COVID-19 Testing Schedule 12/31
Testing sites closed New Years Day.
Open Saturday and Sunday.
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.
Your tax-deductible donation will work to improve the quality of life through homeownership and financial stability for all members of our community.
2020 UPDATE FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Did you know the CARES Act could help reduce
or even eliminate your 2020 income tax:
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income.
If you don’t itemize deductions, you can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300
Businesses can deduct up to 25% of taxable income
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7 (no pre-registration at this location)
The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program first application window is open from December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am to January 8, 2021 at 11:59 pm! This grant program is NOT first-come, first-served. Please take the time to prepare all necessary documentation and carefully review your application. One complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once.
Having immersed herself in the world of midwifery in Mexico for years, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Health Science Lydia Dixon, Ph.D., believes the ancient practice has an important role to play in Mexico’s 21st Century healthcare system.
“The role and acceptance of midwives globally has ebbed and flowed over time,” Dixon said. “Many people ask ‘Why do we still have midwives? They are so antiquated.’ Because they are completely relevant and very much a part of today’s conversation.”
We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.
As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.
If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together.
There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%
Click here for the entire e-newsletter EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today! NEW CARE’S ACT COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF- NEW PPP, SECOND ROUND FUNDING, EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT…
The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also eligible for these grants.
A compact microscope co-designed by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Physics Lecturer Brian Rasnow, Ph.D., is circling the globe aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
When the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 7, it carried three Lumascopes in the so-called Dragon cargo capsule. The microscopes were part of a system installed in the space station where they are being used to research the effect of microgravity on human cells.
Due to the almost overwhelming Covid-19 related needs of residents, our Supportive Housing Program saw requests for assistance increase by 217%.
Help was given to navigate the unemployment process, secure pandemic related benefits, access food programs, and disaster relief assistance. Social workers made hundreds of wellness phone calls to the vulnerable, providing a friendly voice during a time of isolation and escalating need. Keep residents connected with a gift to Supportive Housing.
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
Westminster Free Clinic, 1800 S “C” Street Oxnard, 10-4
There are 3,178 new cases of COVID-19 (Includes Fri, Sat, Sun)
11 additional deaths: 96 year old female, 82 year old female, 68 year old female, 54 year old female, 92 year old female, 82 year old female, 53 year old male, 89 year old male, 87 year old male, all with comorbidities, in addition to a 96 year old female, and a 81 year old female, with no co-morbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
23,511 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 21.72 days.
Current hospitalizations: 372 and current ICU: 69.
Ventura Adult ICU Bed Availability 1.5%
Using active imaginations and active bodies, kids will dive into a world where anything is possible! Physical theatre blends comedy, improvisation, clowning, and acting into a one of a kind learning experience that engages students verbally, physically, visually, and intellectually. Ages 7-11 and 12-16
Wow, what a year this has been for us all! Here we are at the end of 2020 and I want to take a moment to share some of the operational enhancements we were able to accomplish despite these unprecedented times, as well as provide an update regarding some of the changes we have made as a result of COVID-19.
First, we created new processes and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all shelter guests and made significant modifications to the shelter to adapt to this new environment. These changes included the following:
Light has long been an object of fascination for award-winning local artist Anette Power, informing both how and what she paints. There is, after all, light that can be seen and painted, and then there’s the joy and lightness of feeling that can only be conveyed through an artist’s choice of subject matter. In “Silver Linings: Journey of Light,” Power’s upcoming solo exhibition of 35 oil paintings at the Santa Paula Art Museum, the artist hopes that her art will inspire viewers to consider the bright spots in their own lives.
‘Tis the season for giving, and part of the holiday magic was evident as Ventura Harbor Village hosted a Holiday CAN-Tree Food Drive for Food Share Ventura County this past weekend. The seaside activity was an example of sharing with others who will receive much-needed food this holiday season. Locals and visitors dropped off more than 1,000 canned goods and other food items and donated to the non-profit organization to help make the holidays bright.
When looking back on 2020, there hasn’t been much good news to report. 2020 will go down in history as an epic global disaster in many respects—most notably, in terms of public health and the economy. We are in the middle of yet another COVID-19 pandemic surge and as the contagion strengthens its hold, employment opportunities continue to weaken and housing threatened. Some businesses are temporarily closed, hunkering down to ride out the storm, while others – in food, hospitality, entertainment and personal care services – are shuttered for good. Here at home and across the nation, the number of people living in poverty has grown by eight million since May, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy.
We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.
The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.
Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) provides guidance and companionship, as well financial and emotional support to families in the Tri-County areas who have a child facing pediatric cancer. This year, due to the pandemic, life has become tougher on these families who have a child who is immunocompromised.
Whether it be a single family household, or an entire family in need, TBCF has offered hope, comfort and stability during this time, when they need it more than ever. Families battling pediatric cancer have been dealing with isolation, fear, uncertainty and the loss of “normal” for so much longer than we’ve been fighting this pandemic and they’ve been doing it alone. This is why TBCF created Season of Hope, a campaign that aims to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.
I am an immigrant and I thank the Great Spirit that I am alive today. To be able to celebrate the holidays and 2020 years end, with my family, my loved ones, and friends. Even in this terribly painful, agonizing and deadly year of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am committed to the “good trouble” revolutionary struggle with faith, eternal gratitude and love cautiously navigating adelante into the coming New Year.
I am a 70 year old Chicano who has weathered and been humbled by the long twisted, unpredictable, sometimes euphoric, and at times wicked turn of my life’s trajectory. I am eternally grateful for both the velvet kisses and the many ass kicking that I have received in revolutionary service to my community! I do not want to die, just yet, I have a lot to contribute. But if the time comes for me to return to celestial star dust, I’m cool. While I have breath in my lungs and love in heart life here are some of the things that I am especially grateful for.
