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Project Understanding Expands services

by Benjamin Unseth, Executive Director of Project Understanding

Where is Project Understanding? For 39 years, Project Understanding served needy neighbors in downtown Ventura or along Ventura Avenue. On May 23, Project Understanding re-opened First Step Center and Food Pantry at 2734 Johnson Drive, Suite E, in East Ventura. We have moved for the sake of mission as we offer food, housing and education to give people a hand up, not a handout. We will better transform lives and community by reuniting the Food Pantry and First Step Center, by expanding the footprint of Homeless 2 Home, and by centering client services for western Ventura County.

Our downtown offices created difficulties for clients because the Food Pantry was across town. Each month almost 300 families came to First Step Center to be interviewed before going to Food Pantry. Reuniting these services enables Project Understanding to better serve clients in transforming their lives.

By moving to Johnson Drive, Project Understanding greatly expands the footprint of Homeless 2 Home (H2H) services. Locating on Johnson Drive is strategic placement to work among the largest un-serviced concentration of homeless neighbors in Ventura.

The H2H collaboration in Ventura by Project Understanding and partners has helped create a dramatic drop in the annual homeless count. In 2012, the census counted 700 homeless neighbors in Ventura and only 300 in 2016!

The primary partners in H2H have been three downtown organizations, Project Understanding, Salvation Army and Turning Point Foundation. Because the largest concentration of homeless neighbors is in the downtown region, this has been the best location. However, the second-largest concentration of homeless neighbors in Ventura is the Johnson Drive area, where there have not been H2H services. Project’s relocation allows us to bring social services to this very needy area, including the Santa Clara river bottom, Victoria Avenue, Montalvo, Johnson Drive, East Ventura, Saticoy and Cabrillo Village.

In Downtown and in Ventura’s West End, Project Understanding was highly accessible for Ventura but not for other cities. Now Project is 10 minutes from downtown Ventura, Oxnard or Camarillo, and only 13 minutes from downtown Santa Paula. Gold Coast’s Route 6 bus stops right by our offices. This geographical imprint mirrors our Tutoring Centers, which are in Ventura, Saticoy, Oxnard, El Rio and Santa Paula.

Project Understanding is now ideally situated to serve needy neighbors from all over western Ventura County. Come if you need help, or if you want to learn about serving as a volunteer.

Memorial Day observed

Photos by Bernie Goldstein

On Monday, May 30 a Memorial Day service was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery honoring the 76 American veterans and the one 1869 Medal of Honor recipient that are buried there. This 1862 historical 7 acre cemetery contains 3,000 American Ventura Pioneers.

stuff memorial insetAfter the prayer and pledge the Port Hueneme Naval Color Guard paraded the flag followed by the playing of TAPS. Abraham Lincoln played by Don Ancell addressed those attending the memorial.  Richard Senate, local historian and  story teller gave a fascinating account of  Ventura and the cemetery’s history.

 

 

Where does the City of Ventura receive its water?

The Ventura River is our best source of quality water.

by Shana Epstein – Ventura Water General Manager.

As a mission City, the Ventura River was accessed by an aqueduct led by the efforts of the Catholic Church and the native inhabitants of our region.  From the beginning the Ventura River has been a critical water resource for our community to thrive.  To this day, it is the best quality water out of the three resources the City depends on.

The next resource tapped by the City was groundwater and in drought this resource is extremely precious to us.  The City extracts from three different groundwater basins and in normal years it is a third of our supply.  During this multi-year drought, groundwater is approximately 60% of our supply.

The third supply is Lake Casitas, which the City has an agreement with Casitas Municipal Water District for an annual supply that is primarily used within the Casitas service boundary within the City’s water service area. This annual supply  is approximately  5,000 Acre Feet (1 Acre Foot equals 326,000 gallons).

The hopes of El Nino solving all of our water woes this year did not occur.  It did happen for many other communities in Southern California, but not for Ventura.  Lake Casitas at this rate could be dry in several years with no substantial rainfall.  Restrictions have not been lifted on one of the groundwater basins the City depends on and the Ventura River has limited supplies.  Therefore, we must still conserve so that we may have a reliable supply for indoor residential use and the City’s businesses, which continue to support the economics of our community.

