Category Archives: Featured News

Investigator of the Year Jesus Nunez

Nunez was hired as a Police Officer Trainee in 2012.

Congratulations to Detective Jesus Nunez for being selected as VPD’s 2019 Investigator of the Year! He is being recognized for his professionalism and dedication to the department and as a member of the Special Victim’s Unit. Detective Nunez was hired as a Police Officer Trainee in 2012, graduated from the Academy in 2013, and worked as a Patrol Officer for 3.5 years.

He was assigned to Major Crimes in 2017 and currently works for the Special Victims Unit. His assignment consists of investigating sex crimes, missing persons, elder/child abuse, and human trafficking. He is also a negotiator with the Crisis Negotiations Team. “Being a Police Officer has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” said Det. Nunez. “My current assignment as a Detective for the Special Victims Unit is especially rewarding as it provides me the opportunity to work with a team of talented people who, like me, are passionate about solving cases and find reward in seeking justice for those that need it.” Congrats Detective Nunez, we are lucky to have you as part of our Ventura Police Department.

New Church of Scientology opens in Ventura 

The dedication crests an ambitious period of growth through the past decade.

Riding a never-ending swell of expansion for the religion, the Church of Scientology cut the ribbon on a new Ideal Organization (Org), Saturday, February 22, along this slice of surfing paradise. The first Ideal Org devoted to Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties opened before an exuberant audience of some 4,000 Scientologists, guests and federal, state and local dignitaries.

For the 100,000 daily commuters motoring on the 101, the glass-encased, new Church gleams as an unmistakable beacon of freedom just minutes from Downtown Ventura and Surfers Point, and but 500 yards from the San Buenaventura State Beach. At 66,000 square feet, the expansive and striking structure provides the capacity to immediately multiply many fold the Church’s outreach and services to the hundreds of thousands who call this stretch of coastline home.

Leading the grand celebration was Mr. David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. In recognition of Ventura and Santa Barbara’s longstanding partnership with Church-sponsored social betterment and humanitarian programs, a series of luminaries from Port Hueneme to Montecito converged to lend a passionate welcome at the new Ideal Org’s inauguration.

Joining the Scientology parishioners and Church officials were Councilman Steven Gama, from the City of Port Hueneme, Ventura County; Sharon Byrne, Advisor to the 4th District of Santa Barbara County; John Chavez, Voluntary Agency Liaison, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and Barbara Gaughen-Muller, President of the Tri-County United Nations Association.

In highlighting the Church’s work toward environmental responsibility, Councilman Gama described L. Ron Hubbard’s nonreligious moral guide, The Way to Happiness, as having “the power to get people into action.” He went on to state: “Your Way to Happiness volunteers have already been out with us all along Ormond Beach at our cleanups. From early morning until we’re done for the day, you are there taking care of our precious environment and helping it to thrive.… So not only will this new Church help preserve all that is good about our incredible home, it will be a beacon inspiring an even better environment, better neighbors and a better community for us all.”

The striking new facility provides the region with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 500 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the many Church-sponsored humanitarian programs—including a worldwide human rights education initiative, far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation programs; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, which has become one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. The Center is open morning to night for visitors to tour at their leisure and return as often as they wish.

This past decade has seen the opening of new Ideal Orgs across the US, including New York City, Harlem, Buffalo, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Nashville, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Twin Cities, Kansas City, Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Portland and Seattle. The opening of Ventura’s new Ideal Org marks the 12th to open in the state of California—Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Gatos, San Jose, Silicon Valley, San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Inglewood, Orange County and San Diego.

To disseminate Scientology’s message still further and answer the interest about the religion, the Church launched its own satellite TV channel, Scientology Network, on DIRECTV Channel 320, which also live streams at scientology.tv, as well as on multiple platforms in 17 languages across 24 time zones.

Enjoy Coffee with a Cop

A previous Coffee with a Cop brought out many police officers.

The community is invited to come together with Ventura Police Officers in a friendly, informal environment to discuss community issues, build relationships and enjoy a good cup of coffee, or Italian sub, for Coffee with a Cop which will be held at Peirano’s Market & Delicatessen located at 204 E. Main St. on February 26 from 12:30 pm to 2:00pm.

Engaging the community in public safety efforts is a top priority of the Ventura Police Department. Coffee with a Cop is a unique opportunity for residents to get to know the officers who serve their community. The majority of contacts with law enforcement happen during emergency or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop seeks to break down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

The Coffee with a Cop effort is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country as police department strive to make lasting connection with the communities they serve.

“At the heart of community policing is building positive relationships and problem-solving with the people we serve,” said Assistant Chief Darin Schindler. “In a few hours at Coffee with a Cop, we are able to have meaningful, face to face conversations with residents about community concerns and mutual goals, it’s extremely valuable time together.”

