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

Museum of Ventura County — Fall in love with these new Museum offerings

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Oaktober
Sunday, October 2nd from 10am-2pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free

Feel connected to your county’s environmental community with the local leaders and creatives creating a more sustainable future.

Celebrate and learn more about oaks and native plants with Dr. David White of Once Upon a Watershed, Jenn Rodriguez of Growing Works, Katie Tilford of TinyPlants, and author Melina Watts of Tree, in partnership with Melissa Baffa of Ventura Land Trust. TinyPlants and Growing Works will also be selling beautiful native plants. So join us, get some gorgeous plants and go wild. Click here to learn more.

Made possible in part by

ArtsVentura

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

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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Labor Market Report for August 2022

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

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

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — September 2022

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At their meeting on Sept. 15, the SBCC Board of Trustees passed a resolution to join in with others across the United States to proclaim Sept.15-Oct 15, 2022, as Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the invaluable ways in which Hispanics contribute to our society. Read the resolution.

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Local, News

Artwork By Brookside Elementary School 2nd Grader Selected By Metropolitan Water District To Appear in 2023 Calendar

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Artwork by Delilah Bovatsek, a second grader at Brookside Elementary School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its 2023 print calendar and digital library.

MWD provides water to 19 million people in Southern California. Students throughout MWD’s service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), had the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork to MWD’s “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year.

Bovatsek and her family attended the TWSD September 19 board meeting where TWSD board chair Leon Shapiro presented Delilah with a certificate of recognition as well as a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble.

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Business, Local, News

Lauren Bragg to lead National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara Chapter

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Goal coach and feng shui expert Lauren Bragg has been named president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB).

An entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience running her own business, Bragg is a certified goal and health coach. She’s helped thousands of women achieve their dreams through the art of goal setting, and is creator of a Goal Setting Crash Course and the Accountability Academy.

In addition to her private coaching practice, Bragg co-founded The Feng Shui Collective with her mother, Pamela, with whom she works to transform people’s physical spaces to support their goals. She believes that a person’s physical space not only reflects who they are, but also either helps or hinders their ability to succeed and get things done.

Bragg is a cheerleader for other women business owners and enjoys creating space for female entrepreneurs to network and grow their expertise. She co-leads several women’s retreats including The Elevate Retreat in Carpinteria (the next one is scheduled for April, 2023).

“I am a proud member of NAWBO and honored to serve as president of NAWBO Santa Barbara,” Bragg said.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Veterans

New Legislation Gives Less than Honorably Discharged Veterans a Fighting Chance

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Assembly Bill (AB) 325 authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was signed by Governor Newsom on Saturday, September 17. AB 325 will create the Veteran’s Military Discharge Upgrade Grant Program to fund local service providers working with California veterans to assist them in filing discharge upgrade applications.

“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 325,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “Veterans have bravely fought for our safety, and it is only fair that we now fight for theirs and provide them with the services and benefits that are owed to them.”

The nature of a veteran’s discharge from their military service branch has an effect on what benefits they may be eligible for based on their service. As a result, a less than honorable discharge deprives veterans from accessing important federal and state benefits resulting in veterans paying higher costs for housing, health care, and education.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, Youth

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program Announces New Group for LBGTQ+ Community

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Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week closed-ended grief support group program for our LBGTQ+ community, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator, and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. The program is intended to companion you on your own unique grief journey. 

Registration for the group ends October 3rd. Group will meet in person and space is limited. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

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

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

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

Septiembre 20 a las 4:00 pm

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

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Gerry Pantoja Named Ventura College Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy

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Gerry Pantoja has been named Director of Philanthropy at the Ventura College Foundation. He had previously held the position of Director of Major and Planned Giving.

“It is a privilege to work with individuals and organizations who have and continue to seek to improve our community through the power of education,” says Pantoja. “Through their partnerships and ongoing support, our students will go on to earn certificates and degrees or transfer to a four-year university, obtaining the skills and knowledge that will not only better their lives but Ventura as well. In this new role, I look forward to continuing this work with our community partners to expand our ability to make a difference in the lives of the students who will lead and care for Ventura in the coming years.”

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

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) — Statewide Battery Recycling Programs Created Under New Law

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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Responsible Battery Recycling Act today as part of a larger climate action package. Together, SB 1215 and AB 2440 will create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and products that contain batteries. The signing of these bills mark the culmination of many years of effort to address battery waste.

California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt the state’s waste stream and poison the environment. …

“Few people know that batteries are actually hazardous waste and those of us who do have containers of used batteries we don’t know what to do with. This means the majority of batteries end up in curbside waste bins, causing damage to our recycling facilities which ultimately requires rate payers to pay more on our utility bills,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of AB 2440.

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Business, Local, News

Experienced aviation executive opens TruNorth Jets in Camarillo

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If booking a commercial flight for your next vacation or business trip raises your anxiety level given the state of the airline industry, consider private jet travel that caters to all your travel needs and provides unparalleled VIP service that never leaves you hanging.

