Business, En español, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

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Today, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Probation Officer Gina Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective January 29, 2023. Chief Deputy Johnson will serve in this role while the County of Ventura continues its search for the permanent Chief Probation Officer. Chief Deputy Johnson succeeds Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela who is retiring from County service on January 28 after 34 years of service, the last 13 of which he served as Chief Probation Officer for the Agency. 

“We look forward to welcoming Interim Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson to this important leadership position for the Probation Agency and I want to thank her for being willing to serve during this time of transition,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We thank Chief Varela for his many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated work at the Probation Agency and within the community. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to working with Interim Chief Johnson.”

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Business, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

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

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Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week grief support group program for our LGBTQ+ community. The group will meet every Tuesday from February 7th through April 11th. The group will meet in person at our Camarillo Grief Center. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News

37th Annual California Strawberry Festival Seeks Sponsors & Exhibitors

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The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival, taking place May 20 and 21, is seeking corporate sponsors and commercial exhibitors. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival is back at a new location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.

The family-friendly festival attracts over 57,000 visitors and pays tribute to Ventura County’s number one crop: strawberries. Festivalgoers come from throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties. They enjoy over 40 strawberry-themed food and beverage stands, up to 200 fine arts and craft vendors, strawberry-themed contests for all ages, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, fair-style carnival rides and a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake tent. An estimated 1.5 million strawberries, picked fresh locally, will be eaten during the two-day festival.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

DignityMoves and the County of Santa Barbara Announce the Launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a comprehensive plan to solve the County’s interim housing needs

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In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, DignityMoves announced today the launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a bold initiative to create sufficient Interim Supportive Housing for everyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the County of Santa Barbara.

Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the updated Community Action Plan which calls for the development of several DignityMoves villages totaling approximately 437 beds, more than closing the existing shelter gap of 432 beds county-wide.

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Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Santa Paula Police Explorers Earn an Award in First-Ever Chandler Tactical Competition

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In January, Santa Paula Police Department Explorer Post #2350 embarked on its first-ever journey to participate in the Chandler Tactical Competition.  Explorers representing 45 law enforcement agencies from across the nation participated in the highly competitive event in Chandler, Arizona. The Post returned to Santa Paula with a Third Place Award in the “Unknown Alarm Response” Scenario.

The Chandler Police Department in Arizona has hosted this annual event for the past 25 years. Not only does the trip involve continuous training throughout the year, but it also requires strong leadership and mentorship by our Post’s advisors. Participation in this prestigious competition required a lot of logistical planning and a high level of supervision by the adult advisors consisting of volunteers, professional staff, and sworn officers. Interim Police Chief Don Aguilar attended the event to support the explorers and advisors.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Invites Public Comments On Regional And Local Workforce Plans

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In 2021, the WDBVC developed Regional and Local Plans and incorporated its strategic priorities and vision, in addition to what is required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Every two years, the WDBVC must update these plans. Therefore, in October 2022, the Board met to update the strategic goals and identify milestones to achieve them before the end of 2023. The Regional and Local Plan updates were developed using various outreach and research methods to ensure that multiple perspectives were identified and heard across sectors and stakeholders and that the reports contained solutions for more robust economic and job growth.

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

Museum of Ventura County — New Exhibit ‘Finding the Light’ Now Open, upcoming events

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Finding the Light:

Works from MVC’s

Permanent Collection

Now Open

at the Museum of Ventura County

Finding the Light explores how artists use light not only to influence shape and color, but also to impart deep meaning. The exhibit, featuring works by renowned and diverse regional artists including Guy Webster, Andrea Vargas, Henry Chapman Ford, and Susan Petty, is the first exhibit installed in the new Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Gallery.

This gallery has been created through a generous endowment from the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund and is designed to showcase the Museum of Ventura County’s permanent collection.

Learn more about Finding the Light here.

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Business, Local, News

Ventura Land Trust Preserves Damaged in Recent Storms Set for Extended Closure

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Ventura Land Trust (VLT) nature preserves sustained significant damage in the recent storms that dropped 15 inches of rain areas of Ventura County. Harmon Canyon Preserve, Big Rock Preserve, and Willoughby Preserve are closed to the public due to structural blows to trails and roads.

