The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner has submitted a request to Cal FIRE to receive a grant to offset the costs of removal of dead and diseased trees throughout the County. In recent years, the infestation of Invasive Shot Hole Borers in area trees have resulted in infected trees – either weakening them or causing them to die. When this happens, it’s important to get tree service removal California to ensure that more trees don’t get affected and to improve the safety of the public as they present an increased fire hazard to already dry vegetation during the traditional fire season. The grant, which assists with the removal and disposal of infected trees is available in the amount of $596,064.

“Since dead and dying trees are a concern for fire, and since our county has already suffered through significant wildfires in the last three years, this grant is critical for our county”, said Ed Williams, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. “The funding will provide support to help detect infected trees, prevent future infestation, and support suppression or cure efforts. This is a significant step to help support wildfire prevention and suppression.”

The Invasive Shot Hole Borer is a wood-boring beetle that attacks many tree species in Southern California. Trees both within urban and wildland environments are susceptible to the infestation. The State of California has provided $5 million to Cal FIRE to support counties in the removal of dead or diseased trees in an effort to mitigate increasing fire hazards across the state. A majority of the funding available has been offered to eight counties, of which Ventura County is included.

The Ventura Unified School District has released new 2018-2019 data on the success of last year’s graduating class of students participating in the District’s AVID program. AVID is a nationally-recognized program that helps students navigate the college application process, and build the academic and soft skills needed to succeed in college and the workforce of the future.

Last year, 97% of Ventura Unified School District seniors participating in AVID completed a FAFSA application, compared to the national rate of 61%. Likewise, 100% of AVID students applied to a four-year college, and 92% were accepted. Nationally, 81% of high school students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, yet less than 50% enroll at a four-year university.

“I am so incredibly proud of everyone associated with the AVID program in our District. The students, teachers, and leaders all deserve our appreciation and congratulations for doing such an amazing job,” stated Dr. Roger Rice, Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District.

Research shows that applying for financial aid is one of the best predictors of whether a student will enroll in college. Through the AVID program, the District hosts regular Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) nights and provides dedicated in-school time for students to work with teachers and staff to complete their applications, providing them with better insight into the financial resources available to them.

“We congratulate Ventura Unified School District for its demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. The milestones announced reflect Ventura Unified School District’s holistic approach to college readiness—starting with building a culture of high expectations among teachers and students, and including the delivery of rigorous, student-centric instruction that prepares them for college-level work,” said Dr. Sandy Husk, former school superintendent and CEO of AVID. “We are proud to be part of Ventura Unified School District’s work to ensure all students can reach their full potential.”

Ventura Unified School District joins 7,000 K-12 schools and districts across 47 states that partner with AVID to build a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms. To learn more, visit www.AVID.org .

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has received a $12,500 grant from Bank of America to help fund operating costs related to Real Estate Development and Resident and Community Services

The grant will provide funding for resident services staff to deliver programs and services to Cabrillo tenants and community residents, and for real estate development staff who will further the acquisition and development of new sites for affordable housing in Ventura County, according to Cabrillo’s Director of Business Development and Administration, Denise Bickerstaff.

“Cabrillo builds quality, well-designed housing that is affordable to those with limited means. Currently, CEDC manages 1,129 rental homes in 23 properties. Demand for both affordable family units and farmworker housing greatly exceeds supply in Ventura County. The median rent in Ventura County has increased 23% since 2000, but renter household income has declined 8%. Ventura County’s lowest-income renters spend up to 69% of income on rent, leaving little left for food, transportation, health expenses, and other needs,” Bickerstaff said.

Cabrillo resident services coordinators work with other nonprofit and public partners to provide a variety of resources, social opportunities and educational programs to more than 3,900 residents at Cabrillo properties

Health and wellness programs delivered by staff at Cabrillo include health and nutrition classes, physical exercise classes, and food distributions. Education programming includes English as a second language and citizenship classes, financial well-being classes, and leadership development. Youth activities include afterschool homework clubs, reading and summer programs, Mad Science, and arts and culture programs.

“The combination of safe, decent affordable housing and programs and services allows residents to improve their lives and their communities, creating a win-win for families and for our region as a whole,” said Cabrillo CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias.

In response to a need to improve emergency communications, the Ventura County Community College District is implementing a state-of-the-art emergency mass notification system to disseminate real-time information to all students, guests, faculty, staff and administrators, whether they are on a campus or not. These notifications will be prior to, during and after an emergency such as fire, earthquake, severe weather, active shooter, hazardous material, power outage and more. The system is capable of delivering notifications 24/7, 365 days a year at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, Oxnard College Fire Technology/Academy, Oxnard College Marine Center and the District Administration Center.

“The District is continually seeking to improve its campus and site facilities in all aspects of infrastructure, physical presence and a positive learning environment, including safety and security measures for students, employees and visitors,” said VCCCD Vice Chancellor of Business Services David El Fattal.

Work on the system installation is planned to be in two phases. Global CTI will complete Phase One using the current infrastructure so mobile and desktop solutions can be made available immediately. Phase Two will involve cabling, configuration and device installation. The system at all VCCCD sites is expected to be completed in 2021. Phase One began this fall at Ventura College.

“Safety and emergency preparedness at our campuses is of the utmost priority,” added Board Chair Dianne McKay. “Global CTI is a leader in the emergency notification industry with a proven track record of implementations at other California community colleges.”

The District’s planned Emergency Notification Solution (ENS) infrastructure will provide notifications through computer monitors, digital signage, outdoor speakers, short message service, public announcements, email and mobile apps. By integrating multiple communication methods, people will see and hear simultaneous audible and visual alerts. Messages will be distributed through indoor and outdoor speakers, classroom displays, dual-sided LCD devices in hallways, text messages on personal devices, and instructions from faculty, staff or administrators, who will also receive alerts on individual mobile apps.

The system’s solution is designed to be highly flexible and scalable and allows for growth as requirements change over time.