Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

2024 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners – High School Division

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VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School and Royal High School took the top two spots in the high school division of the 2024 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which was held over two weekends at the Ventura County Hall of Justice. Twenty-one high schools from throughout Ventura County participated in Mock Trial this year. The winning teams were announced at an awards ceremony this evening at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Here’s how the eight highest-scoring high school teams ranked:

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

5 Fun Things to Do At La Purisima Mission State Historic Park In Lompoc

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LOMPOC — Step into history at one of California’s most extensively restored missions – La Purisima Mission State Historic Park! The Mission offers visitors a remarkable historic journey to life in the 1800’s. Within minutes of downtown Lompoc, you can explore the grounds of this meticulously preserved mission, and find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of California’s past. From the imposing adobe walls to the tranquil courtyards, every corner of La Purisima Mission resonates with history.

Visitors can wander through the well-preserved buildings, including the chapel, living quarters, workshops, and gardens, gaining insight into the daily lives of the Spanish missionaries and the indigenous Chumash people who once inhabited this site.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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DEMYSTIFYING THE FDA MOCRA 2022 COSMETICS RULES: WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS NEED TO KNOW

February 28 @ 10:00 am

Join Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and the Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics. This legislation introduces new requirements for cosmetic safety substantiation, supply chain transparency and labeling. Experts from Krieger Worldwide will provide clarity on the act’s scope, compliance timelines and strategies for company readiness.

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Education, Health, Local, News

District 216 announces upcoming events, news in Santa Barbara

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Topic: “Wisdom Warrior: A Psychedelic Shamanic Path to Transformation”

Date: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Roundtable Discussion at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.

Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.

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

YMCA’s Model United Nations For Middle Schoolers Begins March 6

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The YMCA’s Model United Nations for middle schoolers will begin in the Conejo and Simi valleys on March 6. Students in grades sixth through eighth are eligible. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

The program, which runs from March 6 through April 28, enables participants to come together with peers from across California to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and make new friends. These students will become “delegates” and be assigned to one of two program areas, each focusing on improving the international community.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum to presenting ‘The 15th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition’ through March 3, more events

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“Art About Agriculture” is a group exhibition presented by the Ag Art Alliance, a collective formed in 2007 by Santa Paula photographer John Nichols and Santa Paula painter Gail Pidduck. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

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

Bilingual report — SCORE Ventura Seeks Volunteers / SCORE Ventura Solicita Voluntarios

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SCORE is proud to be the nation’s largest network of volunteer mentors. To better serve the Spanish speaking Latino small business community in Ventura County, SCORE Ventura is seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers. 

As a SCORE Ventura mentor, you can play a pivotal role in the inspiring work we do. The skills, intelligence, and experience that you bring can be an invaluable resource for local entrepreneurs, helping them develop ideas, tackle challenges, and gain momentum as they grow. It’s a rewarding way to donate your time; one that really makes a difference.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Mysterious Letter X

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The letter X is one of the simplest, yet most enigmatic letters in use today. We’re not even sure how to pronounce it sometimes. The story of its origins is fuzzy.

Just look at the word for the name brand “Xerox.” One word, two very distinct pronunciations for x.

In Mexican Spanish, x has a place in the evolution of the language. It has generally replaced j in such words as “México” vs. “Méjico,” “Texas” vs. “Tejas,” and “Oaxaca” vs. “Oajaca.” 

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

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Residents to Participate in New Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

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“Inspired by the transformative power of mentorship, almost twenty years ago, I participated in a program that changed my perspective on public service,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Now, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy. This 10-week program is a direct response to our community’s desire for deeper engagement and understanding of City operations and aims to mentor residents and business owners, transforming them into ambassadors for our city.”

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

UCSB Arts & Lectures’ presentation of Abraham Verghese in Conversation with Pico Iyer featured a surprise introduction by Oprah Winfrey

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SANTA BARBARA — A capacity Arlington Theatre audience thrilled to a surprise appearance by Oprah Winfrey at last night’s UCSB Arts & Lectures Speaking with Pico event. Winfrey came out to celebrate the success of her friend Dr. Abraham Verghese, whose novel The Covenant of Water was an Oprah’s Book Club pick in 2023 and has been on the New York Times fiction bestseller list continuously since its release.

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Business, Cultural, familia, Family, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — New Affordable Housing in Santa Paula: Online pre-applications available Monday, March 18 at 9 a.m.

