The program, supported locally by the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Police Activities League, is funded by the California Police Activities League (PAL) and bolstered by $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the Santa Paula City Council. YARA offers hands-on training that directly positions participants for apprenticeships and job opportunities in traditional and emerging workforce sectors.
“The gasoline leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Preliminary testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 20, confirmed the substance was gasoline. While the primary leak has been contained, the full extent of the impact to the sewer system and surrounding environment is still under investigation.”
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) announces significant progress in the Campaign for Wildlife, aimed at establishing the state-of-the-art Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This transformative project will enhance wildlife care, ensuring that injured and orphaned animals receive the support they need at a modern facility.
In her latest book, the digital artist and scholar examines the intersection of art, technology and activism.
We are excited to invite John Maier, CEO at Bose Professional to be our next guest in our Forward Together webinar series.
Discover how Maier turned his passion for music and the gear used to create, record, perform and broadcast it into a career in business. More recently, he has led the carveout of Bose Professional from Bose Corporation and will discuss the unique challenges of separating a division from an established business and re-branding that business.
CAMARILLO — A Computer Science alumnus now working in cybersecurity and a not-for-profit health organization that has partnered with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for nearly 20 years will be honored on Sept. 28 at CSUCI’s 2024 President’s Dinner at the…
Dual Enrollment programs bring college courses to high schools across the county CAMARILLO — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at…
was driving with my husband and three beautiful daughters when I found out, and I yelled and started dancing around in the car,” Smith, 44, said. “Then, honestly, I started to cry. Because it’s so hard to go back to school later in life, when some of your friends are talking about retiring.”
“We’re having a hard time providing the quality care our patients deserve as more staff leave. We don’t take the decision to strike lightly, but we’ve reached our breaking point and are urging Adventist executives to address understaffing and working conditions in their hospitals now,” said Jennifer Mendoza, a pathology assistant at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. “We’re hoping that Adventist executives will bargain with us in good faith to reach an agreement, so we can provide the best care possible for our community.”
The California Labor Market Information Division has released its August 2024 report, showing a slight uptick to the unemployment rate, from 5.0% in July to 5.2% in August. We’re currently up from a low 3.6% just a few months back in May, and also up from one year ago, in August 2023, at 4.8%.
While a rise in the unemployment rate in the summer months is routine, we are seeing a real and troublesome increase in the number of unemployed workers (that is, residents looking for work but either not finding it or not choosing to take it). At 21,600 unemployed workers, that’s the highest number we’ve had since 2021, back when we were still in the throes of COVID.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming Events:
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we express our deepest gratitude to Margarita for her unwavering leadership and dedication to CEDC,” said Aiza Galdo, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under her guidance, CEDC has delivered significant impact, expanded affordable housing options and positively transformed the lives of countless individuals and families.”
The Clean Air Fund grant will help GoodFarms LLC purchase two solar-powered harvest machines for Crisalida Berry Ranch, a 100-acre farm on Rice Avenue near East Pleasant Valley Road. GoodFarms collaborated with Agrobot to develop the prototype and tested it earlier this year on the Oxnard farm. The solar version of the harvest-aid machine, which holds flats while propelling itself down crop rows, costs $69,500.
IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION
September 26 @ 6:00 pm
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
“The Commission for Women is deeply committed to the well-being of women and children in our community,” said Geordie Scully, First District Commissioner for the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women. “We have chosen to support LEAP’s Diaper bank to bring awareness about LEAP’s effort to provide the basic necessities babies need for a healthy start. We also hope this encourages donations to the only diaper bank in our county.”
COUNTY OF VENTURA — Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. During this month we will celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and…
Booking your tickets for our upcoming events has never been easier! Visit our website now to quickly secure your seats for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—book your tickets online today!
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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well! I am excited to share some important and exciting events happening in the coming weeks that I believe will benefit our community.
I especially want to highlight our Home Insurance Town Hall, taking place on October 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters. This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the ever-changing landscape of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk. I’ll be joined by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, State Deputy Insurance Commissioner Julia Juarez, fire officials and members of the Conejo, Simi and Moorpark Realtors Association. We encourage you to attend and get your questions answered directly from the experts.
As always, my office is here to serve you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. My sons and I are pictured at the Wings Over Camarillo Festival. The highlight was the STEM center my son Steven really enjoyed.
Here’s to staying informed and prepared as we continue to strengthen and support our community together!
