title https://www.pacbiztimes.com Proudly serving Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties Fri, 22 Mar 2024 23:02:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 SLO County homeless shelter to receive major expansion https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2024/03/22/slo-county-homeless-shelter-to-receive-major-expansion/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 23:02:16 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=92635 The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, which serves the region’s homeless population at its facility at 40 Prado Road, will be expanding its home base after closing escrow on the next-door property, the nonprofit announced on March 22. With the purchase, it is CAPSLO’s first step in the plan to expand its Read More →

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The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, which serves the region’s homeless population at its facility at 40 Prado Road, will be expanding its home base after closing escrow on the next-door property, the nonprofit announced on March 22.

With the purchase, it is CAPSLO’s first step in the plan to expand its campus and “offer more services for families experiencing homelessness.” CAPSLO serves over 25,000 people experiencing poverty throughout the Central Coast each year.

“There are more families who need help than we are able to accommodate,” Elizabeth Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO, said in a press release.

“We can now take this site, which has a long history of health and safety violations in our community and use it to better serve families and children in need.”

Located at 46 Prado Road, plans are still in the early stages and a groundbreaking is not expected until at least 2025, CAPSLO said in a press release.

Plans are meant to include emergency shelter for families of varying size, along with indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, pet-friendly facilities, and office and mixed-use spaces for services like childcare and case management, according to the press release.

In the press release, CAPSLO noted that the number of homeless families in SLO County has more than doubled to more than 120 from 2017 to 2022, according to data from the 2022 Point-in-Time count for San Luis Obispo County, the most recent data available. Of those 120 homeless families, 62% are unsheltered.

Anecdotal evidence since then indicates the number is likely even higher in 2024. As such, the nonprofits aim is to expand all services to accommodate the growing number of people experiencing homelessness.

CAPSLO paid for the $1.3 million property using donation money received in late 2022 from the Bezos Day One Families Fund, which awarded the nonprofit $5 million to spend specifically on assisting families experiencing homelessness.

CAPSLO has also received a grant from the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control of just over $700,000 to remodel the site and help prepare it.

“The property has so much potential,” Lawren Ramos, community services program director, said in a press release. “Our site at 40 Prado has been an ideal location within the city, but the fact is we have run out of land to build or expand. The need for temporary shelter is just too great to fit everything we need to do.”

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Street smarts: Cal Poly assistant professor wins reputable $120K award https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2024/03/01/street-smarts-cal-poly-assistant-professor-wins-reputable-120k-award/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:41:00 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=92519 This article is only available to Business Times subscribers Subscribers: LOG IN or REGISTER for complete digital access. Not a Subscriber? SUBSCRIBE for full access to our weekly newspaper, online edition and Book of Lists. Check the STATUS of your Subscription Account.

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Santa Paula to repurpose historic union building donated by Chevron https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2024/02/05/santa-paula-to-repurpose-historic-union-building-donated-by-chevron/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 06:23:49 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=92339 This article is only available to Business Times subscribers Subscribers: LOG IN or REGISTER for complete digital access. Not a Subscriber? SUBSCRIBE for full access to our weekly newspaper, online edition and Book of Lists. Check the STATUS of your Subscription Account.

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Good works: Hardy Diagnostics gives back to Santa Maria Hospital https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2024/01/20/good-works-hardy-diagnostics-gives-back-to-santa-maria-hospital/ Sat, 20 Jan 2024 22:46:55 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=92249 Santa Maria-based Hardy Diagnostics was in a particularly giving mood during the holiday season, donating nearly $300,000 to the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation in Santa Maria to support the purchase of advanced identification equipment in the hospital’s laboratory, the company announced on Jan. 9. Microbiology device manufacturer Hardy Diagnostics donated $289,000 to allow the Read More →

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Hardy Diagnostics’ President and CEO Jay Hardy along with Andre Hsiung, Chief Scientific Officer at Hardy Diagnostics, unveil new hospital Microbiology Laboratory sign following financial donation to support purchase of highly specialized bacteria and fungi identification equipment. (courtesy photo)

Santa Maria-based Hardy Diagnostics was in a particularly giving mood during the holiday season, donating nearly $300,000 to the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation in Santa Maria to support the purchase of advanced identification equipment in the hospital’s laboratory, the company announced on Jan. 9.

