Housing Authority Honors Good Samaritan Shelter as 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) honored Good Samaritan Shelter as its 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through partners such as Good Samaritan Shelter are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach.

Good Samaritan is a key partner in HACSB’s efforts to ensure the community’s most vulnerable clients who are homeless, obtain a safe place to call home.  While the Housing Authority provides the housing or rental subsidy with landlords to these individuals or families, Good Samaritan provides the initial services to connect them with HACSB and to further ensure they have services to remain stably housed.

“This partnership has proven so successful that our agency was one of the first Public Housing Authorities to achieve full utilization of the Emergency Housing Vouchers throughout the nation,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB Executive Director and CEO.  “We look forward to crafting further solutions together so that we can locally address homeless issues throughout Santa Barbara.”

Hospice of Santa Barbara Shares Ways to Navigate Valentine’s Day for Those Who Have Lost a Romantic Partner

It is the time of year for pink and red balloons, heart-shaped candies and chocolates, stuffed animals, and bouquets of roses. It is a day meant to celebrate loving someone and being loved. However, for those grieving a lost loved one, holidays such as Valentine’s Day may bring up difficult emotions and memories of a romantic partner who has passed away. 

Whether it is the first Valentine’s Day without your loved one, or several years without them, it is natural to miss them during this holiday.  A variety of emotions may surface and that is okay. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, lost, confused, angry, guilty, and sad.  

Hospice of Santa Barbara understands navigating a holiday centered on love and unity can be especially difficult for those who are grieving. The following tips can help you cope with the loss of your special someone.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency battles a growing problem of illegal dumping that costs taxpayers millions of dollars in clean-up costs

Illegal dumping is a serious problem for the communities in Ventura County. Waste poses an environmental threat to both humans and wildlife. Illegal dumping, along with a $3,000 fine plus clean-up costs and community service, can be avoided by locating the proper information on disposal and recycling options. Ventura County Public Works Agency’s “Don’t Dump On Me, VC!” campaign encourages the community to keep Ventura County beautiful by providing information on simple and easy ways to dispose of waste.

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

FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES FAIR

February 15 @ 11:00 am

Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive 1 on 1 support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV. All community members are welcome to this bilingual (Spanish/English) event. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for a specific timeslot.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura County Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Accepting New Applications for 2023

The Ventura County Elections Division is seeking applications for its Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC). This committee is part of the federal and state-mandated outreach requirements to ensure all voters are included in the election process.

Ventura County’s diverse community of voters includes those who speak Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Gujarati proficiently but who may be less practiced in English. Elections is looking for volunteers who have experience with these language-diverse communities and are also interested in elections, to provide insight and ideas on how to best serve these communities. The LAAC will be reviewing past distribution of election information and materials and discuss the direct accessibility for all Ventura County voters. 

$412,500 distributed to 55 entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara County through WEV’s Emprendimiento Program

On January 26th, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted an Award Ceremony at the Santa Barbara Library Faulkner Gallery and distributed $412,500 to entrepreneurial Hispanic and Indigenous Santa Barbara County community members.  Fifty-five Emprendimiento Program participants successfully completed WEV’s free, 8-week business training program taught in Spanish and applied for grant funding. Each graduate received a $7,500 microgrant award to grow their existing small business.  Emprendimiento Program information, including enrollment for the upcoming Ventura County cohort, visit www.wevonline.org/classes-resources/emprendimiento/ .

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Ceremony to Recognize recently elected officials on Feb. 7

Please join the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for a Ceremony to recognize newly elected officials.

Normally, this is the ceremony where the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors is installed, and newly elected officials are sworn in. But this year, mother nature had other plans that caused us to postpone, and swearing-in occurred remotely.

We had already prepared for this Ceremony to take place on the day after the 5-year anniversary of the 1/9 debris flow. We knew that our county (and our whole country and world) had been through a lot in the 5 years since that devastating day. But we could not have foreseen that 1/9 would be marked by yet another dangerous storm.

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum ‘Call to Duty’ February 2023

Hello friends and supporters! 

