Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Updates from City Hall | Business News | Local Economic Trends | Education & Training
City Hall is Open
The City of Thousand Oaks is dedicated to service and City facilities and services are open to the public at this time. Our top priority is the health and safety of our staff and community. Service times may be impacted as we continue to adapt, modify, and provide services at this time.

Please call City Hall prior to visiting to ensure the service you need is available at 805-449-2100 to be connected to the proper department.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we all navigate this rapidly changing environment and prioritize safety.
General Plan Housing Element Update
The City continues to make progress on efforts to update the General Plan. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the revised Housing Element in a virtual format on January 10, 2022.

Please visit toaks2045.org/housing to learn more about the Housing Element Update and find out how to share your input.
New Waste Hauler - Athens Services

Athens Services is the City's new waste hauler. Learn more about the transition here.
A New Year's Resolution: Go Green!
The New Year is a great time for new beginnings!

As our understanding of human impact on our natural environment continues to grow, so does interest in "greener" business practices.

Businesses embracing energy- and water-efficiency, and waste reduction strategies are not only benefiting from cost savings through adoption of such strategies, but they are also experiencing positive attention from the growing number of consumers and investors seeking out businesses that demonstrate a commitment to improved environmental stewardship.

The City of Thousand Oaks is a member of the Ventura County Green Business (VCGB) Program. The VCGB Program provides excellent resources to help your business identify and adopt sustainable business practices to keep your business competitive and thriving into the future. Learn more here.
January is National Mentoring Month
Since 2002, U.S. presidents have recognized National Mentoring Month during January of each year.

Research shows mentorship programs positively impact social and economic opportunities and outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

This year's presidential proclamation states:
"During National Mentoring Month, we honor all those parents and family members, teachers and coaches, employers and co-workers, community and faith leaders, and so many others who devote time, care, and energy to helping our young people thrive."

You can learn more about National Mentoring Month here.
Highlighted Resources
Guidance for Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Outdoor Dining Areas
Several food establishments that have taken the City up on its temporary outdoor dining permit have expressed interest in transitioning to permanent set ups. The City has developed some guidance for those establishments interested in permanent outdoor dining space. Click here for the Guidance. You can also find it posted on the City's Road to Reopening webpage.
Hiring Resource
See the Ventura County Workforce Development Board's Resource Guide for locally-focused programs for both employers and job-seekers. (More.)
NEW BUSINESSES
No reported openings in December 2021.
IN THE NEWS
Arcutis Biotherapeutics turns six in 2022 and continues hiring. (External Link)

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting California Competes Tax Credit applications through January 24, 2021. Informational webinars are scheduled for January 5th, 13th and 18th. Learn more here.

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center announced its recent heliport project is complete and can now accommodate Ventura County Firehawk Helicopters, which assist in fighting wildfires, search and rescue efforts, and much more. (External Link)

PennyMac Loan Services, one the largest employers in the City, continues its hiring for local positions. (External Link)

PrideStaff's Thousand Oaks office was named one of the top five staffing agencies for 2021 by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal for a second year. (External Link)

Teledyne Technologies-manufactured infrared sensors are aboard the James Webb Space Telescope, which launched Christmas Day. A NASA press release stated Webb's mission (aided by the technology) will help us better understand "the origins of the universe and our place in it." (External Link)
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES & JOBS BY INDUSTRY
Note: COVID-19 continues to impact the local economy.
City of Thousand Oaks
According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks November 2021 unemployment rate is 3.1% (down from a revised 3.8% in October 2021). This is the lowest unemployment rate since the onset of the pandemic. 

The City has a total of 62,600 in the labor force with 60,600 who are employed. 
Ventura County
The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s preliminary November 2021 unemployment rate at 4.4% (down from a revised 5.0% in October 2021). 

A total of 2,400 non-farm jobs were added in November 2021. However, a total of 100 jobs were lost; amounting to a net gain of 2,300 jobs. Job gains consisted of: 1,100 in Trade, Transportation and Utilities; 400 in Government; 400 in Professional and Business Services; 200 in Leisure and Hospitality; 100 in Construction; 100 in Mining and Logging; and 100 in Other Services. Job losses consisted of: 100 in Manufacturing.
The chart above depicts COVID-era unemployment trends at the state, county and City levels. It shows the City of Thousand Oaks has maintained a lower unemployment rate than the county and state levels throughout the pandemic.
The chart above illustrates year-over-year jobs by industry sector across the Ventura County region. November 2021 data is a preliminary estimate. It shows estimated gains in most industries compared to November 2020. Educational & Health Services, and Trade, Transportation and Utilities are the only sectors showing a slight decrease year-over-year.
AUTO SALES
A total of 1,005 new vehicles were sold in November 2021; down 10% from October 2021, and down 36.5% Year-Over-Year.

In addition, 739 pre-owned vehicles were sold in November; up 14.2% Year-Over-Year.
Economic Development Collaborative
See the latest schedule of upcoming no-cost education and training opportunities for June here.
SCORE - Ventura County
In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on accounting, business formation, digital and social media marketing, and more. See here.
Women's Economic Ventures
Check out the great business training, advisory services, loan opportunities and more over at WEV. More here.
SCORE - Ventura County
In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on accounting, business formation, digital and social media marketing, and more. See here.
CA Employment Development Department
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has a webpage with resources specifically for employers. See resources focused on Hiring and training, Work Sharing, and more here.
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