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Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – Police Reports

Armed Robbery

On Tuesday, December 1st, at 7:45 a.m., the VPD received a call from a victim in reference to an armed robbery. The victim was walking to her vehicle parked in the parking lot of her apartment complex. The suspect startled the victim and pointed a handgun at her. The suspect demanded the victim’s property, and she complied with the suspect’s demands. The victim was unharmed during the commission of this crime.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, wearing a blue beanie and bandana. The investigation is ongoing.

Elder Abuse

In late October 2015, VPD Street Crimes Unit detectives began investigating a residential burglary in which a large amount of jewelry had been stolen from an elderly couple.

The wife of the 91 year old victim suspected that her husband’s caregiver may have been involved in the theft. The value of the items stolen was estimated at over $6,700.00.

Detectives followed up on the information provided by the victims and were able to identify the caregiver, Valerie Olmos, as the person who had pawned some of the stolen jewelry at a local business.

A search warrant for Olmos’ residence was obtained and on Thursday, December 3rd, in the 100 block of Leighton Drive, detectives served the warrant and took Olmos into custody for burglary and elder abuse. During the search of her residence no additional stolen jewelry was located, however detectives did locate a controlled substance and narcotic paraphernalia.

Olmos was later transported and booked into the VC Jail.

Shooting With Arrest

On Friday, December 4th, at 3:53pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received numerous calls regarding a shooting that had just occurred in the area of Hill Road and Telephone Road. Patrol officers and detectives responded to the area, however initially they did not locate any potential victims or the suspect. As the search continued in the surrounding neighborhoods, officers located the suspect running away from the scene on Swift Avenue south of Ralston Street. The suspect, Jonathan Sabalza, 19 years of Ventura was detained by the officers, and during the initial contact with him, a loaded handgun was found. The victim was never located.

The investigation revealed the suspect had been involved in an argument with the unknown victim. During the argument, the suspect pulled out the gun and fired one round in the direction of the victim. The suspect and the victim then fled the area. It does not appear that the victim was struck by the bullet. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail on the charges of assault with a deadly weapon, street terrorism, carrying a loaded firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and a firearm and an unrelated no bail warrant for violation of his Post Release Offender status.

Armed Robbery

On Friday, December 4th, at 10pm the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Gasco Station on North Ventura Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and learned that an unknown male wearing a black ski mask, described as an Hispanic male 25-35 years of age entered the business and brandished a black semi-auto handgun pointing it at the clerk Alfredo Villagomez.

The suspect demanded the money from the register and the clerk’s cell phone. The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money and his personal cell phone. The suspect fled northbound from the business on foot. Officers searched the area and were unable to located any suspects matching the description.

Assault With A Cane

On Saturday, December 5th, at noon the Ventura Police Command Center received several 911 calls of subjects physically fighting, one armed with a cane, at the Bus Depot, 3330 Telegraph Rd. Before officers arrived on scene, it was reported the subject with cane had hit a female in the head. Upon the arrival of officers, they contacted the victim, Kristen Kleider (36 years, vagrant).

Kleider told the officers that she had gotten into a verbal altercation with the suspect, later identified as Mark Lemmon( 55 years Ventura) Both were waiting for a bus at the bus depot. Several other witnesses reported that Kleider was causing a disturbing when she confronted Lemmon and got into an argument. Lemmon then struck Kleider in the head with his cane.

Kleider was checked on scene by Ventura City Fire, but only had a complaint of pain.

Lemmon was still at the scene and arrested. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon. No one else was injured as a result of this incident.

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – Ventura Music Scene

Medicine Hat recording Ventura Rocks music show at CAPS Media.

TBA
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Though the evening isn’t really about the music (hint: it’s about the wine), the Ventura Winter Wine Walk was a huge success with live music at the corner of Main and California. There’s nothing quite like families coming out on a gorgeous December evening with men on stilts, women hula hoop dancing, snow falling while dancing to popular R&B and funk tunes from the Bomb on a huge stage, with professional lighting while City Hall is lit up in the background. Along with the tree lighting ceremony, and the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, this has become my favorite holiday tradition.

Speaking of which, the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights runs December 18 and 19. I hear you can get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display while supplies last at Coastal Cone Ice Cream parlor. I’m not sure how the glasses will enhance fireworks as they’re already 3D, but I’m sure they’ll be in high demand. The two-day celebration includes music, a carnival with rides on the main lawn, fireworks, and decorated boats with this year’s theme, “Surf, Sand & Santa Celebrating 150 Years of Ventura.” Be sure to be on the watch for Santa making an earlier flyby during the evening.

