Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Delta Variant & Redistricting Commission Meeting!

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has been notified by the UC Santa Barbara Virology Laboratory of two additional COVID-19 cases resulting from the Delta variant. The Delta variant is labeled as a variant of concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is known to have increased transmissibility. Two cases resulting from the Delta variant had previously been identified through variant surveillance in late April 2021. County health officials are conducting thorough investigations on both new cases at this time.

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Renews Commitment to School Readiness/Achievement and Financial Empowerment–Formalizes Focus on Crisis Response and Recovery Work

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan for moving forward in a rapidly-changing landscape.  

Through this plan, UWSBC renews its decades-long commitment to two programmatic focus areas – School Readiness and Academic Achievement, and Financial Empowerment. Additionally, the plan commits UWSBC to a new programmatic focus area – Response and Recovery in Times of Community Crisis. This recognizes that in recent years UWSBC programs and strategies have become important components of Santa Barbara County’s disaster response and recovery infrastructure. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — COVID-19 Testing Update

The County of Ventura is now partnering with COVID Clinic to offer free diagnostic COVID-19 PCR testing for eligible insured and uninsured individuals who live or work in Ventura County. The sites offered by 360 Clinic are in the process of transitioning to COVID Clinic.  

Who is eligible for a no cost test through COVID Clinic?
Testing continues to be provided at no cost when medically necessary. Examples of circumstances that require medical testing include but are not limited to:

Gold Coast Health Plan Celebrates 10 Years of Serving Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Members

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), Ventura County’s Medi-Cal plan, is celebrating 10 years of providing health care services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

On July 1, 2011, GCHP began operations as the sixth County Organized Health System in California, bringing managed care to about 100,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Ventura County. In 10 years, GCHP’s membership more than doubled to about 220,000 members and as it grew, the amount of staff did as well, from about 25 to nearly 200.

Bilingual commentary — Are We Painting Over Our History?

In 1949, George Orwell’s novel, “1984,” was published. What was predicted to happen in “1984” in a fictionalized Britain came about for us in the U.S. quite recently. “Orwellisms” seem to be guiding our country into a dark forest from which we seem unable to emerge, and possibly never will. Just as in “1984,” truth at this time appears to be amorphous, fluid, and often inverted.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts First Positive Budget in a Decade

The Oxnard City Council and Housing Authority adopted a Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget of $632,752,937 on June 30, 2021, which includes the General Fund group, landscape maintenance and community facilities district funds, special revenue funds, assessment district funds, enterprise funds, internal service funds and Housing Authority funds.

The City’s General Fund revenues for the budget year are projected at $201.2 million. This is 30 percent greater than for Fiscal Year 2020-21 due to revenue from Measure E, which will support basic City services such as public safety, parks, community development, cultural and community services, road maintenance and administration provided through the General Fund.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Commercial Eviction Moratoriums Expired June 30

On June 30, 2021, the current commercial eviction moratoriums protections (Executive Order N-03-21) expired. The EDC understands the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our business community. If your business has experienced economic injury due COVID-19, you do not have walk alone. The following recommendations are for landlords and tenants during this unprecedented time.

CSUCI Mathematics faculty member Selenne Bañuelos, Ph.D. to co-direct a national mathematics research institute  

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Mathematics Selenne Bañuelos, Ph.D., will join the Institute for Pure and Applied Math (IPAM) as an associate director “which is a HUGE deal,” said Associate Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Flores, Ph.D., a friend and colleague. 

Beginning in August, Bañuelos will spend a two- or three-year sabbatical at the institute, which is one of only seven in the nation funded by the National Science Foundation. Bañuelos will work with math researchers from all over the world at IPAM, which is housed at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 30 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Please note there have been changes to the hours of operation.

Vaccination clinics will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday

Ventura County Fairgrounds (Now closed)

North Oxnard – Public Health
2240 E. Gonzales Rd, Suite 140
Oxnard, CA 93036
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm. Open until 6:30pm on Thursdays.
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen

Oxnard Rose Avenue (New hours of operation)
(Babies R Us Building)
2340 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030
Walk-in hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)

South Oxnard C Street
(Tent in the parking lot, near Las Islas Clinic)
2500 S. C Street, Oxnard CA, 93033
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen

Oxnard College (New hours of operation)
3250 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033
Walk-in hours: 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday-Monday, 12:00pm-7:30pm Thursday-Friday
Vaccine: Pfizer and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
*State operated.
Closed on July 4

Anyone in need of a second dose does not need an appointment to get vaccinated at the above clinics. Please be sure to select a clinic offering the vaccine you received for your first dose.

For more information, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

History in the Making! Port Celebrates Completion of Deepening Project with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Today, Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, a project in the works for over almost two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs, and replenishing local beaches.

Bilingual report — Treatment to Local Wellhead will bring safe water to Somis Residents

Residents of Somis will no longer have to deal with discolored, but safe, water. The Ventura County Public Works Agency has started installing wellhead treatment to filter out the excess naturally occurring minerals that cause the discoloration. 

Somis is in the Ventura County Water District No. 19, which provides water supply and distribution services to area customers. District No. 19 currently has approximately 1,051 monthly service accounts, comprising 781 residential accounts, 235 agricultural accounts, and 35 commercial and industrial accounts. 

The water supply in Somis comes from local wells, supplemented with water purchased from the Calleguas Municipal Water District in Thousand Oaks. 

