Category Archives: News and Notes

$337,500 in grants awarded to small business owners

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 28,000.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)’s Emprendimiento Program increases opportunities for historically marginalized individuals by providing entrepreneurial training and access to capital for limited English proficient (LEP) and Hispanic community members.

On August 23, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) presented $337,500 in grant funding to participants who completed WEV’s Emprendimiento Program for entrepreneurial Hispanic and Indigenous Ventura County community members. Forty-five of the 90 participants who successfully completed WEV’s free, 8-week business training program taught in Spanish each received a $7,500 microgrant to grow their existing small business. For more information about the Emprendimiento Program, including enrollment for the fall 2023 Santa Barbara County cohort, visit: www.wevonline.org/classes-resources/emprendimiento/ .

Launched in 2021, WEV’s Emprendimiento Program provides entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and microgrants for small business owners to grow their enterprise in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. To date, 330 people have participated in WEV’s Emprendimiento Program and 261 have graduated. With the August 2023 Grant Awards Ceremony, a total of $937,500 in microgrants have been awarded to entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

At WEV’s Emprendimiento Award Ceremony, graduate Catalina Almazán Sosa, owner of Artesania Ita Indivi Oaxaqueña, was one of the class speakers who shared her story with the attendees. “My first language is Mixteco… Spanish is my second language and I speak some English. When I was a child, my mother taught me that you don’t win every time – you must learn to lose, don’t worry, tomorrow will be better,” said Almazán.

Gloria Martinez, Economic Vitality Manager for the County of Ventura, gave the welcome remarks and congratulated the program graduates. “With your creativity, skills and sheer determination, I have no doubt your businesses will thrive and make important contributions to Ventura County’s economy and community,” said Martinez. “This is an incredible accomplishment and demonstrates your commitment, passion, and vision to start or grow your own businesses here.”

Martinez also thanked WEV “for designing and implementing this outstanding program to empower Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. We are grateful for WEV’s partnership and dedication to creating economic opportunity in our region.”

The program was approved by the County of Ventura’s Board of Supervisors for support through the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Plan.

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides a full range of small business support – including classes, consulting, and funding – as well as financial literacy programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 28,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $6.9 million in small business loans and helped nearly 5,300 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $873 million in annual sales and creating over 12,400 local jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center and Microlender, as well as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

To support WEV’s work, please visit www.wevonline.org/support.

Celebrating a significant milestone in community safety and wildfire prevention

Ondulando Board of Directors and City support staff. Photos by Patricia Schallert

On August 25th, the Ventura Fire Department invited the community of Ondulando, located in East Ventura to join Fire Chief David Endaya, Fire Marshal Brett Reed and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in celebrating a significant milestone in community safety and wildfire prevention. The Ventura Fire Department and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council are thrilled to announce Ondulando as the City of Ventura’s inaugural nationally recognized Firewise USA community.

Maya De Leon Communication Outreach specialist for Ventura Regional Fire safe Council and Andrew Ortega Board President for Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council presenting the certificate.

In celebration of this achievement, a special certificate presentation ceremony took place at the restored Ondulando Clubhouse and was able to capture the spirit of unity and resiliency that defines the Ondulando community.

Firewise USA, is a program by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that acknowledges communities that take proactive measures to minimize wildfire risks through organized collaboration and action. Ondulando’s achievement reflects a united effort among its 640 property owners to enhance safety for all residents in Ventura County.

The journey to becoming Firewise-recognized demanded rigorous efforts by Ondulando’s residents, including:

  • Conducting a comprehensive community wildfire risk assessment
  • Creating a three-year action plan, outlining strategies to reduce ignition risk for homes
  • Facilitating a community gathering to foster awareness and collaboration
  • Committing to the maintenance of defensible space around structures
  • Pledging 640 volunteer hours annually for wildfire risk reduction activities

“The efforts of the residents of Ondulando are extremely commendable and deserving of this recognition,” said Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya. “By taking proactive steps to reduce their risk from wildfire, these 640 property owners are the largest community in Ventura County to make a commitment to creating a safer community for every resident.”