Headquartered in Camarillo, the newly opened TruNorth Jets serves clients’ travel needs within the United States to Europe, Mexico, Bahamas and beyond, providing the efficiencies of smaller airports and the exclusive benefits of private aviation.  

Sarah Oberman, a Rio Mesa High School graduate from Camarillo who holds a bachelor’s in business management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, launched TruNorth Jets in January and promises an unmatched, first class travel experience.

“I am so proud to provide a highly customized luxury service that makes travel efficient and stress-free,” Oberman said. “No detail is too small. Our clients fly private to avoid crowded airline terminals, long security lines and large airport delays.”

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Health Science major is named a CSU Trustee Scholar

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science major Daisy Morado Navarrete is taking a full load -16 units- this semester, maintaining a 3.92 grade point average (GPA) and spending four hours a week at St. John’s Regional Medical Center helping to translate for Spanish-speaking patients.

Her talent, determination, academic excellence and generosity of spirit are among the reasons she has received the 2022 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Navarette is among the 23 students—one from each CSU campus—chosen by the CSU Board of Trustees as a 2022-2023 scholar.

The CSU Trustees’ Award is the university’s highest recognition of students who demonstrate superior academic performance. Each donor-funded scholarship bears the name of a donor; Navarette is the recipient of the TELACU scholarship.

All the scholars will be honored on Tuesday, Sept. 13 as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

The First-Ever UndocuFund Summit hosted by 805 UndocuFund, UndocuFund, and Latino Community Foundation, Calling for Equitable Disaster Relief to be held Sept. 18-20

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UndocuFund, 805 UndocuFund and The Latino Community Foundation (LCF), will co-host the first-ever UndocuFund Summit during the start of peak wildfire season in California. From September 18-20th at North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP) in Sonoma, the Summit will convene leaders from over 30 grassroots immigrant-serving organizations across California that responded to the pandemic and other disasters. Community leaders will highlight the experiences of undocumented Californians throughout the state and explore collective state and federal advocacy efforts.

“Undocumented workers contribute billions to the economy, yet are excluded from federal disaster aid,” said Beatrice Camacho, Director of UndocuFund in Sonoma County. “Without a safety net, California’s undocumented essential workers have labored through wildfires and smoke, 110 plus degree heatwaves, and the pandemic. They were forced to risk their lives to keep food on the nation’s table during devastating disasters. Now it’s time for California to make them a priority.” 

California is home to 10.6 million immigrants (foreign-born individuals) who comprise 27 percent of California’s population. Recent data shows that one in five children in the state are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member (1.7 million children in total).

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Commentary, Cultural, Health, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Angry Sun

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As we know all too well, Californians have been suffering recently with the “heat domes” that seem to enjoy settling, for days at a time, over our region in the Southwest. The resulting inferno bakes us, unmercifully, in a sweltering heat. The suffering we experience forces us to admit that yes, despite those who rant and confuse climate with weather, we are in fact facing a potential collapse of earth’s climate systems.

And yet many of us here in Ventura County live relatively close to the beach. We along the coast, at least, are consistently among the cooler spots in this entire corner of the country—if not the entire country (except for Alaska—usually). We are indeed fortunate when we compare our climate to that of California’s Central Valley, for example. 

Still, we suffer, though our suffering is relative. We can’t help but feel that we’ve angered the sun when in fact we’ve angered the earth.

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

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hispanic Heritage Month, COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters Available, REAP 2.0 Funding, County Electrification and more

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Supervisor Lavagnino and I sponsored and presented a resolution declaring Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th, 2022 through October 15th, 2022 to the Carpinteria Latinx Collective, Mujeres Makers Market, and Casa de la Raza. This year’s theme is, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” this theme reinforces the need to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed in decision-making processes, thereby helping to build stronger communities, and a stronger Nation, and reminds us that we are stronger together.

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Technology

Community Environmental Council, Electric Drive 805, and Community Advocates Invite Public to Explore the Rapidly Growing Electric Vehicle Landscape

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and their Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person, and virtual events leading up to and during National Drive Electric Week, scheduled for September 23 to October 2, 2022. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget—and provide independence from fossil fuels. 

National Drive Electric Week is a nationwide celebration aimed at helping the United States transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation in order to protect communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. Transportation is the largest source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. To prevent further climate impacts and protect our air, the California Air Resources Board issued a rule last month that fully bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.

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Business, Education, Events, Government, News, Technology

FATHOMWERX Summit Highlights Innovation & Collaboration

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 PORT HUENEME — Opening day of the 2022 FATHOMWERX Summit on Sept. 14, 2022 was a success with hundreds of people representing partner organizations gathered to explore the intersection between technology and the Department of the Navy. The two-day event was held at the FATHOMWERX Lab located at the Port of Hueneme. 