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People’s Place is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. On-site amenities include a community building and kitchen for resident events, a multipurpose room, outdoor courtyards, BBQs, and playgrounds. All residents will have access to free, confidential supportive services.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Artist Party This Sunday with Janna Ireland

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Janna Ireland’s photographic practice is primarily concerned with the themes of family, home, and the expression of Black identity in American culture. In 2016, she began photographing structures designed by legendary Black architect Paul R. Williams. A collection of 250 of these photographs was published in the major 2020 monograph, Regarding Paul R. Williams: A Photographer’s View. These multiple aspects of Ireland’s work will be featured and interwoven across both venues.

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

Enrollment opens for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program

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VENTURA COUNTY — The California Bountiful Foundation, the 501(c)3 science, research and education nonprofit organization of the California Farm Bureau, will begin enrollment Feb. 21 for a new program called Expanding Our Roots: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program. 

The program has a website where beginning farmers and ranchers with one to 10 years of farming and ranching experience in California may enroll for free in the mentorship program. 

Farmers and ranchers interested in serving as mentors may also sign up via the webpage. Mentors are financially compensated for providing six hours of mentoring services to beginning farmers and ranchers. 

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura, Ventura County Community Foundation, and Ventura Arts Council announce the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity

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VENTURA —The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Arts Council, has announced the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity to support Ventura County-based arts and culture organizations and independent artists.

A total of $800,000 in funding will be available through this program, making it one of the largest arts and culture specific grant programs offered by local government in Ventura County. Of this funding, a total of $700,000 is available to nonprofit art organizations, independent artists, and arts projects.  The remaining $100,000 will be dedicated to providing matching funds from the County to support arts and culture organizations applying for grant opportunities where a grant match is required.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women

CSUCI and the West Ventura County Business Alliance host the inaugural Women’s Business Conference 2024 on March 8

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CAMARILLO — According to Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), there are 13 million U.S. businesses owned by women, representing 42% of all American businesses. And a 2024 Wells Fargo Newsroom report indicated that women-owned businesses surged at almost double the rate of men’s from 2019-2023.

Local women business owners who are a part of this nationwide sisterhood or others in the business community who support women business owners can enjoy a day of inspiration and networking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 8 on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus at the inaugural “Women’s Business Conference 2024” co-hosted by CSUCI and the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA).

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Business, Finance, Local, News

Dianne Duva named managing partner at Arlington Financial Advisors

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SANTA BARBARA — Certified Financial Planner Dianne Duva, a founding partner of the wealth management firm Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara, has been named the company’s new managing partner.

A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Duva has worked at Arlington Financial Advisors since the firm launched in 2010. She advises high-net-worth families, business owners and women in transition. She helps clients understand and manage their net worth and solve complex financial problems by offering advice in an array of areas including retirement planning, insurance planning, estate and tax planning, and investment management. She holds the Certified Financial Planner® designation.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Exhibit Opening This Thursday – Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries, more events

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Explore the complex life of Napoleon Bonaparte in a new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®. As a charismatic leader, military strategist, and political figure, Napoleon rose to power during the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in his journey, from the forces that propelled him to prominence, his marriages, and his entwined destinies with other global leaders. Through George Stuart’s intricate creations, experience Napoleon Bonaparte’s significant impact on the course of history.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Fine Arts Faculty Showcase Talent with New Exhibit

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s talented fine?arts?instructors are?showcasing?a wide range of creative work during the college’s Fine?Arts?Faculty?Art?Show. 

The?exhibit?is currently running at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus through March 14 and is free and open to the public. 

The?show?features a variety of artwork by Hancock’s fine?arts?faculty, who represent multiple disciplines including art history, painting, drawing, 3D design, ceramics, photography, media arts, dance, music and more. 

“As artists, our faculty have their own art-making practices both within their scope of teaching and beyond,” said Gallery Director Laura-Susan Thomas.?“This exhibit showcases the variety of their works and the breadth of their talents.” 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands Announces New Spring Catalog

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CAMARILLO — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands is offering exciting new classes for Spring II, 2024.  This session, you can explore the works of California’s prominent architects, learn about the diversity of invertebrates, discover the cultural jewels of the Stuart Dynasty…and much more! We have a wide range of exciting courses to offer!

Classes begin March 25, 2024.  Registration opens March 4, 2024. Classes are offered throughout Ventura County in-person and on Zoom.

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

CLU — Last Chance to Register for ‘Separating Myths From Realities — Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face and Their Economic Impact in California’ on Feb. 22

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Join, explore, and participate in discussions on the social and economic challenges undocumented families face in California and their irreplaceable value for the entire state, organized by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. 