“Wildfires can impact dozens or hundreds of homes simultaneously, and if my neighbors’ homes aren’t prepared, mine will be vulnerable, too,” said Ben Rode, Ondulando resident of 21 years. “By embracing the Firewise USA program, we can fortify our homes and collectively enhance our community’s resiliency.”

There will be several more opportunities for the hillside Ventura Communities to participate in learning more about the Firewise program.

Ondulando Firewise Community website: http://sites.google.com/view/ondulandocommunities

Fire Safe Council Annual Fundraiser will take place at Topa Topa Brewing Co. at

4880 Colt St., Ventura on November 9th -5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. RSVP to VenturaFireSafe.org

Growing Works Nursery’s 5th Anniversary Fall Festival Fundraiser

Growing Works now enjoys a reputation of high quality 4” and 1 gallon and larger plants.

by Carol Leish, MA

Josh Carsman, Marketing/Fund Development Manager for Turning Point Foundation, says, “Come celebrate on October 28, 2023 from 10am-2pm the Gowing Works Nursery’s 5th Anniversary Fall Festival. There will be free admission! There will be music, plant sales, local artisan craft and food vendor and much more! It will be located at 1736 S. Lewis Rd. Event booth spaces are available and sponsorships are welcome. Please visit www.turningpointfoundation.org and click on ‘Growing Works Fall Festival’ and/or contact Jenn Rodriguez (nursery manager & event director) at: (805) 586-9900 for more information.”

Turning Point Foundation provides mental health recovery services, job training and supportive employment to adults with severe mental health diagnoses. Carsman said, “Growing Works is a wholesale nursery growing California Native plants, succulents, and other water wise plants for folks to purchase and enjoy. The nursery is open to the public for retail days on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm. Fun and educational gardening and horticulture workshops are also held throughout the year!

“The nursery helps to fulfill the ever-present local need for high quality, drought-tolerant California Native plants, Mediterranean Plants, and succulents. Growing Works is based on a thriving and sustainable business model where plant ales, job training services and donations from supporter contribute to its success.”

Established in 2018, Growing Works now enjoys a reputation of high quality 4” and 1 gallon and larger plants with customers from Solvang to Los Angeles County. They grow 60% California Native, 30% succulents and 10% fun plants that they love and think you will, too(https://turningpointfoundation.org/gwfallfestival/).

The Growing Works Nursery’s 5th Anniversary Fall Festival Fundraiser on October 28th, 2023, will help to provide: hope, a haven, and healing to improve the quality of lives for those in need of help that Turning Point Foundation provides. They will continue to provide these services in order to improve the quality of life for adults experiencing serious mental illness, addiction, lack of housing and inadequate physical health care. Thus, come to enjoy the beauty of nature and buy to improve your own gardens while helping an important cause.

Ventura Downtown Lions Club presents $5,000 donation to Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation

Ventura Downtown Lions Club President Maya Zumaya and immediate past president Pat Pothier at their Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on August 20th.  The Ventura Downtown Lions Club has committees that support both first responders and canines. It was a unanimous board vote to make the donation towards the Ventura County Sheriff’s plans for a joint training facility that will house both their mounted unit and canines. 

Ventura Ocean Outfall Project

As part of the Ventura Ocean Outfall Project, Blois Construction will be performing pipeline work along Anchors Way between Schooner Drive and Beachmont Street. During this time, there will be closures of the street and sidewalk in the affected areas. Traffic Control Plans have been designed to ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic during construction. Questions, comments or concern can be addressed by calling the Construction Management Team at 805-500-8103.

By P. Lawrie

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is excited to announce the appointment of Jeff Lambert

Jeff Lambert returns to Ventura.

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeffrey “Jeff” Lambert as the new Chief Executive Officer for the HACSB. Lambert brings a wealth of experience and expertise in housing planning, policy development, and community engagement to his new role. Jeff succeeds Denise Wise who is retiring after serving the organization for 12 years.