RJ Mischo & the Down Home trio have begun a Tuesday night residency this month at the 805 Bar and Grill Cheese. I’m hearing the Copa Cubana (next to the 805 Bar) is getting close to opening soon.

The Watermark will host The Pullmen’s “Going Dark” vinyl release Xmas party on Friday, December 18. The event will be held on the ground floor as upstairs will be closed for a private party that evening.

It promises to be yet another “one of those evenings” at Squashed Grapes on Saturday, December 19^th when The Frank Potenza Trio will be in the house. The trio features Potenza (Joe Pass, Dizzy Gillespie, George Van Eps and more), who is a professor of jazz guitar at USC Thorton School of Music; Jim Hughart (Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and Tom Waits, Sinatra and more); and Colin Bailey. I love that Bailey was the drummer on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, in fact, he’s done over 100 jazz albums, T.V. shows and toured with Benny Goodman and Joe Pass. Earlier the same day, Bailey will be holding a drum clinic across the street at Pulse Drumming. Get tickets and/or sign up for the clinic at Pulsedrumming.com.

We’re working on post production of the debut episode of Ventura Rocks music show on CAPS Media featuring Medicine Hat. CAPS, Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura is a private non-profit television channel available through Time Warner and Charter. Check in with VenturaRocks.com for updates on when the program will air this month.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

It’s a wrap at Assisted again this Christmas

Maria Leyva and Marianne Cody, Volunteer Coordinator will be providing holiday cheer

Assisted Hospice in Ventura is busy again this year, providing holiday cheer to their hospice patients. They are busy wrapping holiday blankets once again to kick off their “Will Anyone Remember Me Campaign” this Christmas. So many patients are alone for the holidays and Assisted is spreading holiday cheer in preparation for our cold California winter. They were able to provide over 100 Christmas blankets to hospice patients thanks to a generous donation from Michael Boyko from Reardon’s Mortuary in Ventura. The blankets will be delivered personally by staff and volunteers.

Anyone interested in becoming an Assisted Hospice Volunteer, please contact Marianne Cody, Volunteer Coordinator at 677-7405.

The friendliest lunch hour in Ventura

senior westside cafe — “We could have gone to the Westside Café and saved ourselves a lot of trouble.”

Join the Westside Café on Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 12:30pm, in the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Two Trees Banquet Room for the friendliest lunch hour in Ventura with a meal that includes a nutritious hot entrée, salad bar, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Check out the Adult pages of My Ventura each issue for Westside Café Days, seasonal celebrations that mark birthdays and feature special desserts and musical entertainment. Suggested donation: $3 per meal for those 60 and over and $5 for those under 60.

Also the Home Delivered Meals Program is designed for homebound individuals 60 years and up who live in Ventura. For more information call 648-3035.

Ventura Botanical Gardens appoints new leadership

Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world-class botanical garden and cultural landmark, has chosen Dr. Joe Cahill as its first-ever Executive Director. New Board President Dr. Tracy Long and Vice President Barbara Brown join Dr. Cahill.

Dr. Joe Cahill is a professional botanist who has served VBG in a leadership capacity for 8 years. He has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of California Riverside and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan. He is an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University and has over 20 years work experience in a combination of botanic gardens, conservation non-profits and NGOs, Convention on Biological Diversity, and horticulture.

“I am honored and excited to devote myself to serve as the first Executive Director of Ventura Botanical Gardens,” Dr. Cahill. “The Gardens are a unique public-private partnership with the City of Ventura and a valuable resource for our community to learn about and celebrate nature conservation. As Executive Director, I look forward to seeing the gardens grow into a world-class legacy that will be enjoyed for generations.”

Dr. Tracy Long, a board member since 2010, will serve as President of the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Dr. Long is an applied anthropologist with a doctorate in human and organizational systems.

Barbara Brown is the founding partner of BBM&D Strategic Branding, one of the largest branding firms in the area. She is a Commissioner for the City of Ventura Public Arts Commission, is on the Advisory Board for Interface Children & Family Services and serves as Chair of the Sister Cities Cultural Exchange focused on cultivating international awareness and understanding. She is a Charter Member of the Ventura Botanical Gardens and has been on the board for six years.

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

review theater — Joe Spano and Peter Van Norden star in A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol at the Rubicon
by James Spencer and Shirley Lorraine

Over the years many versions of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens have been created for stage, screen, TV and radio.

This holiday season Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company is presenting a new adaption of the classic story that has been penned by Karyl Lynn Burns, the Rubicon’s multi-faceted Producing Artistic Director. It is at once brilliant, vibrant, insightful and unique.

