California Minimum Wages Increased by $1 Per Hour on January 1, 2022

If you are a minimum wage earner in California, on January 1, 2022 you received a pay increase of either 7.7% or 7.1%.

It depends on if your employer has 25 or fewer employees or 26 or more employees. If you work for a smaller employer, the California minimum wage increased from $13 to $14 per hour. If you work for a larger employer, your wage increased from $14 to $15 per hour.

California minimum wage rates have increased from $10/hour (small employers) and $10.50/hour (larger employers) in 2017 to the current day rates by law to $15 over 5 (large employers) to 6 (small employers) years. Large employers are now at the $15 target rate. Small employers are planned to escalate one more dollar to $15/hour on January 1, 2023.

The federal minimum wage for 2022 is still $7.25, a rate unchanged since it became effective on July 24, 2009.

California minimum wage rates apply to Ventura County residents. But City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles minimum wage rates are currently also $15/hour for all employers.

Looking for a higher minimum wage? Move to San Francisco, where the rate is currently $16.32 per hour and will be adjusted for inflation on July 1, 2022.

Looking for states with minimum wages set at the federal rate of $7.25/hour? That would be Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

California’s minimum wage rate in 2022 is 2nd only to Washington D.C., which is at $15.20. Next closest is Washington at $14.49 and Massachusetts at $14.25

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Tallies and Deaths in Ventura County, California and the World (2021)

This page will be updated periodically with information on Ventura County area cases from www.venturacountyrecovers.org, U.S. cases from the CDC and global cases from the World Health Organization (WHO).

This post covers statistics in 2021. 2020 case tallies are at THIS LINK.

Note that previously reported case counts are subject to changes and updates. We report initial case counts reported on these sites that in particular in the global stats change over time. For more accurate up to date counts at the global level, visit the WHO website at who.sprinklr.com.

Local area COVID-19 updates and news items are at THIS LINK.

Find Ventura County COVID-19 testing locations at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing.

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Reporting changed from weekdays to weekly to 3 times a week in July.

Reporting changed from weekdays to weekly to 3 times a week in July.

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Reporting changed from weekdays to weekly to 3 times a week in July.

Reporting changed from weekdays to weekly to 3 times a week in July.

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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates in Ventura County and Nearby Areas

NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME AS A RESULT OF CHANGING PANDEMIC CIRCUMSTANCES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS.

Check out the latest health orders and updates at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.

What’s Opening and When:

UPDATE 6/1/21: Ventura County to enter least restrictive “Yellow Tier” on June 2nd, which increases capacity limits in many business sectors. Full reopening still planned for June 15th.

UPDATE 5/27/21: Ventura County will align its masking guidance with CDC’s guidance effective June 15, 2021. Fully vaccinated people will not be required to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors, except where required by law, including local business and workplace guidance.

UPDATE 5/17/21: Reagan Library to re-open to the public on May 26th

UPDATE 5/13/21: CDC announces if you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except as required by laws or other local guidance.

UPDATE 4/30/21: Newbury Park Library will open for in-person services on May 13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 4pm.

UPDATE 4/27/21: Harley’s Simi Bowl to reopen on Wednesday, April 28th.

UPDATE 4/25/21: Camarillo Public Library to reopen on Tuesday, April 27th. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

UPDATE 4/20/21: The Thousand Oaks Library announced it will be reopening for limited in-person services beginning 4/21 on Wed/Fri 10am to 2pm and Sun 1-4pm.

UPDATE 4/8/21: Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks to open from 11am to 3pm starting April 10th/11th.

UPDATE 4/7/21: Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks is back open, after quite a long hiatus.

UPDATE 4/7/21: AMC Thousand Oaks, Cineopolis Westlake Village and Studio Movie Grill Simi Valley movie theaters reopened several weeks ago. Planned reopenings on May 7th include Regal Camarillo Palace, Regal Simi Valley Civic Center and Regal Janss Marketplace. Regency Agoura Hills has reopened, as have Plaza Stadium Cinemas in Oxnard, Century RiverPark 16 in Oxnard, Roxy Stadium 11 in Camarillo and Century 10 Downtown Ventura.

UPDATE 4/6/21: California Department of Public Health announced today that the state will open to all industries with normal operations effective June 15th if 1) a vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years or older who wish to be inoculated and 2) there is a consistently low burden of disease in terms of hospitalizations.

UPDATE 4/6/21: Ventura County to move into less restrictive Orange Tier on Wednesday, April 7th.

UPDATE 3/20/21: County of Ventura announces we are poised to move into the less restrictive Orange Tier on April 7th

UPDATE 3/27/21: Harley’s Valley Bowl and Harley’s Camarillo to reopen on March 27th.

