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Former Ventura Mayor shot by burglar

Gregory Carson became Mayor at only 33 years old.

A police report stated that on Oct. 9, at 7:50pm, in the 8200 block of Denver Street, Gregory Carson (57) had been shot in his home while interrupting a residential burglary. The shots Carson received non-life threatening gunshot wounds.

Shortly after the incident was reported, an alert Ventura Police Officer saw a vehicle that witnesses described as leaving the vicinity of the crime. The officer followed the vehicle south on Montgomery Ave. across North Bank Drive. The suspects abandoned the vehicle on Topaz Ave., and Alejandro Valdez, 26, an Oxnard resident, was immediately taken into custody. With the use of Ventura Police K-9’s and assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit, Ventura Police Officers searched for the remaining 3 suspects, however, they were not located. The additional suspects were described as Hispanic males 20-30 years old.

Gregory Carson served on the Ventura City Council and as Mayor in 1991 when he was only 33 years old. He was appointed to the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners on June 23, 2008 and has served on several other boards as well.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Police Reports

Brandishing a Firearm

On Sunday, October 18th, at 8:08 p.m., the VPD received a call from Jose Castillo, who reported a suspect brandished a firearm at him in the 600 block of Riverside Street.

The suspect, Javier Castro, had made threatening statements to Castillo while brandishing a firearm. Castillo feared for his life and called 911. Responding officers located Castro attempting to drive away.

Officers stopped the vehicle Castro was driving at Warner Street and Ventura Avenue and took him into custody. During the search of Castro’s vehicle, officers located a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, ammunition and a high capacity magazine. Castro had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and is prohibited from possessing a firearm and/or ammunition.

Evading Police

On Thursday, October 22nd, at 10:20 p.m., the VPD received multiple calls reporting gunfire on North Dunning Avenue. The callers reported seeing a silver vehicle occupied with multiple subjects fleeing the scene eastbound on Telegraph Road. As officers were responding to scene, they observed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description driving at a high rate of speed near the Five-Points intersection.

Officers attempted to the stop vehicle but the vehicle failed to yield. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped on Howard Street, near Thompson Boulevard, and the suspect driver, Andrew Hurns, fled from the vehicle on foot. The other four occupants in the vehicle complied with officers’ instructions, and they were taken into custody safely. As for Hurns, he was eventually taken into custody after he was located hiding in a nearby neighborhood.

The subsequent investigation revealed Hurns had threatened the residents at a home on San Luis Street with a replica firearm. The victim, in fear for his safety, armed himself with a real firearm and fired several rounds at Hurns’ vehicle. The bullets struck the vehicle, but no individuals were struck by the gunfire.

The replica firearm and a small quantity of narcotics were recovered from the suspect vehicle. Hurns was booked at the VC Jail.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Mailbox

Dear Sheldon,

I am writing in response to your article in the Oct. 14 – 27 edition of the Ventura Breeze under “News & Notes” (p. 8), entitled ” Celebrating a successful summer for tourism in Ventura!”.

I love your publication; all I want to do is point out what I think is a math error.

The article states that, without the City of Ventura’s $4.7 million Transit Occupancy Tax, each Ventura resident would have to spend an additional $2,400 in annual taxes to maintain the same level of services.

If you are using 100,000 as the number of Ventura residents, then the amount in tax that each resident would have had to pay would be $47.

And to get to the $2,400 number cited, there would need to be just 1,958 Ventura residents.

But if you wanted to state the amount of money that each Ventura resident would have had to spend to generate that tax amount, it would be $671 – assuming the sales tax rate was 7%.

However I admit that I am not an expert at math, so would appreciate a clarification of what your article meant to say.

Sincerely,
Kathryn Heiberg-Browning

 

Kathryn:

These numbers were misleading. Your math is just fine. The $2,400 is based upon the $261 million taxable items not the 4.7 million in taxes as stated (“without the funds collected through this tax”) 4.7 million would be about $44 per person.

George Robertson

The day when thousands of visitors are on the beachfront for the 5K Color Run, vagrants, the mentally ill and lowlifes were out on the promenade and along the beachfront in abundance.  Bad for tourism.  Unsafe for our residents.  Ventura is simply not dealing with it.  I’m out there every day cycling.  It is pathetic that young mothers with babies in strollers, women joggers and the elderly like myself have to put up with this.

opinion scully

Dan Scully Sr.

This is difficult to deal with but there one is one aspect that can be handled easily… Overnight camping is illegal… All the Police Department has to do is patrol the lanes and correct the situation on the beach by removing these folks… I will never understand why this does not happen… Especially on Seaward where it is so Obvious.

Scamp:

In your last column Mindy Benezra  (regarding a photo fo puppies) had this to say. “The truth is, a litter of 8-9 Shih Tzu puppies are cute but not really and they are quite unnecessary as is every litter of puppies until we fix the problem of overpopulation of pets.”

