Category Archives: News and Notes

County of Ventura’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer announced

“Phin is a dynamic and results-driven leader.”

After a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 150 applicants, the County of Ventura has selected Phin Xaypangna (pronounced Pin) as the County of Ventura’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

“Phin is a dynamic and results-driven leader with more than twenty years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said County CEO Mike Powers. “Her extensive experience will serve our County well. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all employees and those we serve have a sense of safety, belonging, justice and equity and this position will help lead us forward in improving our efforts.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Officer will drive engagement, strategy, implementation and accountability for all County of Ventura Diversity and Inclusion initiatives to ensure that all employees and those receiving County services are treated with respect and without discrimination and that the County leverages the strength of the diverse County workforce and community.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to become Ventura County’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. The organization has made significant progress in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. I’m excited to be leading this effort to the next level,” said Phin Xaypangna. “We must all work together and hold ourselves accountable to ensure that all residents and employees of Ventura County have the opportunity to thrive. I’m committed to operationalizing racial equity and social justice to everything we do to create equitable outcomes and making Ventura County a leader in this area.”

Xaypangna has served as the Equity and Inclusion Manager for the County of Mecklenburg in Charlotte, North Carolina a County with more than 6,000 employees and more than one million residents. She led the County’s efforts in developing diversity, equity and inclusion measures, programs and policies.

The new position, a best practice in private industry for supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, will continue and enhance work that is already in progress at the County of Ventura. In 2017, the County launched the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force comprised of leaders from across County agencies and departments. The Task Force’s mission is to enhance and strengthen systems, programs, and learning to ensure that the County has the best practices to work effectively and leverage diversity with all team members, customers, and with the community, and to improve outcomes for community members, deliver culturally responsible services, and maintain successful partnerships with community organizations.

To date, the Task Force has worked to develop and implement mandatory employee cultural competency training, created an online Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Library, created a Mentorship Program, established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council, supported creation of a County of Ventura Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer leadership position, and has continued the bilingual incentive premium for County employees to provide services in Spanish and Indigenous languages.

In November, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis. The resolution discusses working collaboratively with community stakeholders, law and justice agencies, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, health care professionals, and others to address public concerns, review practices and effective allocation of resources. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer will take the lead on this collaboration.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is excited to announce that Jeffrey Lambert and Tracy Tagawa have joined the VCCF Leadership Team.

Previously Jeffrey Lambert served as Community Development Director for the City of Ventura.

Prior to joining VCCF as Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Lambert served as Community Development Director for the City of Oxnard and City of Ventura. Lambert has a proven track record as a public servant throughout his career and is recognized as a Certified Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He previously owned his own planning and government consulting firm, served as Community Development Director for the City of Santa Clarita, and as the Land Use Manager for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Lambert also served on the national Board of the American Planning Association (APA) and was President of the California Chapter of APA.

Lambert graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Urban Planning and previously earned his B.A. degree in Psychology and Government from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

As VCCF’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lambert will lead the development and stewardship division, program and grants department, marketing and communications, and strategic initiatives. “I am so excited to join the VCCF in its work to improve Ventura County through philanthropy and giving to our non-profits,” he said.

Also joining the foundation as Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is UC Santa Barbara alum, Tracy Tagawa. Prior to joining VCCF in September 2020, Tracy was Vice President & Regional Brokerage Supervisor for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC for fourteen years. Her service region included cities within Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County where she worked diligently in identifying, analyzing, and reducing potential financial risks.  She was also responsible for all internal and external audits within her region.

With over twenty years of experience in Risk Management, Tagawa brings a passion for developing strong community relationships while ensuring compliance and risk policies are being followed. “VCCF’s dedication to partnering with the individuals and organizations within the local communities to help others is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to join VCCF and proud to be a part of this high-character and devoted team,” said Tagawa. In her role as the foundation’s Chief Compliance Officer, Tagawa’s responsibilities include the oversight of the VCCF Corporate Compliance Program and the adherence of VCCF’s fiduciary responsibilities with its clients and future fundholders.

Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.

Workforce Development Board secures programs to address barriers to employment and the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) was awarded a $315,000 grant by the State of California Employment Development Department to implement a National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ventura County workforce.

The funding will aid Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 by providing opportunities for employment and training services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic and who are unlikely to return to work in their previous occupations.  Services include training and job placement in in-demand careers, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.

The funding will also enable the WDB to provide applicant referrals to local employers, job placement assistance in high-demand sectors, job readiness workshops to build soft skills, and help with career planning through individual employment plans and online career workshops.

The WDB of Ventura County is a partner of America’s Job Center of California network.  Individuals interested in receiving employment assistance should register with America’s Job Center of California by calling 805-204-5186 or emailing [email protected].  For those with limited hearing or speaking, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). America’s Job Center of California offers no-fee employment services and training resources and will guide applicants through the registration process.

Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year, the WDB of Ventura County applied for workplace grants as soon as they became available.  In April, the WDB was awarded a $450,000 grant through the Employment Development Department’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 25% Dislocated Worker Funds. Funds went to support services that helped individuals impacted by COVID-19. These included providing equipment necessary to telework and assistance with housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation.

In June, the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) awarded $462,506 to Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with Ventura WDB as the lead support of the SB1 High Road Construction Careers initiative. The initiative’s purpose is to advance careers in the building and construction trades as a reliable career pathway for disadvantaged Californians.

WDB coordinates its response to COVID 19 with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), local business organizations, counties, cities, and chambers. For up-to-date business recovery and closure/opening information, go to the EDC website:  https://edcollaborative.com/covid19. For more on the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, go to http://workforceventuracounty.org.

Bernie Goldstein (1932-2020)

Father Serra by Bernie Goldstein

Sam (Bernie) Goldstein died Friday December 18, 2020 of heart disease at the age of 88. Bernie was born August 9, 1932 in San Francisco.

Bernie’s father, Max Goldstein sold men’s suits and played clarinet in dance bands during and after the depression. His mother Celia escaped Russia as a child.  Bernie and his sister Dot came of age in wartime San Francisco.  Bernie met Doris Perrin on a double-date in 1952, and they were married until her death in 2019.

As a kid in San Francisco, Bernie took pictures and developed them in his basement darkroom.   In the navy during the Korean War he served as a reconnaissance photographer.  In retirement his photographs won awards at the Ventura County Fair, at the Ventura County Camera Club and in various contests.

He was a contributing photographer for the Ventura Breeze. Bernie loved being a member of the downtown Rotary Club.  Bernie also loved traveling with his wife Doris through the US, Mexico and Canada with his Airstream Club. In earlier days he was an avid boater and water skier and loved traveling, camping and boating with family and friends.

Bernie began his career at Sears Roebuck and Company selling sewing machines.  Bernie advanced through the ranks at Sears to become a fixer for the company in various cities by  helping to design marketing programs to fit that  local store.

The company brought the family to Ventura in 1969. Bernie made many lasting friendships from his work at Sears.  Upon retirement from Sears, Bernie started a local real estate brokerage Vims Realty where he loved his work and the people until his retirement in 2007.

Bernie was an extrovert who made friends easily because he searched out fun from the mundane.  He sincerely liked people and wanted the best for them. He was a reliable friend to those lucky enough to share time with him.

He is survived by his daughter Delinda Schlunegger  (husband Mike), his daughter Denise Wenger and his son Dennis Goldstein  (wife Marian Butler).  God-children were Joanne Muldoon, Janet Petty and Caryn Lozada.   His grandchildren are Jessica Wenger, Danielle Schlunegger-Warner (husband Chris), grandson Shawn Wenger (wife Kelley) grandson Branden Wenger (wife Nicol), and great grand children  Kai Wenger, Elton Wenger, Peyton Wenger, Aniston Wenger and Brixton Wenger.  He also loved the Perrin sisters and their families, the Thompson family and the Levin family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity.

During the season of giving, Red Cross urges blood donation

December may be the season of giving – but it’s typically a challenging time to collect enough blood donations. Add in a pandemic, and this year could be even tougher than usual. That’s why the American Red Cross is urging those who are feeling well to give the gift of life by donating blood this holiday season.

The need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States. Donations of all blood types are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

To encourage donations this holiday season, those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

As COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also grown. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation given by those who’ve recovered from this coronavirus. Their plasma contains antibodies that may help patients actively fighting the virus. Learn more about convalescent plasma and sign up to give at RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID.

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities Dec. 16-Jan. 4

Oxnard
12/27/2020: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Embassy Suites By Hilton Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort, 2101 Mandalay Beach Rd

Ventura
12/28/2020: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wells Fargo, 2704 E Thompson Blvd
12/29/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

Business opportunity announced at Main Ranch on Santa Rosa Island  

Channel Islands National Park is soliciting proposals with the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for a potential business opportunity at the historic Main Ranch on Santa Rosa Island.

The business leasing opportunity includes rustic lodging, food and beverage services, campground management, and related visitor services within the Main Ranch at Bechers Bay.

The Main Ranch spans over 32 acres of corrals, pastures, historic structures, and scenic beauty. Leasing opportunities may include occupancy of ten structures and land areas, including the historic Ranch House, Old Schoolhouse, Horse Barn, Generator Barn, and the non-historic Bunkhouse.