“At Harmon Canyon Preserve, we are dealing with deep mud, sinkholes, unstable slopes, and loose rocks,” says Preserve Director Dan Hulst. “Repairs are underway, but it may be as long as two months before the preserve partially opens and public access is restored. The message we need to get out to the public is that this closure is necessary for their safety. Even when it’s dry and sunny outside, we need people to remember that preserves are still closed.” 

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Business, Commentary, En español, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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Labor Market Report for December 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its December 2022 report on Friday, showing a surprising but welcome drop in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.7% in November to 3.2% in December. That places Ventura County well ahead of California’s overall rate of 3.7% and ahead of the national average of 3.3%. For the official December data, click here.

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

Bilingual report — Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $640,000 to the County of Ventura for Oxnard Family Justice Center services and resources

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On Monday, January 23, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check for $640,000 to the County of Ventura to expand crime victim services and resources in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The money will help with the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center, a program administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, at a new location in Oxnard.

“This money will help to provide funds for bilingual victim advocates, help children who have been victims of domestic violence by funding youth programs, and it will provide onsite civil legal services at the Oxnard Family Justice Center,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Congresswoman Brownly has been a steadfast champion of public safety and crime victims. We thank her for continuing to standup for Ventura County’s most vulnerable.”

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Grants available for Thousand Oaks seniors, households affected by the Thomas Fire

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Join VCCDC and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to learn about grants that can help seniors living in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village and households impacted by the Thomas Fire with home improvements to prepare their home for wildfires including screening vents, clearing vegetation, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and more!

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 26th @ 6pm
LOCATION: Online (receive link once you register)

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Explore Lompoc Announces 2023 Events In Lompoc

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A new year brings new opportunities. And in Lompoc, there’s always something exciting, engaging, and new to discover and experience.

From heavenly cuisine to cursed pirates. From colorful days in flower fields to electric nights in downtown Lompoc. From winemakers to trendsetters. From now through December 31, 2023, you’ll find all of this and more right here in the Lompoc Valley. All year long.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event, webinar schedule

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CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: 2023 LABOR LAW UPDATE *SPONSORED BY THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY

January 24 @ 10:00 am

2023 looks to be a bit brighter regarding the pandemic, but the Legislature refocused its attention on passing a multitude of labor and employment bills. This presentation will go over critical updates for California employers. The California Employers Association training is unique in that they will not only cover the new laws, but their HR advisors will also discuss policy updates, practical guidance and available resources. Of course, they will also answer your burning questions!

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

SBCC’s The Bridge Newsletter — January 2023

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Newly elected trustees Ellen Stoddard and Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore (pictured in center, left to right) were sworn into the SBCC Board of Trustees by their retiring predecessors, Dr. Peter Haslund and Kate Parker, at the Dec. 15 meeting of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term. Additionally, Jonathan Abboud (left) and Dr. Anna Everett (right) were elected president and vice president of the Board, respectively.
Read about the new trustees on the SBCC Board of Trustees web page.
Read the press release on the new Board appointments.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Meadowlark Service League Hosts a Spring Charity Luncheon and Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

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Join the Meadowlark Service League (Meadowlarks) at Las Posas Country Club on Monday, March 6th, for their annual Spring Charity Luncheon, accompanied by a Tennis and Pickleball Tournament, as well as Silent and Live Auctions.  The boutique features a great variety of vendors and is open to the public at no cost. 

The ladies of the Meadowlark have been working hard to continue to create opportunities to raise funds that benefit the many charities that our events support. “This is the 25th anniversary of the Charity Luncheon and Tournament and it continues to give the women of Ventura County a chance to enjoy friendships, sport and special time to themselves,” noted longtime Meadowlark member and event chair, Gwen Speakes, “and we are so excited to host this year’s fun event.  Join us for “Magical Moments.”

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News for Jan. 20, 2023

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Since the onset of the January 2023 storms, California has been working closely with federal partners to provide support to impacted communities. On January 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration, which was approved by President Biden on January 9, 2023, to include Ventura County. The Presidential Emergency Declaration provides state and local assistance to providing emergency services, such as protecting lives and mitigating damage.

