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

MVC Now! — Local History Happy Hour + Mindfulness @ the Museum + Gardens Opening June 3rd

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We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.

We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.

PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!

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Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Walk-In Vaccination Opportunities & June 15th Changes

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Child care is critical to Santa Barbara County’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This past year has highlighted how child care is a pillar of our national and local infrastructure, and has exposed unsustainable vulnerabilities and inequities that existed pre-pandemic. Santa Barbara County’s already fragile child care system needs a stronger infrastructure to ride out and recover from this pandemic as well as to ensure preparedness for the next emergency.

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

County of Ventura — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2012

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Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”

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Business, Events, Local, News

NAWBO Ventura County announces 21st Annual BRAVA Honorees

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The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the 21st BRAVA Awards Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held virtually on Friday, June 18th, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Local attendees may choose to pick up a lunch and an “Extraordinary Woman Swag Gift Bag” on Thursday, June 17th in the outdoor patio of Peirano’s in beautiful downtown Ventura, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier at 12:01 a.m. June 2

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The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.

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

‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

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A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Services to Thousand Oaks

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The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Thousand Oaks. Beginning May 30, 2021, “Squad-30” will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service to the communities of Thousand Oaks. 

Squad-30 will be stationed at Fire Station 30 on Hillcrest Drive directly across from The Oaks mall. Paramedic squads routinely respond to all medical emergencies, structure fires, traffic collisions, and technical rescues within their designated response area. Having firefighters cross trained as paramedics also allows for critical patient care to be initiated in hazardous situations such as confined space rescues and hazmat incidents. In addition, Squad-30 will serve as a training vehicle where instruction and evaluation in the field of paramedicine occurs.

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Business, Education, Family, Home, Local, News

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Less than a month to register for June 26 Virtual Homeownership Conference

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Join us right from your couch on Saturday, June 26!

Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer or repeat buyer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about homeownership in Southern California. At this year’s virtual conference, we want you to know that “Homeownership is Within Reach”! It’s our mission to provide you with the best guidance and practical tools to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. You will leave inspired and equipped to begin or continue your path toward homeownership!

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

Museum of Ventura County — New Outdoor Program — Register for ‘Mindfulness @ The Museum”

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Join us this summer for Mindfulness at the Museum, new weekly free wellness classes outside in the gardens at the Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.

You can participate at the Museum of Ventura County (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Thursdays from 4—5pm and at the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) on Saturdays from 10—11am in Santa Paula.

These classes provide fun and free activities for individuals and families. Beginners are encouraged to participate. All classes are free! Classes are limited and registration is required. MVC members get priority access. 

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Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighter Trainees

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ainees who have successfully completed 20 weeks of intense training at VCFD’s Regional Training Center in Camarillo on Friday. Under the leadership of VCFD’s training staff, the trainees of Academy 58 will enter the field this Sunday as they staff fire engines and ladder trucks throughout Ventura County.

Graduating firefighter trainees consistently demonstrated proficiency in all disciplines of firefighting, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical care to name a few.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Member Laura Flores Part of Virtual Graduation with Vice President Kamala Harris

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Laura Flores, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member and Carpinteria High School senior, was one of 100 students across the country who were invited to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony with Vice President Kamala Harris. The prime-time special aired May 23 on CNN.

Flores was one of three Girls Inc. seniors — all Teen Advocacy Council members — to participate and represent their fellow Girls Inc. members who are graduating from high school this year.

She was recently selected as a finalist for Jr. Carpinterian of the Year, and was recognized as a 2021 Girls Inc. National Scholar earlier this year. Ranked in the top 10% of her class, she graduates Carpinteria High with a 4.5 GPA and 25 units completed at Santa Barbara City College.

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Commentary, Government, Local, News, Opinion, Politics

Bilingual commentary — John Cox’s Bear

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John Cox, a businessman and political activist, has been a perennial candidate for political office. He has not quite yet achieved his goal. He has run for Congress, a county office in Illinois, and even president of the United States. More recently, he ran for governor of California, but lost to Gavin Newsom, a former mayor of San Francisco, in the 2018 election. Now he is one of the current Republican candidates vying for the governorship of California in the effort to recall Mr. Newsom this year. Cox has his eye on being the incumbent in California’s gubernatorial election in 2022.