UPDATE 3/16/21: Tomorrow the County of Ventura officially moves back into the Red Tier.

UPDATE 3/14/21: The County of Ventura appears poised to move back into the less restrictive Red Tier on Wednesday, March 17th.

UPDATE 3/2/21: Conejo Valley USD announces approval for return to on-campus learning on Monday, March 8th.

UPDATE 2/9/21: COVID vaccine now open to ages 65+ in Ventura County.

UPDATE 2/7/21: Houses of worship can now offer indoor services with capacity limited to 25% (previously limited to outdoor services only).

UPDATE 1/25/21: Regional Stay Home Order has been lifted. Four-week ICU capacity projections for the region are above 15%, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order. This allows Ventura County to return to the “Purple Tier” rules that were in place prior to 12/5/20. This means OUTDOOR operations now allowed for restaurants, gyms, playgrounds, places of worship, museums, etc. INDOOR operations now allowed for hair salons, barbershops, personal care, etc. Retail and libraries can open with 25% capacity.

UPDATE 12/5/20: Regional Stay Home Order goes into effect on Sunday, December 6th, for a minimum of 3 weeks, as hospital ICU capacity in Southern California has dropped below 15%. Back to take-out only, closed personal care services (e.g. haircuts), 20% capacity at shopping centers, etc.

UPDATE 12/3/20: Regional Stay Home Order announced today goes into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability.

UPDATE 11/22/20: Our Los Angeles County neighbors will be restricting in-person dining (indoor and outdoor) for at least 3 weeks beginning 10PM on Wed, 11/25 due to “alarming levels” of COVID-19. Take-out, drive-thru and delivery services continue to be allowed.

UPDATE 11/19/20: Gatherings with members of other households between 10PM and 5AM are banned from November 21st through December 20th in California.

UPDATE 11/17/20: It’s back to the more restrictive “Purple Tier” on 11/18. That means the following sectors cannot operate indoors: gyms, movie theaters, places of worship, family entertainment centers, restaurants, etc.

UPDATE 10/8/20: Certain Ventura County movie theaters will be reopening starting 10/9 at reduced capacity (lesser of 25% or 100 patrons), including AMC Thousand Oaks, several others.

UPDATE 10/6/20: County of Ventura moves into the state's "Red Tier" as of noon today, meaning places of worship, restaurants, movie theaters and museums can be operated indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less, gyms can reopen indoors at 10% capacity (with12 feet distancing required in Ventura County), all personal care services such as massage, tattoos and piercing salons can open indoors, indoor shopping malls can operate at 50% maximum occupancy (instead of 25%). food courts can also open following the state's guidelines for restaurants and indoor retail stores can now operate at 50% capacity (instead of 25%).

UPDATE 10/6/20: Ventura County schools may consider reopening dates as early as October 21st if Ventura County maintains its Red Tier status for two more weeks.

UPDATE 10/6/20: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center to reopen indoors to the public on October 15th.

UPDATE 9/14/20 (revised 9/16): Ventura County Public Health publishes guidance on celebrating Halloween while following current health orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Trick or treating is “not recommended.”

UPDATE 8/31/20: Hair salons, barber shops and malls in Ventura County may reopen indoor operations, provided they comply with safety protocols.

Labor Day Weekend Updates: Santa Barbara County beaches will be temporarily closed for stationary activities Friday, September 4th through Monday, September 7th. Sitting, lying, standing, sunbathing, sightseeing, picnicking and all other non-exercise, passive or sedentary activities on beach parkways will be prohibited.

UPDATE 8/26/20: State of California unveils a new color-coded tier system for what to communicate what sectors can open and how.

UPDATE 7/16/20: Change to previous order on 7/1: Bars that serve food and wineries may open outdoor operations. Bars, pubs, brewpubs, breweries and other businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must close indoor operations, buy may open outdoor operations if they offer sit-down, outdoor, dine-in meals. Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal. Wineries and wine tasting rooms may open outdoor operations even if they do not offer meals. Only members of the same household may sit together at the table. Maximum on-premises time is 60 to 90 minutes. Bars must be closed to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

UPDATE 7/13/20: Effective immediately, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties (along with 28 other California counties must close fitness centers, places of worship, offices for non-critical sectors, hair salons, barber ships and malls due to the the Covid-19 situation.

Counties that have remained on the County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days will be required to shut down the following industries or activities unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up.

  • Gyms and fitness centers

  • Places of worship and cultural ceremonies, like weddings and funerals

  • Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors

  • Personal care services, like nail salons and body waxing

  • Hair salons and barbershops

  • Shopping malls

Shops that offer tattoos, piercings and electrolysis may not be operated outdoors and must close.

