Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2023-2024, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

July 24, 2023 – August 14, 2023

January 2, 2024 – January 22, 2024

March 4, 2024 – March 18, 2024

Bilingual report — Covered California to Launch State-Enhanced Cost-Sharing Reduction Program in 2024 to Improve Health Care Affordability for Enrollees

SACRAMENTO  — California is set to continue its legacy of building upon and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, as its Board of Directors approved enhanced benefit designs that will ensure over 600,000 Covered California enrollees see reduced out-of-pocket costs in 2024.  

“Covered California is proud to be a part of another visionary program that strengthens the Affordable Care Act,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “California made history with the State Premium Subsidy program in 2021, and we appreciate the continued leadership from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature to make health care access and affordability a priority in our state.”

The new budget package passed by the state Legislature and enacted by Gov. Newsom appropriates $82.5 million of the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund (HCARF) to Covered California to support a program of financial assistance for coverage year 2024. Per the budget agreement, funding for the program is planned to increase to $165 million starting in coverage year 2025.

7 Exciting Actitivites For A Memorable Family Adventure in Lompoc

LOMPOC — Planning a weekend away that caters to the interests and ages of everyone in your family can be a challenge, but have no fear! Lompoc, situated on California’s Central Coast, offers a wealth of fun experiences that will leave the whole family with smiles. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures or educational explorations, join us as we uncover 7 fun things to do in Lompoc that are perfect for families.

Ventura County Office of Education — Binational Summer Program Serves Children of Migrant Farm Workers

VENTURA COUNTY — Educational agencies on both sides of the US/Mexico border are teaming up to provide summer learning opportunities for children of migrant farm workers in Ventura County. Students in grades two through six are taking classes in math, English and computer coding at the Bilingual Summer Institute, being held this July at Somis Elementary School. A unique aspect of the program is that two visiting teachers from Mexico are incorporating cultural enrichment into the lessons to help students learn about their heritage and better connect to the material that’s being taught.

Norma Vianey Tizapan Mendoza is a teacher visiting from the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. She uses art, music and stories to help get students engaged. “Most of their parents are from Mexico and they are here because they want better opportunities for their families,” she says. “I’m so proud to be a teacher and to be here. Being a teacher is about touching your students’ heart.”

Bilingual report — Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula Invites All Artists to Mission & Vision Workshop on Aug, 1

SANTA PAULA — The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula, a vibrant community organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating cultural arts, is excited to announce its upcoming Mission & Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to bring together artists, organizations, and individuals committed to various forms of artistic expression from the local community to collectively shape the future of our cultural arts scene.

The Mission & Vision Workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 1st at the Train Depot located at 200 N. 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 from 4:45PM-7:00PM. Artists, organizations, and individuals of all backgrounds and disciplines are invited to attend and actively participate in this collaborative event.

California Providing Free Legal Services for Undocumented Farmworkers

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 19 unveiled a new $4.5 million pilot program to provide free immigration legal assistance to farmworkers who are involved in state labor investigations. This new program includes case review services, legal advice and representation by an attorney – all at no cost to farmworkers seeking assistance. 

What the Governor said: “Farmworkers are the backbone of our economy and we won’t stand by as bad actors use the threat of deportation as a form of exploitation. In the absence of Congress modernizing our broken, outdated immigration system, California continues our efforts to support immigrant families.”

With ‘Sell By’ Date Legislation Delayed, Assemblymember Irwin Requests CalRecycle to Impose Regulations Implementing Food Labeling Reforms

SACRAMENTO — Continuing with her commitment to reduce food waste, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin announced that she has requested California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to promulgate regulations requiring packaged food sold in California be labeled with clear and consistent expiration dates. The proposal aligns with Assembly Bill (AB) 660, which would assist consumers in understanding how long they can safely keep and consume products before discarding them.

Nominations open for 2023 Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards

CAMARILLO — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) has opened nominations for the 56th annual Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards.

Any person, business or nonprofit whose deeds and actions have contributed to the betterment of Camarillo’s community is eligible to be nominated. The online nomination form with award descriptions is available at https://bit.ly/toptenawards23 and is also available as a downloadable PDF that can be emailed or mailed to the WVCBA.

From California’s Central Coast: From Vine To Glass Discovering The Essence of Santa Rita Hills WinerIes

LOMPOC — The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.

Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp Kicks Off Week of Fun

SANTA BARBARA — Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp will welcome approximately 40 enthusiastic campers at the UCSB Recreation Center. Funding from the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation allows all campers to attend the week for free.