There are 751 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 8 additional deaths: 64 year old male, 65 year old male, 87 year old female, 89 year old female, 65 year old male, 84 year old female, 43 year old male all with comorbidities, and a 50 year old male with no comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
8,148 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.9 days.
Current hospitalizations: 327 and current ICU: 67.
As COVID-19 cases across the state soar, Metrolink – Southern California’s regional passenger train service – is again stepping up efforts to keep safe and healthy its riders and employees, the essential workers keeping our communities functioning. Today, Metrolink announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its train cars to ensure the air passengers breathe throughout their journey is safe and clean.
In March, Metrolink began implementing a new multi-faceted health and safety program to keep riders and Metrolink employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with leading health and safety institutions for guidance on health matters.
As the year comes to an end, we want to take a minute out of the bustling holiday season to thank our Executive Committee. The leadership team established the Network and provided the input, support, and guidance imperative to our growth and success. Santa Barbara County Food Action Network was established in 2019 to support efforts that advance the goals of the Food Action Plan. We work year-round to connect, align, and activate food system change makers in order to develop a robust local food economy; a healthy and just community; and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed. We rely on our Network leadership to direct our efforts and support our ongoing work.
You are invited to submit proposals for our ongoing Artist Showcase in the storefront windows at Victoria Ave. and Moon Dr. in Ventura. Each of four storefront windows will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist.
2020 was a year of challenge, grief, longing, questioning, reflection and, hopefully, insight. To kick off the new year, we are looking for artwork that represents your experience of this time. Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.
The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also be eligible for these grants.
Greetings from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). This update is the last of 2020, a very tough year for all with the pandemic and a toxic political atmosphere. Despite all this difficulty, I take heart that there are many people, young people, struggling for fairness and equity, and trying to bend the arc of history towards justice. SJFVC, thanks to our donors and supporters, has been able to support this effort. Here is the latest update:
Congress recently approved a new stimulus package providing funding for the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2021 and the latest installment of COVID-19 related measures. Below is a brief synopsis of the information related to PPP, SBA Loans, the Emergency Capital Investment Program and Unemployment Insurance.
The SBA and Department of Treasury have not released their formal announcement and information regarding the roll out of the programs listed below. The EDC will be actively engaged with these organizations as the situation develops.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Computer Science Lecturer Ryan McIntyre wrote his master’s thesis, he hoped his mathematical analyses could be used to enhance DNA processing.
No one was more surprised than he was to learn that graduate students in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had discovered his published thesis, “Bounding the size of minimal clique covers,” in the 2018 Journal of Discrete Algorithms.
Not a journal everybody reads, but the MIT group was impressed enough with McIntyre’s findings that they decided to apply them in their own research into problems with satellites.
There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.
Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.
KidSTREAM, Ventura County’s children’s museum, is moving into a new stage of growth as plans develop to open the museum to the public in 2021. kidSTREAM’s board is growing strategically by adding two members, Hillary McLoughlin and Jake Furlow, whose strengths and experiences will help guide the emerging children’s museum opening.
“We are incredibly honored to have Hillary and Jake join our team as we ramp up to open,” said kidSTREAM Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, “We are equally thrilled that both new directors bring experience, strength, and passion to serve the children of our region.”
Staff members of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and officers from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department gave away almost 500 toys on Thursday at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.
Toys were distributed to 120 young scholars (and their siblings) who participated in last summer’s “Find My Genius” YMCA program. In addition, each family received a $100 VISA debit card donated by the Lost Hills Sheriff Foundation. Families stayed in their cars while YMCA volunteers and sheriff officers handed out toys.
Anybody who would like a motorized toy car modified for kids with disabilities can learn to build one through a project started by a University of Delaware (UD) Professor of Physical Therapy Cole Galloway, PhD. His social enterprise is called “GoBabyGo!”
“As a researcher, I’m fascinated with this,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who holds a doctorate in business administration. “It’s not a business, it’s not a nonprofit. Go Baby Go’s founder is growing a social movement with no internal structure and it’s working.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and health impacts in our community. Local revenues have dropped while, at the same time, there has been an increased need for health, social and business services. Over the past ten months of response the County of Ventura has been committed to providing local assistance directly to the community. $120 million has been provided in local assistance. This support will continue into the new year.
Ventura County Public Works Agency-Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is working to reduce potential flood risk from Hueneme Road to Jane Drive with the tšumaš Creek improvement project.
The project, which is scheduled to be completed by late November 2021, will enlarge 870 linear feet of the channel in preparation for the one percent annual chance, or 100-year, flood. A portion of the enlarged channel (710 feet) will be converted to a buried reinforced concrete box culvert, which will help to prevent dumping or trash blowing into that segment of the channel.
With the addition of the campus’s new CLIA-certified lab, the COVID surveillance testing team is running 4,000 tests per week.
Ventura County we need your help. Our hospitals are filling up with COVID-19 patients. The cases continue to rise. During other emergencies like recent fires you could see the smoke. You could see the devastation. This emergency is like a fire but the people impacted are often not seen. Please help us respond to the emergency by following the public health guidance. We must bring down the numbers.
Stan Mantooth was installed as a Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) trustee at the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 15. Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has represented Area 4 since 2010, was installed for another four-year term. The board of trustees also elected Joshua Chancer as chair, Dianne B. McKay as vice chair and VCCCD Chancellor Greg Gillespie as secretary.
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and community donors from United Way’s Young Leaders Society, The Zia Group, L3 Harris, and Northern Trust provided holiday wish list gifts to 53 local children and families this 2020 holiday season through their Adopt-A-Child gift drive.