As you might have heard, we had a major setback with the museum flood disaster in early January. It was quite a shocking start to the new year, to discover standing water across the entire museum and downstairs floors, and widespread water damage in storage closets, the armory, the library, and our museum office.

Despite this bump in the road, we will persevere. I am happy to report we are getting back on track and will be opening by February 15th.  Our volunteers have been going above and beyond throughout the month of January and we are indebted to their many hours of extra service and efforts outside their normal volunteer duties. I am proud of and grateful for each of our volunteers who have been helping out to get things cleaned, fixed and ready to open once again (a special thank you to the non-staff folks who graciously joined in to help).

Westlake, Thousand Oaks, and Channel Islands High Schools Take Top Spots in 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held in person over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony today at Oxnard High School. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Thousand Oaks High School
3rd Place: Channel Islands High School
This is the third consecutive year that Westlake High School has placed first overall. Complete individual and team results in all of the various categories are available at this link.

Eric Seale Joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

Eric Seale has joined the volunteer Board of Directors for Cottage Health, a not-for-profit leader in providing advanced medical care to California’s Central Coast region.

Seale is a managing partner at Accufy Analytics, a financial software firm specializing in renewable energy financing structures. He holds a master’s degree in finance from the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University in New Jersey.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News update for Feb. 3

FEMA Individual Assistance for Storm Recovery Efforts

The January storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County, prompting Sheriff Jim Fryhoff to sign a Proclamation of Local Emergency. This proclamation was later ratified by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and sent to the California Governor requesting his support for the Major Disaster Declaration. Subsequently, and with unanimous support of local congressional delegates, a Major Disaster Declaration was authorized by President Biden, to include Ventura County. This Major Disaster Declaration is key to activating various disaster assistance programs for residents, businesses and public agencies. As a result of those efforts, we are excited to announce that Ventura County has been awarded a Major Disaster Declaration and area residents may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, as well as assistance from other state and federal agencies. 

How to apply:

OPAC + El Concilio announce a COVID-19 Poster Art Contest with $1,500 in cash prizes!

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and El Concilio Family Services have teamed up for a COVID-19 Poster Art Contest which is accepting submissions now through March 3, 2023. There are two categories for entries: Grades K-5 and 6-12. Prizes will be offered for the top 3 winners in each category: 1st place – $500 cash prize, 2nd place – $200 cash prize, and 3rd place a $50 Target gift card. Prize Sponsor is The Children’s Workshop and funding is provided in part through the California VA58 Campaign. 

COVID-19 took a devastating toll on our community and we’re still dealing with the virus and its impacts. We need your help to make sure our friends, family members, neighbors, and peers stay protected because the virus has not gone away.

Local youth in Grades K-12 are encouraged to create posters that remind people about COVID-19 safety and the importance of vaccines. Posters can show how COVID has affected students or their community. They can also be more general and encourage mask-wearing, getting the vaccine or getting boosted.

Bilingual commentary — George Santos for President

Most of us are aware of the story of George Santos, a Republican U.S. House of Representatives Congressman elected in November 2022. Actually, we think his name is George Santos. He has “embellished” his past so thoroughly, we may not ever know who, exactly, he really is. 

“Embellished” is a polite euphemism. Apparently, Mr. Santos has lied profoundly to the American people, particularly to those who elected him based on his stated views and history. The story of his life that he provided was, as it turns out, a complete fabrication. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — BEWARE of SBA Related Scams

Recently, people have been receiving emails and/or calls from people claiming to be from the Small Business Administration offering “Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Forgiveness”.

EIDL loans CANNOT be forgiven and there is NO EIDL forgiveness program. Please be cautious of anyone reaching out claiming that they can provide loan forgiveness.

REMEMBER: DO NOT provide personal and financial data to anyone you don’t know!

Helpful Tips

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Upcoming events in VC!

The Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) at California Lutheran University will present the latest Ventura County economic forecast at the County’s premier networking event. CERF will provide in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance through COVID-19 and into the post-pandemic environment. CERF will also present its award-winning forecasts for the United States and California. The event will provide important context for individuals and organizations operating in the current policy environment. Featured speakers will include: Kimberly Strassel, member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board, and Matthew Fienup, Executive Director of CERF.