The annual camp provides sports and recreation skills development for children, youth, and young adults between the ages of 6 to 21 years old who can use a wheelchair to participate in sports and recreation activities. This year more than 50 volunteers will assist the campers.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH 5 EASY STEPS

July 18 @ 6:00 pm

Ventura County SCORE is hosting an in-person workshop for entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn techniques to increase sales and boost income. Led by marketing consultant James Bond, the workshop covers strategies like targeting real buyers, creating engaging pitches, using sales promotion, and becoming a preferred alternative. Attendees will gain insights to simplify their marketing process and achieve business growth. Address: VCCF, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Suite A, Camarillo, CA, 93012.

Board Chair, Vice-Chair And New Board Members Announced By Ventura College Foundation

VENTURA — In a June 28 meeting, the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors selected a new board chair and vice-chair and approved two new board members for the 2023-24 term.

The new foundation board chair is Nicole Kreutz, vice president, senior portfolio manager at Montecito Bank & Trust. She has been on the foundation board for five years and is a Ventura College alumnus. “I am excited to lead the foundation’s efforts to help students at Ventura College thrive and prosper,” says Kreutz. “As a foundation, we remain focused and vigilant on what we do best, providing our students with a way to open doors for the future and provide a bridge to higher education.”

Discover The 5 Best Parks In Lompoc

LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.

Three Attorneys Join Employment Law Firm LightGabler

CAMARILLO — Three attorneys have joined the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler.

“All three attorneys broaden our firm’s ability to serve our clients by providing comprehensive legal counsel on all types of employment matters and effectively resolving legal disputes,” says Jonathan Fraser Light, LightGabler managing attorney. “Their breadth of experience will serve our clients well.”

Arcelia Sención Named Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer At Family Service Agency/Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County is pleased to welcome the organization’s new Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer, Arcelia Sención. She will manage operations at FSA’s North County Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center office at 105 N. Lincoln Street.

Arcelia brings over 30 years of nonprofit experience to FSA/SMVYFC improving access to safety-net programs and developing initiatives to address the prevention of childhood trauma and abuse. She served as Associate Director at Standing Together to End Sexual Assault for the past four years and was previously Director of Healthcare and Social Services at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.

“We’re so excited to add Arcelia’s to our leadership team,” said  CEO Lisa Brabo. “She is a well-respected member of the community who has a clear passion for service and track record of effective leadership. We look forward to working with her to improve the wellbeing of children, families and seniors in our community.”

Port of Hueneme Achieves its Highest Ever Scores for Environmental Stewardship Certification

PORT OF HUENEME — It’s official! The Port of Hueneme’s annual Green Marine certification results are out, and the Port was certified in June 2023 with its highest scores ever during the annual Green Marine re-certification process. These high scores are an acknowledgement of the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to leadership in environmental stewardship. Green Marine is the leading voluntary environmental certification program for North America’s maritime industry. Green Marine’s Environmental Port Program scores an applicant against a rigorous set of more than 160 performance indicators in nine categories, including environmental leadership, community impacts, greenhouse gases and air pollutants as well as waste management. The scores an applicant receives are based upon escalating requirements, all of which are predicated on going above and beyond mere compliance with environmental regulations. In addition, the program categories evolve annually and require ongoing year over year improvement to maintain, let alone improve on, an applicant’s score. The Port of Hueneme has been part of this program since 2017 and in addition to the annual re-certification process, there is a third-party onsite program audit every other year of an applicant’s participation. The Port of Hueneme was the first port in California to achieve a Green Marine certification in 2017.

Bilingual commentary — Is Teaching Conventional English and Math “White Supremacy”?

A California high school English teacher, Marta Shaffer, has declared that teaching proper English grammar in our classrooms sustains white supremacy in our education system. 

Either Ms. Shaffer has a point, or she is someone who searches tirelessly for supremacist underpinnings where there may be none—or at least not to the extent that she perceives. 

Angels Foster Care Partners with CWS and Local Foundations to Launch New Kinship Care Program

SANTA BARBARA — Angels Foster Care on July 13 announced the launch of ‘Family & Friends Together’ (FFT), a new kinship care program that provides intensive, trauma-informed multigenerational support to kinship families caring for foster children from birth to age five in Santa Barbara County.

The local nonprofit – which provides safe, stable, loving homes for infants and toddlers in foster care throughout Santa Barbara County and Southern San Luis Obispo County – partnered with Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services, the Towbes Foundation, the Bower Foundation, the Hazen Foundation and other private donors to launch and fund the new program.

FFT provides case management, referrals, individualized education, and brief therapeutic intervention to kinship caregivers and the children they are fostering.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Taking Action to Prevent Homelessness

This week, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance that strengthens protections for tenants in the unincorporated areas of the County. It is my hope that these protections will make the playing field more level for renters in unincorporated areas during this unprecedented housing crisis and prevent people from losing their homes.

The most important protection we can put in place for renters (and for our planet and climate) is allowing more rental housing close to jobs. Only by our community refusing to build any new rental housing can landlords command such immense power over our lives. Our housing element, which is being worked on now, can help address this.