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members, one cup of coffee at a time. Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s service. There is no formal agenda, just a casual opportunity to voice concerns and share ideas. This is a no host event.

All businesses will remain open during the enhancement project

Painting project now underway at Ventura Harbor Village.

The Ventura Port District is pleased to announce the recent ReFresh Painting Project at Ventura Harbor Village that is now underway with a scheduled completion date between eight and ten months, dependent on winter and spring weather. All businesses will remain open during the enhancement project, according to Ventura Port District’s General Manager Brian Pendleton of the Port District.

The new 2020 painting project will encompass all of Ventura Harbor Village’s exterior buildings as well as two additional buildings which house Island Packers and the offices with the Channel Islands National Park. Contracted to complete the approximate $1.2 million Ventura Harbor Village Refresh Painting Project is prime contractor Garland/DBS whose mission is to provide each client with personalized management for long-term project success. Ventura Board of Port Commissioners and the City of Ventura Design Review Board also approved the paint pallet as prepared by Coastal Architects. The firm was commissioned by the Port District to integrate colors that reflect the sea-inspired hues that are predominant of the seaside enclave and is consistent with the new Portside Ventura Harbor development.

“The Ventura Port District is committed to continuous improvement with multi-phases of enhancement set for 2020 that will make Ventura Harbor an even more attractive, pedestrian-friendly destination for boating, and leisure recreation that encompasses dining, shopping and coastal attractions,” states Pendleton.

In addition to the first and second quarter Ventura Harbor Village Refresh Painting Project, Ventura Port District welcomes the opening of the newly constructed $200 million Portside Ventura Harbor, Southern California’s premier mixed-use development and Ventura’s newest oceanfront community.

In keeping with Ventura Port District’s goal of continuous improvement of Ventura Harbor, in 2019, Ventura Harbor completed a $4.5 million Ventura Harbor Village Marina Dock Improvement Project aimed at greatly bolstering the Harbor’s commercial fishing industry as one of the largest commercial marinas on the West Coast. On the heels of this project, Ventura Harbor invested $61,000 in reopening the Harbor’s Dry Boat Storage that was resurfaced with 88 dry storage spaces accommodating 14 to 43-foot size boats year-round.

“The Ventura Port District revitalization projects now provide a greater sense of place to stimulate future economic growth for the benefit of our tenants, visitors, fishermen, residents, and the local community,” says Pendleton.

In addition, Ventura Harbor Village’s revitalization and beautification project completed in 2018 has further established the Ventura Port District’s visitor-appeal. The beautification project now highlights a Channel Islands Plaza, a Kelp Corridor, a waterfront Promenade Stage area, and a seaside fire pit as the ‘front door’ of the bustling Harbor Village that saw more than 1.5 million pedestrian visitors in 2019.

Rich in details, the project included award-winning decorative concrete finishes with more than 68 feet of giant sea kelp. The project features color-changing LED lights, a 70-foot inlay of the Channel Islands National Park’s five islands, 6 kelp sculptures,new landscape and palm trees, and sea-themed decorative elements along the meandering pathways which adorn the entrances to the many Harbor Village boutiques and galleries.

Future projects identified in the master plan include areas for public art, improved outdoor patios, informational signage, family elements, and a series of upgrades to paseos throughout the five-acre Harbor Village. Live music on the seaside Harbor Village Promenade stage entertains guests on weekends throughout the year.

2020 Ventura River lawsuit information

by Council Member Christy Weir

Approximately 20% of Ventura’s municipal water comes from the Ventura River. Over the past 20 years, Ventura has decreased the amount of water taken from the river.

In 2014, Santa Barbara Channelkeepers, an environmental non-profit, alleged that the city’s use of the river water was unreasonable and harmful to the steelhead fish. The city agreed that the fishery was suffering, but proposed that the city alone could not solve the problem. Many other water users upstream impact the river, as well as the Matilija Dam, invasive plant species such as arundo that use lots of water and prevent fish passage, invasive fish species, and continuing drought.

The city is committed to working with other stakeholders in the watershed to address these impacts affecting steelhead, while aggressively implementing water conservation measures in Ventura. We are currently working with large water users to implement physical solutions such as arundo removal, new river gauges, and seasonal passage monitoring. Our partners are the Casitas Municipal Water District, Meiners Oaks Water District, Ventura River Water District and Rancho Matilija Mutual Water Company, as well as Taylor Ranch, Friends Ranches and Thacher School.