UPDATE 7/1/20: As of today, both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties have new restrictions for at least 3 weeks due to increase rate of spread of the virus. Closure of all brewpubs, breweries, bars and pubs, both indoors and outdoors (UPDATED 7/16/20). Closure of all indoor (not outdoor) operations of restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms. See THIS LINK.

Harley’s Valley Bowl is opening on Friday, June 12th

Canyon Club Agoura is now open as of May 30th

Rancho Simi Community Pool planned to reopen on June 22nd

Ventura Botanical Gardens back open effective June 11th

Petersen Automotive Museum to reopen on June 19th

Ventura parks and beaches

Santa Barbara Zoo reopens June 23rd

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center is reopening on June 29th

Harley’s Bowl Camarillo reopened on June 17th

Community Pool at CLU to reopen for lap swim only on June 22nd (must reserve lane online)

Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is reopening June 19th

Buena Lanes reopened on June 15th

The Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks has announced it will remain closed for live concerts until January 2021.

Golf N Stuff Ventura reopened on June 17th

Defy Extreme Sports (formerly called Dojoboom) reopened June 20th

SkyZone Ventura is reopening on June 26th

Iceoplex Simi Valley reopened on June 12th (public sessions not available yet)

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College indicates it will remain closed until “at least July 15th…possibly longer.

Outdoor portions of Strathearn Historical Park & Museum opened on June 15th.

The Moxi, Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara reopens to members only on July 9th

Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing is now back open to members and punchcard holders at both Thousand Oaks and Ventura locations.

LA County beaches are closed to the public 7/3 5 am to 7/6 5 am

Ventura County beaches will be closed from 5:00 a.m. on July 3 through July 6 at 5 a.m. to prevent crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19. Parking lots and restrooms will also be closed.

According to CBS, Santa Barbara County beaches will also be closed July 3rd, 4th and 5th.Four-week ICU capacity projections for the region are above 15%, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order.


NOTE: There have been so many changes and updates to the various orders described below since announcement of stay at home orders in mid-March that we recommend visiting the following sites for the latest updates:

Ventura County health order updates: www.vcemergency.com (the latest update to the Stay at Home order dated 5/29 extends the order to 6/14)

Ventura County reopening updates: www.vcreopens.com

Los Angeles County updates: covid19.lacounty.gov

COVID-19, the highly contagious new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has taken the world by storm. On March 11th, the World Health Organization labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Numerous measures are being put into place in order to stop the spread of this infectious respiratory disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following for those at a higher risk of getting very sick from the illness:

  • Keep space between yourself and others; e.g. practice “social distancing.”

  • Stay away from others who are sick, limit contact and wash your hand well and often.

  • Avoid crowds as much as possible. Avoid cruises and air travel.

  • Wash with soap and water at least 20 seconds.

On March 12th, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that, among other things, gatherings of over 250 people should be cancelled or postponed until at least the end of March (this has since been extended to TBA).

Here is a compilation of mostly local updates on what is being done to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The VCEmergency.com website is updated frequently with COVID-19 updates at www.vcemergency.com. The site tells you what to do and where to go if you believe you have contracted the virus. The number of positive COVID-19 cases reported on that site are updated HERE.

CDC updates at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The number of total cases and deaths in the U.S. are reported there and summarized here at THIS LINK.

The World Health Organization recognized COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020., when there were 118,000 cases (5.7 million cases as of 5/29) in 114 countries, leading to 4,291 deaths (356,736 deaths as of 5/29). The WHO maintains a dashboard of COVID-19 cases around the world at THIS LINK and are compiled daily HERE.

3/19/20 6:44pm; The entire State of California has been placed on “Stay at Home” orders until further notice. Details at THIS LINK. Outdoor activities are not completely banned, but residents must maintain a social distance of at least six feet away from other people.

3/26/20: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law. CARES provides over $2 trillion in relief to businesses and individuals. One aspect of this legislation is Recovery Rebate Checks that are discussed in detail HERE.

3/17/20: Ventura County Public Health announced the following types of businesses in Ventura County are ordered to close effective 12:01 a.m. March 18th until changed by the county: Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys and arcades, gyms, fitness centers and aquatic centers and wineries, breweries, and tap rooms that provide tastings. Anyone 75+ or 70+ with health issues are ordered to shelter in place of residence until April 1st. Restaurants may only prepare and offer food for delivery, pick-up or drive-thru. UPDATE: Three days later, on 3/20/20, the order is now “Stay Well at Home” through April 20th.UPDATE 4/14/20: The Ventura County Stay at Home Order will be extended to May 15th according to the VC Star on April 14th.

