I took a break from the law practice today to enjoy how green everything had become on our ranches here in Ventura County.  For my husband and I,  and my agricultural clients,  the business of agriculture is 24/7. With freezing temperatures expected on several nights recently, there was yet another round of late night and early morning freeze patrol.  Although it might seem counter-intuitive, irrigating during very cold nights can help counteract freezing conditions.  The water is warmer than the cold air which raises temperatures at critical points to prevent frost damage.

Despite contending with freezing temperatures , I am happy to report that with the current rainfall,   Ventura County had been downgraded from a “moderate drought” rating to “abnormally dry”.   While this trend is encouraging,  United Water Conservation District  officials report that even though  Lake Piru’s water level has doubled over the last two months, rising more than 30 feet, it is still only  39% full.  It would take an additional 180,000 acre feet of water to bring the lake to full capacity. Ventura County District officials state that in order to get completely out of drought conditions, the county will need 10 more storms similar to those that occurred during the first two months of this year.

Even with increased rainfall, water rights for those in agriculture continue to be challenging at best. Farmers and ranchers must navigate a myriad of state, local, and private water rights issues.

But all of that aside, it is nice to take a Saturday to stop and enjoy how green everything has become.

A look back at some of the Tri-Counties’ diverse business and non-profit community events that Matilija Law’s Melissa Sayer was fortunate to be a part of in 2018.

 

 

Matilija Law getting ready on December 14, 2018  for the 805Help and the Local Love Project Disaster Relief Store for fire and slide victims.  Thank you to 805Help and Local Love Project for all of your support to our community.

 

 

 

Pacific Coast Business Times Names Melissa Sayer 2018 Who’s Who in Professional Service Providers 

Melissa Sayer is the principal attorney at Matilija Law. She first launched the Ventura-based practice in late 2016 after working with some of the top law firms in Silicon Valley and Ventura County. Since its opening,  Matilija Law has handled business sales and mergers valued at more than 25 million and has advised clients on purchases and leases of real property, and formed several LLCs and S corporations for start-up businesses.

In her community, Sayer serves as a board member for the Ventura County Economic Development Association, on the executive committee for CSU Channel Islands Business and Technology Partnership, and is a founding member of Women’s Economic Ventures League of  Extraordinary Women.  Sayer is a summa cum laude graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melissa Sayer featured in the 2018 Annual Report for Women’s Economic Ventures

What inspires you to support WEV’s mission?

It’s important to me that WEV empowers women to be successful business people in a supportive and instructive environment.

Why did you choose to get involved with WEV’s League of Extraordinary Women?

I wanted to provide both mentoring and financial support for other women to pursue their dreams.  Women, especially those starting their own businesses, face many challenges, and often face them alone.  Having women to help you navigate the challenges of starting and owning a business is invaluable and making connections is an important part of growing and sustaining your business.  There are not enough role models, mentors, and champions for women. WEV has always done a great job of addressing that need, and I saw the League of Extraordinary Women as a way to take things even further.

What was your favorite WEV moment in 2018?

I really enjoyed the Empowerment is Priceless Breakfast in October. It was a great opportunity to meet others involved with WEV, learn more about some of the WEV participants and strategize on ways to further assist women business owners.