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Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

SPTC Coming A ‘Haunting

Santa Paula Theater Center’s popular annual Ghostwalk is taking a new turn this year. Every year for the past 25 years, Ghostwalk has been presented in a different location in Santa Paula, telling stories based on historical events of the area. This year, the ghosts are expanding their haunting by streaming directly to your house. Beware and prepare.

No need to wait either. Chose a weekend to catch one of the nine performances– Friday, Saturday or Sunday – October 9, 10 or 11, 16, 17 or 18, 23, 24, 25. To be presented at 7 p.m. on each of these dates, this year’s virtual offering is “Ghostwatch” featuring spooky “deadtime” stories by local authors. Run time is about 90 minutes.

The event will be Ghost-hosted by one of Ventura County’s most colorful living spirits – Doug Friedlander. Actors filmed at unique locations around Santa Paula will present their scripted stories for your enjoyment. Each of the stories has been part of a previous Ghostwalk, so you may relive some shivers as you listen. Woven into all the stories are locations and events from Santa Paula history.

The stories offered this year are Bertha by Bill Nash, Take My Life Please by Mitch Stone, Pancho Barnes by Linda Livingston, Josie’s Tale by Jeanie Hayes, Red Shoes by John Nichols, Saving Grace by Mary Alice Henderson, and Speak No Evil by Jim Kasmir and Jeff Rack.

SPTC recommends enhancing the evening by setting the scene appropriately for your viewing pleasure. Dim the lights, gather some spooky snacks (I highly recommended peeled grapes for their sliminess and something crunchy to pretend you are munching on bones), drink something red, get comfortable and invite the whole family to settle in for some good old fashioned story-telling. It’s all family frightly, I mean, friendly.

This year’s event is a Pay-What-You-Can event. Reservations can be made by calling the Ghostwalk Haunt Line at 805-525-3073 or on the SPTC website either at www.santapaulatheatercenter.org or www.ghostwalk.com or via email at [email protected]. While you’re on www.ghostwalk.com, check out the merchandise you can order which also helps support the theater’s efforts.

The event will be streamed to SPTC’s YouTube channel for public viewing at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/user/santapaulatheaterctr. It can also be seen at https://www/facebook.com/santapaulatheatercenter.

Fall is in the air. Leaves are falling. It is time for the spooks, ghosts and goblins to appear. October (can you believe it’s October already?) is the perfect time for snuggling up to that warm computer in your jammies with snacks, drinks and perhaps something or someone to cling to while watching SPTC’s 2020 version of this always-exciting long-standing tradition. Join in. Tune in. You will be glad you did. Oh, and please make a donation to the theater so these events can continue. All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Theater Center directly. Happy hauntoween!

 

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Enola Holmes – Amazon Originals

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees,
4 being best.

Eudoria Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter) named her daughter Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) because she was a fan of word games and is “alone” spelled backwards, as wanted Enola to grow up to be an independent woman. On the morning of Enola’s sixteenth birthday, she discovered her mother had left leaving some gifts, including some handmade cards with pressed flowers with inspirational sayings.

The disappearance of her mother prompted the return of her two brothers, Mycroft (Sam Claflin) and Sherlock (Henry Cavill), the famous detective, scholar, chemist, virtuoso violinist, expert marksman, pugilist, and brilliant deductive thinker. Sherlock deduced that his mother had planned leaving and not returning. Mycroft’s main concern was finding a boarding school for Enola, which she did not want, but Enola was legally Mycroft’s ward in the absence of their mother.

Enola disguised herself as a boy, went to the train station and headed off to find her mother. She slipped into a private car, where a young man a was hiding in a luggage bag. He introduced himself as Viscount Tewkesbury, the Marquess of Basilwether (Louis Partridge), who snuck onboard to escape his family. The man looking for Tewkesbury found him and tried to throw him off the train, and Enola hit him with a cane and they escaped by jumping from the train and headed to London.

Enola then placed cyphers in every paper she thought her mother may read. Enola then went to the only address she saw her mother write letters to in London, where upstairs she found a group of women practicing martial arts. The teacher Edith knew Enola and Enola recognized her from a women’s meeting at her mother’s home. Remembering names mentioned from that meeting, Enola was able to reverse the names she heard and find the corresponding places in London.