UPDATE 4/18/20: VC Public Health issued a new Stay at Home Order tonight, applicable at 11:59PM tonight until 11:59PM on May 15th. Here are some highlights of changes from the previous order:

1. Public/private gatherings of six or more are prohibited (previously 2 or more).
2. Non-Essential businesses of 10 or less with no physical interaction with the public may operate (with proper social distancing protocols in place).
3. Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed for the purpose of live or virtual presentations if done outside and persons from the same household must be in a motor vehicle with no more than 5 people in the vehicle. Vehicles must be at least 6 fee apart.
4. The list of Essential Activities for outdoor activity now includes golf, tennis and pickleball, among other activities (such as cycling, hiking, gardening, etc.)
5. The list of Essential Businesses has expanded somewhat, to now include drive-thru car washes, auto sales and businesses that support other Essential Businesses.
6. Same as before: Only businesses whose primary business is selling food, beverages, pet supplies or household products (cleaning and personal care) are considered Essential Businesses. If less than a third of a business’s gross sales constituted essential products over the last six months, they are not considered an Essential Business. No clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, furniture, etc. sales.

3/31/20: Ventura County Public Health expanded upon previous orders on 3/17 and 3/20 to include additional limitations and restrictions. Only businesses providing essential food/drinks, pet supplies, household items and auto repair shops and supply stores may operate.

4/9/20: An updated Stay Well at Home Order was issued today by Ventura County Public Health that advises long-term care facilities to relocate COVID-19 patients to hospitals, eliminates gatherings of 2 or more people outside a household (except to operate essential businesses/services), enables bike shops and car dealers to sell online and deliver items to residences only, requires essential businesses to post social distancing protocols and more.

5/12/20: VC Public Health announced that certain additional businesses may begin opening 5/13, with Covic-19 protection measures in place. These include childcare for those outside of the essential workforce, office-based businesses, select service businesses such as car washes, pet grooming and landscaping and outdoor gallery spaces.

5/20/20: The County of Ventura is the first and largest Southern California county to receive approval from the California Department of Public Health to move forward on an accelerated Stage 2 path to reopening. With this approval, Ventura County restaurants can now offer dine-in options and all retail businesses with exterior facing entrances are permitted to have customers inside of their stores, starting Thursday, May 21st.

6/11/20: The VC Health Officer issued an updated health order effective June 11. The order approves implementation of state guidance regarding various types of business and entities such as houses of worship, campgrounds, outdoor recreation, day camps, family entertainment centers, fitness facilities, hotels, eateries, museums, galleries, zoos, etc. The health order is in effect until further notice.

6/18/20: The State of California has mandated the use of face coverings when out and about.

5/26/20: Hair salons and barbershops may apply to reopen beginning 5/27 in Ventura County.

Compilation of COVID-19 guidance on the California Department of Public Health site.

CDC list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 at www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health updated its “Safer at Home” order on April 10th, which extended the order to May 15th (UPDATED ORDER 5/29 EXTENDS ORDER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE).

MAY 6TH UPDATE: LA COUNTY TO BEGIN LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN BUSINESSES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES EFFECTIVE MAY 8TH. Trails and parks to reopen.

LA COUNTY BEACH UPDATES AT beaches.lacounty.gov/covid-19-facility-closures/#beaches.

Fri 4/17: The County of Ventura Parks Department announced that all county day use parks will reopen to pedestrian and bicycle access only. County trails are also open. All county campground parks will continue to be closed. See a list of inland parks at www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks. UPDATE 5/17: Foster Park at 37 Casitas Vista Road in Ventura is closed until further notice due to overcrowding and illegal parking yesterday.

4/30 Update: VC Sheriff announced that parking on PCH Will be closed between County Line Beach and Point Mugu State Beach will be closed. Also closed will be parking between Emma Wood State Beach to the Santa Barbara County line.

SCHOOLS

3/18/20: Ventura County Office of Education announced that all Ventura County school districts will be closed until Monday, May 4th. UPDATE 4/1/20: VCOE announces ALL Ventura School districts will be closed through the remainder of the school year, while distance learning and school meals will continue.

Simi Valley USD announced school is cancelled the week of March 16. Spring break is the following week and current plans are to reopen March 30th. An update will be communicated no later than March 27th. (NOW CLOSED THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR)

Conejo Valley USD announced school is cancelled the week of March 16th and potential extension of closures will be announced prior to Friday, March 20th. UPDATE 3/18/20: CVUSD announced schools now will be closed through Monday, May 4th. Virtual learning activities will be put in place. Details at conejousd.org/Coronavirus-Health-Safety-Tips-and-Information. (NOW CLOSED THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR)

Local colleges and universities announced virtual instruction plans. CSU Channel Islands, Ventura County Community Colleges (Moorpark, Oxnard, Ventura), Cal Lutheran and Pepperdine.