CLU School of Management — Announcing the Keynote Speaker & Panelists!

Susana Cruickshank
President of the Centre for International Cooperation and Public Management Studies (CECIG)
Susana Cruickshank currently directs the civil society organization Centre for International Cooperation and Public Management Studies (CECIG), where she works on projects that accompany the day laborer population in the states of Morelos and San Luis Potosí and, as part of the “National Network of Day Labourers and Agricultural Day Labourers,” in Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Chiapas, Guerrero, and other states. Her work at CECIG includes extensive research to produce comprehensive diagnoses and proposals on agricultural day laborers’ living, working, and wage conditions.

Bilingual report — Cottage Health Launches Spanish Virtual Care

To help increase access to care, Cottage Health is excited to announce that Cottage Virtual Care is now offered in Spanish. Launching today for California residents, Cottage Virtual Care – Spanish is always open, offering 24/7 coverage for virtual care visits.

Anyone can visit cottagehealth.org/atencion-virtual using a smartphone, tablet or computer to start a visit in Spanish. Patients start by creating an account and entering their symptoms and health information. Choose from an online interview or have a video consultation with a Cottage Health provider. Within an hour, users receive a treatment plan, and – if needed – prescriptions are automatically sent to a pharmacy of choice.

Bilingual report — 20th Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show award winners announced

On Friday, January 13, 2023, the winners of the 20th Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show were announced by the Ventura County Arts Council and the National Arts Program at a special awards reception. The reception took place on the Main Plaza of the Atrium Gallery, at the County of Ventura Government Center, Hall of Administration, with art entries on display throughout the building.

County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson, PsyD, was in attendance and provided opening remarks, along with Ventura County Arts Council Board Chairperson, Carolyn Mullin. David Yoshitomi, County’s Arts and Culture Manager, announced the winners.

“It was such an honor to announce the winners for this year’s show,” said Mr. Yoshitomi.  “The level of talent and creativity connected to the County of Ventura team is so impressive,” he continued, “and it’s wonderful to see it all on display on the walls of the Government Center.”

CLU School of Management — Upward — Community Newsletter

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

37th Annual California Strawberry Festival Call for Applicants: Makers of Unique, Quality Handcrafted Artwork and Craft items

The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 20 and 21 at the festival’s new location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to submit an application is February 13.

January/February 2023 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Dear Families & Friends,     

As we embrace the new year… I always choose a word to set my intentions and expectations for the year ahead, in 2023 my word is “Imagine.” Not just because I love the Beatles and John Lennon, however “Imagine” is a reflection on 2022 and hopes for the year 2023. 

“Imagine all the people…” 
I have high hopes for this new year. 2023 is the year of reconnection and to “come together” after all these difficult times due to the pandemic. I’m so thrilled that once again our Festival of Hearts will be an “in person” event after a two-year hiatus. I believe there have been missed opportunities and we’re hungry for this reconnection. It seems as though we used to ‘meet-up’ more often and we were always going from point A to B. As crazy as this may sound I kind of miss it. We are back in the world, needing to reconnect. This year I believe is the time to reassess how we do that and what type of world we truly want to be part of. 

California unveils bold plan to sustainably manage pests and eliminate high-risk pesticides by 2050

State leaders on Jan. 26 unveiled a roadmap of ambitious goals and actions to accelerate California’s transition to sustainable pest management and eliminate prioritized high-risk pesticides by 2050. The Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap for California (SPM Roadmap) was developed by a cross-sector Work Group of stakeholders facilitated by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CALEPA) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It charts a course toward sustainable pest management in agricultural and urban settings.  Documents available at https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/sustainable_pest_management_roadmap/

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) January, February Partner Event and Webinar Schedule

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

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FUNDAMENTALS OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

January 31 @ 6:00 pm

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting, but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join Ventura County SCORE in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.

Bilingual report — Important Dates for the City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for Council Member District 6 (Short Term)

 County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the details of the March 7, 2023, City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member-District 6. 