It sticks to and includes more of Dickens’ original text than other scripts. There are scenes and interactions extracted directly from the book that we’ve not seen in other productions. As a result, the tale is richer with more texture.

Dickens used an unidentified storyteller to present the story. Burns has elected to have Jacob Marley as the principal narrator throughout. But then, in addition to voicing each individual’s dialogue as it appears in the book, Burns also has the actors narrate their characters’ nonverbal actions for the audience using Dickens original descriptions. This fresh technique makes the characters, the story and the entire experience more personal and moving.

The best of scripts still needs to be creatively translated into a reality on stage. Multiple award winning director Brian McDonald successfully pilots this debut production with innovative subtleties, creative staging, directorial nuances and the skillful use of many talents. The musical touches are well placed, adding considerably to the atmosphere. Of particular note is the use of hand bells near the final scene.

McDonald has also incorporated some unexpected and seemingly ad-libbed audience interactions along with many broadly humorous touches. The seamless movement of the large cast over the bare, multi-level set is exceptionally smooth, with all levels of the structure and companion lighting well used to heighten the many dramatic moments. Special effects are used sparingly and to maximum advantage.

As one of California’s premier professional theaters the Rubicon brings regularly attracts the highest quality talent. This show’s giant cast of 24 includes stars of Broadway and television, as well as local artists. All the cast members appear to be thoroughly enjoying bringing the classic story to light with a new perspective. Headed by Peter Van Norden as the irascible Scrooge and Joe Spano as the long-dead Jacob Marley, the result is an ensemble piece where all shine brightly with outstanding performances that are delightful and often mesmerizing.

This time of year there will be numerous versions of A Christmas Carol on stages throughout Ventura County. The performances and overall dynamic freshness of the Rubicon’s show will renew your appreciation for the depth and power of this holiday tale. We are confident you will also find it to be a Triple-A production – amazing, astounding and awe inspiring.

A Christmas Carol continues until December 20, 2015. Show times: Wednesdays – 2 & 7 p.m. (Talkbacks follow 7 p.m. performances); Thursdays & Fridays – 8 p.m.; Saturdays – 2 & 8 p.m.; Sundays – 2 p.m. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA, 93001. Tickets – $54.00 – $64.00. Ticketing and seat selection available 24/7 at www.rubicon.theatre.org. (805) 667-2900.

Local writer receives prestigious award

stuff Lowe — Sheila Lowe proudly displays the gold pen nib pen awarded her at conference.

Ventura resident, forensic handwriting expert Sheila Lowe has received the prestigious Flandrin/Michon Lifetime Achievement Award. Selected by vote, Lowe received the honor at the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation annual conference. A member of the organization since 1977, she is the current president, as well as president of the SoCal chapter, which meets in Ventura.

Her interest in handwriting began in 1967 while still in high school. Her boyfriend’s mother had read a book on the subject and analyzed her handwriting. That planted the seed that blossomed into a lengthy career and even spread into the Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting mystery fiction series, the first four books are published by Penguin and the rest of the series by Thousand Oaks publisher Suspense Publishing.

She is also a past-president of the Ventura County Professional Women’s Network and has served on the board for more than ten years.

Warming shelter opens in Oxnard

With the opening of Ventura County Winter Warming Shelter in Oxnard, Community Action of Ventura County (CAVC) will be extending the hours of the daily transition center to provide additional access to services during day time hours, when the shelter is closed. The new hours began Thursday, Dec. 3 and the center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Oxnard is expecting to see a rise in homeless individuals, as many will come from around the county seeking warm night time shelter during this forecasted harsh winter. CAVC is hoping that during the day their case managers and center staff may be able to provide access to services that may lead individuals out of homelessness.

“Services in our transition center range from basic needs, such as showers, bathrooms, and basic hygiene, to being an entry point back in to society by helping the homeless secure identification, social security documents, and basic healthcare,” said Ron Irwin, Director of Community Services. “During these extended hours we are also looking to work with our community partners to offer, expanded services.”

Irwin said CAVC is grateful for the community and business support CAVC has been receiving as we work together to address the issue of chronic homelessness.

Peter Brown, Community Services Manager City of Ventura stated “Now we need to put our collective heads together to work toward some sort of shuttling system/service to get folks from CAVC to the shelter on “K” Street each weekday evening after the 4:30pm closure of CAVC. This service is not budgeted as part of either the newly extended CAVC day service, or the winter warming shelter (so please don’t suggest our friends at Gold Coast Transportation). We need vans and volunteer drivers! Faith-based organizations? “

“Questions about the CAVC extended hours can be referred to Ron. Inquiries/ideas about shuttling can be referred to me at [email protected].”