Following the Emergency Declaration, Ventura County continued to sustain damage from the January 9-10, storms that impacted public and private property. Considerable efforts to collect damage reports and conduct field assessments with state and federal partners are currently underway. Residents and business owners are asked to submit reports of damage or requests for assistance in hopes that Ventura County may also be included in a designation for Individual Assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News

Longtime community leader Angela Sanchez joins VISIONALITY along with two more

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VISIONALITY kicks off 2023 with the hiring of three new team members just as it wraps 2022 and the celebration of its 10th year in business. Longtime community leader Angela Sanchez joins VISIONALITY bringing 20+ years of finance and banking experience to her new role as the company’s Senior Strategic Relationship Manager. She is joined by Senior Project Manager–Strategy, Jeanette Villanueva and Senior Project Manager–Fundraising & Communications, Katie Pearson.

“When you meet three amazing women, you hire them all,” exclaimed VISIONALITY CEO Emily Barany. “We are a growing team of eight strong women and one brave man.” All joking aside, Barany notes that her experienced team is well-equipped for the big plans she has for the company in 2023. Barany is known as a leader who’s not afraid to jump all-in on behalf of her clients and her community and demonstrates that with these three new hirings.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, Opinion, Technology

Bilingual commentary — Will Artificial Intelligence Doom Us?

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is the quintessential double-edged sword. It has the ability to rescue humanity from some of its most intractable problems. On the other hand, if we are not careful, it could end up subjecting us to its whims, ravaging societies, and, ultimately, destroying us. 

Some scientists and social engineers are giddy with the possibilities of AI. They see it as a means toward achieving things such as advances in medicine, more effective education, better tools for fighting climate change, and stronger and more durable materials. Employers are salivating with the potential of AI to help them trim costs—enormously, in some cases. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

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There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Hasan elected to Ventura LAFCo

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Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent community and business leader in Ventura County has been elected to the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission. The special districts in Ventura County elected him to be an alternate Commissioner

The Ventura County LAFCo decides primarily boundary issues of the county, cities, and most special districts. Every county in California has a LAFCo. They implement state law requirements, state and local policies relating to boundary changes, including spheres of influence, incorporations, annexations, and reorganizations. Commissioners are either appointed or elected. More Information is available at ventura.lafco.ca.gov

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

Ventura Harbor Village: Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park

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Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has recently announced daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village, and is now offering Winter Whale Watching Excursions through April 2023.  Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at  www.islandpackers.com.

Also, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/ for more information.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jumps into Second Gymnastics Session

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the year with a new session of gymnastics classes, following the success of its first programming session that launched in September. The 10-week program, offered on Thursday afternoons for students in TK-5thgradate, is currently serving 32 girls.

Girls Inc. Gymnastics Coach Kendall Clark stated that internal skills were a high point in the previous session, with participants displaying an increased level of mind-body connection, rotation disciple, and self-confidence. Participants also work on foundational skills including conquering successful cartwheels, handstands and back handsprings.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces two new Board Directors and appoints new Chair at its Annual Public Meeting

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 During its Annual Public Meeting in January, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced two new Directors have joined its Board. Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Paula, Elenore Vaughn joins the Board bringing with her two decades of experience in real estate development and public affairs. Joining Ms. Vaughn on the Board is longstanding community member and partner at McCarthy Companies, Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, who brings years of local building and business development experience. The 2023 Board is led by 2023 Chair Tracy McAulay, Management Analyst for the County of Ventura Community Development Division and Vice Chair Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing.

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

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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At PSHH, we are not afraid to ask questions.

Now in our third year of DEI training, we have more than just poked at the edges; we have gone deep into the DNA of our fifty two year old organization. Marked with further and significant investments of funds and time, the next twelve months will see our staff-led initiatives continue to explore where we are, where we are going, and humbly, where we want to be.

Our continued progress is thanks to the authentic participation of our 200+ team members who have vulnerably shared their feelings and with conviction embraced new opportunities.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

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SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CHALLENEGE

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Academic Competitions Seek Volunteers

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Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are returning in person this year, but we need the support of community volunteers to present these events for local students. The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Science Fairwill be taking place over the next several weeks. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see below for additional information and links to our online volunteer registration forms.

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