The City will continue to ask our customers to be excellent stewards of water and applauds the outstanding conservation efforts taken to date and those in the planning stages.  In fact, the community recently pledged to save water during the National Mayor’s Challenge and the City won the challenge   In 2015, Ventura’s customers saved about 19% when compared to 2013.  Incentive programs will be relaunched this July.  Residential customers will be able to haul recycled water from the City’s reclamation facility and customers who are looking for additional ways to conserve can ask for a free water audit.

All of these efforts in the long run are hard to keep up; therefore, Ventura Water continues to strategize for the development of new water.  The City just completed the operation of the VenturaWaterPure Potable Reuse Demonstration Facility.  The City has the potential of a new supply through advanced treatment processes of recycled water.  In addition, the City continues to build new wells to improve redundancy in our groundwater operations, to pursue  State Water options and explore other water supply options such as seawater desalination.  Ventura is fortunate to have many alternatives as it does for its water future.

To learn more please visit us at www.venturawater.net or call  667- 6500.

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 – Forever Homes Wanted

scamp to adopt CARLHi: I’m Ridley an active and affectionate 11 month old Corgi X. I’m in need of a new family and home because dogs aren’t allowed where I used to live. I’d make a great addition to any family as I’m good with dogs, cats and children too. I enjoy playing with a ball, cuddling and being with my family. Stop by and meet me, you’re sure to fall in love and want to take me home. CARL

scamp to adopt VCASAva is a young, sweet Maltese poodle mix. She is a bit timid so would be happiest in a calm home with a lap to call her own. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive. Ava A643252

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 – Mailbox

The Ventura Breeze hereby apologizes to anyone who was offended by Bill Green’s cartoon in the last issue(Jewrassic Park) and thought that it was racist – it was certainly never intended to be.  By the way, both the Breeze publisher and Bill Green are Jewish. And you can always go to Danny’s Deli for a good corned beef sandwich.

Sheldon,
You have a great sense of humor!  You gave me a good laugh with your comment about buying 72 $400,000 3 bd rm houses instead of building 101 low income units.
You would be lucky to find 10 $400,000 houses for sale in Ventura , let alone 72 !
This issue must be dear to your heart because you’ve mentioned it twice now.
You do realize that by taking more houses off the limited amount of family units for sale, you would just create a shortage. Hummm, that might be what you were hoping for.
By housing seniors,  students and a variety of low income needs, you preserve a ventura of all kinds. Not only the wealthy.
Not only do you house people efficiency , but the maintenance on one building is always cheaper then maintenance on 72 houses.
I hope the city continues to build these units, insuring a diverse community.  A community that offers more than just dollars.
You being a senior should appreciate that.

Barbara Art

Barbara:
How about 72 mobile homes? You are right just trying to increase the value of my home.
I’m a senior? Only when I think about it.

Dear Sheldon:

Thank you for covering Parkinson’s awareness and Ventura’s Parkinson’s support group. You make a difference and your commitment to community news is great.

Best always
Aurora Soriano
Parkinson’s Action Network

To all the staff of the Ventura Breeze.

Just a quick note to express my appreciation for the great write up you gave us in the May 25 issue. All the ladies in the Pin Potters League were very impressed.
And a special thanks to Michael Gordon for the great photos.

Thanks again
Ornette Smith

Editor:

The more I read the newspaper the more confused I get.  This week we learn that the State of California will provide free medical care to one-quarter million children who are in the State illegally and have no right to be here. We also recently read that the care provided our veterans who fought for us and use the Oxnard VA Medical Facility face some of the longest wait times for treatment in the country. Looking at this sad example of our priorities, one might draw the conclusion that this will encourage an increase in illegal immigration into California and a decrease of those volunteering for the military.

One in three people in California are on Medi-Cal; people on fixed incomes like Social Security did not get a cost of living increase this year; yet, the Ventura City Council wants to increase the sales tax to make up for the shortfall in funding for the overly generous pensions for city and county workers.