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) was awarded a $315,000 grant by the State of California Employment Development Department to implement a National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ventura County workforce.
The funding will aid Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 by providing opportunities for employment and training services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic and who are unlikely to return to work in their previous occupations. Services include training and job placement in in-demand careers, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received four grants that will benefit university science and math students; primary and secondary school physical education classes across the state, and perhaps provide important research for California when the state makes wildfire policy.
The virtual learning environment prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is creating some hurdles for all students, but may be especially challenging for students taking critical math courses necessary for them to major in one of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
The unique challenge we have all faced this past year is inconceivable. It has been especially hard to imagine the difficulty for families struggling to remain employed, desperate to keep their families fed and safe while at the same time trying to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads during a pandemic.
At Ventura County Community Development Corporation, we believe that home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic and social well-being. VCCDC assists those families in need through financial education programs including foreclosure prevention and rental counseling utilizing HUD certified Homeownership Specialists to assist in building a path to homeownership and financial stability for low to moderate income families and individuals throughout our community.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) announces the recipients of its 2020 Food System Resilience Grants. Grants totalling $150,000 are given to support the achievement of Food Action Plan goals by contributing to the broader food systems of Santa Barbara County. SBCFAN is awarding the grants in partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Foundation.
The nonprofits receiving 2020 Food System Resilience Grants are:
It’s hard to know what to say at the close of a year like this one, so we thought we’d leave it to artists Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke and a new virtual exhibit of their famous handmade holiday cards.
We’ve said it before, but it’s very much worth repeating: all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum are so grateful to our community, members, donors, docents, teaching artists, board of directors, and fellow staff members for encouraging us to continue the work that we love and believe to be important. Thank you. We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.
While it remains uncertain when California museums will be able to reopen to the public, the Santa Paula Art Museum already has a lot planned for 2021. Check out our upcoming virtual offerings below!
The holidays are here and for many it is hard to find joy after the year we’ve experienced. This is usually an exciting time to be making wonderful memories with our close friends and family but this year, whether you are grieving the loss of someone special or the loss of normal life due to COVID-19, we all can agree there is an empty space where our typical holiday traditions used to be.
Though grief is a normal part of life, it can be especially difficult to cope with loss during, what is supposed to be, one of the most joyous times of the year. We are all grieving in some way and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is offering support during this time to help us get through this, from grief counseling, to COVID-19 resources, to Speaker Series and holiday events via Zoom – HSB has created an online community to support those grieving this holiday season.
Dear Community Member,
You are invited to explore the new MVC Gallery Marketplace! The MVC Gallery Marketplace has been created to help regional artists sell their works. The Museum’s Fine Arts Committee and Cultural Team has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.
(We have partnered with the UPS Store at 35 W Main Street in Ventura for easy and secure shipping.)
When Latinos in this country think of indigenous music originating in Mexico, our thoughts and hearts turn wistfully to the Aztec dancers we see performing at our cultural festivals, political protests and religious celebrations. The music consists of unfiltered rhythms from the sacred beating heart of Aztec ritual that celebrated life and death as both sides of the same mystical coin. Copal incense wafts past us, reminding us of the frankincense and myrrh that is cast into the air along with our prayers at Catholic rites such as the exposition of the Eucharist and funerals.
At its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Dr. Peter O. Haslund as president of the Board for the 2021 calendar year. Kate Parker was elected Board vice president.
President Haslund joined the Board in December 2010 and represents Area 1 (Carpinteria and Monecito). Vice PresidentParker joined the Board in December 2018 and representsArea 7 (Santa Barbara).
In addition to the election of new officers, the oath of office was administered remotely by Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido, Ed.D., to one new and two continuing trustees who were chosen by voters in the Nov. 3 election. The Board welcomed Dr. Anna Everett who was elected to the seat vacated by Craig Nielsen. Trustees Robert Miller and Veronica Gallardo were successful in their races to continue on the Board.
Out of Nowhere, Disease, Death and Dread: At the start of the year no one knew what the Corona virus was, by the end of 2020 there is no one left in the world that does not know what COVID-19 virus is, and had not been devastated by its relentless and deadly onslaught. This day Monday, December 14, 2020 the United States death toll from the covid-19 virus topped 300,000 and worldwide the death count has moved pasted 1.62 million souls that have succumb to this deadly virus that has infected the entire world, with no let-up into the foreseeable future. It seems that everyone in this country, indeed throughout the world, in some painful way knows of someone close that has died or suffered horribly from complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On November 20, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Office of Administrative Law approved new Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID-19, effective November 30. Many of the ETS are already required by existing employer workplace injury and illness prevention programs (IIPP-see Injury and Illness Prevention Program), or will be required under AB 685 (the new COVID-19 employee safety and reporting law effective January 1, 2021), but some requirements are new and must be complied with immediately.
Ventura County,
There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.
Current doubling time is 37.5 days.
Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.
At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19 and the status of the vaccination.
Currently, we have 40 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 240 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 1136 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 19.2 per 100,000 residents and we have a 6.1% test positivity rate.
After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf.
The staff at the MESA Program is mailing Holiday greeting cards to all their students. The project should finalize Dec. 17, with the mailing of dozens of Holiday greeting cards. Frankly, this was just a gesture of service. We later realized that it happens to tie in nicely as we conclude Final Exam Week and the fall 2020 semester.
It’s been quite an interesting semester. We care about our students and feel that every connection matters. Many students missed out on their celebratory EOY potluck(s) that traditionally take place in their respective classrooms, with fellow classmates, and at the MESA Center. The greeting cards contain a hand-written message from us staff & a pouch of hot cocoa. The idea behind this lost art is to send our students a bit of wholesome holiday cheer in hopes of making a positive impact during these most unprecedented times. It would be interesting to know how many of these students have ever received a greeting card via snail-mail vs virtually!
Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs
The unique challenge we have all faced this past year is inconceivable. It has been especially hard to imagine the difficulty for families struggling to remain employed, desperate to keep their families fed and safe while at the same time trying to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads during a pandemic.
At Ventura County Community Development Corporation, we believe that home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic and social well-being. VCCDC assists those families in need through financial education programs including foreclosure prevention and rental counseling utilizing HUD certified Homeownership Specialists to assist in building a path to homeownership and financial stability for low to moderate income families and individuals throughout our community.
Please join us in the fight to strengthen our community. Your gift will build hope and empower your neighbors as they work to improve and stabilize their quality of life through the education and financial assistance programs offered here at VCCDC.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to serve the community in a safe environment during the pandemic.
The BGCGCV has kept six clubs open in a safe and secure environment following all the strict guidelines established by the CDC. Youth are kept in stable monthly cohorts to ensure distancing and safety. To date, the BGCGCV has had no cases of Covid transmission in any of the clubs.
The Library’s Special Research Collections to become home to the American Radio Archives.
The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:
Santa Paula Main/Ojai St 10-7
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Dr 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds 9-6 Shoreline Dr
Constitution Park Camarillo 601 Carmen Dr 9-3:30 pm
Fillmore Middle School 543 A St 10-4 pm
Testing is free. No appointment. It is offered for Ventura County residents or those that work in our County. Testing is for those what are symptomatic or have been exposed.
Stan Mantooth this week announced his intention to retire from his position as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools effective February 1, 2021. Mantooth has served as Superintendent of Schools since he was appointed to the position in 2008. He was then elected to the office by voters three times in 2010, 2014 and 2018. “After more than 45 years in education, I feel privileged to have been – and will continue to be – an advocate for children, and I’m ready to begin the next chapter,” Mantooth said.
Just as First Aid helps you assist an individual in a medical crisis, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or substance use issue. Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County and the Mental Wellness Center are encouraging adults in Santa Barbara County to give the “gift of their aid” to our local youth by registering for one of six, free Youth Mental Health First Aid courses being offered in January.
“We know that youth are impacted by school closures and social distancing guidelines, and they may not be forthcoming about the difficulties they are experiencing,” says Annmarie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer for the Mental Wellness Center. “Adults can make a huge difference by getting trained on how to respond to mental health concerns in a young person. Our goal is to train 500 additional community members in 2021.”
December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.
Hoy se reportan 497 casos nuevos, 2,309 personas adicionales que se hicieron la prueba de COVID. El tiempo de duplicación actual es 35 días. Hay 225 personas en el hospital y 56 en cuidados intensivos. Han fallecido tres personas, (una mujer de 71 años, una mujer de 97 años y un hombre de 61 años).
Lea más sobre la orden del Estado en: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#regional.
Vea la conferencia de prensa de hoy en el siguiente enlace al sitio web:
www.facebook.com/condadodeventuraespanol/videos/749084909294095
COVID-19 Pop-Up Testing Site
This Saturday, December 19, 10:00am-3:00pm
In front of Port Administrative Offices
333 Ponoma Street, Port Hueneme, CA
No Port entry needed
Walk up style – street parking available
First come, first served
No insurance or ID required
Follow-up/results received within 24-72 hours
Take-home tests will be available if line becomes too long
portofhueneme.org/port-events/covid-testing-12-19-2020
Questions? Please contact mmorrison@portofh.org.
The Oxnard Fire Department will help parents and caregivers keep their children as safe as possible in the car thanks to a $30,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
The one-year grant funds a car seat education program that encourages the proper installation and use of child safety seats and includes:
Righetti High School’s ASTRA Club will wrap up its food drive at the end of this week, delivering donated items to families and veterans challenged by these unprecedented times.
The last day to drop off nonperishable items is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the library this Friday. The food drive deliveries begin Friday and continue Monday.
Called a Reverse Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive, students are encouraging each other to give something each day instead of getting something each day.
DO YOU KNOW OF A CHILD IN NEED OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?
If you know a family who needs help
providing Christmas presents to their children,
please invite them to one of these events.
A PVHS science standout has received a scholarship that will pay for the majority of her education at Stanford University.
“Attending such a prestigious school like Stanford will allow me the potential to do something great, said Daisy Cisneros, who has a 4.3 GPA. “As electricity travels to most everyday objects, I plan to make those objects better as an electrical engineer.”
Student leaders lit up Pioneer Valley High School for a “Holiday Lights” drive-through event on Saturday, December 12.
Adding joy to the season, the PV Student Council and helpers decorated an area of the campus with holiday lights, candy canes and cheer. Visitors joined in with more than 300 vehicles including some that were also decorated.
The event was designed to “give our community a place for the family to see holiday lights and celebrate the season with our PVHS family,’’ according to Panther Activity Director Lisa Walters.
The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:
Oxnard College 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd 10-7
Santa Paula E Main/N Ojai 10-7
El Rio, Revive Community Church 2640 Alvarado St Oxnard 1-7
Community Park, 901 S Kimball Ventura 9-3:30
Looking out for the welfare of older adults is hard enough during a pandemic, to say nothing of the holiday season with its increased risk of loneliness and isolation.
According to research conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Health Science Ronald Berkowsky, Ph.D., investigating the impacts of elder mistreatment should go beyond assessing physical safety and mental health. Berkowsky’s research suggests that elder advocates should consider how well older Americans are doing in terms of human potential issues such as self-worth, sense of purpose, autonomy, and positive relationships.
