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County of Ventura News
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Celebrating Black History Month
The County of Ventura is proud to celebrate
Black History Month by shining a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Black Americans in our community. Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.

Throughout February we are highlighting the people and places across Ventura County that make our diverse community, vibrant and strong. This includes the personal narratives of county employees as they reflect on their heritage and share their unique perspectives.

This month we have shared the stories of employees across various agencies including the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, the Ventura County Probation Department, the Ventura County Public Works Agency and the Agricultural Commissioner & Weights/Measures Department.

Visit the County of Ventura's YouTube channel to view these inspiring spotlights.
Save Our Food: Don't Share Your Homegrown Fruits and Vegetables
Attention Ventura County resident, our agriculture is facing a serious threat from not one, but two highly invasive pests. The Asian Citrus Psyllid insect is carrying the deadly Huanglongbing (HLB) disease causing trees/fruit to turn green, bitter and ultimately killing them.

Meanwhile, the Queensland fruit fly is destroying our fruits and vegetables, infesting them with larva and making them in edible.

Let’s #SaveOurFood and abide by the current quarantines in California especially here at home.

Please DO NOT share your homegrown fruits, vegetables or any plant material. Doing so could inadvertently introduce pests and disease to other areas of the county, and even the state. Our goal is to slow the spread of these pests.

Suspect your tree is infected? Reach out to the California Department of Food and Agriculture pest hotline at 1-800-491-1899. CDFA can schedule a time to test your tree. Learn more from the County of Ventura's Agricultural Commissioner's Office webpage here: ventura.org/saveourfood
Are You Registered to Vote? Make a Plan to Vote this Primary Election!

Mark your calendars, Ventura County! The March 5th Presidential Primary Election is just around the corner, and it's crucial to make your voice heard.

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion reminds us to make a plan to vote!
From what to do with your Voter Information Guide to where to drop off your ballot, she goes over the details. Every vote counts! 

Go to VenturaVote.org for additional information on the upcoming Presidential Primary election.
If you have any questions, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voter's Office has an election call center available to assist you with all your election needs at 805-654-2664.

You can also email your questions to elections@ventura.org.
Unlock Your Creativity: Apply Now for the Arts & Culture Investment Fund Grant!

We're thrilled to announce the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity, presented by the County of Ventura in collaboration with the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Arts Council.

A total of $800,000 in funding is up for grabs, making this one of the largest arts and culture grant programs in Ventura County! $700,000 is available for nonprofit art organizations, independent artists, and arts projects, while an additional $100,000 will support grants that require matching funds from the County.

This initiative, expanded by the County Board of Supervisors, aims to bolster our vibrant arts community's recovery from the pandemic's economic impact. Whether you're a nonprofit organization or an independent artist, there's an opportunity for you!

Applications open on February 26th, 2024 and close on March 22nd, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. To apply and learn more about eligibility criteria, visit:

Nonprofit organizations: VCCF Application Portal — apply here https://vccf.org/apply/

Independent artists: Ventura County Arts Council Website — apply here https://vcartscouncil.org/
Board Of Supervisors Ratify Declaration Of Local Emergency For Ventura County Following February Storms

On Tuesday, February 13, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to secure federal disaster assistance in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on February 4.

The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board of Supervisors was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

The February storms brought up to 12 inches of rain in some areas of the county, producing flooding and mudflow that significantly impacted public infrastructure. Currently, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services estimates that there is nearly $40,000,000 in local infrastructure damages.
Storm Water Advisory In Effect
As a result of recent and predicted rainfall, the public is advised to avoid body contact with all storm water runoff and ocean water at all Ventura County beaches.

There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. In addition, storm water runoff can transport physical hazards such as partially submerged tree limbs and logs into the ocean that could result in serious physical injury.

Contact with this runoff water will result in an increased risk to human health and should be avoided for at least 72 hours after all rainfall activity has ended.
AGENCY SPOTLIGHT - County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures

The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is the leader in promoting and protecting agriculture and consumers in Ventura County. Working together with all Ventura County stakeholders, the Agricultural Commissioner builds the necessary structures for long term success into the future.

The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer’s Office identifies challenges as they are forming and quickly develops appropriate actions to reach a positive outcome. Excellence of service and continued improvement are key parts of the very structure and operation of the Department.

There are 55 Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers of Weights and Measures in 58 counties across California. They are part of a network of regulatory agencies charged with enforcing regulations affecting agriculture, and weights and measures.
County of Ventura
Public Information Office

800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura, CA 93009