California is going to spend 2 billion dollars for 10,000 apartments for the homeless over a number of years.  It is estimated there are 113,952 homeless in California at any given time. What happens to the majority that are not lucky enough to receive an apartment? Giving a person an apartment alone does not treat the cause of being homeless. The causes of homelessness should be treated with an equal priority to that of shelter.  Would it not be better to use the money to erect large tent cities in appropriate areas which could provide shelter, food, medical care, training, and job placement to more people?  Giving a person an apartment is not going to result in a job. Lacking programs to foster medical treatment and self-improvement, all it will create are zones of poverty.

John Ferritto-Ventura

Everything is permissible as long as it is fantastic.
~ Carlos Mollino

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

5-24 5:30pm, observed marine mammal rescue dragging a large container near Surfers Knoll, offered a ride to the Santa Clara River mouth to the volunteers.  They were unable to locate the reported sick sea lion.

9:07pm, received a dispatch to check the well-being of a tenant of the marina mobile home park.  Officers responded and found a 72 year-old female in no distress, just a misunderstanding with her husband on vacation.     
5-25 9:00am, officers checking new Port District flag pole before installation tomorrow.  The new pole will display small craft/gale/storm advisory flags and advisory lights at night for the boating public.
5-26 1:00pm, received a report of a vessel sinking at its berth in the keys.  Officers responded and found a small vessel on a pneumatic lift sitting low on its stern to drain water and is in no danger of sinking or taking on water.
5-27 6:05pm, received a report of a transient pan-handling near Margarita Villa in the village.  Officers responded and contacted an individual playing guitar with a tip hat.  The individual was warned about the no solicitation ordinance.

 
5-28 3:37pm, received a report of an electric boat towing skiers in the keys. Officers responded, contacted the operator and issued warnings for several equipment & operating violations.

8:47pm, received a report of a disabled 48ft sailboat requesting assistance docking.  Officers responded and safely secured the vessel into its slip at VHV.
5-29 1:05pm, while on patrol in boat 17, officers assisted State Parks lifeguards with several safety contacts of swimmers in rip currents along South Beach/South Jetty, most of Pierpont and Marina Park.

8:22pm, received a report of intoxicated persons near Milano’s restaurant.  Advised Ventura PD who responded and removed the individuals.
5-30 12:10pm, while on patrol in Boat 19, officers observed a injured person and administered first aid to the Stand-up paddler in the A-basin of the harbor.  The patient was transported to parents waiting at the launch ramp.

4:45pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, officers received a report of 3 juveniles stranded on the detached breakwall.  Officers responded and rescued the three off the breakwall and reunited them with their family at Marina Park.  The 3 youths hitched a ride with a small vessel to the breakwall.

 

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Wanted Persons Arrest, Resisting Arrest 

On May 25, at 7:35pm, an officer on patrol observed the suspect, identified as 40 year old Ventura resident Tony Barto, riding as a passenger in a vehicle near the intersection of Ralston St. and Saratoga Ave.  The officer recognized Barto and knew he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest.  A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and as the vehicle came to a stop, Barto exited and fled on foot.   The officer, along with a Ventura Police K-9 officer, gave chase on foot and when Barto refused to stop, the K-9 was deployed.  Barto was taken into custody.

Barto was transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries from the dog bit.  After he was medically cleared, Barto was booked into the Ventura County Jail for resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and warrants.

The driver of the vehicle was briefly detained, although released without being arrested.

Disturbance and Violent Resistance of an Officer

On May 27, at 1:15am, patrol officers responded to a disturbance inside of a bar in the 100 block of South Chestnut St.  The suspect, 37 year old Ventura resident Jonathan Sisneros, was later taken to the Ventura County Medical Center for a medical clearance, and while inside of the Emergency Room, he picked up a wheel chair and attacked the officer with it.

The attack resulted in a minor injury to the officer who was treated and able to return to work.  The suspect was uninjured and was later booked into Ventura County Jail.

Violent Resisting of Officers with Injuries to Officers

On May 28, at approximately 9:15am, the officers responded to a call for service of male walking in and out of traffic and yelling at passing motorists and pedestrians.  When officers arrived, they found the suspect, 58 year old Ventura vagrant Kenneth Kerr, on the center median of the roadway and began speaking with him.  During the conversation, the suspect attacked one of the officers.  The second officer assisted, and after a lengthy struggle in the roadway, the officers were able to arrest the suspect.