We must admit that some of Ventura’s homeless are very creative and make it very comfortable while asking for money. Everything but air-conditioning.

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – CAPS Chat

stuff CAPS — The Every 15 Minutes crew ready to roll.

CAPS Chat – In your community
By Elizabeth Rodeno

Things are busy at City Hall. Part of CAPS’ mission is to bring local government to the citizens and provide a place for them to share their views and stories. Do you have something to say? Our members do. Whether it be an announcement of an upcoming event or program, a historical piece about a World War II veteran or a profile on an environmental issue close to a producer’s heart; CAPS provides the venue. Our El Camino interns certainly have a lot to share. ECTV, El Camino Television News’ staff is covering insightful topics. This month features local artists; Woodworker David Seidler, Filmmaker Brandon Elliot and M.B. Hanrahan.

We had the opportunity to watch the Ventura County CERT training graduation and learn a little bit about the program. Following a major disaster, in addition to our police, fire and public works first responders, it’s often necessary to have a group of citizens trained to help. The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that focuses on preparedness. CERT program efforts are coordinated through local emergency services personnel. Team coordinators are in charge of recruitment, training, and scheduling as well as mobilization and staging decisions. These are committed volunteers. It is a great relief to know there are trained citizens right in your own neighborhood.

Ventura Rocks @ CAPS is bringing in-studio performances by our great local bands to our community. Hosted by Ventura’s queen of rock Pam Baumgardner (Ventura Breeze music columnist), the show will focus on our local artists. With great music, band trivia and a look at what’s up and coming is on channel 6. We will keep you posted on dates and times.

Business of the Month, sponsored by the Ventura Chamber and the City of Ventura feature a new business of the month. CAPS is thrilled to highlight the story of the businesses and share it with you. We have met and learned a lot about the City Center, Main Street Meats and Mortgage Couch. There will be more to come. You can find the videos on our Vimeo page under Business of the Month.

Our Mayor for a Moment project has been rewarding. The city and the school district select an exceptional student to bang the gavel, CAPS provides a little insight into the student selected and hear from their teachers and principals about this exceptional kid.

Don’t forget that not only is CAPS Media capturing important events in Ventura, you, as a member, can do the same. CAPS Media is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. A yearly membership is only $25 and includes training, equipment, and use of our studio and edit suites. Share your history with over 20,000 Ventura residents on channel 6 and 15. For more information go to www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour.

Ventura College Foundation receives $25,000 contribution

Alan Shattuck, photography student; Dr. Greg Gillespie, Ventura College president; Amy Fonzo, California Resources Corporation; Patty Mazuca, veterans certifying official; Perry B. Martin Jr., Veterans Resource Center liaison and Anthony Castillo, president of the VC Veteran’s Club receiving large contribution.

California Resources Corporation celebrated Veteran’s Day and the one-year anniversary of the Ventura College Veterans Resource Center with an award of $25,000 to launch an endowment for annual scholarships to the college’s students who are veterans.

“Creating a scholarship endowment specifically for veterans demonstrates the crucial role that Ventura College and all community colleges play in supporting our veteran population,” said John Woolley, Ed.D., chair of the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors. “This is an important step toward creating a strong vision for how the college can best serve our veteran students’ educational needs and help them in preparing for their future.”

In its first year, the Center helped more than 320 self-declared veterans and their families, and many more who have not disclosed their veteran status, define and achieve their educational goals.

Plans call for the endowment to award a $1,000 scholarship each year in perpetuity, with the goal of increasing the number of designated scholarships over time.

“California Resources Corporation is committed to keeping veterans a priority in the communities in which we work and live,” said Amy Fonzo, CRC’s manager of external communications. “This was the perfect opportunity for CRC to establish an endowment so that veteran students can continue to achieve their educational aspirations while transitioning back into civilian life. Our goal has always been to engage proactively with our neighbors and serve as a supportive community partner.”

Los Angeles-based CRC has an office in Santa Paula, and earlier donated a great deal of office furniture for the staff and students to use.

In 2014, Ventura College Foundation awarded 15 scholarships to veteran students under its existing scholarship programs. With CRC’s endowment, the foundation hopes to establish a broader base of scholarships so they can help more veterans pursue their chosen area of study.

For more information about scholarship funds and other giving opportunities, contact the Ventura College Foundation at www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

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