Enola was attacked by the man from the train, set off some explosives to escape and decided to find Tewkesbury. Enola went to the flower market, and found Tewkesbury there. They went back to where Enola was staying when Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard burst into the room, catching Enola and turned her over to Mycroft, who dropped her off at Miss Harrison’s Finishing School.

Enola realized the Tewkesbury was in danger because his vote for change would carry much weight with the current Lords in power, and at that very moment Tewkesbury showed up in a wicker crate. Tewkesbury used the crate to sneak Enola out, and they escaped by stealing Miss Harrsion’s motor car and headed to Tewkesbury’s home having determined it was his uncle who was trying to kill him.

They again encounter the man from the train, who knocked out Enola and attempted to kill Tewkesbury, but Enola used a Jujitsu move causing him to fall onto a a statue and die. Tewkesbury’s grandmother revealed herself as the person behind the plan to kill Tewkesbury and used a shotgun to shoot her grandson. Fortunately, Tewkesbury was wearing a metal shield and was unharmed.

Enola returned to her room to find her mother who said she couldn’t stay but wanted to apologize and explain that she had to leave to secure a future world for her daughter, only to learn her daughter had been behind protecting Tewkesbury to support the Reform Bill. Millie Bobby Brown is perfect in her role as Enola Holmes in this amusing detective story having interesting and relatable family dynamics centered around a witty, confident heroine that’s a great inspiration for younger generations of women.

Rated: PG-13
123 minutes

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Monday
9-14

 4:11pm, received report of a kite surfer in distress near the Ventura Pier. Officers responded in the fireboat and found the kite surfer being towed back to shore by a good Samaritan surfer. Stood by until the kiter was safely on beach.

Wednes
9-16

 5:45pm, received report of a vehicle driving over the spikes into the exit of VWM II. Officers responded and found the car as reported. The driver was acting suspiciously, PD arrived and had her park and terminated her trip.

Friday
9-18

 9:10am, received report of a transient sleeping in the 1583 Spinnaker elevator. Officers responded, woke the individual and moved them along.

Saturday
9-19

 2:00pm, received a report from US coast guard fixed wing aircraft circling above the harbor of a personal watercraft operating erratically a mile outside. Officers observed the PWC head to L/R and made contact. The elderly operator was exhausted from the rough conditions and nothing suspicious was noted.

7:01pm, received multiple reports of a blue hulled vessel speeding and pushing a large wake throughout the harbor. Officers found vessel and terminated voyage.

Sunday
9-20

 2:22am, contacted a disabled/becalmed 35ft sailboat 2 miles offshore. Tow Boat Us was alerted and responded to assist the becalmed vessel.

9:01pm, received report of suspicious couple casing vehicles near the VYC. Officers impounded 3 stolen bicycles, the 2 said the bikes belonged to a friend.

Wednes
9-23

 10:15am, officers training with US coast guard helicopter hoisting in Rescue Boat 17. Patrol officers normally train with US coast guard hoisting operations.

Friday
9-25

 6:50pm, received a Mayday call on VHF 16 from a disabled motorboat off Pierpont. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 17. Vessel safely towed to L/R.

10:25pm, dispatched to a fire near the riverbottom. Officers responded and found the natural gas burn off near Gonzales road. No fire found.

Saturday
9-26

 9:22am, dispatched to an unconscious person at VIM L-dock. Officers responded and found the patient in full arrest. All lifesaving efforts were attempted with AMR/VFD and the patient was transported to local hospital.

1:15pm, contacted a vessel in the surfline near South Jetty engaged in fishing. Officers contacted and moved the fisherman to safer water outside surfline.

5:45pm, received a report of an unmanned 35ft sailboat in outside Ventura Harbor. Officers responded, found the sailboat, and found the captain below.

Sunday
9-27

 11:59am, dispatched to a fall victim at 1559 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and assisted a 97 year male who fell, sustained a laceration. Transported by AMR

12:18pm, dispatched to a seizure at 1867 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and assisted a 32 year male having a seizure. He was treated & transported by AMR.

