Central Coast roundup

By El Latino Newsroom
[email protected]

The City of Ventura has approved a final version of the City Council District Map. 

The map was officially adopted at the City Council Meeting on March 21, and can be found online, look at link below.

The City officials informed that due to the new changes in district boundaries, some residents who previously voted in the District 2, 3, and 7 elections will now have the chance to vote again in 2022 as members of District 1, 4, 5, and 6. 

“However, some who were scheduled to vote this year in the District 1, 4, 5, and 6 elections have now been designated within District 2, 3, and 7 boundaries and will not vote until the 2024 election,” they said in a press release. 

Every ten years, cities with by-district elections must use new census data to review and, if necessary, redraw district lines to reflect local population changes. 

According to the State’s laws this process ensures that the final map establishes districts that are relatively equal in population to be consistent with the Voters Right Act and Fair Maps Act, legislation guiding the City’s redistricting process.

The City consists of seven districts, each represented by one Councilmember, who serve a four-year term. 

The new district map modifies the boundaries of District 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, meanwhile District 2 has been extended in parts of District 3 and 4 on the hillsides. 

Parts of District 7 have been shifted into District 3 and District 6.

District elections alternate every two years, with Councilmembers serving four-year terms. 

This year, Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 will be up for election on November 8, and elections for Districts 2, 3, and 7 will take place in 2024. 

“Once the boundaries are updated on our interactive map, residents will be able to determine which district they reside in by typing their address into the City’s website,” the City said.

The map can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Redistricting. 

NEW SUPERVISOR

After Mike Powers abruptly walked away from his job as the County Executive Officer two weeks ago, on Tuesday the Board of Supervisors unanimously selected Dr. Sevet Johnson to serve as Interim CEO effective March 23.

County officials informed part of this role, the Interim County Executive Officer will also be the Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board.

The Board also unanimously agreed to conduct a nationwide recruitment for the permanent County Executive Officer.

“Our Board would like to thank Dr. Johnson for stepping up during this time. We are confident in her ability to help lead as we begin a search for the next County Executive Officer,” said Chair of the Board Carmen Ramirez.

Until now Ms. Johnson, was the Chief Deputy Director of the Health Care Agency, and has joined the County in 2009.

She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and the appointed Director for the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department which oversees the County Mental Health Plan serving approximately 18,000 clients per year through outpatient services.

“Thank you for this opportunity and vote of confidence. I look forward to working with your Board to supporting all functions of the County and to working with all stakeholders during this time as we look for our new CEO,” said Dr. Johnson.

She is a lead for the Ventura County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and has led and facilitated several panels and dialogue sessions about race and relations.

Also, Johnson is the Co-Chair for the Cultural Competency, Equity and Social Justice Committee for the California Behavioral Health Directors’ Association and is active on several other committees.

TAX INCREASED IN SB

The City of Santa Barbara informed this week that has collected $1.9 million in transient occupancy taxes (TOT) for February 2022. 

TOT revenues in February 2022 were about $994,000 above February collections last year—which was significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and travel advisories.  

“Compared to February 2020, revenues were higher by 27%; however, this is largely due to increased average daily rates, which are 32% higher than February 2020,” the City said in a press release.

As the Covid pandemic got controlled and health restrictions were lift by Federal, State and local authorities, the local travel industry has seen a steady improvement in demand for rooms throughout the fall and winter. 

The City also informed that as of February, the industry has not seen a significant negative impact from the Omicron variant of the virus and occupancy levels are showing signs of stabilizing around pre-pandemic levels.  

“The City has collected $20 million through February, the eighth month in the City’s fiscal year. The City’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $23.4 million, of which $19.5 million is budgeted in the General Fund,” the City officials said.

The City’s TOT tax rate is 12%.  10% goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining 2% goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.

VTA COUNTY HEALTH PARTNERS WITH USC

As part of a comprehensive process to identify strategies that enhance the ability to deliver exceptional patient care, as well as attract and retain talent to best serve our community, over the last year the Ventura County Health Care Agency (VCHCA) has established new relationships with regional partners of aligned vision and values.

The Ventura County Health Care Agency (VCHCA) just announced an Academic Affiliation with The Keck School of Medicine of USC, which they hope will bring forth new opportunities for both USC and Vta. County Medical Center Family Medicine Residents, learners and faculty.

“This is an important first step in establishing a relationship that has the potential to grow and further strengthen our ability to provide access to, and ensure delivery of, high quality clinical care,” said Barry Zimmerman, Director of the VCHCA.

Over the past several months, through a Joint Oversight Committee, The Keck School of Medicine of USC and VCHCA discussed and outlined an Academic Affiliation Agreement that allows both institutions to provide new learning and cross-training prospects, particularly in Family Medicine, as well as continue to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

 “We are excited that, through this partnership, we expand the opportunities for our learners to gain exposure to the full breadth of Family Medicine practice. Through collaboration, we believe that we can accomplish more together in ways that will benefit patients, communities and the next generation of health care clinicians,” said Jehni Robinson, Chair and Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Associate Dean for primary care at the Keck School of Medicine.  

Ventura County’s #1 Family Medicine Residency Program will remain a premier site for full spectrum, unopposed Family Medicine residency training, independently operated by the County of Ventura Health Care Agency. 

VCHCA is a public health system, managed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, providing community based health care services in an innovative, integrated, and culturally competent manner. 

The government agency also encompasses, two full-service, acute care hospitals, 35 clinics, a Behavioral Health and Public Health Department, and a Knox Keene licensed Health Care Plan.