United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for 110 households

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for 110 local households with a 96% retention rate. This means 188 individuals, including 45 veterans, now have a place to call home in the Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents make the situation increasingly challenging. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

Bilingual report — Covered California Announces 2023 Plan Rates: Lower Than National Average Amid Uncertain Future of American Rescue Plan Benefits

Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.

“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”

Local Philanthropist Kicks Off ‘Her Legacy’ Through $150K Donation to Girls of Carpinteria

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has unveiled its plans for the new Lynda Fairly Courtyard, and announced a new investment opportunity called ‘Her Legacy’ that will help ensure its programs continue to flourish and inspire future generations of girls.

Philanthropist and community leader Lynda Fairly recently committed $150,000 to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to support a total renovation of its outdoor courtyard. The courtyard will be developed into an intentional mixed-use community space, complete with dedicated outdoor classroom areas and an interactive natural playground, in an environmentally conscious and meditative landscape.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor’s Office to Mail Assessed Value Notices Next Week

The Assessor’s Office is preparing to send out, by mail, approximately 250,000 assessed value notices to taxpayers in Ventura County early next week. The notices inform owners of their property’s taxable value as of January 1, 2022. About 200,000 notices will be postcards showing the 2% increase in value due to Proposition 13.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

As of Tuesday, July 19, there have been 1,293 new COVID-19 cases reported and 8,696 new tests completed since Friday, July 15. There are 87 people hospitalized and 7 people in the ICU. There have been 3 new deaths of females ages 86, 87, and 101. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.13.

84.9% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose
77.8% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated

COVID-19 summary data is now updated Tuesdays and Fridays at www.vcrecovers.org.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Ventura County’s level of COVID-19 transmission is high. Hospitalizations have increased but are not currently overwhelming our hospital systems. Masks are strongly recommended in all public indoor settings in Ventura County.

Quick links:
• Schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 833-422-4255
• Find a free state testing site: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
• Get the latest on state masking guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/
• View California’s isolation and quarantine guidance.
• If you are at high risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about accessing treatments. Most state testing sites offer treatments on site for uninsured residents. Access COVID treatment information at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.

Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Business Alert — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant 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 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

July 25, 2022 – August 15, 2022
January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Nominations open for 55th Annual Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards

The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) has announced that nominations for the 2022 Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards have officially opened and will remain open until Friday, August 5.

Any person, business or service organization whose deeds and actions have contributed to the betterment of the Camarillo community is eligible to be nominated. The online nomination form with award descriptions is available at: https://bit.ly/CamarilloNoms22. It also is available as a PDF at https://bit.ly/toptenawards22 and can be emailed to the WVCBA or sent by regular mail.

Guest contribution — PODS® Tri-Counties Provides Helpful Tips to Homeowners Moving with Pets

According to Spots.com, 67% of homeowners have pets in America. This is why it is essential to learn how to best transport your pets so their move can be as smooth a transition as yours. PODS® Tri-Counties is making things a little easier for you by providing some simple travel tips to get you going.  

Here are a few tips to help accommodate a pet friendly move: 

Santa Paula Art Museum — Kids’ Craft Camp just added (Ages 8-13) for Aug. 1 through 5

We’ve just added a new week of summer art camp at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center! Kids’ Craft Camp is all about having fun while getting crafty. Students will learn to use a variety of craft materials for countless creative applications, from clay, fabric, and recycled materials, to a classic favorite—Shrinky Dinks! 

Kids’ Craft Camp is appropriate for children ages 8-13. The cost of the five-day camp is $120.00 per child. All skill levels are welcome and all materials will be provided. Space is limited and preregistration is required.

Bilingual report — Offices and Nomination Period Announced for Nov. 8, 2022 General Election

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election. The 2022 General Election is a non-partisan run-off election for the state, federal and county top-two contest finishers who ran in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election. It is also the regular election for municipal, special district and school district races.

The nomination period for the municipal, special, and school district candidates runs from July 18, 2022, through August 12, 2022. If the incumbent in one of these races does not file by close of business on August 12, the nomination period will be extended an additional five days ending August 17, 2022. It should be noted that newly formed district offices (from previously at-large seats) do not have incumbents and therefore will not have an extension period.

“We are seeing more and more interest in local races in recent years, both from voters and possible candidates,” said Lunn. “We want to make sure anyone interested in running for a city office, school district or a special district is aware that, even though the election isn’t until November, they need to start reviewing the process right away. The deadlines come up quickly.”

Bilingual report — Nomination Period for November 2022 Oxnard City Council Candidates Begins July 18

The Oxnard City Clerk’s office announces the upcoming nomination period of Monday, July 18 through Friday, August 12, 2022, for Oxnard residents seeking election as Councilmembers for District 1, 2 or 5 on November 8, 2022.