PARKS, BEACHES AND TRAILS

Conejo Recreation & Park District announced on March 12th that the Goebel Adult Center will be closed starting March 13th and other community centers like the Teen Center, Borchard Community Center, Hillcrest Center, CLU Community Pool, etc., will be closed starting March 14th until further notice. CRPD leagues and classes will be cancelled as of March 14th until further notice. UPDATE 3/20: Most spring events and classes are cancelled or postponed.

  • 3/30/20: All trails and playgrounds as a reminder are closed until further notice.

  • As 4/1/20: CPRD has closed the Borchard Skatepark, all tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts and the pump track/bike park and beginners’ bike pump track at Sapwi Neighborhood Park. PICKLEBALL COURTS, TENNIS COURTS AND DISC GOLF REOPENED AS OF 4/20. SOCIAL DISTANCING, NO GATHERING, NO HANGING OUT IS CRITICAL

  • As of 4/2/20: CRPD has closed the Conejo Creek Dog Park, off-leash areas at Estella, Kimber and Walnut Grove Parks and all volleyball courts. THESE ARE REOPENED AS OF 4/20

  • 4/29: Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is now open weekdays only. Parking lots closed. Wear masks and be sure to socially distance.

CRPD Virtual Recreation Center: www.crpd.org/virtual-recreation-center

City of Agoura Hills Community Services Department announced on March 12th that all upcoming programs and recreation facilities will be closed until further notice. Additionally, as of March 20th, all park playgrounds and restrooms in Agoura Hills are closed until further notice. Park open space and walking paths will remain open.

Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District announced as of March 14th, all indoor facilities (Senior Center, Community Center, etc) are closed and activities, classes, leagues are cancelled and special events are cancelled through the end of April. PVRPD parks will remain open but they remind us to adhere to the 6 foot social distancing guidelines.

As of 4/2/20: Camarillo Grove Park and hiking trails open 7am-5pm. All neighborhood and community parks are open, but playgrounds and fitness equipment are off limits. Dog parks at Mission Oaks and Springville open 7am to dusk. Updates at pvrpd.specialdistrict.org/updates. Camarillo Grove Park will be Closed April 11 & 12 (Saturday & Sunday) in an abundance of caution for Easter weekend gatherings and will re-open on Monday (April 13).

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District announced all meetings and events, activities and facilities (community centers, pool, Strathearn Historical Park, Santa Susana Train Depot, etc.) are closed as of March 14th. UPDATE 5/15: Most activities and events cancelled through June 30th. Facilities closed through May 31st. Updates by RSRPD to be posted at rsrpd.org.

RSRPD parks, trails, public restrooms and other outdoor spaces remain open, but playground structures, equipment, tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, etc. are closed through at least May 31st.

On March 22nd, due to overcrowding of trails and folks not consistently practicing six foot social distancing, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority closed all trails in the Santa Monica Mountains within its jurisdiction. Some of those closest to the Conejo Valley include Happy Camp Canyon in Moorpark, Las Virgenes View Park, Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park, Triunfo Creek Park, King Gillette Ranch, Rocky Peak Park in Simi Valley and Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve.

On March 22nd, the National Park Service closed Solstice Canyon Park due to overcrowding. Other NPS locations will also be closed if proper social distancing is not maintained by trailgoers.

On March 24th, the National Park Service announced it has temporarily closed parking areas at all Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area parking areas. They have not closed off day use access to the trails to mitigate crowding. UPDATE: On April 1st, the National Park Service announced that trails in Ventura County will be closed from 2 pm on Fridays until 6 am on Mondays until further notice. These trails include Rancho Sierra Vista (including the Wendy Trailhead), Circle X Ranch (including Sandstone Peak, Mishe Mokwa, etc.), Cheeseboro Canyon and Deer Creek.

NPS UPDATE 5/8/20: TRAILS MANAGED BY THE NPS IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS WILL BE BACK OPEN ON WEEKENDS EFFECTIVE 5/9/20, INCLUDING PARKING LOTS (EXCEPTION: SOLSTICE CANYON). Visitor centers at King Gillette Ranch and the Satwiwa Native American Cultural Center will continue to be closed.

On March 24th, Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) announced parking at most trails will be closed off and that if excessive crowding and loitering at local trailheads continues, we risk losing access to them.

On Friday, March 27th, COSCA announced that all trails in the Conejo Open Space will be closed until further notice. This followed the announcement that all trails, beaches, beach bike paths and piers in Los Angeles County are closed March 27th though April 19th (subsequently extended to May 15th). UPDATED 4/20 AND 5/9 - SEE BELOW

COSCA UPDATE 4/20: COSCA announced today it will reopen trails from 6am to 6pm weekdays (5pm on Fridays), closed from 5pm Friday to 6am Monday. Parking lots and other facilities will remain close. Folks must practice social distancing and not congregates in groups of more than 5 or we risk losing access again to the trails. They ask that you walk to a local trail rather than drive to one. Masks are encouraged, but not required, nor a substitute for proper social distancing.