Kind regards,
Jeff
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
I have begun donating books from my home library. It is quite a large collection that I curated over the past nearly 70 years. I am discovering that this is a profoundly bittersweet experience. I’ve treasured each book throughout the sweep of my life since boyhood.
These volumes include self-help, how-to, and inspirational classics. There is an abundance of mathematical and scientific books that reflect the technical trajectory of my time on earth.
But there are also books that remind me of the times that I was trying to teach myself something, such as how to use computer software, how to write a business plan, or how to build or reconstruct relationships.
“We are thrilled to partner with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD), and the Port of Hueneme on this important initiative for Ventura County’s residents,” shared Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, president of Oxnard College. “Through careful collaboration, we have partnered with the Port and NSWC PHD to train local workers, meet employers’ needs, and provide good-paying careers right here in our community.”
“I have had a special connection with a few of my Latinx clients over their lived experience as first-generation individuals attempting to acculturate in this day and age,” said Sanchez. “We often talk about how our parents’ journey to a new country and the enduring trauma across generations have shaped expectations placed upon their children.”
Pre-LAT itself is a comprehensive test of the system’s ability to function properly and produce accurate results. Equipment tested in Pre-LAT includes the ballot scanners and tabulators, adjudication equipment, ADA-accessible ballot marking devices, and ballot printers. Each component is tested separately, and the final test results are reported to the California Secretary of State. Only equipment passing the logic and accuracy tests can be utilized in the election. Once approved, the equipment is then sealed immediately, and the seals remain intact throughout the entire election for security.”
This is a very busy and exciting time of the year for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). We are currently in the process of reviewing and selecting our 2024-2025 Social Justice Fellows! The applicants have proposed solutions to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to: environmental justice, youth gang intervention, LGBTQ+ rights, food insecurity, and education equity. While there are many more candidates and issues which merit funding that we cannot support, we are constantly reminded of the critical needs the Social Justice Fund is meeting.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Youthwell are pleased to announce a new slate of suicide prevention workshops called QPR that will teach participants three steps to help save a life from suicide. Last year, over 580 Santa Barbara County residents received this free, two-hour training.
I was pleased to join Carpinteria Senior Citizens, Inc. at their annual picnic with a sweet new ride! My office worked to purchase a vehicle from the County’s fleet and donate it to Seniors Inc. so that they can help transport their members to appointments and activities. A recent study from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens found that transportation is the number one need among seniors in Santa Barbara County. Being unable to attend social events due to a lack of transportation is strongly correlated with an increase in isolation and poor health outcomes among seniors. The best part is the vehicle is wheelchair-capable!
OXNARD — Abiel Acosta, the founder and president of Acosta Wealth Management, recently received the prestigious Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).
In a pair of recent papers, David W. Lawson and his team at UCSB’s Applied Evolutionary Anthropology Lab shed light on possible explanations for gender bias. Their research was carried out in an urbanizing rural community in northwestern Tanzania.
“Being selected to the Ventura Port Commission is a real honor. It’s a place where I can combine my professional skills and experience with my love of boating and the water to contribute to a city and harbor that I cherish, said Howell.
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE — The United States (U.S.) Space Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action (PA).
The PA is to increase Falcon 9 annual launch cadence from 36 to 50 launches per year at Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4) on Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), increase Falcon 9 first stage and fairing recovery activities, and expand the recovery area in the Pacific Ocean.
CAMARILLO — Casa Pacifica, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, celebrated the grand opening of its new supportive housing for transitional age youth (ages 18-25) on September 13. The new housing is one of the first in Ventura County to address the needs of young adults who are transitioning from public systems such as foster care or juvenile justice or who are at a high risk of homelessness.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu
Members-Only Event
Thursday, September 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
In honor of the unveiling of the Museum of Ventura County’s newest upcoming exhibition, we invite our valued MVC Members to join us for a private preview and chance to meet the artists.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Members, please register for this event HERE. If you are interested in becoming a member, click HERE.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department has recognized an increase in electric bikes and electric motorcycles in many communities. It is important to provide the public with information concerning Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) and several state laws pertaining to them.
“We are excited to welcome these five individuals to the WEV Board. Their strong leadership, expertise, and passion for our mission will be invaluable as we continue to adapt to the needs of the community we serve, and remain both relevant and sustainable,” said WEV’s CEO, Nicki Parr.
“We’re very pleased Eric is coming back; he knows Oxnard, he knows City Hall, and he’s a proven executive leader,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “Eric will provide strong leadership, clear direction, and an abundance of support for the City.”
