seeing,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Technology, Youth

Community Environmental Council Partners With California Climate Action Corps On Youth Initiative to Make Electric Vehicles More Accessible

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with the California Climate Action Corps (CalCAC) to engage youth in efforts to make electric vehicles more accessible to low-income communities. 

With support through CalCAC’s Summer Program, CEC worked with two other climate-focused organizations in the state – Ecology Action  and Regeneración – Pájaro Valley Climate Action – to select six Electric Vehicle Equity Fellows from a pool of applicants. CalCAC, the country’s first state-level climate service corps, empowers individuals in California to serve, volunteer, and take concrete climate action in their own communities. Statewide, there are 236 fellows across 78 host partners in California. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

CSUCI Students finish on top in global Business Strategy Game

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A team of four CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Business students tied for first place in the international Business Strategy Game (BSG), beating out more than 600 teams from 56 colleges from across the globe.  

The BSG is an online competition pitting teams of college students against each other in running imaginary footwear companies. Each team is responsible for making decisions regarding production, shipping and inventory, corporate social responsibility, pricing and marketing, finance, worker compensation, and other aspects of management. 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 23, 2021

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Since Friday, there are 701 new COVID-19 cases reported and 12,169 new tests performed. There are 158 people hospitalized, 37 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 81 year old female, 67 year old male, 72 year old male, 63 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

75.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
77.7% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.4% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Encourages Water Customers To Use Automated Water System To Track Water Usage

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he Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is encouraging its nearly 13,000 Oak Park potable water customers to use the automated water meters on their property to track and conserve water usage.

Automated water meters were first introduced in the district in 2015 with a system upgrade two years ago. A total of 4,600 meters are installed on all Oak Park residential and commercial properties receiving potable water from the district. The meters enable customers to monitor their water use in real-time and set alarms to warn of excessive consumption.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Draughtsmen Aleworks Named 2021 Small Business of the Year for 37th Assembly District

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Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has selected Draughtsmen Aleworks as the 2021 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.

Draughtsmen Aleworks opened its first taproom in Goleta, CA in 2015, focusing on craft beer. Since then, not only has the brewery expanded locations to Santa Barbara and continued to grow its beer selections, but its products have also increased to offer innovative cider and hopped tea brews. Most recently, Draughtsmen Aleworks ventured into wine making, becoming one of the first breweries to cater to both beer and wine fans.

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Business, Entertainment, Food, Local, News

Farm to table ingredients are on the menu at Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village: off of California Highway 101

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Inspired by the coastal cuisine of Ensenada, Baja California, the new owners of Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village are dishing up a fresh menu featuring savory  Mexican fare.  Entrees originate from their Mom’s Baja style home-cooked meals and her experience working in a fish factory in Baja, California where she shared her authentic recipes. 

“We were inspired to open up a Mexican restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village because of our love and passion for cooking homemade Mexican food.  We dreamed of one day having our own restaurant which has now become a reality,” says Co-owners Rick Magana and his wife Christina.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Health, News, Women, Youth

Family Service Agency Welcomes Paul Cordeiro to Board of Directors

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Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Cordeiro to its Board of Directors.

“Paul’s extensive experience in K-12 education will be a huge asset to our agency,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA Executive Director. “Paul has made substantial improvements to education and positive contributions to the community. We’re very happy he’s joining our board!”

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Technology

Bilingual commentary — Will Electric Cars Save Us from Ourselves?

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The infrastructure bill passed by the United States Senate last week has been hailed as a bipartisan victory. It was passed in the face of fierce opposition from a considerable number of Senate Republicans, regardless of how much the bill stands to benefit their constituents. After all, why make President Biden look good when you can make him look bad? 

But enough Republican senators saw an opportunity to make things better for the country despite the usual threats from a certain former president. The bill is not yet signed into law, but it is expected to end up on President Biden’s desk for his signature after further discussions.

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Business, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 19, 2021

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Since Wednesday, there are 224 new COVID-19 cases reported and 4,851 new tests performed. There are 147 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 55 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

75.4% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
77.3% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.0% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Over 1 million vaccine doses have been administered to Ventura County residents.

For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC SBDC Advisor Named Regional State Star

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Anthony Elliott, CPA is a forensic “royalty audit” specialist with more than 30 years of public and corporate accounting experience. He consults with EDC SBDC small business clients on a broad range of finance, accounting and tax related topics, including business startup assistance, business plan and financial projection development, access to capital, disaster recovery, due diligence and business acquisition analysis, profitability, break even and cash flow analysis, sales and income tax compliance issues and other financial advisory services.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Santa Paula Art Museum — Ways To Connect With the PAC6

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Santa Paula Art Museum visitors are loving the new exhibit, Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds: The PAC6 Paints the Wild West, on view now through November 7, 2021. And we’ve got six fun ways to connect with the PAC6 during the run of their show! First, if you haven’t yet had the chance, you can peruse the exhibit online and share it with friends using the link below. All of the artworks are available to purchase.