COSCA UPDATE 5/8: Trails in the Conejo Open Space will reopen on weekends starting tomorrow.

Effective March 31st, all California State Parks in Los Angeles County are closed. The parking lots of ALL 280 state parks are closed. Point Mugu State Park and San Buenaventura State Beach is also now closed to all use (as of 4/1/20). Details at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30355. Additionally, effective April 8th, Emma Wood State Beach and Mandalay State Beach are closed. UPDATE 5/15: Point Mugu State Park and Sycamore Cove beaches open but parking lots remain closed. UPDATE 5/15: Malibu Creek State Park is open but parking is limited to lower lot. Rock Pool and Century Lake are closed. UPDATE 5/23: Parking lots at Point Mugu State Park have reopened.

Effective April 1st, all parks and beaches in the City of Ventura were closed until further notice in order to support the urgent need for physical distancing during the COVID-19 emergency period. This includes the Promenade, Pier, and Wastewater Treatment Plant wildlife ponds. City Council voted on April 20th to re-open beaches (including promenade area) and parks on a LIMITED basis for active use only. Playgrounds, parking, facilities to remain closed. EFFECTIVE 5/29, Ventura beaches are also available for “passive” use as long as social distancing takes place and large groups do not congregate.

Westlake Village Dog Park is closed March 9th through May 1st for the annual turf renovation project.

City of Port Hueneme closed Hueneme Beach April 1st. However, the beach is reopened April 18th but only for individual exercise and activities like walking, running, surfing, etc. The pier, playground, restrooms, etc. continue to be closed.

City of Oxnard beaches and parks have remained open. Park restrooms, parking lot, athletic courts, skateparks, playgrounds, dog parks, etc. are closed.

VENUES AND BUSINESSES

B of A Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks is announcing cancellations and rescheduled performances at https://www.facebook.com/bapactoaks

The Moorpark Active Adult Center is closed until further notice, beginning March 13th.

The LA Zoo is closed through at least March 31st (UPDATED TO MAY 15TH)

Many, if not most, or perhaps even all local area museums will be closed for extended periods.

AMC Theatres has announced is closed for 6 to 8 weeks

The Santa Barbara Zoo will close effective March 17th until further notice.

Old Mission Santa Barbara was still open (as of 3/14) for self-guided tours 9am to 5pm. However, all docent-led tours are cancelled through April 30th. UPDATE 3/20: All tours closed through at least March.

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is closed to the public and there will be no shows through April 12th. Zoo birthday parties are canceled until April 18th at this time.

The Reagan Library and all Presidential Libraries across the country will be closed until further notice.

Ventura County Library branches will remain open (as of 3/14). Library programs and events are cancelled or postponed until further notice. UPDATE: All branches are now closed until further notice.

City of Moorpark announced the Moorpark Library will be closed until further notice, the Active Adult Center will be closed until further notice and recreational programs and events are cancelled through the end of April.

Simi Valley Library is closed March 14th to at least April 3rd, or until further notice.

Camarillo Public Library is closed until further notice.

All Los Angeles County Libraries, including the local Westlake Village and Agoura Hills branches, will be closed until the end of March (UPDATE: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE). All programs have been cancelled.

All Southeast Ventura County YMCA facilities in the Conejo Valley are closed through March and beyond.

Los Robles Greens reopened on April 19th.

MUNICIPALITIES

Agoura Hill City Hall is closed to the public effective Monday, March 16th and all upcoming city events scheduled will be cancelled or rescheduled.

The City of Thousand Oaks has announced a formal state of emergency to help prepare to slow transmission of the virus. The T.O. and N.P. Libraries will be closed through March.

Guidance issued by the White House on March 16th calls for closure of restaurants, gyms, food courts, bars and other venues where groups of people congregate in states with evidence of community transmission.

Restaurant Revitalization Grants Guideline Announced by SBA - Grants of up to $5 Million Will Be Available

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The Small Business Administration has published details about the Restaurant Revitalization Grants (RRG) program. RRG became public law on March 11th, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The program appropriated $28.6 billion for the SBA to issue grants.

The program will award between $1,000 and $5 million to each eligible restaurant location, up to two locations per restaurant owner, while funds are available. Eligible eateries include restaurants, food stands, food trucks, food carts, caterers, and other places in which the public assembles to consume food.

Bakeries, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries and the like are eligible if they can provide documentation that at least 33% of their gross receipts in 2019 were for on-site sales.

How are the grants computed? It’s actually pretty simple. Subtract 2020 gross receipts from 2019 gross receipts and deduct any Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans received. That’s the potential amount of the grant, limited to $5 million per physical location. In general, the more your revenue dropped in 2020 as compared to 2019, the more your restaurant will be eligible for.