To run for office, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and registered to vote, and reside within a District that is electing a Councilmember on November 8, 2022. Incumbents currently occupying the seats up for election are Bert Perello (District 1), Gabe Teran (District 2), and Gabriela Basua (District 5).

Family Service Agency Elects New Board Co-Presidents, Officers

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County announced that it has voted in a new slate of leadership for its 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Molly Carrillo-Walker and Tricia Price replace out-going Co-Presidents Terri Zuniga and Robin Doell-Sawaske who served an extended term during the pandemic. Linda Sessler and Robert Janeway move forward as Co-Treasurers. Teressa Johnes becomes Secretary. Ed Tran and Rod Durham are serving as Co-Vice Presidents of Programs. Maria McCall assumes the role of Vice President of Development.

“We are thankful for the support of the previous officers and are excited about  welcoming our new officers,” said FSA CEO, Lisa Brabo.  “Their experience and expertise, in combination with the rest of FSA’s board, will effectively guide us as we step forward into the new fiscal year.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA

August 2 @ 12:00 pm

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!

July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

July marks the start of our new fiscal year, and looking ahead – what a robust year it will be! Our growing team (200+!) continues to rise to the call of the ongoing  housing crisis. And thanks to such talented individuals, we are well positioned to take our mission to the next level.  
 
An important part of that mission are our resident services. While we have always been a houser, we are now celebrating our 20 year anniversary for providing site-based services too. Both our education and supportive housing programs were born out of specific needs expressed by our residents: help with homework, help with health. Two decades later, while each program has matured, those two basic needs remain at their core.
 

Sponsorships Available for Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala taking place Saturday, September 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive relationships, impacting lives and strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living programs and social responsibility. It serves the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Moorpark.

The funds raised from the evening support YMCA programs including Find My Genius and Safety Around Water. Find My Genius is a five-week achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. This program is offered at no cost to participants. Safety Around Water is designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills. It is also offered at no cost to participants and is open to the public.

Local, award-winning auto detailer selected to prestigious Air Force One Detailing Team

In 2020, Renny Doyle, known as “The Detailer of Air Force One,” and The Detail Mafia had to skip what would have been their 17th consecutive year detailing Air Force One. This year, the tradition continues. A carefully selected team of 30 incredible detailers, a third of them first-time team members, will carry out the important task of preserving the Museum of Flight’s Air Force One, B-29 and a few other historic aircraft. The project is scheduled for July 11-16, 2022.

Local auto detailer and small business owner, Oscar Hernandez, is among the elite team of 30 selected this year. Oscar owns Eight O Five Detail Shop located in Ventura, California. Shortly after being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2016, Oscar couldn’t sit still for long. “I came home, started my business, joined the Chamber and give back to my community whenever I can,” says Hernandez. “I’ve worked hard and pushed myself to detailing excellence, and my selection to this team is the culmination of that.”

Bilingual commentary — When Facts Don’t Matter

For the past two and a half years, I have tried every way imaginable to understand how election deniers think. Of course, I’m referring to those who are convinced, or have convinced themselves, that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. Why do they so stubbornly refuse to accept Trump’s defeat despite the unambiguous evidence proving that he did indeed lose? 

Before we attempt to answer that question, here are several noteworthy facts: 

Oxnard-Based Insurance Brokerage Firm CEO Brenda Allison to Speak During National Industry Event in Washington, D.C.

A trailblazing business insurance specialist and entrepreneur has joined the speakers’ lineup for Q4Live, a premier industry conference taking place in Washington, D.C. Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers, will draw on over 20 years of success as she shares the traits and tools of good leadership.

Q4Live is a national networking conference put on by Q4intelligence (Q4i), a business, sales, and marketing consulting firm that helps insurance agencies reach their potential. The conferences are geared at helping business owners grow leads, run more efficiently, boost their leadership capabilities, and expand their business. 

More than $1 Million in Incentives Remain Available for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Ventura County

As growing numbers of us drive electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for accessible charging stations in safe well-lit locations is increasing throughout our local communities. The CALeVIP South Central Coast Incentive Project promotes easy access to such zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, by providing incentives for the purchase and installation of eligible electric vehicle (EV) chargers here in Ventura County.  

Acosta Wealth Management announces Candice Carrizales has earned a Certified Financial Planning professional certification

Acosta Wealth Management in Oxnard is excited to announce Candice Carrizales has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification. Acosta Wealth now has two CFP® professionals on their team, including the firm’s president, Abiel Acosta, CFP®, CBEC®. …

“As a Hispanic woman, I am excited to help individuals in our community expand their financial literacy, build a financial plan and ultimately grow their wealth.” said Carrizales.