The park is also receptive to proposals that include providing vehicle transportation for visitors to access hiking trails and backcountry areas.

Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley said, “This exciting and unprecedented leasing opportunity will fulfil the vision of the park, as outlined in the park’s 2015 General Management Plan. We look forward to seeing the proposals envisioned.”

The lease term is estimated to begin in spring of 2024. A range of lease term lengths will be considered, with a maximum term length of 60 years. The park may allow multiple lessees to provide these visitor services.

The RFEI proposals will valuably inform the park’s advertisement of a Request for Proposals (RFP), the next step in public solicitation of this business opportunity expected to be release in fall of 2021.

Proposals are due by 11:59pm PST on February 24, 2021, to the following address:

Channel Islands National Park
Attn: Commercial Services
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

Any questions must be submitted via email to John Hansen, Concessions Specialist, at [email protected] no later than January 25, 2020.

To access the RFEI, visit: Do Business with Us

For more information, visit the NPS Leasing Site: www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/leasing.htm

The second-largest Channel Island, with 53,051 acres—15 miles long and 10 miles wide—beckons you with rolling hills, deep canyons, a coastal lagoon, and beaches adorned with sand dunes. For thousands of years unusual animals and plants have made this wind-swept island their home. Flightless geese, giant mice, and pygmy mammoths are now extinct, while the island fox, spotted skunk, and Torrey pine still live here. The Chumash and their ancestors lived here for over 13,000 years. Ranchers raised sheep and cattle from 1844 to 1998. The US military used the island from 1943 through 1963. The National Park Service has made great efforts to preserve and protect island resources and restore native species.

Hospital frontline health care staff among first to receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Health care workers at St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital (SJPVH), members of Dignity Health Central Coast, are among the first to receive the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine.

St. John’s will administer the first dose of the two-dose vaccine to several hundred essential health care workers and physicians. Two doses of the recently FDA approved Pfizer vaccine in persons aged 16 years and older are necessary for the vaccine to be effective, and will be administered three weeks apart.

“We remain committed to the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community. While we understand that vaccine distribution will be a process, today we are one step closer to a safer future,” said Darren W. Lee, President and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “As we move forward, we continue to collaborate with our local and state health departments to acquire additional doses for distribution.”

In preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine, Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals acquired the necessary equipment to store and administer the vaccine, train staff, and develop relevant processes and procedures.

“We have seen first-hand in the devastating impact of the coronavirus on our communities and across the world,” said Raj Bhatia, MD, Medical Director of the Intensivist Program and the Critical Care Unit at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “The Pfizer vaccine gives us great hope. This vaccine, along with the appropriate personal protective equipment, will help keep our health care teams safe as they continue to deliver care to COVID-19 positive patients.”

In accordance with federal and state guidelines, initial supplies of vaccines are reserved for frontline workers including, health care workers, first responders and those at highest risk. While the vaccine is now available at our facilities, employees are encouraged but not required to receive the vaccine.

Although the vaccine is now available to some essential staff members, we must remain vigilant and continue to follow CDC guidelines – including wearing a mask, frequent hand hygiene, and social distancing.

Dignity Health St. John’s will continue to share vaccination updates as they become available. For more information, visit: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

Ventura County now offering on-site COVID testing

The Testing Trailer can come to your business.

Mobile testing team onsite testing requirements

Business or organization must have at least 100 people that would like to get tested for the COVID-19 virus.

Outdoor location must include 100′ x 50′ open space suitable for parking a truck and 28′ trailer for our testing team.

Host location must provide access to restroom facilities within 200′ walking distance of the testing location.

Set up begins one hour before opening for testing.

COVID-19 testing is offered at high volume sites 7 days a week.

The County of Ventura’s new Mobile COVID-19 Testing Trailer can be requested at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/covid-testing.

Harrison to delay regular trash collection for Friday customers during the holidays

With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Friday this holiday season, Harrison Industries will delay its regular Friday trash collection; Harrison’s Friday customers will have their trash collected those weeks on Saturdays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. The holidays will not affect Monday through Thursday customers.

Special holiday features offered

For two weeks after Christmas, residents may put out twice the amount of trash at no extra charge. Please make sure the trash is in bags. Harrison will also collect extra recyclables, but customers are asked to flatten all boxes.

As another special holiday feature, Harrison is making it easy for customers to recycle their Christmas trees. All they need to do is remove the ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails and tree stands, then cut the trees into sections no more than 4 feet long and place them in their yard waste barrels on their scheduled pickup days. Flocked trees also can be recycled in the yard waste barrels.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio. Somis, Ojai Valley and Channel Islands beach communities as E.J. Harrison and Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and surrounding unincorporated areas as Newbury Disposal.

For more information, call 805-647-1414.