Microbiology device manufacturer Hardy Diagnostics donated $289,000 to allow the lab to purchase highly specialized bacteria and fungi identification equipment not previously available on the Central Coast of California, the company said in a press release.

“Due to Hardy Diagnostics’ generosity, the Marian Laboratory will now be able to purchase highly specialized equipment that will allow health care in our community to dramatically improve by creating faster results and more targeted, effective, and definitive patient treatments,” Kevin Ferguson, Marian’s Medical Director of Laboratory and Pathology Services said in a press release. 

The equipment will play a vital role in the rapid diagnosis of disease, the company said in a press release. 

“It gives us immense joy knowing that we can partner with Marian and other hospitals in their mission to provide superior health care to those in our community,” Jay Hardy, President and CEO of Hardy Diagnostics, said in a press release. 

Hardy, which has been headquartered in the Central Coast of California since 1980, is a 100% employee-owned company and donates 1% of its earnings to non-profit organizations and supports a variety of local charities. 

RUNNING FOR THE FIGHT

Moorpark-based RapidLash donated $68,000 to Project Purple, a national nonprofit dedicated to a world without pancreatic cancer on Jan. 4.

In 2023, the company celebrated a year-long “Paint it Purple” campaign as part of its 15th anniversary and set aside a portion of every sale of the company’s patented eyelash, brow, hair and skincare products. 

It is the company’s largest philanthropic effort to date.

“This year, RapidLash has truly showcased the power of community and compassion,” Janet Carieri, Chairwoman of RapidLash, said in a press release.

“Teaming up with Project Purple to combat pancreatic cancer has been a deeply personal journey for all of us. We’re incredibly humbled that our employees and customers rallied behind this important mission. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. To our cherished customers and the dedicated team at Project Purple, thank you for making 2023 truly remarkable.”

The $68,000 donation enables Project Purple to provide the equivalent of:

  • 1,889 pancreatic cancer patients with a care blanket;
  • 137 patients with mortgage or rent payments;
  • 876 patients with funding to keep their utilities running; or
  • 398 patients the money to pay for medical expenses.

“Fighting one of our country’s deadliest cancers takes a village and corporate partners like RapidLash are critical in our fight,” Dino Verrelli, founder and CEO of Project Purple, said in a press release. 

“This gift and the public awareness raised through the Paint It Purple campaign are instrumental in our efforts to positively affect patient care and survival rates.”

NEW MEMBERS

Westlake Village-based The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced the election of four new members to its board of directors on Jan. 9.

The four board members are Matthew J. Hart, Beverly Hilton-Neapolitan, Caitlin Hilton and Louise Nelson, all of whom began their board service for the $7 billion private foundation on Jan. 1.

The announcement of the four directors also follows the recent announcement of Linda Hilton’s election as board chair and Justin McAuliffe as vice chair.

The majority of the board members are from the Hilton family. The new board members, two Hilton family members and two non-family members bring an array of personal interests and professional expertise to the Foundation’s board of directors, it said in a press release.

“I am delighted to welcome four new directors to the board, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge, and unique contributions to the important governance role the board plays in the stewardship of our mission and supporting the intent of our donors,” Linda Hilton said. 

email: newsroom@pacbiztimes.com

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Street smarts: Santa Barbara company donates equipment https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2023/12/26/street-smarts-santa-barbara-company-donates-equipment/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 18:42:53 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=92052 Santa Barbara-based MOS Equipment held a special event on Dec. 21 dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies in digital forensics. The company donated its Mission Darkness faraday bags and analysis enclosures to the agencies, with each kit valued at approximately $11,000. AWARDS SEASON The Ventura County Chapter of SCORE recognized two local Read More →

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Santa Barbara-based MOS Equipment held a special event on Dec. 21 dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies in digital forensics. The company donated its Mission Darkness faraday bags and analysis enclosures to the agencies, with each kit valued at approximately $11,000.