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

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DEMYSTIFYING THE FDA MOCRA 2022 COSMETICS RULES: WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS NEED TO KNOW

February 28 @ 10:00 am

Join Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and the Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics. This legislation introduces new requirements for cosmetic safety substantiation, supply chain transparency and labeling. Experts from Krieger Worldwide will provide clarity on the act’s scope, compliance timelines and strategies for company readiness.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Museum of Ventura County — Survey: Why Does History, Art, and Culture Matter to You?

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We at Museum of Ventura County care deeply about making the history and art we share with you, our community, and our visitors, meaningful.

But we need your help. We want to better understand our visitors’ different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts.

To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors, as well as from visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, Opinion, Sports

Bilingual commentary — Roman Numerals and the Super Bowl

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The first Super Bowl, which could have been known as “Super Bowl No. 1,” was played the year I graduated from high school in 1967. “Super Bowl No. 2” followed in 1968, and so on, until we got to “Super Bowl No. 4” in 1970. 

The “footballerati” started to think that this numbering system for the Super Bowl games was getting a bit “boring.” Lamar Hunt, the late owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, decided that the Super Bowl needed a more eloquent numbering system…something that would make it sound more important, dignified, and even “magisterial.” 

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – Feb. 15, 2024

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This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter offers more information from the recently published State of the Region report. This data is packaged to shed light on the Ventura County Civic Alliance 3Es: the Economy, the Environment, and social Equity. Special Thanks go to Tony Biasotti for his write-ups, to David Maron for the graphics, and to Kerry Roscoe for the final assembly of the newsletter.

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

Bilingual commentary — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following February storms

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 13, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to secure federal disaster assistance in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on February 4. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board of Supervisors was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“The prospective funding that we would receive from FEMA is essential to our ability as a county to support residents as we perform repairs to local infrastructure that sustained major damage,” said Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We hope these funds can quickly become available to assist the County in covering the costs related to the most recent storms.”

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Education, Health, Local

Hospice of Santa Barbara Shares Tips — Coping with Valentine’s Day after the Loss of a Romantic Partner

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SANTA BARBARA — It is the time of year for pink and red balloons, heart-shaped candies and chocolates, stuffed animals, and bouquets of roses. It is a day meant to celebrate loving someone and being loved. However, for those grieving a lost loved one, holidays such as Valentine’s Day may bring up difficult emotions and memories of a romantic partner who has passed away. 

Whether it is the first Valentine’s Day without your loved one, or several years without them, it is natural to miss them during this holiday.  A variety of emotions may surface and that is okay. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, lost, confused, angry, guilty, and sad.  

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Assemblymember Steve Bennett introduces bill targeting state’s single-use plastic consumption

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SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2648, which tackles California’s ambitious goals to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Specifically, AB 2648 will phase out the purchase and sale of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies. AB 2648 does not apply to the average consumer.

“It is time that state government models the change we ask of everyone else,” said Assemblymember Bennett. “The impact of plastics is pervasive and well-documented, and makes this transition necessary. The State of California has massive purchasing power and resources to show that this change is feasible in all but the most unique situations, for California’s residents and visitors alike.”

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — February news from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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The 1950’s housing boom, subsidized by the federal government, paid builders on the condition that no homes be sold to African Americans.

This uncomfortable truth, which sits uneasily in our national psyche, has now been compounded by three generations. Along with the ensuing inability to accrue wealth through home ownership, and the subsequent inability to transfer that wealth to their heirs, it is the single most important factor in the wealth gap and the reason for the incessant poverty of many people of color.

During this Black History month, if you have:

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Launches Annual Fundraising Campaign And Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has launched its 2024 annual fundraising campaign. Now until March 15, the Y’s goal is to raise $200,000 so it can continue to offer its programs to all community members, regardless of an ability to pay. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is also celebrating its 60thanniversary in 2024.

The YMCA‘s two no-cost signature programs are supported solely by donations. Find My Genius closes the learning gap that often occurs during summer, especially for children in low- to middle-income households. In 2023, Find My Genius enrolled 575 young scholars in its summer program and 287 took part in its year-round afterschool program.

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Business, Food, Government, Local, News

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

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SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 2313 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and underserved growers as well as offering essential technical assistance for farmer cooperative development.  Despite the Governor’s veto of this vital legislation last year, our food and farming communities have expressed a continued and strong need for this program which will increase access to necessary farm equipment for healthy soil and on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers on the development of farm cooperatives as well as the maintenance of tools and tool demonstrations. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for over 400 residents

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”

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

Uplift releases report examining economic data and perspectives of Central Coast residents

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 “The community played a pivotal role in creating this report as well as the 33 governance committee members who collaborated on and helped shape and inform the plan and work to date,” said Quinn Brady, Project Director of Uplift. “We are excited to share the outcomes of this collective effort.”

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