Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura County Grand Jury announces open house

Ventura County residents have an opportunity to meet the 2019-2020 Ventura County Grand Jurors and tour the Grand Jury Chambers on March 12, 2020. The public may meet the Grand Jurors between 1 PM and 3 PM, review Grand Jury reports and ask questions about Grand Jury service. The Grand Jury offices are located at 646 County Square Drive, 3rd Floor, Ventura.

The Grand Jury is a civil investigative panel of 19 volunteers. This oversight group investigates issues and citizen complaints and makes recommendations in a published final report to improve the operations of local government.

The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of Ventura County government and the 10 city governments in the county, as well as special districts.

Applications to serve on the Grand Jury will be available. Officials from Ventura County government and Ventura County Superior Court will also be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

To become a Grand Juror, you must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen and a Ventura County resident for at least a year. A complete list of requirements and the application form can be found at: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/become-a-grand-juror.

Applications may also be requested by calling Jury Services at (805) 289-8661. Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2020.

Celebrate innovative educators at LAUNCH

After a highly anticipated and successful inaugural LAUNCH last year, Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) is excited to announce details for the second annual LAUNCH and Aera Energy as the returning Trail Blazing Sponsor. Taking place on March 12, 2020 at 5:30 pm, Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, community members can attend this inspiring evening by sponsoring the event at VenturaEducationPartnership.org.

Curated by Ventura Education Partnership, LAUNCH celebrates VUSD educators who share their passions in novel ways and create new learning opportunities for students. During this unique gathering of business, community and school leaders, Three featured Educators will present their ground breaking ideas that inspire classroom innovation. Driven to help students express themselves and their ideas, Cameron Crouch, Foothill High School, teaches art creation through a wide variety of mediums and media. Petra McCullough of ATLAS Elementary teaches with the hope that her love of learning is contagious. She has created an environment for students to enter where they can leave the stresses and worries of life at the door. Committed to providing opportunities that focus on equity, Kristie Steinlicht, teacher, Anacapa Middle School helped create the award-winning Anacapa STE(A)M program to serve Anacapa’s socio-economically, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations.

In addition to being an inspiring evening and connecting with leaders who care about public education, LAUNCH raises funds for VEPGrants. VEPGrants give VUSD teachers the opportunity to apply for $1,000 grants for a project that will engage students more deeply in their learning, something hands on and innovative.

Aera Energy’s presenting sponsorship will support 10 classroom grants in the Fall. “Aera is committed to building stronger communities by focusing on education and creating opportunities for innovative learning,” says Michele Newell, Aera public affairs. “Our work producing the fuel that California needs everyday requires that same innovation and creative thinking to do it safely and responsibly. We believe teachers and schools can do so much more if we come together as a community to support them in ways that helps get students excited about learning at an early age.”

2019 Featured Educator, Alex Wulff says, “We all need a time to revel in the power of grassroots community support and its impact on our youth. Attending LAUNCH is like a tune-up for the soul. Seeing what community efforts can do to impact innovation in the classroom is positively therapeutic.”

Additional LAUNCH sponsors include Mountains2Beach Marathon, Fastsigns of Ventura, Adela Trainor of Berkshire Hathaway and Mathnasium Ventura. For tickets visit the website  www.venturaeducationpartnership.org or contact Madhu Bajaj (805) 754-9861.

Emergency crew respond to overturned semi tractor/trailer with one person trapped and fuel leaking

On Feb.17, units responded to a reported overturned semi tractor/trailer with one person trapped and fuel leaking at the WB126 and Wells Rd interchange. The first unit on scene arrived to find one adult male trapped in the wreckage of a semi tractor overturned onto the guard rail along the freeway on-ramp curve, fuel tanks intact. An extensive and complex extrication of the victim took approximately 45 minutes to complete, after which he was transported to a local hospital with major injuries where he later died from his injuries. He was identified as Taylor Wright.

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.

Volunteers help those with low-moderate incomes file for available tax credits

Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to May, volunteers at free VITA tax preparation sites will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $56,000 in 2019 are eligible to use the free services of a VITA site.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases, save you money. To qualify for the EITC, you must have worked at least part of 2019 and meet certain income requirements.

In addition to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California. Most recently in 2019, California’s EITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 regardless of qualifying children. California EITC requires earned income reported on a W-2 form, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and self-employment income (such as 1099 and cash-earnings).

This year, the state of California is introducing the new Young Child Tax Credit which can also give families a tax benefit. If you meet the CalEITC requirement and have a child under the age of 6 by the end of the tax year, you may also qualify to receive $1,000 per family.

Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families. Appointments are available by calling 2-1-1. The VITA is through May 2, 2020.

City of Ventura Housing Authority, 375 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura

Ventura Community Service Center, 4651 Telephone Road, #200, Ventura

For more, visit https://vcunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/ or call 2-1-1.

Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income and health, because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We support local services and programs that are more than just ‘stop gap’ measures, but rather solutions that help create lasting change. We invite everyone to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.

Nonsurgical treatment for chronic pain explored at Seminar

Nevro HF10 spinal implant, now available at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, offers new hope to chronic pain sufferers. Chronic pain is a silent monster that haunts nearly one in five Americans and can stand in the way of even the most basic daily activities. Effective chronic pain treatment is often elusive, but recently, many patients have been reclaiming their lives with HF10, a new spinal cord stimulation therapy that brings significant relief.

Join Community Memorial Health System at a free seminar to find out if this treatment is right for you. The seminar takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in Ventura. Titled “When Back Surgery is Not the Answer,” the seminar is hosted by Community Memorial Health System as part of its 2020 Speaker Series.

Dr. Michael Dorsi will discuss HF10, a nonsurgical treatment that has been shown to treat back, leg, neck and arm pain as well as peripheral neuropathy. Common candidates for the new implant are those with chronic pain who previously had spinal surgery and didn’t get relief, people with back or leg pain that lacks a surgical fix, or people who can’t have back surgery due to other health conditions. HF10 also is an option for patients who had spinal stimulators in the past with older technology that produces uncomfortable tingling sensations or just didn’t provide long-term relief.

Dr. Dorsi specializes in neurosurgery with subspecialty expertise in brain, spine and peripheral nerve surgery. He received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, trained in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, and completed an advanced spinal care fellowship at UCLA. Dr. Dorsi, a pioneering neurosurgeon who is among the first to implant the HF10, is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

The Feb. 27 seminar begins at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Court seeking civil grand jury applications

Ventura Superior Court is now accepting applications through April 17, 2020, from citizens interested in serving as civil grand jurors for the July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 session.

Those interested must have the following qualifications: citizen of the United States; 18 years of age or older; resident of Ventura County for at least one year prior to July 1, 2020; be of sound judgment and fair character; possess sufficient knowledge of the English language; and be able to attend hearings and meetings four to five days a week.

Principal functions of the Grand Jury include review of public complaints, investigation of County government agencies, inquiry into management of public prisons within the County, investigation of special districts of the county and city government, involvement in fiscal or management audits, and preparation of reports on investigated matters. A per diem fee plus mileage is paid.

Applications can be located on the Ventura County Grand Jury website at www.ventura.org/grand-jury or may be obtained from Jury Services by e-mail jury- [email protected] or calling (805) 289-8661 for information.

Applications may be submitted to: Ventura Superior Court, Jury Services, Room 113, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009, and must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 17, 2020.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6489, Ventura, California 93006-6489

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.