AWARDS SEASON

The Ventura County Chapter of SCORE recognized two local businesses for outstanding achievements in 2023 on Dec. 14. The two businesses were KnitPal of Moorpark, recognized as Small Business of the Year, while Real Model Solutions of Ventura was recognized for Outstanding Progress in Business Development. 

WINNER, WINNER

• RTX, a Raytheon company, won The Foodbank of Santa Barbara’s Hunger Heroes Corporate Showdown. In total, the competition helped raise $61,840 and the eight competing teams collectively donated over 2,407 pounds of food and collectively put in 67 hours of volunteer time. Cheers to the season of giving!

• Chase Restaurant, located on State St. in downtown Santa Barbara, won the annual Downtown Santa Barbara’s Décor Committee amongst 25 competing businesses! Congrats on that holiday spirit!

ENHANCED EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The City of Santa Barbara Fire Department announced its recent acquisition of two state-of-the-art fire engines which it said will help them enhance its emergency response capabilities.

NEW ADDITION

• VetSurg, the only locally owned 100% board-certified veterinary surgical center in Southern California, has announced the addition of Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Hilary Ludwig. 

• Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center announced Tessa Espinoza as its new Chief Philanthropy Officer, effective Jan. 8. 

• The Santa Barbara Museum of Art announced three newmembers to its Board of Trustees: Rachel Kaganoff Stern, J. Paul Longanbach, and Beth Wood. They will serve under the leadership of Board Chair Nicholas Mutton and their term officially begins Jan. 1.

UPSKILL PROGRAM

The Economic Development Collaborative is now enrolling employees in workplace English language training at no-cost, thanks to a one-time grant from the Employment Training Panel. For those interested email upskill@edcollaborative.com.

FIRST TIMERS

The inaugural flight from San Luis Obispo Airport to Las Vegas took place on Dec. 15. The now daily flight will be a big boost to the SLO economy!

GETTING INVOLVED
Amgen will serve as the title sponsor of the Irish Open starting in 2024, following the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics plc in October 2023. Horizon Therapeutics, a leading Irish company, began sponsoring the tournament in 2022 as part of a multi-year commitment to the Irish community.  

LOOK UP!

Another space flight took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Dec. 20. The mission, called Fly the Lightning, launched a payload for Lockheed Martin.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING

Nonprofits serving Goleta residents are encouraged to access $250,000 in grant funds the city has made available through a ompetitive application process. The process runs through Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. and online applications will be accepted for both the Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs.

FINAL SCENES

HAPPY RETIREMENT: Ellen Goodstein, the executive director at Sansum Diabetes Research Institute for the past nine years, has stepped down from her post. We wish her luck in her next journey!

REMODEL DONE: San Luis Obispo-based CALM launched its new website last week. The remodeled website, accessible at calm4kids.org, comes as part of CALM’s commitment to serving its diverse audience and facilitating easy access to crucial information. 

BIG TIME HELPERS: Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief has been named the largest charity in California and the 5th largest charity nationally, according to Forbes Magazine’s newly released annual list of the 100 largest U.S. charities.

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Area Salvation Army captains share plans to help in 2024 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2023/12/15/area-salvation-army-captains-share-plans-to-help-in-2024/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 21:05:50 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=91929 This article is only available to Business Times subscribers Subscribers: LOG IN or REGISTER for complete digital access. Not a Subscriber? SUBSCRIBE for full access to our weekly newspaper, online edition and Book of Lists. Check the STATUS of your Subscription Account.

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Good works: Chumash donates $500K to Toys for Tots https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2023/12/15/good-works-chumash-donates-500k-to-toys-for-tots/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:54:10 +0000 https://www.pacbiztimes.com/?p=91916 This article is only available to Business Times subscribers Subscribers: LOG IN or REGISTER for complete digital access. Not a Subscriber? SUBSCRIBE for full access to our weekly newspaper, online edition and Book of Lists. Check the STATUS of your Subscription Account.

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