Bilingual commentary — Racism in Oxnard’s Past, Part I

Some of us who are “old enough” remember when racism was so prevalent and “accepted” that it seemed to permeate the very air that we breathed. It surrounded us.  Just as a fish doesn’t think about breathing underwater, and a bird thinks that flying is “no big deal,” many of us growing up in the 50s and 60s were vaccinated against the guilt that would shame us today. 

Guest commentary — Throwing the Proverbial Bones to the Mongrel Dogs

American racism is complex, insidious and multi-layered. It is not a just black or white phenomenon. Our American racism comes in many shades of color and degrees of ignorance, contempt, stupidity and hatred. This brings me to the current seldom talked about or completely ignored ongoing racist beef/pedo between some Brown and Black folks in this country and in California, in particular.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing Update & Racial Justice

In early May, Santa Barbara County began community testing in partnership with the California Department of Public Health. The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. Over the course of the past two months the testing sites’ utilization has increased significantly. While we continue to support members of our community getting tested, the current volume of asymptomatic, low/no-risk individuals getting tested has reduced the capacity of these state-run sites to test essential and healthcare workers, symptomatic individuals, those who have had an exposure or individuals at risk. Community members unable to schedule an appointment at the state-run sites should contact their primary care provider or local urgent care centers.  

July 2020 – Meal Distribution Julio 2020 – Distribución de Comidas

Breakfast and lunch meals provided for Children 18 & Under Desayuno y almuerzo para Niños 18 & Menores  

WHEN / CUANDO July 6/6 de julio – July 31/31 de julio Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday and meals for Thursday and Friday will be given on Wednesday. Las comidas para el martes se darán los lunes y las comidas para el jueves y viernes se darán los miércoles.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 9 — Let’s #MaskUp Ventura County

Coronavirus spreads when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs within 6 feet of others. You may have the virus and spread it even if you feel well. So it’s important to cover your nose and mouth when outside your home. Wearing a mask or cloth face covering can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the release of virus into the air. It also reinforces physical distancing, and shows you care about the health of others. Public health officials now require people in California to wear masks or face coverings in most settings outside the home. Read the guidelines here.  

Port of Hueneme Lands $1.68M FEMA Grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Port of Hueneme has been awarded $1.68 million in the Port Security Grant Program FY20 Funding Cycle. Aimed to achieve the goal of a secure and resilient nation, the funding will aid the Port in modernizing their security, including improvements to the main gate entrance, and upgrading the Port’s CCTV surveillance system with cutting-edge technology. This year’s grant is the largest security grant the Port has received in its 83 year history.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 8 — Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program Applications are available until tonight at midnight

Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program Applications are available until tonight at midnight. The program includes grants of $5,000 for small businesses to alleviate impacts from COVID-19. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions at  https://rapidresponsevc.org/faqs/. Apply today at https://rapidresponsevc.org/.

VCCCD Board of Trustees is Committed to Student Success for Black and African American Students

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees is committed to diversity and inclusion as key priorities in the organization’s values. At its June 23 meeting, the Board adopted a Resolution Affirming a Commitment to Student Success for Black and African American Students. Action items to remove systemic barriers for Black and African American students were addressed at the Board’s Planning Session on June 27.

The Board is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion for Black and African American students in which they feel safe, respected and valued. Students will continue to be invited to share their unique perspective, talents and backgrounds.

Women’s Economic Ventures Announces the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Winners

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship awards by announcing this year’s winners online at spiritofentrepreneurship.org. The winners in 10 categories were selected from 30 finalists by a panel of independent judges from outside the tri-county area.

“It is important that we honor these amazing women for the remarkable businesses they have built and the impact they have on our communities,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV. “Despite not being able to hold our annual awards dinner in person because of COVID-19, we are celebrating these women business leaders and acknowledging the various industries in which they have achieved success.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 6 — COVID-19 drive through testing sites. No cost. No insurance needed. No appointment needed

Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, CA 93060 M-F, 10-7

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 M-F, 10-7

Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033 F-T, 10-7

Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura CA 93003, M-F, 10-7

Testing also available at all County clinics and state sites. Information in the attached pdf.

Economic Development Collaborative — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens and Ventura County Business Grant Program Deadline

The SBA has extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application window through August 8, 2020 in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Register now for SBCC Fall semester

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Fall is now open to everyone in the community, whether to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university or enjoy life enrichment classes through the School of Extended Learning.

Based on recent guidance provided by the state, county and Centers for Disease Control, a substantial majority of courses will be conducted online. A limited number of credit courses will be offered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, maintaining appropriate health and safety protocols. The list of face-to-face credit courses is available at www.sbcc.edu/classes.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — New and upcoming at MCASB!

Join us for a 2-part virtual conversation with artist Genevieve Gaignard and MCASB Curator Alexandra Terry to learn more about MCASB’s current exhibition Bloom Projects: Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In.

In the first session, Genevieve and Alexandra will discuss the logistics of making an exhibition from inception to opening. They will share insights from the early stages of planning through to the physical installation of Genevieve’s exhibition.

OC Live — The Show Must Go ON (LINE)!

We are excited to announce the launch of OC LIVE ONLINE, a web-based initiative that will bring arts and education programing direct to your computer or tablet or phone. Coming in August, OC LIVE ONLINE will include streaming presentations with leading figures in education and the arts, musical performances, virtual gallery tours, inspirational student voices, and a special series of homegrown encounters with our very own OC faculty. 

Port of Hueneme and Partners Host 20th Farmworker Food Distribution at the Friendly City by the Sea

The Port of Hueneme and local community partners Clinicas Del Camino Real, Lujan Transport Inc., Port customer Del Monte and more, as part of the Feeding the Frontline, Feeding our Farmworkers effort, have hosted 20 food distributions across the County of Ventura. The Port has played an important role in coordinating these events and bringing together different partners to help address the current food scarcity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest event was held on Saturday, June 27 at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center in Port Hueneme and had the full support of the City of Port Hueneme.

Pierre Clayessens Veterans Foundation to Air Special 4th of July Celebration this Saturday at 6 PM on KEYT

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) invites the community to celebrate 4th of July with an hour long television special this Saturday, July 4th, on KEYT TV Channel 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

PCVF encourages individuals and families to stay home, be well, and enjoy the holiday during COVID-19 by continuing their yearly tradition for the Santa Barbara community.