Animals are back at Gorongosa National Park after a civil war, but the savanna community doesn’t look quite how it used to.
It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will once again take place throughout Ventura County.
“Now more than ever, we at Clinicas recognize that creating joy during the holiday season contributes to our patient’s health and well-being. That is why Clinicas will be providing free toys to our children throughout the month of December. The only change this year is that due the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will be hosting contactless drive through toy distributions. Our Toy Giveaway is especially meaningful for our patients because for many of them, the toy they receive from Clinicas may be the only toy they receive this holiday season. This event is also impactful because it offers Clinicas staff an opportunity to not only thank our patients, but also meet with the families and community members Clinicas serves outside of their clinical visit. Clinicas wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.” said Clinicas CEO, Roberto S. Juarez.
Amazon takes on the World: The creation of Amazon, in 1994, by Jeff Bezos, is by any standard an incredible American entrepreneurial success story. …We, the 1,500 workforce and community, were excluded from the initial bargaining and negotiation process, we will not be excluded from future workforce deliberations and collective bargaining actions that will assure the protection, the health and safety of the workers, their family and the entire greater Oxnard area. “We are excited to join the (Oxnard) community” is the way Andre Almeida, Regional Director of Amazon Operations, put it. The community of Oxnard is also excited about the new business partnership, but we will also be vigilant and support our local workforce to make sure that Amazon in Oxnard gives as much to the community as it takes!
The Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays Campaign launched before Thanksgiving as a collaborative effort between Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), county-wide farmers’ markets, and Edible Santa Barbara. The Campaign offers a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the holidays while emphasizing the importance of supporting the County’s local agriculture and food producers during the ongoing pandemic.
“Due to the regional Stay at Home Order that went into effect on Monday, our local food system faces even greater pressure – the need to support our County’s local farmers, ranchers, food artisans and fisherfolk is more critical than ever. The Stay Home and Eat Local Campaign provides a fun and practical way to encourage our community to shop local this season by creating nutritious and beautiful meals for their loved ones during the
Pioneer Valley High School is pleased to announce that Anthony Morales will be taking over the Athletic Director duties beginning in the spring semester.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be at PVHS with such an outstanding academic reputation, to be at a school with such a phenomenal sports background,’’ Morales said.
Longtime coach, and current AD, Jeff Monteiro is retiring in December after a remarkable 39 year coaching career, and 34 years as a respected teacher in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Coach Monteiro helped open Pioneer Valley HS in 2004 when he came over as the Social Science Department Chairman and Varsity Football Coach. He was integral in helping build a successful athletic program PV while coaching football, wrestling and track.
Ventura County, Our community needs your help! COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in our County as hospitals fill with very sick people. Please help bring the numbers down. Your actions can help move us forward saving lives and businesses or your actions could hold us back costing more lives and the loss of more businesses. Simple steps of wearing a mask, social distancing, not gathering and washing hands frequently go a long way in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 2,651 new cases (from Friday, Saturday and Sunday) (1,263 (47.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/7 or earlier) 8,422 additional people tested and 1 additional death (59 year old female with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 27.0 days. Current hospitalizations are 204 and current ICU is 49.
Learn more about the State’s Stay Home Order by clicking here.
SBCC has never experienced a semester quite like Fall 2020, and yet students, faculty and staff faced the challenges with creativity and resilience. Read how together we found innovative ways to teach and learn, to provide vital student services, to perform theatrical drama and musical events (and more) below…
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is proud to announce that it will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. The Museum, which has served as a cultural hub in the Channel Islands Harbor since 1991, has a full calendar of events and exhibits planned as part of the anniversary year.
The dream of art collector and businessman Harry Nelson and his friend Martin V. (Bud) Smith, the Museum opened its doors in February of 1991 to rave reviews. Channel Islands Maritime Museum features works of fine maritime art dating back to the 1600s, ship models, and other maritime artifacts. The Museum has presented a wide variety of informative and engaging temporary exhibitions during its first 30 years as well as sponsoring large community events. The Museum is also visited by hundreds of local students each year.
Local human services agency urges community support to open their hearts and homes to children and older youth in (foster)care, as additional census shows a growth in need during the pandemic. VENTURA — The holidays are a special time of…
As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service. Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.
Dear MVC supporter,
A gift to the Museum of Ventura County serves your community by helping us…
…Make history accessible. The Research Library has digitized and made available 2,500 photographs and responded to over 150 remote research inquiries.
…Provide virtual education lessons and field trips to students, teachers, and parents. These programs help kids with remote learning and are designed to meet the specific needs of low to moderate income students.
…Present important free livestream programs and online content that changes daily. These included the first installment of our Changemaker series with Dolores Huerta and Jorge Corralejo, interviews with renowned journalist Ivor Davis, and a Dia de los Muertos altar workshop with Dr. Roberto Vargas.
Classical music composers throughout history have taken cues from their own cultural roots. They wove the fabric of their ancient and folk heritages into their music to produce masterful works that resonate with listeners. The composers were influenced by music that stirred their spirits by dint of its power. These compositions are melded together by forces that we dare not try to understand. As we listen to them, we discern the echoes of something that accompanied our ancestors as they danced, prayed, or celebrated. Our DNA is imprinted onto the soul of these classic works.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Laura Flores, 17, has been selected as one of 11 girls from Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. to serve on the 2020-2021 Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). Flores will be the second member from the Carpinteria affiliate to serve in this national leadership capacity.
The TAC is a leadership body made up of Girls Inc. high school students (ages 14-18) who advise and inform Girls Inc. National’s advocacy work, by learning about and sharing issues facing girls in their respective communities. TAC members support Girls Inc. advocacy efforts through writing blog posts, sharing messages on social media, and speaking publicly on behalf of the Girls Inc. network.