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is excited to announce a new partnership with the Zachari Dunes hotel, located just over a mile from the museum’s home in Channel Islands Harbor. This collaboration, beginning on September 17, 2024, brings a unique maritime experience to hotel guests with the installation of a spectacular tall ship model exhibit in the hotel’s lobby. The first ship to be displayed is the San Felipe, a famed Spanish galleon that sailed from 1690 to 1705, offering a glimpse into that captivating period of maritime history.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Westpark Skatepark Expansion Project. On Friday, September 13, City officials, local dignitaries, and project partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The skatepark at 450 W. Harrison Ave will officially close for construction on Monday, September 23, with completion slated for Spring 2025.
IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION
September 26 @ 6:00 pm
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Does your arts or culture organization or group have a project for which you’d like to apply for a grant, or do other fundraising, but lack 501(c)(3) status? Fiscal sponsorship may be an option.
Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative programs and fund development officer Adrienne De Guevara will present this FREE, 1-hour virtual workshop. Registration required.
Register now
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme’s operations team joined by other Port staff, Port tenants, vessels, labor, Port partners, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), and numerous public safety agencies led a training at the Port this Monday to evaluate the impact that a Maritime Security (MARSEC) level increase would have on the Port’s operations, placing an emphasis on safety, security and community partnerships. This year’s training focused on the Port’s ability to react to a proposed threat to cargo. The training was conducted over a morning and afternoon session.
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to:
Establish a business in Port Hueneme
Create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values
Craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity
Analyze market trends and competitor strategies using AI to refine your brand positioning and ensure consistency across all platforms
VENTURA COUNTY — Scouting America (formerly Ventura County Council Boy Scouts of America), Ventura County Council (SAVCC) has rebranded in name, in line with the announcement that the national organization will officially transition in name from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America in early 2025, as it celebrates its 115th anniversary.
The name change reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family to experience the benefits of scouting. The announcement comes as the organization also celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Nationally, Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The local SAVCC has served over 4,500 youth (including non-Scouts), 779 adult leaders, and sends more than 5,000 kids to camp each year since its founding in 1921, just 11 years after the creation of the national organization.
“Children are especially vulnerable to injuries in a crash if they are in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size or if the car seat is improperly installed,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “We are dedicated to helping parents and caregivers safeguard their children on the road.”
“We are excited to open our doors to the community and provide a new resource for quality pharmaceutical care,” says owner and pharmacist Dr. Sora Yoon, an Oxnard resident for more than 35 years. “Our goal is to support the health and well-being of our neighbors, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with the people of El Rio and beyond.”
VENTURA — The Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) Planning Division, in partnership with House Farm Workers!, published the results of a countywide survey of agricultural employers, farmworkers, and stakeholders. This completes a major milestone in the Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan, highlighting the farmworker community and their housing needs.
“The commitment by the County, all ten cities and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help fund, facilitate and share the knowledge learned from our local agricultural operators and farmworkers will be instrumental to our next step of this project – to develop recommendations for the production of farmworker housing across our County,” said Dave Ward, Planning Director for the Resource Management Agency.
It may seem to be “unfair,” but sometimes we see people who appear to catch a wave of good fortune, experiencing a magical moment in their lives that propels them toward sudden and totally unexpected fame or success (or, ideally, both). These lucky breaks, often appearing as seized opportunities or fortunate coincidences, can dramatically alter one’s path in life. While hard work and perseverance are essential, the element of luck can sometimes play an unexpectedly pivotal role in shaping destinies.
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Don’t miss the premiere of Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10” on Saturday, September 14! Over the past two years, as Pidduck found herself approaching her 74th birthday, the Santa Paula artist gave herself the goal of creating 74 new paintings, 40 of which she selected for this show. With no restrictions as to subject matter, Pidduck let the dimensions of the paintings, 8 inches square, provide the unifying ingredient. Meet the artist and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere party from 4 PM to 6 PM.
“8² + 10” will be on view through January 12, 2025. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.
Now that the summer is coming to an end, travel plans for the holidays are underway for many of you. If you are considering traveling abroad, it is imperative that you keep your passport up to date. It’s important to note that some countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the date of your trip.
As your representative in Congress, I want to make sure that obtaining or renewing a passport is made as easy as possible. For that reason, I am hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5189 Verdugo Way, Camarillo, CA 93012.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announced the successful completion of the Harvard Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project at a community ribbon-cutting ceremony held August 31, 2024. This transformative project, which spanned nearly two years, marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable services for its residents.