1:25pm, received a Mayday call of a 14ft vessel just outside the surfline at the Ventura Point. Officers responded, towed the vessel to the launch ramp safely.

10:40pm, received a report of fishing at the Ventura Marina Community lake. Officers responded and terminated the fishing. Fishing is prohibited at the lake.

 

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 – Mailbox

Dear Editor:

Your vote, your voice. Make it heard! The November election is rapidly approaching. Voting is your right and your duty but first you must register. If you are not yet registered to vote the deadline to register online is October 19th. To register online go to RegisterToVote.ca.gov. The League of Women Voters of Ventura County recommends that all registered voters check their registration status online at VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov. You will want to be sure that your address is current since ballots will be mailed to you, and to select your language preference. Prepare now to make sure your vote is counted!

Kathy Morgan Ventura

Voting has never been easier. Voting from home is safe, easy and convenient.

Once you receive your official ballot in the mail in early October, you can return it by the US Postal Service mail – postage is prepaid. It must be postmarked by Nov 3 and received by Nov 20 (in California) for your vote to be counted. We recommend you vote as early as possible after receiving your ballot.

An alternative to mailing your ballot is using one of the 34 Ballot Drop Boxes that are located throughout the county and will be open from Oct. 6 until Election Day, Nov. 3 at 8 pm. Ballot Drop Box locations can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45ol4mo.

Finally, you can take your ballot to any of the 47 in-person Vote Centers to drop it off or request a replacement for a spoiled ballot. The Vote Centers will be open Sat. Oct 31, Sun., Nov 1, and Mon. Nov 2 from 10 am-6 pm and Tuesday, November 3 from 7 am-8 pm. Vote Center locations can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5wd2ykv.

Be sure to check your registration status ([email protected]) and sign up to track your ballot (WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov).

The League of Women Voters of Ventura County will host virtual candidate forums (lwvventuracounty.org) – be an informed voter and learn about the candidates and issues.

Drop Box locations:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations.pdf

Vote Center locations:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

Betsy Patterson, President
League of Women Voters of Ventura County

Dear Mr. Brown,

Defund: A term that has taken on new meaning these days, gets twisted by those who wish to argue in bad faith to leave a broken system unchanged. But, defunding is about the reallocation of funding, taking duties away from law enforcement that would better be handled by mental health specialists or unarmed community liaisons. It means transforming our legal system to break the cycle of violence, oppression and despair created centuries ago by our nation’s racist landowners who hired armed men to protect their property and themselves from the perceived violence of people of color and the poor. It’s about acting on the persistent demand to shift our social, political and economic paradigms to generate lasting peace, prosperity, educational excellence and justice in all our communities. Let’s replace much of our police force with solutions that actually reduce and prevent crime.

In California we’ve made a step in changing laws by dismantling our old cash bail system which penalized the poor. Let’s also stop police from arming themselves as if they are going to war with the citizens who pay their salaries, police unions from getting too powerful and city councils from indiscriminately throwing money at police departments. Should a police department really be able to demand double the amount of any other department in a city’s budget, and get it?

What we fund is what we tolerate – racism, exploitation, injustice! Let’s work together to find other means of keeping our communities safe.

Sincerely,

Angelo Haynes Police Oversight Working Group

The only motive that can keep politics pure is the motive of doing good for one’s country and its people.
~ Author unknown

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Newt came to the shelter as a stray. Poor fella had a kitty cold and very itchy skin. Our medical staff has been treating him and found out that as uncomfortable as he was, he didn’t let that stop him from lighting up a room.

Newt loves everyone and everything, and always greets the staff with a happy chirp. He’s had a rough life, but you would never know for how sweet he is. We think it’s time for some very lucky person to take him home.

Ventura Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive
Newt A759957

Hi: I’m Beach, a 6 year old playful Corgi / Australian Shepherd X who is in need of a new home as sadly my owner passed away. I’m thankful that C.A.R.L. will help me find my forever home.