There are alternative calculations for restaurants that were only partially open in 2019 or that began operations in 2020 by March 10th.

Funds can be used for payroll, mortgages, rent, employee benefits, utilities, supplies, food and beverages and other costs of doing business. Funds must be used by March 11, 2023.

The program is only available to restaurants that are open. The program does not apply to publicly traded companies, though franchises are eligible.

Applications will be opening soon at restaurants.sba.gov.

How Much of the 2021 Recovery Rebates Will You Receive and When Will You Receive Them?

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The latest stimulus payment is called the 2021 Recovery Rebates to Individuals, written into Part 1 of H.R. 1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The American Rescue Plan was signed into law yesterday, March 11, 2021.

Recovery “Rebate” is a bit of a misnomer, as a rebate usually refers to refunding something that was previously paid. That is obviously not the case here. But hey, we can get past that.

How much is it?

The Recovery Rebates are up to $1,400 per person, including the primary taxpayers and their dependents. So a family of four can receive up to $5,600. A single taxpayer can receive up to $1,400. The Brady Bunch could receive as much as $11,200 (or even $12,600 if Alice was claimed as a dependent by Mike and Carol Brady). That’s some serious cash! Or a single parent with one kid could receive as much as $2,800.

This $1,400 per person is for ANY dependent properly claimed by the taxpayer, unlike the previously two credits, which limited the dependents to kids under age 17. That’s a huge change for some taxpayers.

What are the income caps?

  • Single and Married Filed Separate: You get the full rebate if your “Adjusted Gross Income” (AGI) was under $75,000 and it phases out at $80,000.

  • Head of Household: Full rebate if your AGI was under $112,500, completely phasing out at $120,000.

  • Married Filing Joint: Full rebate under $150,000; completely phasing out at $160,000.

Those are some very narrow phaseout ranges!

Based on what?

  • If your most recently filed tax return is for 2019, your AGI will be based on that.

  • If you have already filed your 2020 return and the IRS has processed it, your AGI will be based on this return.

  • What if you’ve filed 2020 already but your 2019 AGI is lower than your 2020 AGI? While I’m not clear on it from my read of the law, I would assume they use the lesser of the two.

What if I haven’t filed 2020 yet?

  • If you haven’t filed 2020 yet and did not receive the full payment based on your 2019 return, you have another chance to receive a payment if you get your return filed the earlier of 90 days after the 2020 filing deadline (April 15th plus 90 days = July 15th) or September 1st.

  • Huh? That’s strange. Why isn’t it just July 15th? I guess because if the IRS decides to extend the due date of the returns, then September 1st will be the absolute final day to get another payment in 2020. Short of that, plan on July 15th.

  • Long story short: GET YOUR 2020 TAX RETURNS FILED ASAP if your 2019 AGI precludes you from getting a 2021 Recovery Rebate.

THE IRS HAS A PAYMENT LOOKUP TOOL TO SEE IF YOU’RE GETTING PAID AND WHEN THEY PLAN TO PAY IT AT sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/login

What if I don’t get the rebate based on my 2019 or 2020 returns?

  • You’ve got one more chance! When you file your 2021 tax return in 2022!

  • If you fall into this category and are on the cusp of receiving a payment but your income is too high, perhaps some tax planning is in order:

    • Perhaps you are a single mom with one kid and you make $80,000 in 2021.

    • You earned too much in 2019 and 2020 to receive the $2,800 credit.

    • Get that $80,000 down to $75,000 by contributing $5,000 to your work 401(k) or to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and, wallah, you get a $2,800 refundable credit on your 2021 tax return. That’s an immediate 56% tax-free return on your $5,000 investment.

  • Another example:

    • You are a family of 5 - Mom, Pop, Little Joey, Big Sis Allie and Granny Mabel, who is claimed as a dependent. That’s, ka-ching, That’s $7,000 in Recovery Cash (hey, I like the sound of that better than Recovery Rebate!).

    • Mom and Pop made had AGI of over $160,000 in 2019 and 2020 and thus did not receive any of this rebate.

    • They know in late summer they will have and AGI of $160,000. So, once again, consider putting $10,000 into a 401(k) or IRA (traditional, not Roth) to get that AGI down to $150,000. Invest $10,000 and receive $7,000 in rebates. Hard to beat that investment!

Other Questions

  • Are these payments taxable? No.

  • What if I don’t file 2019/2020 tax returns? If you received a previous stimulus payment without filing taxes, you’ll probably receive one again (assuming you are still eligible). Perhaps the IRS may have a 2021 Recovery Rebate tool to input your banking info again at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.