The Special Election is a Voter’s Choice Act Election, giving City of Oxnard District 6 voters the opportunity for “More Days and More Ways” to submit their ballot. Voters in this election can:

Ventura County Arts Council — See Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our annual, all-ages competitive art show for Ventura County employees, retirees and their family members. The show is hosted in partnership with the County of Ventura and is generously sponsored by the National Arts Program.

You can see the show now through Friday, February 3, 2023during business hours in our Atrium Gallery inside the Ventura County Government Center Hall of Administration located 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.

Ventura College Foundation Provides $776,264 in Direct Student Support During 2021-2022 Academic Year

Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $776,264 in direct student support during the 2021-2022 academic year and another $1.24 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 department and divisions.

Of the $776,264 in direct student support, $756,908 was in the form of scholarships. “The student scholarship distribution is our largest ever,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “A growing community donor based helped us reach the $1.24 million mark to support Ventura College programs.”

Bilingual commentary — The Big Lie and the Erosion of Democracy

When Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, there was some speculation that perhaps he would “go quietly into the night.” On the campaign trail, he himself said that if he were to lose the election, we’d never see him again. He also stated that he “might have to leave the country.” Looking back, we now realize that he was just joking.

Fast-forwarding two years, we know that not only did he not leave the country, but rather he is very possibly planning a vengeful return to the White House. We also know that he concocted a Big Lie that has had troubling implications for our democracy. His Big Lie, which is the claim that the election was “rigged” and that he had actually won the election, has spawned an entire industry of election deniers who refuse to believe hard, unequivocal evidence that the election was, in fact, the most secure in American history. 

But election deniers ignore the hard numbers. They “feel in their heart” that they are right, let the facts be damned.

Suddenly—not only here, but throughout the world—election denialism is all the rage (so to speak). Trump planted a seed that was fertilized by strategic misinformation. A plant grew from that seed, blossomed, and in turn nefariously spread its seeds far and wide.

Moorpark College to Launch Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biomanufacturing

The biotech field is expected to grow faster than average through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Area biotech companies report struggling to fill positions for well-trained staff on their production teams. To meet this need, Moorpark College will offer a bachelor’s degree in applied biomanufacturing, expanding on the college’s proven track record of its associate degree in biotechnology. 

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors granted Moorpark College official approval of the degree on Jan. 23. Students can begin the program with the fall 2024 semester.

“Students who earn this degree will be well-equipped to pursue careers in the growing biotech industry,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “Moorpark College aims to provide our community with educational opportunities that lead to careers that help them build wealth — not just a living wage — and salaries that lift students out of poverty into solid middle-class professional jobs.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following winter storms

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”

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

Today, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Probation Officer Gina Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective January 29, 2023. Chief Deputy Johnson will serve in this role while the County of Ventura continues its search for the permanent Chief Probation Officer. Chief Deputy Johnson succeeds Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela who is retiring from County service on January 28 after 34 years of service, the last 13 of which he served as Chief Probation Officer for the Agency. 

“We look forward to welcoming Interim Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson to this important leadership position for the Probation Agency and I want to thank her for being willing to serve during this time of transition,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We thank Chief Varela for his many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated work at the Probation Agency and within the community. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to working with Interim Chief Johnson.”

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program Announces New Group for LGBTQ+ Community

Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week grief support group program for our LGBTQ+ community. The group will meet every Tuesday from February 7th through April 11th. The group will meet in person at our Camarillo Grief Center. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

37th Annual California Strawberry Festival Seeks Sponsors & Exhibitors

The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival, taking place May 20 and 21, is seeking corporate sponsors and commercial exhibitors. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival is back at a new location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.

The family-friendly festival attracts over 57,000 visitors and pays tribute to Ventura County’s number one crop: strawberries. Festivalgoers come from throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties. They enjoy over 40 strawberry-themed food and beverage stands, up to 200 fine arts and craft vendors, strawberry-themed contests for all ages, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, fair-style carnival rides and a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake tent. An estimated 1.5 million strawberries, picked fresh locally, will be eaten during the two-day festival.