Both officers were injured during the incident and received treatment at the Ventura County Medical Center. One was cleared to return to duty, and the other officer’s injury prevented him from returning to work and will require additional time off while the injury heals.   The suspect received minor injuries and was also treated at Ventura County Medical Center.  He was later booked into Ventura County Jail for violently assaulting the officers.

Battery on Security Guard, Resisting Officers Arrest

On May 29, at approximately 6pm, Ventura Police responded to a call for service in the parking structure at the Pacific View Mall.  Mall security guards were dealing with an uncooperative, intoxicated male who had been harassing people.  While they were talking with him, he became violent towards them by spitting and battering them.  When officers arrived, they began speaking with the suspect, 54 year old Ventura vagrant Mark Eichuold, for several minutes in an attempt to calm him and take him into custody.  When the officers attempted to place him under arrest, he became combative with the officers and violently resisted arrest.  At that point, the police K9 was used to assist officers with the arrest.  With the assistance of the K9, the officers were able to take the suspect into custody.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where he received treatment for his injuries.  He was later booked into Ventura County Jail on the chares of battering a security officer and violently resisting arrest.  No one else was injured during this incident.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Arrest

On June 1, at 10:30pm, Ventura Police officers were dispatched to check on the well-being of two unresponsive occupants inside a vehicle in the Taco Bell drive thru.  The reporting party was able to provide the license plate of the suspect vehicle and it was determined it had recently been stolen out of Ventura.

As officers arrived on scene, they observed the vehicle still sitting idle in the drive thru.  Officers ordered both subjects out of the vehicle where they took them into custody without incident.

The driver, 25 year old Ventura vagrant Samuel Moug, was placed under arrest and later booked into Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and a controlled substance.

The passenger, 24 year old Ventura vagrant Andria Castor, was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance.  She was issued a citation and released at the scene.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On June 3, at 3:30am, patrol officers responded to an alarm activation within a classroom at Cabrillo Middle School.

As officers arrived on scene they began to check the exterior of the classroom and found a sliding glass door that had been tampered with.  As officers were attempting to establish a perimeter around the classroom, the suspect, 32 year old Ventura vagrant Christopher Hale, exited an adjacent door then quickly retreated back inside.

A Ventura Police K9 officer was summoned to the scene and Hale was ordered to exit the classroom.  Hale refused to comply with officers commands and the K9 was deployed into the interior.  Hale was found hiding to the rear of the classroom and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9.

Officers continued their search and located a second suspect, 31 year old Ventura vagrant Dorinda Betts hiding in a small cabinet.   Betts was taken into custody without incident.

Hale was transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries from the dog bite.  After he was medically cleared, Hale was booked into the Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a burglary tools, resisting arrest and an outstanding warrant.

Betts was booked into the Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary and felony conspiracy.

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Program

Ivy Lawn Memorial Park honored those who served our nation. Photos by John Ferritto

On Monday, May 30 a Memorial Day Program was held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. Proudly displaying the  Avenue of Flags that tells the stories not only of veterans interred at Ivy Lawn, but also of many other veterans. Their stories help us remember the sacrifices they have made to serve our nation. These flags are flown to touch your minds and your hearts in hopes they will lift your understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of veterans, and most importantly, your compassion for them.

The flags went on display May 21st and remained up until June 4, 2016. As usual, the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Sea Cadets set up each and every flag.

Timothy Gallaher, Board Member Ivy Lawn welcomed family and introduced special guests and made the closing remarks. An invocation was presented by Chaplain U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Coley followed by our national anthem sung be 8th grader Molly Bess Sturgeon. State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson was the keynote speaker.

Shown in the photos are a few of those who attended the memorial:
M.Sgt. Gerald Dunham: Served in Saudi Arabia and North Africa 1958- 1962 and 1970-1989
Spec 4 Paul Rodriguez 1966-1968   Past Commander American Legion #339
Max Vanderwyk  WW II and Korea- Mark Vanderwyk – Dick Shuey  WW II and Korea
Ron Allen – James C Parker – Both served Vietnam 67-68  –  Peter Magoon
Ken Winter-Served aboard USS Midway  1945-1946
Isabel E Salmons with State Senator Hanna Beth Jackson — Salmons worked on assembling 5000 planes during 1942-43