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘The California Scene’ Opens Saturday With an Added Surprise!

Premiere Party: California Art League’s “The California Scene”

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

The Santa Paula Art Museum is the place to be on Saturday, July 15! Join us as we unveil our newest exhibition, “The California Scene,” showcasing 59 quintessential California scenes in a variety of media by 44 artists from the long-established California Art League (CAL). The show is CAL’s 2023 Gold Medal Exhibition and multiple awards will be announced during the premiere party. Mingle with the artists, grab a glass of wine, and find out which artwork is named “Best in Show.”

“The California Scene” will be on view from July 15 to November 5, 2023. Many of the artworks are available for purchase.

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approve Parks Department to enter into dual lease agreement for oversight of Nyeland Acres Park

VENTURA — On Tuesday, June 27, though unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors approved the County Parks Department to enter into a dual lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Nyeland Acres Promise for management of the John C. Zaragoza Nyeland Acres Community Center and Park. The 2.2-acre park property, which is currently owned by the County of Ventura but under management by the Boys and Girls Club, is not available to the public on a full-time basis. Through the voted-on agreement, the County will now assume all oversight and maintenance for the park area through the County Parks Department, which will allow the neighborhood park to be open from dawn to dusk for the Nyeland Acres community. As well, the buildings will now be jointly operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme and Nyeland Promise.

“This is a very large deal to our community,” stated District 3 Supervisor Kelly Long. “Rolling this park into part of the County’s parks system allows us to take the liability off of the Boys and Girls Club and open it up even more to the community as a whole. It allows us to really develop the park for the community.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard Receives $16.5 Million in State Funding for Building Rice Ave. Overpass, Santa Clara Levee Construction and Channel Islands Harbor Water Quality

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will receive $16.5 million in funding for critical infrastructure initiatives as part of the 2023-24 California State budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“With the support of Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and Senator Monique Limón, Oxnard has secured significant funding to build and repair essential infrastructure that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. 

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara awards $27,000 for music education

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that supports classical music education through scholarships and grants, has awarded $27,000 to local music programs.

The foundation’s Education Grant Committee met in early June to discuss the 2023 disbursement of funds for music education programs. These funds are distributed following the foundation’s annual performing arts competition, in which individual vocal and instrumental students receive scholarships and prizes to support their musical studies. Foundation funds that remain after the competition are used for program grant awards, said President Deborah Bertling.

“The grant process is by invitation and focuses on arts organizations that support and foster the foundation’s mission,” Bertling said. “Our mission is to provide financial assistance to young musicians studying classical performing arts and to support music education in our community.”

Tony Morris Continues Reign as Rotary Club of Montecito’s President

MONTICITO — Tony Morris is beginning his second year of a two-year term as president of Montecito Rotary Club as the service organization marks a milestone.

This year, the club celebrates its 70th anniversary developing projects and delivering service to the Montecito community while creating lasting friendships and having some fun along the way.

Morris says he loves the area and its people, and is excited to do what he can to make it an even better place through his role in Rotary. He believes that working in service together we can make our world a better place.

UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes Jenna Hamilton-Rolle as Director of Education & Community Engagement

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes Jenna Hamilton-Rolle as Director of Education & Community Engagement. Hamilton-Rolle was the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, and brings substantial experience with community outreach, K-12 field trips, hands-on educational programming, and site-specific experiential learning to her new role with Arts & Lectures.

“I believe everyone in our community deserves access to engaging, high-quality educational opportunities. In alignment with UCSB Arts & Lectures mission, my career goals revolve around inspiring, educating, and engaging an increasingly diverse public” said Hamilton-Rolle. She also said that she has “admired A&L’s commitment to excellence, cogent programming, and dedication to accessibility” since her time as a graduate student at UCSB. 

Ventura Land Trust Announces Community Leaders as New Trustees

VENTURA — The Board of Trustees of Ventura Land Trust has experienced a major shift, with the recent addition of five new members and the departure of two, bringing the current total number of trustees to 13.

The new trustees include Kate Larramendy, past Director of Design & Sustainability at outdoor company Toad&Co and current board member of The Conservation Alliance; John Krist, who retired in 2022 as CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County; The Trade Desk Assistant Corporate Controller Meridith Thompson; Thousand Oaks City Manager Andrew Powers; and retired Ventura City Fire Marshal Brian Clark.

Caring Together Santa Barbara County to Implement Novel Approach to Enhancing Community Health

SANTA BARBARA — Caring Together Santa Barbara County (CTSBC) (on July 12) announced that it is one of 37 communities selected by the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI) to advance an innovative approach to building community health and equity. CTSBC will receive $500,000 in funding over a 30-month period to implement an Accountable Community for Health (ACH), a sustainable platform for aligning local health and social services while centering community voice and equity. 