As part of the Channelkeepers lawsuit, the city was required by a judge to notify all of the users of river water, including residents of the Ojai valley, about the ongoing litigation, to provide them the opportunity to participate. Over 14,000 notices were sent to property owners who reside in the affected groundwater basins. Property owners who do not have a well are not required to participate in the lawsuit—they may ignore their notice. People who do have a well may choose to enter the case and collaborate to protect their rights by filing an answer to the notice, sometime in the next 6 months.

The goal of the City of Ventura is to work with other affected parties to protect all of our water rights, while taking steps to preserve the health and sustainability of the river and the fish.

Sculpture memorializes Miriam Schwab’s love of music

Photo by Bernie Goldstein

In our last issue we had an article (and photos) regarding the bronze sculpture by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly located in the courtyard of the Ventura College’s Performing Arts Center.

The 12-foot high sculpture memorializes Miriam Schwab’s love of music and her strong belief in the import role music plays in the community college system.

The photos did not show the sculpture in its beauty as this does.

Deadly shooting in Ventura leaves one-man dead – appears gang related

Murder suspect, 24-year-old Raymond Bolanos remains in jail.

On January 18, a deadly shooting occurred in the public parking structure on Harbor Blvd. and California, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Alejandro Hernandez of Ventura. This is Ventura’s first murder in 2020, and police say the motive appears to be gang related.

At approximately 2:45am, a 911 call was received regarding a shooting victim at the top level of the parking structure. Patrol officers responded and located one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was treated by Ventura City Fire and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the crime occurred when one group – standing outside of their red Ford Mustang, was approached by the second group of people in a white sedan. The two groups started fighting when one person inside the vehicle shot at the group outside.

The Mustang fled the scene and ended up in Oxnard where the driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road by Victoria Ave. and Nantucket Parkway. CHP and Ventura police detained three of the vehicle’s occupants. One person fled the scene and was later apprehended.

The murder suspect, 24-year-old Raymond Bolanos, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for murder and gang enhancement.  A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Bolanos has prior convictions for carrying a concealed firearm, gang enhancement and a hit and run.

Twenty-six-year old Julian Nunez was arrested for a parole violation warrant and has prior convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and battery with serious injury, and twenty-three-year old Stephanie Sanchez was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. She has a prior conviction for possession of a loaded firearm.

Bolanos and Nuñez appeared in Ventura County Superior Court for an arraignment hearing. Bolanos was charged with murder, attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nuñez is accused of assault with a semi-automatic firearm as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Bolanos, with an attorney from Conflict Defense Associates appointed in Nuñez’s case. CDA provides a legal defense for indigent defendants when cases conflict in the public defender’s office.

Both men also face allegations related to prior felonies and are accused of committing the alleged crimes for the benefit of a Santa Paula street gang.

Nuñez and Bolanos remain in Ventura County jail. Nuñez’s bail was set at $290,000 and Bolanos’ bail was set at $1.43 million. Both men are due back in court for a continued arraignment hearing on Feb. 20.

Bronze sculpture is by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly

Statue honors Miriam Schwab.

A memorial statue honoring local philanthropist and long-time Ventura College patron Miriam Schwab was unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, January 25, in the courtyard of the Ventura College’s Performing Arts Center.

The large crowd enjoyed music, food and sharing stories about Miriam.

The 12-foot high bronze sculpture is by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly. It memorializes her love of music and her strong belief in the import role music plays in the community college system. The dancer in the sculpture is holding a violin, an instrument that she played in the Ventura College Orchestra for 15-years. The music stand symbolizes academic learning, while the dancer symbolizes stepping out into the world after students have received their education.

Schwab passed away in 2017 at age 89. In 2018, Ventura College Foundation, which provides financial support to students and programs of Ventura College, received a $12 million donation from Schwab’s estate in 2018. It is the largest gift ever to a community college in Southern California.

Anne Paul King, Executive Director, Ventura College Foundation was the MC for the event. She introduced the speakers that included Dr. Kimberly Hoffmans, President, Ventura College, Dr. Tim Harrison, Dean of Athletics and Fine Arts, and, of course the artist Michael O’Kelly.

The Ventura College Wind Quintet provided wonderful music for the large gathering during and after the unveiling.

O’Kelly has created many pieces of public art, in addition to his prolific privately commissioned work in Ventura County, Los Angeles and Las Vegas his public art pieces include the timeline ceramic mural located downtown on Main St. The beautiful ceramic mural highlighting Ventura’s history for the city’s 150th anniversary. The mural by the San Buenaventura Mission, is 50’ long by 9.5’ high and took him more than a year just to draw.

When asked if creating public art creates additional pressure for him as the artist, versus private commissions, he replied, “Public art is so important, thousands of people see it, but I don’t feel any additional pressure when creating it. I’m confident and know what I can do. I’m just a working artist.” Michael O’Kelly sold his first piece of art at age nine while on a family vacation.