Carrizales, an Oxnard native, joined Acosta Wealth Management in July 2020, after spending nearly eight years at GEICO. She received her Certificate in Financial Planning from Benedictine University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University-Northridge.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches an electronic General Plan platform and releases Spanish version for greater accessibility County Launches an Electronic General Plan Platform and Releases Spanish version for Greater Accessibility

The County of Ventura has launched an electronic version of the 2040 General Plan and released a Spanish version to enhance community accessibility. The 2040 General Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 15, 2020. Following its adoption, the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division included in its Work Plan the development of an electronic web-based General Plan (e-General Plan) and translation of the General Plan into Spanish, based on community feedback. The expanded features and language accessibility aim to provide an easier experience for community members to better understand how Ventura County will grow and change in the next 20 years.

“We are grateful to provide a more accessible experience for community members given the extensive community feedback we have heard around the importance of accessing critical information about the future of our county,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Fire Community Meeting Update, Clean Air Grant Funding, DIY Home Energy Savings, and more

The Montecito Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the County of Santa Barbara’s #ReadySBCAlerts emergency notification system across
the Montecito Fire District on July 21, 2022 at 11 a.m.

Click here to check if you live in the Montecito Fire District

The purpose of the test is to update contact information for all Montecito residents and verify that opted-in community members receive ReadySBC Alerts without issue.

In order to receive the test alert, YOU MUST REGISTER at ReadySBC.org.
Details about the July 21 test of ReadySBC Alerts are here https://bit.ly/3OTgyXB

Bilingual report — From Student Worker to Executive Leadership at Ventura County Public Works Agency

Matt Ehret, a 20-year employee with the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), has been promoted to Deputy Director for Design and Construction within Watershed Protection (WP).  His new role involves planning and managing environmentally responsible flood protection and stormwater management assets throughout the County as well as making continuous improvements to the flood alert system. 

Ehret has a unique history with the County. He started his career with VCPWA as a student worker. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he was hired in the Advanced Planning Section of WP, working his way up to the position of Project Engineer. 

“It has been a great journey, from student worker through many steps of learning, plus ongoing training in our True North — Dedicated to Innovation and Excellence,” says Ehret.  “VCPWA has exceptional leadership and provides employees a way to grow and achieve.  I’m excited to return to WP Design and Construction in a new capacity as I’m still committed to designing and building flood control facilities to serve Ventura County.”  

California Congresswoman Brownley Visits Ventura Port District To Celebrate the Federal Appropriation of Over $5 Million Towards Ventura Harbor Dredging

California Congresswoman Julia Brownley, U.S. representative of California 26th District, recently visited the Ventura Port District to celebrate the federal appropriation of $5,516,000 for the maintenance dredging of Ventura Harbor. This is one of the Congresswoman’s ten Community Funded Projects which was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus and was supported by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla. The Community Project Funding supplements the funding made available for the project in the President’s Budget and ensures that the entrance to Ventura Harbor will be well cared for through the next dredging cycle in early 2023. The check was presented to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Ventura Board of Port Commissioners, Chris Stephens and Michael Blumenberg. 

“Since first being elected to Congress, I have been tireless in my work to secure funding for the dredging and maintenance of Ventura County’s harbors. The dredging of Ventura Harbor is essential to ensuring continued operations of this critical West Coast fishing hub,” stated Congresswoman Brownley.  “The annual funding is vital to ensuring that the harbor’s federally authorized channel remains open to those who rely upon the harbor, including the commercial fishing industry and supply chain businesses.

People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!

Dear Friends & Neighbors, 

I know first-hand how hard it is to find safe and affordable housing. As a young teenager, I saw the difficulties my mother had in finding a home for our family as she struggled not only to secure a place she could afford, but where it was safe for a single woman to raise three daughters.

Now as the Board Chair for the longest-serving affordable housing organization on the Central Coast, I get to personally hear about and observe the positive impact People’s Self-Help Housing is having on thousands of lives in our community. Each housing development it completes is its own little miracle. When residents move in, their lives begin to immediately change just by having the security of a safe and affordable home.

Candidate Filing Period Opens July 18 for Three Seats on Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board

The filing period for the Nov. 8 General Election, which includes three seats on the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors, opens on Monday, July 18 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12. Triunfo Board members oversee policymaking, executive/financial management, and long-range planning for the District.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District provides sewage collection services and wastewater treatment, supplies potable water, and treats and sells recycled water in the southeastern portion of Ventura County, including the communities of Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, Bell Canyon, and the Westlake Village and North Ranch portions of Thousand Oaks. The District covers approximately 50 square miles and serves a population of more than 30,000.