Jeffrey Lambert is a skilled leader and community development professional who has a wealth of public service experience. In his previous posts, he served as the Community Development Director for the City of Ventura and the City of Oxnard. While at the City of Ventura, Jeff worked closely with the Housing Authority on various affordable housing developments including the Westview Village community, which is in the process of completing its third phase of a major renovation project later this year. Jeff most recently held the position of Chief Operation Officer for the Ventura County Community Foundation. Lambert holds a degree in Psychology and Political Science from Clark University, in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Southern California.

Lambert’s appointment comes after the BOC went out for a second search, after an unsuccessful search earlier this year. This national search attracted candidates from all over the country, and Jeff was one of two candidates that were invited for final interviews. The final interviews included interviews with community stakeholders, the Citywide Resident Advisory Board, and Executive Staff.

John Polanskey, the Chair of the board, is ecstatic that the BOC was able to successfully reach an agreement with Mr. Lambert. “The entire Board of Commissioners is looking forward to partnering with Mr. Lambert and HACSB’s talented team to continue the vital work of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities and support services to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable residents in the City of Ventura”, said Polanskey.

Jeff, eager to get started in the new role stated, “I have had the pleasure of working with and following the great work of the Housing Authority for more than a decade. I am thrilled to join this amazing team and to continue to work to serve our residents and the Ventura community. I cannot wait to get started!”.

“I am excited about the next phase of growth that the Housing Authority is entering, and Jeff will be able to lead the agency in its next phase of development, said outgoing CEO, Denise Wise.

Jeff Lambert will resume his post on August 28, 2023, with a starting salary of $225,000.

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura with more than 1,480 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1097 affordable rental units. The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to literacy and education; health and wellness; and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.

Upcoming new and exciting mental health fundraiser events

The Return to Bard Mansion Halloween Fundraiser will be an upcoming formal night out.

by Carol Leish, MA

The Turning Point Foundation in Ventura is having two upcoming fundraising events. These events will be fun events to be able to help to provide: hope, a haven, and healing to improve the quality of lives for those in need of help. The Mission Statement of the Turning Point Foundation is: ‘To improve the quality of life for adults experiencing serious mental illness, addiction, lack of housing, and inadequate physical health care.’

Exploration Mental Health will be an upcoming Scavenger Hunt. Participants will visit unique locations in Ventura, Oxnard, and Camarillo that relate to mental health. The mission will be to complete tasks along the way. Prizes will be awarded to various winners!

An email with the event map will be sent out on September 8th, 2023 at 10:00am to the email addresses provided at checkout. September 8th will be your start date and time. Remember to check your spam and junk folders. You will have from September 8th to September 13th, 2023 at 5:00pm to complete the scavenger hunt. The top 5 players (winners) to correctly finish first will receive their choice of prizes (listed below). The prized are valued between $150-$200. All other players who correctly complete the hunt by the deadline will receive consolation prizes. Only registered players will receive the event hunt map and are eligible to win.

The prizes for the scavenger hunt include: 1) A $150 Costco Gift Card; 2) A $200 Patagonia Gift Card; 3) Magic Castel VIP Guest Pass for 4; and 4) various trips (whale watching and going to local islands), by Island Packers Visit: www.turningpointfoundation.org/explorationmentalhealth to register for the excitement!

The Return to Bard Mansion Halloween Fundraiser will be an upcoming formal night out (October 28th starting at 6:30pm), in what is known as a haunted mansion! You will gain exclusive access to the Bard Family’s 1912 Mansion, which is located on the Port Hueneme Naval Base. It will be an unforgettable evening that will include a dinner (prime rib, chicken plicata or vegetarian), with either wine, water or coffee or tea, and dessert. Magic from the Magic Castle magician Ron Saylor will highlight the evening. Comedy will be provided by, Big Tom. Ghost tours and a Silent Auction will also be included! You will be able to explore parts of the mansion that most people have never seen. This will include seeing the attic and the basement.

All proceeds from this Halloween Fundraiser event on October 28th benefit the Turning Point Foundation. To register, visit: www.turningpointfoundation.or/bardmansionhalloween. While having fun, you will be helping those who are becoming more hopeful through having a haven and receiving healing through the services that Turning Point Foundation provides to them.

