Central Coast roundup

By El Latino Newsroom
[email protected]

Santa Barbara County announces that it has been assigned a ‘AAA’ issuer credit rating (ICR) from S&P Global Ratings, the highest rating available, the esteemed recognition reflects the County’s strong financial position and prudent fiscal management.

«We are thrilled to have achieved the highest credit rating possible from S&P Global Ratings,» said County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato. 

«This rating is a testament to our sound financial practices, experienced financial staff, and the Board’s practice of fiscal prudence as a cornerstone to sustainable progress. It reaffirms our dedication to serving the residents of Santa Barbara County with integrity and accountability,» said Miyasato.

S&P Global Ratings highlighted the County’s Renew initiative that focuses on revisioning the organization, redesigning how it works, and rebalancing resources to address financial and organizational challenges. 

“In our opinion, the continued implementation of the…organizational framework, Renew, is a governance strength.  The [Renew] organizational model emphasizes financial resiliency and operational efficiency, including integrating feedback from customers to maximize quality service, as well as a focus on staff retention, innovation, and engagement. The framework embeds a culture of strategic planning and continuous improvement,” stated S&P Global Ratings in its announcement.

Receiving a AAA credit rating not only sets the County apart, but it also reflects the market’s confidence in the County’s financial strength and creditworthiness.  

Also, having a AAA credit rating will afford the County access to the lowest interest rates available in the financial market.  

MIyasato stated that lower interest rates will save the County money which is a win for the County and taxpayers.

“Receiving a AAA rating is an amazing achievement and a great attestation to our County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. Like a home mortgage, receiving lower interest rates will equate to decades of interest savings for the County,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Steve Lavagnino.

In addition to the ‘AAA’ ICR, S&P Global Ratings has also assigned a ‘AA+’ issue rating to Santa Barbara County’s anticipated $109 million certificates of participation (COPs), underlining the County’s strong creditworthiness in the eyes of investors. 

MORE CITATIONS IN DELTOPIA

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released preliminary numbers related to the unsanctioned spring break weekend event in Isla Vista known as Deltopia, which started on Friday, April 5 and ended April 7. 

During this time, the SBCSO and partner agencies issued 256 citations and made 32 arrests (all misdemeanors), which was more than 70% increase in comparison with 2023, that had a total of 151 citations, and 23 arrests made. 

According to the authorities the rain and wind on Friday made for a calm and relatively uneventful first day of Deltopia.

Meanwhile, the crowds were largest on Saturday and significantly higher than last year’s event. 

The attendees were concentrated at residences along the ocean side of Del Playa. Attendance spiked in the early afternoon along with an increase in emergency medical calls, most of which were for acute alcohol intoxication. 

As a result, law enforcement assisted fire and medics in pre-planned rescue teams, responding to calls and clearing the roadway for access to patients in the densely populated areas that were inaccessible by ambulance. 

Patients were taken to a pre-staged medical area to regulate flow to area hospitals. 

Most residents complied with the Outdoor Festival Ordinance, however 13 citations were issued for illegal parties, in accordance with the new Social Host Ordinance where deputies encountered rooftop partygoers and noise violations. 

One paid party was also shut down. 

Deputies noted compliance from the community on maintaining smaller, free parties. 

“There were no incidents of cliff fall or fentanyl overdose fatalities, Sheriff’s Deputies successfully thwarted an adult male in his attempt to harm himself by running off a bluff edge,” said the SBCSO in a press release.

Also, Sheriff’s detectives are following up on two separate reports of rape. 

“The Sheriff’s Office is aware that survivors of sexual assault and abuse are often reluctant to come forward for many different reasons. We have many resources available regardless of your decision to participate in a criminal investigation,” the SBCSO said.

NEW COLLEGES PRESIDENTS

Following a nationwide search and the approval of the VCCCD Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Rick MacLennan announced the selection of Dr. Roberto Gonzalez for the position of President, Oxnard College and Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib for President, Ventura College.

With expertise in both student services and academic affairs, Dr. Gonzalez is recognized as an inclusive, equity-minded leader prioritizing the student experience. “Dr. Gonzalez is celebrated as a student-focused leader,” said Chancellor MacLennan,emphasizing his commitment to meeting diverse student needs. 

Dr. Gonzalez is also expected to officially begin his role on July 1, 2024. 

“I look forward to serving all the members of our community including students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators. I am eager to play a role in enhancing the outstanding academic programs, academic and student services and resources we provide to our students,” said Dr. Gonzalez.

Meanwhile and with a commitment to enhancing students’ social and economic mobility through higher education, Dr. Lourido-Habib epitomizes the core mission of community colleges, being herself a first-generation community college graduate.  

 “I am eager to collaborate with the administrative team, faculty, classified professionals and community members to build upon Ventura College’s legacy of excellence and to provide transformative educational opportunities to students,” said Dr. Lourido-Habib.

The hiring process for these positions included a thorough national search conducted by ACCT Search Consultants. 

Candidates were interviewed by diverse screening committees comprised of students, community members, faculty, classified professionals and administrators. 

The campus community and public were invited to meet the finalists at open forums that were held on each college campus. 

Following these forums, each finalist was given a tour of the college and then interviewed by the Chancellor.

CHIROPRACTOR ARRESTED IN VTA

Fernando Juarez Gomez Jr., 43, is a Ventura County chiropractor who pleaded not guilty to several felony counts of sexual battery, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced last week.  

Gómez was arrested at his chiropractic practice by officers with the Ventura Police Department (VTPD), on March 21 after authorities received two separate reports of sexual battery. 

“After further investigation and a call for any other potential victims to come forward, prosecutors filed additional charges against Gomez pertaining to three other alleged victims,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko in a press release.

Nasarenko’s office said the suspect has been charged with eight felony counts of sexual battery by fraudulent misrepresentation and also charged with special allegations that he took advantage of a position of trust or authority.

Further investigation and a call for other possible victims to come forward led to charges pertaining to three additional victims who accused Gomez, Jr. of sexual battery while they sought his chiropractic care.

Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is prosecuting the case.

Gomez, Jr. was allowed to remain out of custody on his $40 thousand dollars bond pending the bail review, under the condition that he cannot work as a chiropractor or personal trainer while the case is ongoing.