Set Out For Seaside Sojourn To Ventura Harbor Village Where Happiness Comes In Waves All Summer Long Coastal Classic Is Sea-spirational

The Endless Summer takes on new meaning with more and more travelers re-discovering iconic Highway 101/1 and the idyllic sun-kissed playground that is uniquely Ventura Harbor Village. With a stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, stunning sunsets, blissful weather with gentle ocean breezes paired to casual open-air and sit down dining and unique one-of-a kind boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, this seaside enclave is the picture-perfect midweek getaway for couples, friends and families.  What’s more, admission and parking are FREE at Ventura Harbor Village all summer long!

Located on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” spot is definitely worth the drive.  Below are top picks (some new) of how to celebrate summer at its best:

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 28, 2021

Ventura County renters and landlords who need help with rent or utility payments due to COVID-19 may qualify for assistance.

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps with unpaid or future rent & utilities. And now, it’s faster and easier to apply! Answer fewer questions & submit less paperwork. Visit http://HousingIsKey.com or call 833-687-0967 to schedule an appointment for local assistance.

Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event on June 29 to Address Fears and Anxiety as we Return to Society After Pandemic

Hospice of Santa Barbara will bring together a panel of community leaders for the Navigating Re-entry Town Hall, a virtual event that will discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.  

On June 29th at 6pm, a virtual community town hall forum will be held where everyone is invited to “attend” (particularly those in SB county), as panelists discuss the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all feeling on some level, as we “re-enter” society including work, school, travel, social/entertainment events, community gatherings and all other forms of in-person living.   … The event is FREE but registration is required.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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

FATHOMWERX: CUAS

June 28 – June 29

Do you have a promising UAV technology that can detect, track, target, and more? Join @FATHOMWERX July 28th – 29th at the Chula Vista Testing Center, in Chula Vista, CA! As part of the Coastal Trident 2021 Port and Maritime Security Program the CUAS event will consist of a series of technical demonstrations and field experiments that will be conducted to exhibit CONEMP and evaluate capabilities to apply unmanned aerial systems and counter unmanned aircraft threats. If your UAV technology meets the modules below- submit an application for the CUAS event!

Module 4.1 (A): Identification, Tracking, Targeting, and Classification Platforms for Countering UAS.
Module 4.1 (B): Urban, Mobile Detection, Tracking, and Disruption of UAS.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Port of Hueneme Hosts Wheelchair Distribution for Local Disabled Veterans

The Port of Hueneme, in collaboration with 12 other organizations, sponsored and hosted a wheelchair distribution for veterans in need on Friday, June 25, at the Port’s administrative offices. These wheelchairs are part of a larger effort coordinated by Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations in the county.

United Way Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative Supported Over 600 Students with Safe “in Classroom Learning” During the Pandemic

With schools reopening, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative (LECC) has come to an end after helping over 600 students throughout Santa Barbara County. Students referred by school districts came from three high-need target populations: homeless and foster youth, children from low-resource families and children of educators. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards

On June 17, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to update the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Executive Order N-09-21 permitted the revised ETS to take effect the same day. Here’s what employers and employees need to know about the new standards:

Attorney General Bonta Announces Sponsorship of Legislation to Provide Oversight of Charitable Giving on Online Platforms

Earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his sponsorship of AB 488, legislation that would provide critical oversight of charitable fundraising on internet platforms. The bill, authored by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D- Thousand Oaks) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, would authorize the California Department of Justice to exercise supervision over charitable fundraising occurring on internet platforms to protect donors and charities from deceptive or misleading solicitations.

House Farm Workers! announces Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2021 scholarship honorees

House Farm Workers! has selected the recipients of its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! Scholarship for college-bound and current college students. Litzy Hernandez, Jesus Martinez, and Bryan Rodriguez will each be awarded $3,000 towards their continued education and will be celebrated virtually, at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork” fundraising event on July 15th.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.housefarmworkers.org/event

Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval Announces Retirement

Following a long career of public service and waterfront leadership, Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval has announced his retirement from his position effective August 31, 2021. “Mark’s leadership has put the Ventura County Harbor Department on an outstanding path. I appreciate his genuine and proactive outreach efforts. His focus on community engagement has created a path to major improvements in the harbor. His cooperative approach has put us on a path towards developing and enhancing a collective mission with the community, city, County and lessees. It is this spirit of engagement and collaboration that we are committed to continue as we move forward,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Mark was a neighbor in the harbor, he was available at the weekly Farmers Market, he became part of the community he served and that made all the difference in having open, candid discussions and reaching compromise. He truly set the stage for great things ahead for the harbor.”

Bilingual commentary — The Fear of “Socialism”

Politicians of the rightist persuasion often attack their Democratic opponents with round condemnations of their “socialist” platforms. The word “socialist” drives hard-right conservative voters into paroxysms of rage and disgust. Its impact is much the same as the label “commie” was in the 1950s when “Communists” were being pursued under every rock and wooden plank. There are aspects of socialism that should be of concern to us, but it is not an ideology to be feared without understanding what it is and what it is not.

Grocery Outlet Announces Eleventh Annual ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 24, launched its 11th consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. Through July 31, 2021, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition, online donations can be made at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. …Latinos Are Nearly Twice As Likely to Experience Food Insecurity than Non-Hispanic White Individuals. Program to Support Organizations Food Share of Ventura County, The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and The Simi Valley Council on Aging