Shows
Ventura County WorksE36: Skills, Jobs, and Opportunity: Ventura County's Workforce DevelopmentIn this special episode, originally recorded for Our Ventura TV, Rebecca Evans and Vicente Nicario speak with George Alger about the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, discussing how this federally-funded organization connects employers with skilled workers and helps job seekers find career opportunities at no cost. Rebecca explains their efforts to raise awareness about their services through local media and partnerships, while Vicente details the resources available at their America's Job Centers, including workshops, computer access, and career navigation assistance for adults 18 and above. They outline how the board focuses on priority sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology...2025-03-1312 minVentura County WorksE35: Upskilling for Success: How SkillUp Ventura County is Changing LivesTune in as we explore SkillUp Ventura County, an innovative program offering residents free online skills training and certification opportunities. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, leads a discussion with key partners. Joining her are the team from Managed Career Solutions (MCS) and special guest Kerry Twomey from Metrix Learning. Discover how this two-year-old program has already helped nearly 1,800 residents complete over 13,000 courses, representing more than 4,000 hours of training. Learn about success stories of participants who've secured better employment opportunities, sometimes being hired on the spot thanks to their new...2025-03-0420 min
Focus on EducationEarly Childhood Programs in Ventura CountyDiscover local resources for Ventura County families searching for childcare and preschool for young kids. Find out how the Ventura County Office of Education is working to increase access and affordability of early childhood programs. Join Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, as he interviews Alicia McFarland, the Director of Early Childhood Programs at VCOE.
Resources referenced:
Early Childhood Programs webpage
Transitional Kindergarten webpage
Teaching Stars
Local Planning Council webpage
Child Care Resource and Referral
My Child Care Plan
2025-01-1423 minVentura County WorksE33: Education Meets Industry: Dr. César Morales on Building Ventura County's WorkforceJoin Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, as he discusses how education and industry work together to create career opportunities in Ventura County. Learn about the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) Career Education Center programs in healthcare, transportation, welding, and veterinary assistance. Discover how local education systems partner with employers to provide work experience and internships for students. Dr. Morales shares insights on workforce development and explains how education serves as a bridge between job seekers and employers in Ventura County.2024-11-1528 minFocus on EducationGet to Know the Ventura County Office of Education – Part 2If you’ve ever wondered about the role the Ventura County Office of Education plays in our school system, we’ve got you covered. In this second episode of the Focus on Education podcast, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, and Communications Director Dave Schermer dive deep into the many ways VCOE supports local schools and students.
2024-11-1230 min
Ventura Voices8. Inside Ventura's emergency communicationsCommunications Specialist Emily Ayala sits down with PIO Jen Buckley, Emergency Services Manager Mack Douglass, and newly promoted Fire Battalion Chief Shawn Hughes for an in-depth conversation on emergency communications in Ventura.
In this episode, they dive into the importance of timely and accurate information during crises, sharing insights from recent local incidents, including the Pierpont gas leak and major flooding events.
The team also breaks down how VC Alert works, why it's crucial for residents to stay informed, and the collaborative efforts between City departments that keep our community safe.
Learn more...2024-11-0429 minFocus on EducationGet to Know the Ventura County Office of Education – Part 1If you’ve ever wondered about the role the Ventura County Office of Education plays in our school system, we’ve got you covered. In the debut episode of the Focus on Education podcast, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, and Communications Director Dave Schermer dive deep into the many ways VCOE supports local schools and students.
2024-10-0832 min
Ventura Voices7. Ventura Fire Chief talks structure, safety, and Fire Station 7Communications Specialist Emily Ayala interviews Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya as he provides an in-depth look at the structure of the Ventura Fire Department, highlights recent success stories, and discusses key initiatives to enhance community safety.
Chief Endaya also shares exciting details about the upcoming build of Fire Station 7 and its importance in preparing for the future of fire response in Ventura.
Learn more about the Ventura Fire Department at CityofVentura.ca.gov/Fire.2024-09-2729 minVentura County WorksE30: Unlocking Opportunities: Job Connect Ventura County's Innovative Approach to Career SuccessDiscover exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and technology with Job Connect Ventura County. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, and Crystal Murillo from Career TEAM discuss how this innovative program, funded by the state of California, connects job seekers with education, training, and skill development to meet the needs of local employers. Learn about the focus on manufacturing and technology sectors, the support provided by career coordinators, and the flexibility of the program designed to accommodate working students.2024-06-1720 min
Ventura Voices2. An exclusive with Ventura's Police ChiefMeet Ventura’s Police Chief Darin Schindler, interviewed by Communications Specialist Emily Ayala.
Chief Schindler reflects on his challenging first year, discussing crime statistics, habitual offenders, and vagrancy in Ventura. He introduces the Racial Identity and Profiling Act (RIPA) data dashboard (CityofVentura.ca.gov/RIPA) for enhanced transparency in policing.
Gain insights into the rise of Fentanyl use and hear how detectives solved a 33-year-old cold case, bringing closure to a decades-old mystery (CityofVentura.ca.gov/ColdCases).
This episode is essential for anyone invested in Ventura's safety and well-being.
Learn more ab...2024-06-0438 min
Firehouse RoundtableCourage and Resilience with Heather Ellis, Ventura City EMS Administrator Part 2Part 2 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through g...2024-05-2339 min
Firehouse RoundtableCourage and Resilience with Heather Ellis, Ventura City EMS Administrator Part 1Part 1 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through...2024-05-0937 min
Ventura VoicesVentura Voices - PromoVentura Voices, a new podcast series by the City of Ventura, connects residents with the staff and leaders, making decisions for Ventura's future. Listen on the go, or watch the video version on our YouTube channel to find the latest information on what's happening in our community.
2024-04-3001 min
Firehouse RoundtableMeet the New Guys Pt. 2 - Ventura City's Newest Firefighters Gurshan Bajwa, Jeremy Hinman, and Stephan ParrishPart 2 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest Firefighters. Just finished with their probationary period, five new firefighters - Gurshan Bajwa, Jon Ellis, Jeremy Hinman, Stephan Parrish, and Rocky Sanfilippo - talk about what brought them to Ventura, differences between Ventura City Fire and their previous departments, their career plans, and the suck of 30 minute burpees. Listen in...Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire FoundationGuest: Gurshan BajwaGuest: Jeremy HinmanGuest: Stephan ParrishCo...2023-11-1641 min
Firehouse RoundtableMeet the New Guys Pt. 1 - Ventura City's Newest Firefighters Rocky Sanfilippo and Jon EllisPart 1 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest firefighters. Just finshed with their probationary period, five new firefighters-Gurshan Bajwa, Jon Ellis, Jeremy Hinman, Stephan Parrish, and Rocky Sanfilippo-talk about what brought them to Ventura, differences between Ventura City Fire and their previous departments, their career plans, and the suck of 30 minute burpees.Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire FoundationGuest: Rocky SanfilippoGuest: Jon Ellis Link: Everyday Ellises Connect with Ventura Fi...2023-11-0735 min