…We have work too hard and long for district wide city council representation by and for the people. As I write this piece the City Council is deciding whether to appoint a new city council member to the seat that will be vacated on January 4, 2021, by Carmen Ramirez as she takes her new position as the Ventura County Supervisor of the 5th District. Or instead have a special election and have the voters of that district decide. An appointment by the city council of a favored “son or daughter” is highly problematic and will come with the inevitable strings attached. That appointee will be beholden to the political powers that put her/him in office.
Good Afternoon, There are 254 new cases for today (29 (11.4%) of which have a lab collection from 12/3 or earlier) 1,891 additional people tested and 0. Current doubling time is 35.7. Current hospitalizations are 151 and current ICU is 42.
The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.
View this week’s update at the link below:
The Santa Maria High School FFA Chapter spread the Holiday Cheer by giving away 50 Christmas Trees and 30 Holiday Hams to students and their families impacted by the pandemic on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Junior Veronica Garcia DeLeon stated, “My family and I usually go all out for Christmas but this year we haven’t had the motivation. To be chosen to get a free ham and Christmas tree from the Santa Maria FFA has brought back the Christmas spirit that my family and I weren’t experiencing this year. We are extremely and truly thankful to have had been chosen.”
OC alumnus Sal Anguiano’s short film Essential Oxnard sheds light on the important work and contributions of the Hispanic community in Oxnard, California, and celebrates its resilience amid the pandemic. From local Oxnard business owners to farm workers, Essential Oxnard asks the question, “Who is considered essential?”
In this special presentation, OC Film and TV Professor Anitra Lawson is joined by the filmmaker as well as OC alumni Luis Guereca and Arcelia Martinez to discuss the making of the film in the early days of the pandemic and where we are now.
Watch the film, meet the filmmaker and discover the beauty, the grit, and the heart of the city of Oxnard.
Delta High School will be teaming up with non-profits and others for a holiday drive-through event that will provide food and other necessities to needy students and their families today.
The outreach starts at 4 p.m. in front of the Ocrutt campus. Families will pick up a basket filled with a blanket, towel, hygiene products and groceries.
“Delta has been great this year,’’ said senior Amando Arozla. “They are doing so much for us and we are very lucky.”
With the holidays in full swing–Chanukah starting today, December 10 and Christmas right around the corner, here are four experiences that will bring much-needed joy during the season at the Ventura Harbor Village.
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $1.2 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses through the Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentive Program. This is the third year that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has participated in the CAP Incentive Program.
This year’s grants will help fund the replacement of two (2) diesel school buses with new, zero-emission, electric school buses and the corresponding installation of the necessary electric vehicle charging equipment for these buses. In addition, this year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace ten (10) older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $1.8 million. Since 2018, VCAPCD has awarded over $3.6 million in CAP incentives to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.
Shop our picks for the perfect holiday gift at GIFT STUDIO!
Located in Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, GIFT STUDIO is MCASB’s holiday pop-up shop open from December 10, 2020 to January 3, 2021!
We invite the Santa Barbara community to shop local and support MCASB’s educational and exhibition programs. By purchasing original and limited edition artwork from local and internationally acclaimed artists you support the Museum and the Santa Barbara arts community.
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on Dec. 8 approved $467,326 in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses through the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emissions Reduction (FARMER) Program. This is the third year that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has participated in the FARMER Program.
This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace ten (10) older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be nearly $1.3 million. Since 2018, VCAPCD has awarded over $2.7 million in FARMER incentives to help agricultural businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.
Join us this Saturday, December 12th at 11:00 AM PST for a morning filled with fun and creativity! We will be demonstrating how to create stamps using a variety of household items. Once we’re done, you can use your stamps to adorn greeting cards, make your very own gift wrap, or create other works of art!
This event is free to all, and we encourage people of all ages and skill levels to attend. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied or assisted by a parent or guardian to ensure all safety measures are taken when using tools being used to carve the stamp materials. After securing your spot for the event you will be sent a Zoom link and a list of supplies you will need. See you there!
Good Evening, There are 170 new cases for today (35 (20.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/2 or earlier) 1,638 additional people tested and 2 additional deaths (85 and 86 year old males with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 43.6. Current hospitalizations are 147 and current ICU is 42.
The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.
The VCAC CARES Grant application will award funds to qualifying organizations determined through this application. The money awarded is allocated from a portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds initially given to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) who granted a portion of the dollars to the California Arts Council (CAC) to be distributed by their State and Local Partners (SLPs) to arts groups serving populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This designation was determined by the NEA and CAC.
With the holidays upon us, kidSTREAM Children’s Museum wants to bring a little cheer into households by offering joyful seasonal activities. Throughout December follow along on social media for winter crafts and holidays keepsakes, utilizing recycled materials and art supplies that many families have readily available. These fun, hands-on learning activities will also offer a sneak peek into nine immersive outdoor experiences coming to kidSTREAM in 2021.
The Board of Supervisors from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties on Dec. 8 issued a letter to state health officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a separate Central Coast Region composed of the three counties. The letter requests that the Central Coast Region be allowed to exit the regional stay home order as a region after three weeks if the ICU capacity in the three counties exceeds 15 percent.
“The letter being sent to state officials is an accurate measure of our regional distinction through both geography and demographics,” stated Gregg Hart, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. “We are best positioned to understand the critical needs within our region and have existing partnerships to promote the health and economic well-being of our communities.”
Good Evening, There are 308 new cases for today (7 (2.3%) of which have a lab collection from 12/1 or earlier) 1,936 additional people tested and 6 additional deaths (5 males and 1 female between the ages of 51-93, all but one with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 47.9. Current hospitalizations are 142 and current ICU is 40.