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

Guest contribution — Take The Ultimate Fall Trip To Lompoc On Scenic California Highway 1

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With cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the ideal season for a road trip to Lompoc! Sip award-winning wines from Sta. Rita Valley wineries, warm up with a pumpkin latte in one of our cozy coffee shops, take a lazy drive on our scenic country roads or relax at Jalama beach, catch a rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB, and stay at one of our comfy hotels!

Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, the comfortable weather conditions clear the way for outdoor activities like these: 

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Carola Smith to serve as Vice President of SBCC School of Extended Learning

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At their meeting on Sept. 15, the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees announced that Carola Smith has been selected to serve as Vice President, School of Extended Learning, for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). She will begin serving in the role immediately.

Smith has served as the Interim Vice President, School of Extended Learning, for nearly one year and has been with SBCC for more than 25 years. During that time she worked extensively with a variety of academic and student support programs, including Study Abroad, International programs, Business, and Media Arts. Prior to becoming an administrator, she served as faculty in several departments, including the School of Modern Languages, English as a Second Language (ESL), Work Experience and Personal Development.

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En español, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud

Bilingual report — Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

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

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

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Business, Commentary, Education, Local, Opinion

Guest contribution — PODS® Local’s On-Site Storage Helps Contractors Save Time and Money

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Major construction companies waste billions of dollars every year due to process inefficiencies. As the final product typically takes priority, other areas, like the storage of equipment and materials, often fall by the wayside. Large pieces of equipment are left unsecured, leaving them susceptible to theft. Project managers and team members are burdened with shuttling tools and materials back and forth to off-site facilities, further expending valuable time. According to construction software company PlanGrid, these sorts of process inefficiencies cost the construction industry $177 billion every year. PODS’ simple solution of on-site storage containers can help increase efficiencies by keeping tools, materials, and equipment at the job site.

Here are four of the biggest reasons to use storage containers on your construction site:

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Road Closure Due to Bradley Road Bridge Replacement

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The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until December 2nd, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible. In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following: 

8/26-9/2 – Single lane will be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Ladies of the evening, Buddhism, space exploration and Trump’s place in history among CSUCI Fall OLLI offerings

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Classes are underway, but anybody 50+ is welcome to join one of the classes offered by CSU Channel Islands Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

This Fall the OLLI roster includes 10 different six-week lecture topics from popular local instructors, as well as national experts who can speak on everything from astronomy to national politics to Ventura County’s ladies of the evening.

A Maryland academic with three doctorates in world religion, B.N. Hebbar, Ph.D., is teaching a comprehensive course on the history, doctrines, practices, sects, and the major historical figures in Buddhism, which is the majority religion in 13 countries in Asia.

“Some of the metaphysical and ethical teachings of Buddhism are most certainly applicable to the everyday lives of people,” Hebbar said. “If that were not the case, Buddhism would not have remained relevant despite its 2,600-year history.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

US News ranks Cal Lutheran 6th in West

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California Lutheran University has jumped two spots to its highest position ever in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings — sixth among 130 ranked regional universities throughout 15 Western states.

The overall U.S. News rankings consider student outcomes, faculty resources, academic reputation, per-student spending, admissions selectivity and alumni giving. The 2022-2023 list, released Sept. 12, includes universities in the West that provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s degrees, and a few doctoral programs.

The university jumped seven spots from 14th to seventh on the Best Value Schools list, which factors in academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. At Cal Lutheran, 97% of full-time undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid.

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Business, En español, Food, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud

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

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

Informational Flyer

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

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

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events

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The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.

The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. Jurors serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.

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Business, Education, Local, News

Field Truck Purchase Advances Ventura Land Trust’s Land Conservation Efforts

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Ventura Land Trust purchased a 2019 Toyota Tacoma to replace a field truck lost last year in a traffic collision, bringing the number in the organization’s fleet of field trucks to two. The truck was purchased with support from community donations, corporate support, and a lead gift from Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas).

The four-wheel drive field truck is used daily to transport Ventura Land Trust staff, tools, water tanks, and other gear necessary for conservation work and preserve management. The truck is also used to haul thousands of pounds of trash from the Ventura River.

“This truck replaces a field truck that was 20 years old,” says Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “It feels good to have a vehicle that can safely carry our staff and partners, and that is capable of meeting the demands of land stewardship.”

“We know that people will see this truck driving around town with the water tank we use to care for young plants, or piled high with trash bags from a clean-up. It’s really a moving symbol of the work we do every day to protect and preserve local open spaces. We’re pleased to have the support of the community and partners like SoCalGas, who understood the urgent need to add to our field truck fleet and came through with the support we needed to do so.”

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update for Sept. 13

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Today, the life and legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was honored at the first Board of Supervisors meeting since her passing. We are grateful to all who joined to remember and celebrate her life and dedicated service.
View the meeting recording here.

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