Annual “Back-to-School” Gift~Away Event

The pirate and mermaid themed event made a big splash with the families.

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) – Heart 2 Heart Program set sail on Saturday, August 12th, with all pirates and mermaids on board for their 13th Annual Back-to-School Gift~Away Event! This year’s event was sponsored by the Port of Hueneme, and The Gene Haas Foundation. The event was graciously hosted at The Assistance League of Ventura County. Over 100 children and 60 families attended the event.

The pirate and mermaid themed back-to-school event made a big splash with the families being served by programs at K&FT. Young mermaids, pirates, and even a few princesses, arrived to pick out their own backpacks and school supplies that were gifted by generous sponsors and donors. “Our community provided for these families in a way that is most needed, with day-to-day essentials”, said Jeni Futvoye, Community Resource Manager. The event theme, coupled with the beautiful weather and dedicated volunteers, provided a gathering for the families that was filled with support and light-heartedness. Each child was welcomed by a group of “professional” pirates and a fairy. The families enjoyed using their “treasure map” throughout the event to discover art projects, cuddle Xander bunnies, clothing, household goods, and more. Carl the DJ kept the mood light and F-U-N, playing hits the children would recognize, and dance to if the mood struck! At the end of the journey, children turned in their treasure map to pick out a special gift from the treasure chest.

One of caregiver commented after the event … “First and foremost, I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the event you hosted on Saturday. The experience was truly amazing, and we really enjoyed ourselves! The kindness shown to us by everyone was heartwarming, and we felt a genuine sense of love. My kids were talking about the event the whole entire day!”

K&FT is grateful to the generous sponsors and donors who made this event possible: The Port of Hueneme, Gene Haas Foundation, Assistance League of Ventura County, CarMax – Oxnard, Lavender Life Company, Pierpont Racquet Club, Ventura Downtown Lions Club, St. Maximillian Kolbe Church, Soroptimist International of Conejo Valley, Forty Leaguers, TruckStop, Above the Bar Entertainment, Bell Arts Factory-Michele Foster, Cal Lutheran University, LBA Realty, Meathead Movers, SoCal Honda Dealers, Key Club of Oxnard, and our wonderful community of individual donors.

Thanks to the 45 volunteers who worked so hard helping to prepare for this event by organizing donations and filling backpacks, those who helped with setting up and decorating, distributing donations, at the gratitude table, and art project during our event…making the event joyful and a memorable experience for all!

“Kids & Families Together – Heart 2 Heart Program is doing what we do best… providing meaningful and positive experiences meant to last a lifetime.” – commented Carrie McAuliffe Sandoval- K&FT staff and Heart 2 Heart co-founder.

 

Autism Society Ventura County

Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC) has been serving Ventura County since 1994. Our mission is to create connections, allowing everyone in the Autism community to live fully. Our Board of Directors are comprised of individuals on the Autism spectrum, Parents, Service Providers and Community members. 1 in 36 babies born today will be diagnosed with Autism according to the CDC. At ASVC, we work to make sure that individuals with Autism and their families have access to the best that Ventura County has to offer.

Some of our year-round programs are: Parent and Caretaker Support Groups, Young Adult Support Groups, Young Adult Social Groups at fun locations like Zander’s Game House in Camarillo, Virtual Art Classes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults, Everyone has a Story: Bookclub and Writing Workshops, Advocacy trainings and informational seminars, and so much more! You can find us at community events around the county providing support and information to individuals and families who need us, and the community at large. We have many ongoing initiatives, including a health equity program and an active advocacy committee.

We hope you will join us at our World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle Marathon at Pacific View Mall from September 15-24! Tickets are on sale now at tinyurl.com/asvcpuzzlemarathon. Complete this 60,000 piece puzzle with us over 10 days. The puzzle is split into sixty 1,000-piece puzzles, so gather your team and spend a few hours with us! This fundraiser allows us to expand our programs to meet the needs of our community in Ventura County.