Ventura Land Trust Awarded $7.2 million for Ventura Hillsides Land Conservation

Ventura Land Trust has been awarded $7.2 million from the State of California to complete the acquisition and permanent conservation of the 1,645-acre Ventura hillsides property now known as Mariano Rancho Preserve.

Mariano Rancho Preserve provides a dramatic backdrop to historic downtown and midtown Ventura with the most high-profile hills in the region. The eastern edge of Mariano Rancho Preserve contains one of the famous “Two Trees.” The western corner of the property is adjacent to Ventura’s Grant Park, home to the Ventura Botanical Gardens. 

With the acquisition of Mariano Rancho Preserve, Ventura Land Trust comes full circle to the reason the organization, originally Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, was established in 2003: to preserve and protect the hills that define Ventura’s landscape.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — June 2022

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!

This update will focus on two major efforts we are making this summer at the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. Our first priority is to hire a new staff person. Second, we are excited to launch our selection process for our 3rd cohort of Social Justice Fellows.

SJFVC is looking for a program manager. The remote, part-time position serves to help run our programs and support our fundraising efforts. We are looking for a individual passionate about social justice with project manager experience Please see the attached job advertisement for more information (Program Manager Job Description). If you or someone you know might be interested, they can send us an email and resume or call Michael at 805 405 1792 with any questions.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — Adult High School/GED graduation and more news

On Friday evening, June 24, at the Wake Campus auditorium and garden, SBCC School of Extended Learning hosted a triumphant group of 29 adult students celebrating a life-changing milestone. In all, 36 students graduated from the Adult High School, GED and Bilingual GED programs this year. The graduates were welcomed and celebrated by the SBCC and School of Extended Learning leadership team and a full house of proud family and friends, followed by an outdoor dinner and dessert. The ceremony was also available by private Zoom link to the grads, family and friends who could not attend in person.

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice announces Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge. 

Ventura County Arts Council — We Need Your Help! Tell the City of Ventura that you support our new arts center!

We need you, our local arts and culture community, to express your support to the City of Ventura for Haven Ventura to be awarded a Cannabis Business Permit. If awarded the permit, Haven will donate the adjoining suite next door to its proposed retail cannabis establishment in perpetuity, and pay for all renovations to the proposed arts center.

Community support is essential! Tell the City of Ventura how valuable an arts center will be!

This arts center will be administered by Ventura County Arts Council for the benefit of our whole community. It will be a vibrant space for artists, arts organizations and residents to collaborate and enjoy exhibitions, workshops and events!

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — An announcement to our community

Dear valued supporters, members, friends, and community partners,

With heavy hearts, we write to inform you that after 47 years of service to the Santa Barbara community the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is no longer able to continue operating in its current form.

Since its inception in 1976 as the Contemporary Art Forum, MCASB has been a vital institution dedicated to the examination of the human condition. A safe space, supporting the voices and views of our community members, MCASB has provided a critical platform for the investigation of our pasts and our potential futures. From grassroots gatherings of artists and activists to educational programs created to support previously underserved communities within our county, MCASB has held at its core a person-first approach to service. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Unanimously Appoint Scott Gilman as the New Director of the Behavioral Health Department

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, as approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 12, 2022, selected Scott Gilman to serve as the new Director of the Behavioral Health Department, effective August 21, 2022.

As Director, Gilman will lead the County’s continuum of coordinated mental health and substance use services, serving Ventura County residents and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have moderate to severe needs. He will oversee a staff of over 800 employees and a department budget of $254 million. Gilman will also be responsible for locally implementing transformative efforts and what are considered generational changes to the approach and delivery of mental health services in California through the integration of Substance Use Service and Mental Health services, and fully implementing CalAIM and the transition to a managed care model.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Important July Updates!

Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works featuring Impending Storms by Blue Marble Art Collective

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

Free admission

Due to the rise in COVID levels locally, we will no longer be serving food or drink during this event. We encourage guests to wear face masks inside the event, and masks will be available at the door.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and Port of Hueneme Host Food Distribution at Villa Cesar Chavez

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families. 

Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19. 

“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”  

Bilingual report — MICOP: For the Farmworker community, the H2A program does not represent a benefit for farm workers, if not quite the opposite

The Dignity Campaign is a collective made up of organizations, nonprofit agencies, independent labor unions, community organizers, researchers, and advocates for the rights of Mexican migrant workers living in the United States.

We work from different areas defending and advocating for social justice with a focus on developing a fair immigration reform that humanizes the work of all migrant workers at the borders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The binational movement of the survivors of 4.6 million Farmworkers and Indigenous Mexicans who participated in the Bracero program from 1942 to 1964, which under an agreement between the United States and Mexico was established to provide Farmworker labor in times of World War II, began in 1998.