The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.
Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
A press conference will take place on 12/9/20 at 1pm. It will be streamed at www.venturacountyrecovers.org and Facebook @CountyofVentura.
A testing location update will be sent to update on any closures for tomorrow. Today, there were closures due to adverse weather.
During its first year, the coronavirus has ravaged Latino families and communities in California and other states far more seriously than it has non-Latino populations.
How much worse? For example, Latinos make up 39.3% of California’s population (15.5 million people), yet they constitute a far larger percentage (48.5%) of all COVID-19?related deaths in the state. In contrast, non-Hispanic whites make up 36.6% of California’s population (14.5 million people), but have accounted for only 30.4% of all the state’s COVID-19 deaths.
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the fifth annual appearance of its popular “Elf on the GO” holiday bus. The 40-foot bus is now appearing throughout GCTD’s service area through January 3, 2021.
Each year the community awaits the debut of “Elf on the GO” to see what those little elves are up to. This year’s elves are larger than life and will bring joy to the communities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura and the County areas in between these cities. One mischievous elf even invites onlookers to take a “sELFie” from afar!
Governor Newsom on Dec. 7 appointed Matt LaVere as the Supervisor for the 1st District of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. LaVere was elected in March for the term to begin in January 2021. The 1st District Supervisor Steve Bennett was elected for State Assembly and sworn in as Assemblymember for the 37th Assembly District today. LaVere was appointed to begin service a month early with the departure of Steve Bennett to the Assembly.
The Santa Maria High School Race Team’s 1968 Camaro Drag Car is presently featured in a news article by Classic Industries, the number 1 classic car parts and restoration company in the world.
Here is the story link: https://news.classicindustries.com/smhs-race-team-1968-camaro
The Ventura County Fire Department has been awarded a $205,000 FEMA grant to support a county-wide campaign for the installation of dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while expanding fire prevention education. The department’s goal is to improve health and safety in our communities and reduce home damage.
Bill Foley, Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, has announced his retirement effective March 6, 2021. He plans to stay on in an advisory role. “Under his leadership, the Ventura County Medical System is on a path towards financial stability. He led the revitalization efforts for Santa Paula Hospital and the preliminary planning for an integrated healthcare campus at the Harvest site in Eastern Santa Paula,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Additionally, he has led efforts to explore meaningful strategic partnerships with other health care systems in the market. Bill has worked hard during his tenure to position our healthcare system to continue to be an essential provider of health care services for our community members. After his retirement, I am very pleased that Bill has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity to me and Health Care Agency leadership regarding several critical projects and issues.”
Black men in Washington D.C. tend to die 17 years sooner than white men according to a nationally-recognized study conducted by 2015 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology graduate Max Roberts, who is now pursuing a Ph.D. at Utah State University (USU).
Overall, the gap in life expectancy between Black and white Americans has been shrinking in the U.S., but Roberts pointed out that those statistics conceal ongoing disparities, with the most alarming results coming out of Washington D.C., where, in 2016, the longevity gap between Black and white men was more than 400% greater than the national gap, with white men living over 17 more years than Black men.
December 8, 2020 Top News No Refuge from the Heat Scientists find marine protected areas do little to mitigate the effects of climate change. Read More ? An Award of Distinction Suma Ikeuchi receives the Hsu Prize for best book…
Steve Bennett (D-Santa Barbara) took the oath of office to serve as the Assemblymember for the 37th Assembly District today in a special ceremony in Sacramento. The oath was administered by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The 37thAssembly district incorporates the communities in southern Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.
“I am honored and humbled to represent the people of the 37th Assembly District in Sacramento,” said Bennett
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) notification issued by Southern California Edison for several parts of southern Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Mission Canyon, Montecito, and Carpinteria; PSPS Outages May Occur as Soon as 9PM Tonight (Monday, December 7)
The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.
Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
An update will be provided to the Board of Supervisors on 12/8/20. View the meeting beginning at 8:30 am by clicking here.
The County of Ventura, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County will be seeking State approval to separate from the large Southern California Region under the State’s Stay Home Order to create a smaller tri-county Central Coast Region. The Counties will be submitting a unified request for the smaller regional approach if the tri-county ICU capacity exceeds 15% in the next three weeks. At that time the Counties will request to be assessed based on the tri-county ICU capacity and not the Southern California Regional ICU capacity.
SCORE SANTA BARBARA: 2021 BUSINESS OUTLOOK ROUNDTABLE
December 7 @ 5:00 pm
Join SCORE Santa Barbara a round table discussion with health experts, community leaders, and financial professionals. Our panelists will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in Santa Barbara and offer practical guidance on how to prepare your business for the year ahead. Topics covered will include: (1) Guidance for operating safely during the COVID crisis, (2) What to expect as we enter the post-COVID world, (3) How to prepare for success in the “new normal” and (4) Financial strategies and sources of funding for small businesses.
The timeline for Gold Coast Health Plan’s pharmacy program transition has been extended to April 1, 2021.
The new program by the state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), known as Medi-Cal Rx, will carve-out all prescription benefits from managed care plans like GCHP. Upon implementation, all pharmacy claims will be submitted directly to the state via its pharmacy benefit manager, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc. DHCS announced the new implantation date last month, citing “the ongoing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency” for its decision to extend the timeline.
IN RESPONSE TO THE DECLARED STATE AND LOCAL EMERGENCIES DUE TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S RECENT ORDER TO LIMIT INDOOR OPERATIONS AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, THE HALL OF ADMINISTRATION IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. TO FIND OUT HOW YOU MAY ELECTRONICALLY ATTEND THE BOARD MEETING AND PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT PLEASE REFER TO PAGE 2 OF THIS AGENDA
In a year when we need it most, Visit Oxnard is spreading holiday cheer with its annual “12 Days of Giveaways” contest, set to return December 7-22.
