• The time has finally come for me to bid farewell as Publisher/Editor of the Ventura Breeze.
The May 1 issue will be my last as Publisher/Editor. It has been an incredible journey spanning
17 years, filled with cherished memories, remarkable experiences, and the unwavering
support of our beloved Ventura community.
When my daughter Staci and I started this venture 17 years ago, we embarked on a journey
fueled by hope and enthusiasm. We didn’t know how Ventura would receive our humble
publication, but today, it is heartening to see how it’s become an integral part of life in Ventura.
I’m always delighted when strangers approach me to express their love for The Breeze and tell
me how much joy it brings them.
This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating and inspiring, and I owe it all to you—our
devoted readers, amazing staff, contributors and loyal advertisers. Without your unwavering
support and enthusiasm, The Ventura Breeze would not be what it is today. It has been an
honor to serve you, and I hope that you’ll continue to find joy and enrichment in the pages of
The Breeze for many years to come.
As I transition into a new chapter of my life, I want to assure you that while my tenure as
Publisher/Editor may be coming to a close, my commitment to the Breeze remains steadfast.
My opinion column may not appear regularly, but rest assured, it will make appearances from
time to time, whenever inspiration strikes.
Moreover, I’m delighted to announce that the Breeze will remain within the family, with my son
Mark Brown stepping into the role. Mark has decades of experience in both print and digital
publishing and can be reached at [email protected]. I’m confident that the
Breeze will continue to play an important role in the Ventura community for years to come.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering
support, encouragement, and readership over the years. The memories we have created
together will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Sheldon Brown
• Recently, more than 50 golfers, mostly seniors, filled the Ventura City Council chambers and
urged city leaders to hurry up repairs to the 92-year-old Buenaventura Golf Course that has been
closed for 15 months because of flooding from storms.
Of course, it would be good to make the necessary repairs, but it always comes down to financing.
I’m sure some of the council members are golfers and agree. Hopefully funding can be provided
soon (see Mailbox on page 2 for an opinion regarding this).
•Tickets for the 2024 Ventura X Games are now on sale. Organizers say they will make this year’s
event even better than last year. The games will return June 28-30 to the Ventura County
Fairgrounds for the second year, bringing many of the world’s best action sports athletes to
compete for BMX, skateboard, and motocross medals. This is great for Ventura because it is
attended and watched by “millions” of fans. I attended last year and was amazed (and scared) by
what some of these athletes do as they fly through the air.
• City Council announcement regarding City Attorney. In a closed-session meeting on April 13,
2024, the Ventura City Council unanimously decided to dismiss City Attorney Andrew Heglund from
his employment, effective April 13. “The City Council voted 7-0 to terminate the City Attorney’s
employment, due to a personnel matter,” stated Mayor Joe Schroeder. Miles Hogan was appointed
as acting City Attorney, effective April 13, 2024. Hogan has been part of the City Attorney’s office
since 2016, initially serving as Assistant City Attorney II and later promoted to the Senior Assistant
City Attorney in April 2022.
Zeus, the father of the
Olympic Gods, turned
mid-day into night, hiding the light
of the dazzling Sun;
and sore fear came upon men.
~Archilochus (c680-c640 BC), Greek poet
