CLU economists say short lockdown key to small business survival
A new report from the Center for Economic Research & Forecasting at California Lutheran University underscores the ferocity of the debate around re-opening the economy. CERF forecasters Matthew Fienup and Dan Hamilton now project a stunning, nearly 20 percent drop in GDP and Great Depression levels of job losses, followed by a long, slow U-shaped Read More →
Steinfeld and Werth: Cannabis businesses are essential
By Amy Steinfeld and Alina Werth As a result of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home executive order, all but “essential” businesses have closed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Cannabis dispensaries are one of a few retail operations deemed essential, along with pharmacies and grocery stores. And it’s not just dispensaries that have been Read More →
Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival canceled
The Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival will not be held this year for the first time in 27 years, organizers announced April 10. The annual charity fundraiser on the California State University Channel Islands’ campus in Camarillo had been slated for June 7 but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Read More →
Good Works: Tri-county nonprofits get grants for COVID-19 response
The Ventura County Community Foundation, in coordination with Ventura County, Amgen Foundation, Aera Energy, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give An Hour, and the Economic Development Collaborative, launched the Ventura County Rapid Response Fund on March 13. The next day, the 805 UndocuFund COVID-19 Fund was activated with partners, including Future Leaders of America, CAUSE, Mixteco/Indigena Read More →
Tri-Counties plan for additional COVID-19 beds, supplies and staff
When it comes to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, each of the three counties is charting its own course. San Luis Obispo County has been planning for the worst case scenario, even though the county has half the number of COVID-19 cases as their southern neighbors and case counts are rising slowly. Santa Barbara County Read More →
Pandemic kills demand for tri-county produce and cut flowers
COVID-19 restrictions that canceled events and shuttered restaurants have collapsed distribution chains for fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers grown throughout the Tri-Counties. Consumer demand plunged, growers said, as buyers prioritized shelf-stable goods like grains, pasta and frozen and canned foods, foregoing berries, leafy greens and cut flowers grown on the Central Coast. “(Agriculture is) an Read More →
Exer Urgent Care offers COVID-19 testing
Exer Urgent Care, which has two locations in Ventura County, announced COVID-19 testing at all its locations. The tests return results within 24 to 48 hours. In an email announcing the availability, Exer said the testing is only for patients who are evaluated through either VirtualCare by Exer, a telehealth consultation service the company provides, Read More →