  • I really don’t need this extra money. What can I do with it? Donate it to Conejo Valley Guide, and we will put it to work in the local economy by purchasing gift cards and giving them away in drawings on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide. Donations via credit card at bit.ly/CVGFund, paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide or Venmo (@CVGuide).

Pressing tax questions? Call us at 818-876-8380. Goldstein Weiss, CPAs is located in Calabasas.

Pressing tax questions? Call us at 818-876-8380. Goldstein Weiss, CPAs is located in Calabasas.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Tallies and Deaths in Ventura County, California and the World (2020)

Local area COVID-19 updates and news items are at THIS LINK. This page will be updated periodically with information on Ventura County area cases from VCEmergency.com (and www.venturacountyrecovers.org), U.S. cases from the CDC and global cases from the World Health Organization.

2021 coronavirus stats at THIS LINK.

Note that previously reported case counts are subject to changes and updates. We report initial case counts reported on these sites that in particular in the global stats change over time. For more accurate up to date counts at the global level, visit the WHO website at who.sprinklr.com.

Find Ventura County COVID-19 testing locations at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing.

September 2020

August 2020 Ventura County by Age
July 2020.
Month of June

Month of June

Month of May

Month of May

Through April 30th

Through April 30th

October 2020 - Ventura County by City/Community

September 2020

September 2020

July 2020 Ventura County by Location549 new cases reported 7/6 are from Thu to Sun. 292 have lab collection date of 6/29 or earlier.
Month of June - VC by location

Month of June - VC by location

Month of May

Month of May

March 20 to April 30, 2020

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Month of September 2020

Month of September 2020

Month of August 2020

Month of August 2020

Month of July - U.S.

Month of July - U.S.

Month of June - US

Month of June - US

Month of May

Month of May

Through April 30th

Through April 30th


September 2020 Top 12 Global Covid Cases

Month of August 2020 Top 12 Global Covid Cases

Month of July 2021 - Top 12 Countries

Month of June - Global Top 12 Countries

Month of May - Global Top 10 Countries

Note that the U.S. tally reported by the WHO today lags the U.S. reported tally by a day.

Positive and Uplifting Thoughts From Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers During the Pandemic

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters just reached its 5th anniversary at 111 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (Trader Joe's/CVS plaza). If you're looking for an independent, local family-owned coffee and bake shop, this is the place for you! hragamuffinroasters.co…

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters just reached its 5th anniversary at 111 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (Trader Joe's/CVS plaza). If you're looking for an independent, local family-owned coffee and bake shop, this is the place for you! ragamuffinroasters.com.

We’ve been hosting daily gift card drawings for local Conejo Valley eateries on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page since July 23rd. These drawings have been made possible thanks to donations from several hundred individuals and businesses at bit.ly/CVGFund (credit cards) and paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

In a recent drawing, we asked folks to enter by adding a positive and/or uplifting comment to the post. Here’s a compilation of some of those comments.

  • “Do small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa

  • Choose to be kind over being right and you will be right all the time.

  • After every storm a rainbow appears.

  • Remember that time heals all, and if we all stick together we will be okay!

  • A smile is a curve that can set things straight.

  • No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.

  • Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.

  • “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

  • Enjoy the time you have, with the people you have it with!! Family, whether blood or not, is everything!

  • Find the good, and share it with others.

  • Be so happy that, when other people look at you, they become happy too.

  • All it can take is a smile to change someone’s whole day.

  • Tough times don’t last but tough people do.

  • Be kind. You don't know what people are going through. Wish them well

  • When words are both true and kind, they can change the world!

  • Find something positive in each and every day.

  • Find time to do something nice for someone today.

  • “I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains” - Anne Frank

  • When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond,

  • “If it was easy, then everyone would do it!”

  • “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is the most precious gift.”

  • Smile with your eyes. You can do it. You may not think people will notice, but they do.

  • May you see sunshine where others see shadows, and opportunities where others see obstacles.

  • To quote Dory, “Just keep swimming.”

  • Stars shine brightest in the dark.

  • Be positive and thankful for all that you have.

  • May your WiFi be as strong as your coffee!

  • Sprinkle kindness like it's confetti.

  • Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits put together that will overwhelm the world.

  • The sun will come out tomorrow.

  • As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.—Albert Schweitzer

  • Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

  • Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.

Sweet Arleen's in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd, Ste 4 is named after its original owner, Arleen Scavon, but is now owned by Chef Julia San Bartolome. They worked together to win the Food Network Cupcake Wars three times. Walk into this…

Sweet Arleen's in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd, Ste 4 is named after its original owner, Arleen Scavon, but is now owned by Chef Julia San Bartolome. They worked together to win the Food Network Cupcake Wars three times. Walk into this shop and you'll be mesmerized by the cupcakes on display. sweetarleens.com