I’m an active dog who enjoys going for walks. I walk well on leash and respond quickly to commands. I’m ok with older children, but have never been around young ones. I need a home with no cats and no large dogs. I’m ok with small dogs, but I’m not interested in being friends. The best home for me would be as your one and only.

If you’re looking for a sweet girl, look no further. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Sally is still searching for her forever home! Pretty girl Sally is a gorgeous 11-month-old long-haired German Shepherd. She came to the HSVC in mid-September after being rescued in the field by our Humane Officers. Sweet and playful, Sally’s hobbies include playing with toys, going for long walks on a leash, and splashing around in the water.

She is a very high energy pup, so her ideal forever home will be with an active owner that can take her on lots of walks and outdoor adventures. Sally is also a case dog, meaning she was rescued by our Humane Officers while investigating a case in the field. Because of this, all adoption applications submitted for her will be reviewed and approved by our Humane Officers.

The HSVC is performing adoptions by appointment only at this time due to COVID-19. If you are interested in adopting Sally, please visit our website and click the orange “Let’s Get Started” button to fill out an adoption appointment request to meet her!

Looking for a loving home for my two sweet, cute 3.5 years old cats due to my allergy. They have been with me since two weeks of age. It’s hard to let them go though I need to. No other pet in home please!

Glyol Pannbechi [email protected]

Health plan partnership supports Ventura County’s Hispanic seniors

by Carol Leish

As of October 1, 2020, Clinicas del Camino Real, which serves 40,000 patients enrolled in Medi-Cal or Medicare plans in Ventura County, and AmericanHealth Plan, has joined the network of SCAN Health Plan, a not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan serving senior in Ventura and other communities in California. Clinicas’ network is comprised of specialists providing the following on-site services:

  • Primary Care Dental services Internal Medicine
  • Optometry Obstetrics/Gynecology Behavioral Health
  • Pediatrics Pharmacy Cardiology
  • Laboratory Podiatry Health Education
  • Chiropractic Radiology

SCAN, which has been in California since the 1970’s began serving Ventura County in 2004. “As a nonprofit, SCAN’s mission is to keep seniors healthy and independent,” according to, Sherry Stanislaw, general manage of SCAN, headquartered in Long Beach, CA. “We offer a variety of services (see above), along with offering a wide network. By adding Clinica, there are now more choices.”

According to, Stanislaw, “SCAN is a Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that you don’t need a supplemental plan. Also, you won’t have any deductibles. Thus, you can have SCAN Medicare Advantage with full payment vs. having Medicare with an 80%/20% payment, that only covers 80% of costs. Other benefits of enrolling in SCAN include: having a vision and hearing coverage, along with a prescription plan. A drug prescription plan is also offered. Also, a gym membership is provided: Silver Sneakers.”

“Thus, with SCAN, you will have a wide access of providers”, according to, Stanislaw. “You’ll also have routine transportation provided. And, you’ll be saving money since you won’t be needing to have a supplemental policy. Thus, it’s affordable and comprehensive.”

Stanislaw mentioned that, “We are super excited to be partnering with Clinica, serving their community, and the Spanish community. We have developed a synergy by being able to partner with Clinica and with several other clinics in Ventura County.”

Open enrollment is from: October 1st, 2020—December 7th, 2020, for people who are eligible for Medicare; 65 or older; or those with disabilities of any age. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2021. “Either go through your health insurance agent/broker; or, call SCAN’s toll free #: (855) 460-7226,” according to, Sharon Armani, Senior Director.

Answer in a Breeze

Question: I don’t know what council district that I live in for the coming city council election?
How do I find out?

Randy Flores

Answer:

Randy: You can go to https://map.cityofventura.net/java/ccvd/ (A little complex) and type in your address to find your district.

To be placed on the ballot a candidate must circulate a nomination form provided by the City Clerk, gathering not more than 30, but not less than 20 signatures of registered voters in the City to qualify for placement on the ballot.