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Business, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 18, 2021

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Since Tuesday, there are 255 new COVID-19 cases reported and 4,772 new tests performed. There are 143 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 63 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

75.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
77.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Ventura County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

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The County of Ventura is launching a fourth COVID-19 Business Assistance
Grant Program for business and nonprofit organizations that did NOT receive a grant during any of the County’s previous business grant programs. Businesses and nonprofits based in Ventura County may be eligible for a $10,000 grant.
The County Board of Supervisors has supported more than $65 million in grants to help local businesses move forward.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Politics

Bilingual report — Post-Census Redistricting Process Underway in Ventura County

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The County of Ventura’s Board of Supervisors has announced a series of upcoming public meetings on the County’s redistricting process, which is underway in every county in California and involves the redrawing of district lines to balance the population in each of the County’s five supervisorial districts. The process occurs every 10 years with the release of new U.S. Census data to ensure that each Board member represents about the same number of constituents.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Recognizes 2021 Employees of The Year

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Yunsheng Su, PhD, Luis Negrete, and Matt Maechler were recently named 2021 Employees of the Year for their outstanding job performance at Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA). 

“We are so honored at VCPWA to have so many talented, hardworking individuals on our team that are devoted to excellence,” said Agency Director Jeff Pratt.  “Our award recipients and nominees are essential examples of VCPWA’s mission to be leaders in providing effective, innovative and sustainable public works services.”  

Celebrating 3 years at VCPWA, Matt Maechler was named Manager of the Year for his work with the Design & Construction team within the Roads & Transportation department.  

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

August News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Though we’ve battled and made strides against the pandemic, it’s not over yet. Even more persistent and stubborn though, has been the pandemic of unaffordable housing, which People’s continues to combat against on a daily basis. While the latter pandemic has no single vaccine, a very effective one for inoculating against housing cost unaffordability for the most vulnerable income groups among us, including our communities’ frontline, essential, wage-earner workforce, is the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. 

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Education, Events, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — SB Gun Buyback, Gubernatorial Recall Election, & COVID Update

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The Coalition Against Gun Violence, the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Police Department will host the 6th Anonymous Gun Buyback at Earl Warren Showgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, from 8 a.m. to noon. Donors will receive a $100 Smart & Final Gift Card for each handgun or rifle and $200 gift cards for each assault weapon. 

The event is designed to protect the identity of those turning in guns, even illegal guns, which are accepted under the supervision of Santa Barbara Police Department. Participants will be asked to place unloaded firearms in the trunk of their car and enter the queue. Police will contact drivers, remove the firearms and provide a chit under the windshield wiper to exchange for the appropriate value in gift cards. Guns are disposed of under the care of SBPD.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn Announces Important Details Regarding September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election

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The September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election has been declared an all Vote By Mail election by the state. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Lunn stated, “With the emergence of the Delta variant, I encourage all voters to use the Vote By Mail ballot they receive at home to take advantage of the health and safety measures that voting by mail provides.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Santa Paula Art Museum — Place Your Bids!

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The Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year is happening now! Register to bid on Bidsquare.com. Then place your bids on any of 21 stunning works of art by some of our region’s most popular historic and contemporary artists. (Catch a glimpse of a few of our auction items below).

You can also purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of two paintings by historic Santa Paula artist Jessie Arms Botke! All proceeds from the auction and raffle benefit the Museum and the thousands of students and visitors it serves each year.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today! 

ARE YOU READY FOR EVICTION PROTECTIONS TO END?

August 27 @ 12:00 pm

Will you be ready for eviction protections to end? Join the EDC for a free webinar that will review timeless recommendations that will help BOTH TENANTS AND LANDLORDS prepare for eviction protections to expire. EDC Small Business Development Center Legal, Financial and Strategic Advisors will provide actionable items for both parties on:
Assessing your business finances
Evaluating your business options
Planning for negotiations

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Education, Local, News

VCCCD Chancellor Greg Gillespie Announces Retirement in 2022

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Since joining the Ventura County Community College District, Greg Gillespie, Ph.D., has continually strived to provide students with access to high-quality, relevant educational programs and support services, first as president of Ventura College, and currently as VCCCD chancellor. After eight years of service to the District, Gillespie has announced his retirement, effective the end of June 2022.

During his tenure as chancellor, Gillespie spearheaded initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to support the varying needs of the District’s students, employees and the greater community. This includes building a culture that encourages equity and social justice.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Santa Clara River Clean Up Effort

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We have heard from many of you having concerns about encampments of individuals facing homelessness in our County. We understand these problems have become especially acute in the Santa Clara River. In this notice, we want to share our current and future efforts, in partnership with the cities of Oxnard and Ventura, to address these challenges.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Free Family-to-Family Education Program for Family Members of Adults Living with a Mental Health Disorder

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Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder that will be held from Wednesday, September 22 – Wednesday, November 10th. This course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being.

The class will cover information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions and is taught by trained teachers who are also family members that know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder. 

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