Florida governor speaks in Simi Valley

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, discussing his new book, "The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival," but did not announce his candidacy for the White House.

He criticized leftist politicians and their policies, claiming that these led to a great American exodus from states governed by them. 

DeSantis also praised Florida's handling of COVID, taxes, public education, and other issues, stating that the state stood as a "refuge of sanity, a citadel of freedom." 

He criticized California's teachers unions for having a partisan agenda and discussed his opposition to critical race theory in Florida's education system. 

Around 100 protesters gathered outside the library, but the event remained peaceful, with the exception of vandalism to an entrance sign. Source: Thousand Oaks Acorn

Ventura supes approve homeless shelter support

The Board of Supervisors has approved a revenue sharing agreement with the City of Thousand Oaks to provide financial support for a permanent year-round shelter with 30 beds for homeless individuals and families. 

The agreement includes an initial capital funding of $2 million and an annual operations funding of $450,000. The shelter will be complementary to the new permanent housing project in the city, which received $26.7 million in Project Homekey Funds to convert the Quality Inn into 77 units of housing. 

The County is committed to funding operations on a 50/50 cost share with local communities committed to developing emergency shelters within their communities, subject to the constraints of the County's budget. The development cost per bed for the Thousand Oaks shelter is slightly higher than the other two projects, but the ongoing operations are lower. 

The County's share of development costs for the project is estimated at $2 million for development and ongoing operations of about $453,000 per year. The Board will receive annual status reports on the shelter's occupancy and success in placing people into permanent housing. 

The revenue sharing agreement passed unanimously.

Paso Robles congressman speaks out on closure of Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank, a financial institution with approximately $209.0 billion in total assets and $175.4 billion in total deposits, was closed down by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. 

The FDIC was appointed as the receiver and created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB) to safeguard insured depositors. The closure marks the second-largest bank failure in US history, following the 2008 collapse of Washington Mutual Bank.

Customers with accounts in excess of $250,000 should contact the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-799-0959. As of closing time, the amount of uninsured deposits was undetermined, but the FDIC will provide an advance dividend to uninsured depositors within the next week, and a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D), who represents Paso Robles and Monterey areas, expressed concern about the bank's failure and urged the FDIC to provide clear updates to customers, both insured and uninsured. Panetta also hopes that a sale can be arranged to keep all depositors whole. The cause of the bank's failure is still unknown.

San Luis Obispo groups get state grant for climate messaging

The Diversity Coalition of SLO County, R.A.C.E. Matters, the Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success, and Brooklyn-based tech company BlocPower have received $340,000 from TECH Clean California, a state program funded by California gas ratepayers, to improve the equity of messaging around climate action. 

The goal is to develop "targeted and inclusive marketing and educational materials for equitable electrification." 

The grant partners plan to go directly into underserved communities of SLO County to test out different types of messaging about climate action that can cut through industry-specific jargon and connect with the people. 

The outreach events will focus on climate topics that range from simple tips to lower utility bills to why heat pumps and inductive stoves are more economical and environmentally friendly.

State Senator John Laird announces re-election campaign

State Senator John Laird, representing the 17th District, which includes Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz counties, and much of San Luis Obispo County, has announced the launch of his re-election campaign for 2024. 

Laird has secured tens of millions of dollars for important priorities and investments throughout the Central Coast, as well as making progress on climate change, education, and housing, among other legislative highlights. 

In his first term in the State Senate, he sent 29 bills to Governor Newsom's desk that were signed into law. 

Laird, a long-time resident of Santa Cruz, will be running as a Democrat in the primary election on March 5, 2024.

Central Coast highway projects reach $1 billion

Caltrans has achieved a historic milestone with over $1 billion worth of active construction in 83 projects in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. 

These projects aim to improve the infrastructure for all travelers, including those on foot, bicycle, bus, or automobile on the Central Coast. Many are complete or in-progress.

Notable projects include a $116 million plan to widen Highway 46 East to the Shandon Roadside Rest Area, a $96 million project to construct the first-ever carpool lanes in Santa Barbara County on Highway 101, and a $78 million project to rehabilitate pavement on six miles of Highway 101 and retrofit and widen the Salinas River Bridge near King City. 

Other projects include the construction of a roundabout in San Benito County and a wildlife undercrossing in Santa Cruz County.

Here are more details:

Valenzuela leads Oxnard special election results

Arthur Valenzuela Jr. is currently in the lead for the District 6 seat on the Oxnard City Council with 364 votes, followed by Michaela Perez with 351 votes and Francine Castanon with 22%. 

The initial results released on Tuesday night were based on 952 counted ballots, out of more than 12,000 registered voters in the district. 

There are about 400 unprocessed drop-box and mail-in ballots that the Ventura County Elections Division is waiting for. More results will be released on Thursday at noon and every Thursday until the outcome is certified on March 22. 

The winner will replace Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez on the panel, with a four-year term ending in 2024.