“I was really pleased when Miriam Schwab wanted me to do her memorial sculpture for Ventura College, which was part of her 12-million-dollar endowment for the college’s Performing Arts center” he said.

Schwab was a passionate classical music lover. She played the violin with the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra for over a decade and started the Henry Schwab Violin and Viola Competition, named after her late husband. Eighty-five percent of Schwab’s gift goes to the Ventura College Instrumental Music Program including funding for a permanent violin and viola competition, a sustainable year-round symphony orchestra and the creation of the Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music. In addition, fifteen percent of Schwab’s gift supports the Ventura College Aquatics Program. An avid swimmer, Schwab could often be seen swimming in the Ventura College pool (and riding her bike daily around town).

Ventura permanent shelter now a reality

Facility will provide shelter, social services and mental health counseling.

By Shirley Lorraine

At long last, Ventura County’s first government-funded and led permanent, year-round homeless shelter is finally ready to open. The ARCH celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Monday, January 27. ARCH is an acronym for “All Roads Connect to Housing.”

A joint project between the city and county of Ventura, the 55-bed converted county-owned facility will provide shelter, social services and mental health counseling in addition to job assistance, benefits navigation and other educational programs.

The shelter, located at 2323 Knoll Drive in Ventura, will be operated by Orange County based Mercy House who will take and process referrals. Administration and 24/7 staffing will be done by Mercy House. Occupancy is by referral, and each applicant screened for suitability. According to one staffer, enough referrals have already come through to fill the facility from the get-go. No walk-in services are provided. Ventura’s facility will accommodate 17 single women and 38 single men. And dogs. And cats.

The Mercy House model is “housing first”, which focuses on aiding those in need find stable housing as a primary step toward re-integration into society. Participants will be required to work on a plan to find suitable housing. Case managers will be looking at ways to reduce the barriers between resident’s current situation and permanent housing. However, according to Judy Alexandre, chair of the Ventura Social Services Task Force, finding affordable housing in Ventura County is a continuing challenge.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated, “This shelter is going to change lives.” He lauded the years of hard work and commitment that have made this achievement a reality and recognized those who have helped lay groundwork for this project. “This is what happens when communities work together.”

Supervisor Steve Bennett added “This shows how our culture and politics have changed over the last 20 years. We are so proud to be the first city in Ventura County to step forward for this project.” He urged everyone to continue to support the next phases of the project.

City Manager Alex McIntyre noted that the “city has made a long-term commitment in this journey toward success.”

Members of the San Buenaventura Women’s Club made and donated 80 blankets for the facility in December. President Rosemary Wilde and several members were present at the opening, presenting a donation of toiletry items, socks and personal care items for the new residents. Oak View Women’s Club and Ojai Women’s Club also donated blankets. Donations from many sources piled about five feet high in the entrance, with more to come.

Volunteers are a key component to the success of the program. To explore volunteer opportunities, contact Anabel Garcia, Volunteer Associate at [email protected] or (714) 836-7188 ext.197. Volunteers are needed for all shifts, all days.

How else can you help? Call (714) 836-7188 or go to www.mercyhouse.net – click on programs, shelters, the Arch. There is a link to their Amazon wish list. Purchases can be made and delivered directly to the facility. Of course, monetary donations are always accepted too.

For more information also visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/homelessefforts.

Deadly shooting in Ventura leaving one man dead appears gang related

A deadly shooting occurred in the public parking structure on Harbor Blvd. next to the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel last Saturday resulting in the death of a 21 year old man. This is the first murder to happen in Ventura and police say the motive for this murder does appear to be gang related.

On January 18, at approximately 2:45am, a 911 call was received regarding a shooting victim at the top level of the Harbor Bl parking structure in Ventura. Patrol officers responded and located one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was treated by Ventura City Fire and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the crime occurred when one group was outside of their vehicle and the suspect vehicle approached them. The two groups started fighting when one person inside the vehicle shot at the group outside. Witnesses indicated the suspects fled in a vehicle, which CHP located and pursued ending up in Oxnard where the driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road.

Ventura police detained three of the occupants from the vehicle, but one fled the scene and was later detained. Murder suspect, 24 year old Raymond Bolanos, was arrested and booked in the Ventura County Jail for murder and gang enhancement. 

Bolanos’ bail has been set at $610,000 and he’s scheduled to appear in Ventura Superior Court on September 22. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Bolanos has prior convictions for carrying a concealed firearm, gang enhancement and a hit and run.

Of the other detained occupants from the vehicle, 26 year old Julian Nunez was arrested for a parole violation warrant and has prior convictions of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and battery with serious injury, and 23 year old Stephanie Sanchez was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. She has a prior conviction of possession of a loaded firearm.