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

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. and NeighborWorks on June 10 to celebrate 2021 graduates

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In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.   

Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.   

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Calls Mount for Advance Warning of Ag Pesticide Spray 

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Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm. 

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Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Meet the 2021 Ventura County Teacher of the Year

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Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Mia Rogers from Glen City Elementary School in the Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) is the 2021 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Rogers and her students found out about the honor today when her family and local dignitaries made a surprise visit to her classroom.

Rogers currently teaches second grade at Glen City Elementary. Her principal, Dr. Lydia Olivo, said Rogers takes a gentle but effective approach to ensuring each students’ success. “Succeeding is not an option for students in Mrs. Rogers’ class; it’s a given. She knows what each student is capable of, helps them gain confidence and pushes them beyond their current instructional level.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

The Port of Hueneme is Committed to Equality

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As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.

“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 26, 2021

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The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Robotic Pet Companion Program offers people experiencing isolation and loneliness a comforting pet companion that mirrors many of the behaviors of a real animal. Those who have received the pets say they’ve noticed a decrease in depression symptoms, an increase in happiness, and improved sleep.

Do you know an older adult or person with a disability who is experiencing depression?

The VCAAA’s Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives, or PEARLS, is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults 60 and older. For more information visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/social-services-caregiving/ or call 805-477-7300.

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Business, Education, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Career Opportunities at EDC

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The EDC is looking for two new staff members to join our team!

At the EDC, our work focuses around our purpose- meaningful contributions to economic opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers, increasing the region’s well-being and quality of life. We value trust, mutual support and collaboration, creating space for risk and innovation. Striving for continuous learning, we believe in constantly improving our work and encouraging our team member’s personal growth. Our team relies on each other and celebrates each other’s and our collective success.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Salud

Bilingual report — Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan Update

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The Ventura County Department of Airports would like to thank community members who participated in the public workshop that was recently conducted to kick off the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan update. Based on the feedback received to date, the Department has decided to pause the Master Plan process for a period of approximately one year or more if needed to broaden community engagement.

The intent of the Airport Master Plan Update is to both share information and listen to community members to seek their input and vision for how the two County owned Airports should serve our local communities and region. The County hopes to have a shared understanding through broadened engagement, of the community’s concerns and interests in how the Airports are being planned and operated to best serve all in our communities.  

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

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $640,000 In Scholarships

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The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, Youth

Mary Maranville, SEEAG Founder & CEO, Is 2021 Women’s Economic Ventures Spirit of Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Award Winner

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Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), received the Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Nonprofits. Each year, WEV celebrates outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in 10 industry categories. The awards were announced during a live virtual ceremony on May 21. Over 150 business leaders and community members attended.

“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.

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

County of Ventura likely to reach State’s Yellow least restrictive tier 12:01 am June 2

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The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am.  Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.  

“This is especially great news for our business community. Expanded capacity will help impacted businesses as we head into the summer months. We appreciate the hard work of our community members in getting us to this point,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.  

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

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters May 2021

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Meet Crystal! About 3 years ago, Crystal and her father needed to refinance their home as their mortgage payments kept increasing due to their adjustable interest rate. Their hope was to refinance with a low fixed interest rate to lower their monthly mortgage payments. Crystal went to bank lenders to see if she would qualify for a refinance but nothing seemed to work for her. It was a worrisome time for Crystal and her dad and they thought they would lose their home as they continued to struggle to afford the monthly mortgage payments.  

All this changed after a family member, a client of ours, encouraged Crystal to get help from VCCDC.

“VCCDC made the process stress-free and guided us throughout the entire process. I am so grateful we were able to refinance our home through VCCDC because we were able to keep our home, lower our monthly mortgage payments and obtain a fixed interest rate,” says Crystal.

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