Here are some of our other upcoming events that you won’t want to miss: Our 2023 Awesome in Autism Awards on 10/19 at Wood Ranch Country Club in Simi Valley. Nominations are accepted through 9/4- help us recognize the heroes in our community. In January 2024, join us for the first ever Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show at the Museum of Ventura County. From January 11-14, we will be showing art from our wonderfully diverse and talented community. Join us in April 2024 for our 12th Annual Aut2Run!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with our programs and events. For more information about Autism Society Ventura County, check out www.Autismventura.org, or e-mail [email protected]. For sponsorship and donor information, reach out to [email protected].

Ventura Water Pure Project- First of a series

Ventura Water Pure Project presentation made to the Ventura Marina Community.

by P. Lawrie

On August 1, 2023, a presentation was made to the Ventura Marina Community regarding the Ventura Water Pure Project.  The goals were to inform the community and businesses and surrounding community about the anticipated impact of the project by building a collaborative relation through communication with concerned residents and businesses.

The team from MIMIAGA(Mimiaga Engineering Group) were introduced and each presented issues regarding the water supply and challenges with how the local supply of water is going to change and increase the amount of drinking water to the city by 20%.

The Ventura Water Pure Project is a multi-benefit water reuse program that will recover, treat, and reuse water that is currently discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary, creating a new local drought resilient, water source that isn’t dependent on rainfall, and adding further purification to the system that is already in place. It is a 4th step in the already in place, three phase process.

Ventura is one of the largest cities in Southern California to rely solely on local water supplies. Rainfall feeds the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and ground water basins to meet all the Ventura community needs. However, new challenges like prolonged drought and increased legal and environmental regulations have challenged Ventura’s water sources.

A decade of evaluations, studies, and piloting has allowed local leaders to consider many forward-thinking solutions to Ventura’s water problem. Ultimately this work led to the Ventura Water Pure Program.

The Water Pure Program will produce a drought-resistant water supply, and will reduce the amount of water that the city releases into the Santa Clara River estuary.

There are three steps on how Ventura Water Pure Program Project will work.

1.  Currently, wastewater from the City of Ventura is sent to the Ventura water reclamation facility, where it is treated and cleaned before it is being discharged into the Santa Clara River estuary. In the future, a portion of this water will be sent to the new Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) for reuse.

2.  Using a scientifically proven process, the Ventura water program will treat water to drinking-water standards, creating a reliable, locally controlled high quality water source.

3. The purified water will then be injected into a local groundwater basin and later distributed to the Ventura water customers.

For over 40 years, this solution known as” palatable reuse” has been used throughout California.

The Ventura Water Pure Project includes several project components, including an Advanced Water Purification Facility, which will treat water from the Ventura water reclamation facility to drinking water standards.

An Ocean Outfall pipeline has been designed to discharge concentrate to support excess flows of tertiary treated water during rainy seasons. The Ventura Water Pure Program will allow Ventura to meet legal requirements, improve water quality, and secure a new local source of drinking water that is drought resistant.

Many communities in California, and across the nation are implementing advanced water purification systems similar to the Ventura water pure program.

Residents in the Ventura Marina and Portside Community. upon hearing the presentation had some concerns about construction regarding liquefaction, blowing dust, strong prevailing winds, noise levels and vibrations from the drilling and pipe driver process. Increased water rates are also an issue of concern.

Questions were also raised regarding Harbor crossing and traffic control. The traffic pattern will change but access to businesses and residents will be maintained. There may be some one-way traffic concerns but there will be flaggers directing traffic and access to businesses and residences.

What’s visible so far on Harbor Blvd is the parking lot on Schooner and Harbor which will be a temporary boat storage with fencing, access, and security cameras. Boats will be moved from the Derecktor Shipyard to Schooner and Harbor Blvd temporarily from the dry docks near Harbor Town.

This project is slated to begin soon after Labor Day 2023. The off shore pipeline construction will begin in Winter/Spring of 2023 and is projected to be completed by summer 2024.

Updates on the project can be found at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OceanOutfall or by calling 805-500-8103