Each day, Visit Oxnard will feature the giveaway items on Facebook and Instagram. The prizes include an overnight stay at Residence Inn River Ridge; Island Packers excursions; a harbor cruise with Gondola Paradiso; and adventures with Channel Islands Parasail and SoCal Jet Ski. Gift cards are also up for grabs from The Collection at RiverPark, Casa Agria Ales, Red Tandem Brewery and other Oxnard restaurants and attractions.
The Bellwether College Consortium named Oxnard College’s Dental Hygiene and Fire Fighter I/II Academy programs as 2021 Bellwether Award finalists. The college is one of 30 nationwide eligible for the award, which is a highly competitive and nationally recognized award focusing on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication.
Oxnard College is the only college in California to have two programs selected as Top 10 finalists. The Dental Hygiene program was honored in the category of Instructional Programs and Services; the Fire Fighter Academy in the Workforce Development category.
Continuing a tradition that began in the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA is now selling Christmas trees. The Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club, a YMCA service organization, runs the tree lot. Its 22 members staff the lot each year along with YMCA board members.
The lot will receive 820 trees. Most are Nobile firs between 5′ and 9′ tall. The trees come from Oregon where they packed in ice to stay fresh. They are shipped to the Simi Y within four days of harvesting. Once they arrive on the lot, they are unloaded, given a fresh cut at the base, put in water and set out for display.
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Spring 2021 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether you are looking to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enrichment classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is here to help you reach your goals.
Based on recent guidelines provided by the state, county and Centers for Disease Control, the substantial majority of courses will be conducted online. A limited number of credit courses are scheduled to be offered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, maintaining appropriate health and safety protocols.
The State of California’s new regional Stay Home Order takes effect on Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 PM in Ventura County and in all counties in Southern California. Here’s what that means for Ventura County schools: Schools at all grade…
The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.
The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.
The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.
The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.
We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to clarify what you are likely hearing in the news. The Regional Stay Home Order, announced December 3, will go into effect within 24 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3 week period. Learn more about this order.
Buenas Tardes, hoy hay 488 casos nuevos, 2,269 personas adicionales que se hicieron la prueba. El tiempo de duplicación actual es 59.7 días. Hay 116 personas en el hospital y 33 en cuidados intensivos. Una persona más ha fallecido.
We were reminded recently of this iconic image from the Museum’s 2011 exhibition A Taste of History, which celebrated the art of the fruit crate label. It inspired us to embrace our inner Santa in developing the Museum’s December offerings!
Governor Newsom addressed the State of California yesterday, Thursday December 3rd regarding the new Regional Stay Home Order. This affects regions with less than 15% ICU availability. Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties are in the Southern California Region, which is at 20.6% ICU capacity remaining as of December 3, 2020. It is anticipated this Region will reach the metrics by early December. All three counties remain in the Purple Tier at the time being, but each have their own protocol regarding this new order. Please refer to your specific county’s communications in regards to business operations. For more information CLICK HERE.
The holidays can be tough on families, especially this year during the pandemic and it has been even tougher for families in the Tri-Counties who have a child facing pediatric cancer. In light of this, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has launched “Season of Hope,” a campaign that will run now through the holidays to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.
During this challenging year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has been providing even more services for families, including money for rent assistance, grocery gift cards, additional emotional support groups with licensed therapists, virtual and in-person tutoring, meals and care package delivery, and virtual family fun events to keep their kids engaged. Community support has made it possible for TBCF to provide additional financial assistance to families severely affected by the pandemic.
La Orden Regional de Permanecer en Casa permanecerá en efecto por 3 semanas después de que sea activada y se les de instrucciones a los Californianos de permanecer en casa lo más que sea posible para limitar la mezcla de otros hogares que puede llevar a la propagación del COVID-19. Permite el acceso a (y viajar a) servicios críticos y permite las actividades al aire libre para preservar la salud física y mental de los californianos. Este cierre limitado ayudará a que se detenga el aumento y prevenga sobrecargar la capacidad regional de unidades de cuidados intensivos.
Today the Governor announced a Regional Stay Home Order, it will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3-week period. Learn more about this order.
The State projects the Southern California Region, including Ventura County, to fall below 15% capacity as soon as tomorrow, and likely within a week.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:
Collectively, the four new members of the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Foundation Board have decades of experience with the University, some dating back to when CSUCI was still an idea.
New board members and longtime CSUCI volunteers Cheryl Broome and retired pediatric dentist Mark Lisagor as well as Irene Pinkard, Ed.D., a 30-year resident of Ventura County and Santa Barbara financier Jonathan Wang.
Since our founding in 1970, we have certainly changed as an organization, both in scope and scale, but what has remained constant during those five decades is the core of our mission – to provide affordable housing and supportive services to our residents.
For those who want to pursue the American Dream of ownership, we help convert their sweat and building commitment into a down payment for a home; for others, we provide the finest in affordable housing as one of the best developers, property managers and service providers on the Central Coast.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is once again on the Top 20 list of CollegeNET’s 2020 Social Mobility Index (SMI) national rankings. The campus also made the Top 20 last year.
This year’s rankings measure social mobility for 2019 with CSU and University of California (UC) systems dominating the 2020 rankings, accounting for 70% of the Top 20 spots this year.
The seventh annual 2020 SMI is being released at a time when studies are showing that the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting low-income students, forcing them to abandon, delay or alter their pursuit of a college degree and the potential that degree provides for social mobility—when in fact it’s never been more important to stay on track.