This is our existing City Council:

  • Matt LaVere, Mayor – at large
  • Sofia Rubalcava, Deputy Mayor – District 1
  • Lorrie Brown, Councilmember – District 6
  • Jim Friedman, Councilmember – District 5
  • Cheryl Heitmann, Councilmember – at large
  • Erik Nasarenko, Councilmember – District 4
  • Christy Weir, Councilmember – at large

There are 7 members of the Ventura City Council. Each member must be a registered voter in the City. Each member represents the interests of the City as a whole. Starting with the 2018 Election, four (4) Councilmembers were elected by Districts with the remaining three (3) Councilmembers to be elected by Districts in this election.

Have a question send to [email protected] and we will try to get an answer.

Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts Members’ Choice Seaside Exhibiting: Now – November 9, 2020

Pitcher with Pear- Bonnie Quan at Buenaventura Gallery.

Open Hours: Friday thru Monday, 11am – 6pm

BAA members depict local sights and sentiments — mementos for both tourists and locals. Plus the art and artisan crafts of 10 resident BAA artists.

The Buenaventura Gallery
Members’ Choice
Exhibiting: Now – November 14, 2020
Open Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, noon – 4pm
and by appointment – 805-648-1235

A select group of BAA members exhibit their individual styles, subjects and media.

My Experience with Districts

by Jim Friedman Ventura District 5

I have a unique perspective when it comes to serving as a city council member in that I have served “at large,” meaning being elected city wide and now, being elected within a district. I served as a city council member from 1995-2003. When the city broke up into districts, I was elected again in 2018, and now serve as the elected representative for Ventura District 5.

At first, I had mixed emotions about being elected within and then representing a particular district, but now, after almost two years, I have to say that I prefer Districts over the previous “at large” system. Campaigning required much more walking door-to-door but there were far less candidate forums to attend.

As the representative for District 5, I have gotten to know my district and constituents much better that when I was serving the community “at large.” I do find that a district council member needs to be much more responsive to the constituents because the council member is now the first point of contact with the residents. Previously, when serving “at large,” any one of the seven council members could take on a neighborhood issue, but now, that responsibility falls directly on my shoulders if the issue is in District 5. I don’t mind this added responsibility because I feel it is my job to help my District 5 constituents and provide the highest level of customer service to them as possible. Good customer service is something that I learned and continue to practice in my Insurance/Financial Services business for the past 42 years.

Just because I represent the residents in District 5 does not preclude me from assisting residents in other districts. I have heard from many people outside of District 5 and have offered them help and advice. I do however encourage them to also contact their district council member in an effort to help them resolve their issue. I di not want to step on the toes of any of my city council colleagues.

Being the very first representative for District 5 has been rewarding in that I am meeting a lot of new people, solving problems and making a lot of new friends.

City of Ventura to resume parking meter fees in downtown area

Starting Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the City of Ventura will resume collecting regular parking fees for on-street, metered parking in Downtown Ventura. Enforcement of fee payment will also resume.

Paid parking rates of 50-cents per hour will be collected along Palm Street, Oak Street, California Street, Chestnut Street, Fir Street, and Main Street. Along the metered parking streets, two ADA parking spaces will be made available for those with disabilities, and spaces will be designated for to-go or pick-up orders.

Currently, there are nearly 2,000 free public parking spaces available in Downtown Ventura, including the downtown parking structure located along Santa Clara Street.

The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee voted in September 2020 to resume collecting paid parking rates of 50-cents per hour. In March 2020, the City waived all parking fees supporting local businesses offering curbside pick-ups following State and Local State of Emergency declarations due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As the City has begun to slowly open back up, activity has started to increase, and parking demand has also increased. To help ensure continued access to businesses and the availability of on-street parking, reinstating parking fees will help manage the demand. Paid parking also helps support many Downtown projects and programs, such as downtown security, parking lot and alley improvements, clean sidewalks, landscape beautification, lighting, and other improvements.

For contactless parking payments, download the free ParkMobile app. ParkMobile makes it easy to find, reserve, and pay for parking on any mobile device. Drivers can set up alerts via email, text message, or in-app notifications to remind them when their parking time is about to expire without running back to feed the meter. To learn more or download the ParkMobile app, visit parkmobile.io. Other fees may apply.

For more information about parking areas in the City of Ventura, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/parking.