Friendship Center names Katheryn Westland as its New Executive Director

SANTA BARBARA —

Friendship Center is Pleased to Announce Katheryn Westland as its New Executive Director. She brings extensive experience, focused passion and innovative vision to her work in the senior care space.  

Kathryn previously served as the Friendship Center’s Program manager and is excited to join the organization in the capacity of Executive Director. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters present History is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition as part of the 150th Anniversary celebration

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) are presenting the History Is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition at the County of Ventura Government Center – Hall of Administration, Atrium Gallery, located at 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Open now through September 5, 2023 as a part of the County’s 150th Anniversary events, the exhibit celebrates the many artists who have made an impact in Ventura County over the past 150 years.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Unveils Newly Remodeled Emergency Department

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) is pleased to announce the completion of a significant phase in its Emergency Department (ED) remodel project, made possible by generous community support and donations. The ED remains conveniently accessible from Junipero Street and has been redesigned for improved patient flow.

“Thanks to the renovation, we now have the ability to serve more patients and remain prepared for future healthcare needs,” said Dr. John Anis, medical director for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s Emergency Department. “Prior to the remodel, we were able to see 45,000 patients annually, now we are equipped to accommodate up to 75,000 patients.”

Ventura County Department of Child Support Services announces launch of Empowering Fathers Series to promote active parenting and family well-being

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS), a leading advocate for family well-being, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Empowering Fathers series this August as part of its Child Support Awareness Month Campaign. Committed to its core principle of helping families thrive, The Department of Child Support Services recognizes the instrumental role fathers play in the development and future success of their children. With this in mind, the department has curated a series of presentations that aim to empower fathers with the knowledge, support, and resources needed to overcome obstacles that may hinder their involvement in their children’s lives.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) July Fellowship Update

As the 2022-2023 Social Justice Fellowship cycle comes to an end, there is much to reflect on and celebrate! We are proud to highlight that the SJFVC is a first funder, helping new leaders who have never received funding before. In the summary below, you will notice that a majority of our Fellows are now receiving more funding and support from foundations and other sources. This is a great sign that our training and coaching is helping to launch them as new voices for justice.

Museum of Ventura County — True Crime Exhibit: Establish Your Alibi at the MVC

The Murder of Tom More:
A True Crime Story

In the early hours of March 24th 1877, a mob of angry settlers set fire to Thomas More’s barn and shot him at least 10 times. Motivated by a passionate battle over land ownership and water rights turned deadly, news of his murder rippled through California.

Amid the rubble of lies, perjuries, briberies, and omissions in the historical record, there are puzzles regarding his death that remain forever unsolved. His story stands today as a warning about the strong emotions unleashed over limited natural resources.

This exhibit is made possible by
the John Hammer Family

Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

VENTURA — Through unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors (on July 11) appointed Gina Johnson to the position of Chief Probation Officer, effective July 11, 2023. Chief Johnson has served the Probation Agency since 1991. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Chief Deputy Probation Officer and, most recently, the Interim Chief Probation Officer.

“Chief Johnson has been with the department for 33 years and seen every nook and cranny of the organization,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Matt LaVere. “The Probation Agency is a complex organization and I have all the confidence in the world that she will succeed in this role.”

STIIIZY Expands To Ventura County, Opens 32nd Dispensary

OXNARD — STIIIZY, a cannabis lifestyle brand and retailer, announced (on July 12) the grand opening of its 32nd dispensary, and first location in Oxnard, the vibrant seaside city and seat of Ventura County, where STIIIZY has long held a significant following. 

Located inside a busy commercial shopping center at 2343 N. Oxnard Blvd., STIIIZY Oxnard was built to serve Ventura County. The dispensary spans 2,880 square feet and sits on the corner of Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd., where an average of 80,000 cars pass by each day. Upon entering, customers will be met with a spacious entryway that pours into the sales floor, where the walls are wrapped in floor-to-ceiling photography, and artwork that depicts STIIIZY’s distinct flavor of cannabis culture and style. 

3C-REN Investing $155 Million in Tri-County Over Next Eight Years

CENTRAL COAST?— 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, had its $155 million, 8-year business plan approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. The plan permits 3C-REN to continue operating four successful existing programs and launch three new programs to fill gaps in energy efficiency services for commercial and public sector buildings, and the agricultural sector. 

Bilingual report — Assessor completes $171 billion 2023-24 Assessment Roll

VENTURA — On Wednesday, June 28, County Assessor Keith Taylor completed his first certification and delivery of Ventura County’s Annual Assessment Roll since being elected Assessor in June 2022. The County’s $171.7 billion Property Assessment Roll was delivered to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh for the calculation of the tax bills.

The majority of properties received the 2% increase established under Prop 13 when it was passed by the voters in 1978, however, properties with new construction may see a larger increase based on the enrolled value.