Category Archives: News and Notes

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.

Matt LaVere appointed Supervisor for the 1st District of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors

Governor Newsom appointed Matt LaVere as the Supervisor for the 1st District of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. LaVere was elected in March for the term to begin in January, 2021. The 1st District Supervisor Steve Bennett was elected for State Assembly and sworn in as Assemblymember for the 37th Assembly District today. LaVere was appointed to begin service a month early with the departure of Steve Bennett to the Assembly.

“I am sincerely appreciative of this rare early appointment by the Governor, as during these unprecedented times it is important for the residents of the 1st District to have representation as our County deals with many important issues,” Added LaVere. “Across the State and nation, Ventura County has an outstanding reputation and long tradition of good government and being an outstanding place to live.   I could not be more excited to join the Board of Supervisors and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, the entire County leadership team, local city representatives, our residents and our local business community to ensure these traditions continue”.

LaVere has been Mayor of the City of Ventura since 2018. LaVere is a member of the Ventura College Foundation and the Ventura City Council Homeless and Affordable Housing Subcommittee. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law. LaVere lives in Ventura with his wife Alicia and daughters Lucia and Lorenza.

“I am pleased that the Governor appointed Supervisor LaVere today to help respond during this most critical time.  The Board of Supervisors and I look forward to working with him as we serve the community in addressing the challenges before us and as we pursue the opportunities ahead,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

Supervisor LaVere will participate in his first Board of Supervisors meeting on December 8, 2020.

A fundraiser that will benefit Veterans and active duty military personnel

Frank Doyle navy veteran is close to the heart of Alicia Doyle.

The Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is presenting the First Annual Operation Get Fit, a fundraiser that will benefit Veterans and active duty military personnel.

Veterans can benefit emotionally as well as physically from a no-contact, boxing-style fitness regimen that helps release stress, according to Alicia Doyle, a Ventura resident and Two-Time Golden Gloves Champion who trained at Kid Gloves Boxing in the late 1990s when only a few hundred women were competing in this male dominated sport.

“This cause is close to my heart,” said Doyle, whose father, Frank Doyle, was a Navy veteran who passed away on September 21 at the age of 84. Her father, who earned his Master’s Degree in engineering on the G.I. Bill, was considered a brilliant rocket scientist who reaped many accomplishments – most notably approving the launch of the Cassini Satellite that studied Saturn and its moons.

“Our main objective with this effort is to get Veterans into the gym to release stress, frustration and anger, which helps diminish Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Doyle, who serves on the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation board of directors.

Veterans with PTSD are more likely than typical Americans to die of causes including suicide, according to Robert Ortiz, a Marine Veteran and founder of the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation, which is the umbrella nonprofit organization for the Vet2Vet Veteran Education & Training Fitness Center in Simi Valley.

“Exercise in the form of a boxing workout can play an important role in helping Veterans with PTSD to recover and regain confidence,” Ortiz said. “It also has the added benefit of addressing many of the mental and physical health problems commonly associated with chronic PTSD, including cardiovascular disease and depression.”

Vet2Vet – Ortiz’s nonprofit peer networking group for Veterans, armed force members and families – also provides advocacy and support for Veterans by helping them apply for benefits they deserve.

“This helps Veterans avoid homelessness,” Ortiz said. “This fundraiser is not just about getting fit, but helping Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve because many of them don’t know the process of applying.”

In an effort to help these individuals, donations in the amount of $250 are being collected for Operation Get Fit. Each tax-deductible $250 donation will include the following:

● A gym bag filled with boxing gloves, hand wraps, towel, water bottle, and other necessities needed to work out

● Gym fees waived for the first month, with subsequent months discounted at $80 per month (reduced from $139 per month)

● Training with professional boxing coaches, including Robert Ortiz, a Marine veteran and founder of the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation; and certified coaches with Rock Steady Boxing, which empowers people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back through a non-contact, boxing-style fitness regimen and emotional support

● Advocacy and support for Veterans who need assistance with obtaining military benefits

Donations can be made via check, Venmo or credit card. For more information, contact Robert Ortiz at 805-206-9403 or [email protected]; or Alicia Doyle at 818-817-1421; [email protected].