“Once the shelters are clear of homeless dogs, we can make more Shih Tzu puppies and then they will be cute. The only solution is  to teach our kids, they are the key to fixing this problem: the next generation, the ones who have learned about the tragedy of our homeless pets, and who are responsible and compassionate enough to be part of the solution( Spay and neuter) not the problem (more puppies)…”

She calls herself CABODOGZ because she goes to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and brings back stray dogs that must go into shelters until they are adopted. Like she said we have lots of shelter dogs now so isn’t she just adding to problem by bringing stray dogs into Ventura?

Thanks  Larry Dote

Mr. Dote:

I don’t know where Mr. Dote got his information, but he seems to be misinformed on what Cabodogz is and what we do:

 First of all, I do not call myself Cabodogz.  Cabodogz is the non-profit rescue affiliate of our business Ventura Highway Luxury Boarding for Dogs. Secondly, we do not take stray dogs from Mexico. In 2010, we developed a relationship with the Los Cabos Humane Society, and began helping them place adoptable dogs, and yes…hence… the name Cabodogz…  Thirdly, Mr. Dote, no, we do not put the dogs we rescue into shelters.  We donate kennel space, food, veterinary and grooming care, etc. completely out of pocket.  We donate our time and energy to find them loving homes. We spend endless weekends at the Promenade and at Events with the dogs, pitching them in hopes of finding that special home. In early 2011, Cabodogz turned to our community and began rescuing dogs from local shelters such as SPARC and  Ventura County Animal Services.  We take in dogs that owners can no longer keep; we take in strays off the Avenue, we take in dogs that are dumped in front of our facility. In 5 years we have rescued and placed over 250 local dogs. Yes we still help our friends south of the border when we can. 

Cabodogz also promotes local adoption events and educates kids about the importance of spay and neuter.  We go to The Boys and Girls Club and do puppet shows for the little kids, we talk to the older kids, and let them tell us about their pets.  We give them literature to give their parents. We give and give and give because we love dogs.

This is what Cabodogz is Mr. Dote.  If you would like to see all the gorgeous faces we have adopted out, go to Cabodogz.com

Sincerely,
Mindy Benezra

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of the dream.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Turning Point Foundation’s Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race at Ventura Harbor

Turning Point Foundation’s  Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race was held on October 17 in, and around the Ventura Harbor. The Race featured people-powered works of art built to travel in mud, water, sand and pavement. The vehicles were launched into the water at the boat ramp on Spinnaker. This year the mud pit was located by the launching pad and used salt water instead of fresh water as it did when it was located in the Harbor.

stuff kinetic insetThe race is meant to bring attention to the non-profit Turning Point Foundation that provides many services for the mentally ill.

For information on how you can get involved and make your own vehicle for next year visit www.kineticrace.com. For information on the Turning Point Foundation go to www.turningpointfoundation.org.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Forever Homes Wanted

scamp to adopt VCASThis gorgeous girl is Summer, a 13 year old spayed brown tabby. Summer came in as a stray but it’s obvious she was someone’s cherished pet. Summer is healthy and friendly and gets along with other cats, too. She can be a bit aloof, but that’s only until she gets to know you. Give her a little gentle attention and her friendly demeanor with come out. She would love nothing better than to spend her days at your side while you read or watch TV., or waiting patiently for you to come home from work so she can listen to you talk about your day. Summer is waiting to meet you at VCAS! Animal ID: A622936

 

scamp to adopt CARLHi: I’m Nevada an active 4 year old Shepherd mix who is in need of a new home. I’m affectionate and obedient and love to play. I’m loving and gentle with small dogs, children and adults and I get along with most other dogs too, but not alpha dogs. Although active, I also enjoy hanging out on the couch with my people and hopefully you’ll let me do the same in your home too. I’m house and crate trained and I’ll even let you know if I have to go out. If I sound like the addition to your family that you’ve been looking for, stop by and meet me!  CARL

My Fair Lady coming to Ventura

The director and designers behind Rubicon Theatre Company’s acclaimed environmental productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha have reunited on an intimate, two-piano chamber version of the legendary Lerner and Loewe classic My Fair Lady. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the musical tells the story of Professor Henry Higgins, an arrogant and attractive phonetician who makes a wager that he can transform a “deliciously low” Cockney flower-seller (Eliza Doolittle) into an elegant lady by teaching her to speak more beautifully. The magnificent score includes “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” For Rubicon’s production, Director James O’Neil returns to the source material to explore the Shavian themes of class struggle, social reform and women’s rights.

The 17-member cast features Ovation and Indy Award-winner Joseph Fuqua as Henry Higgins, newcomer Kimberly Hessler as Eliza Doolittle, Rubicon veteran Rudolph Willrich as Colonel Pickering, Patrick DeSantis  as Alfred P. Doolittle, and Will Sevedge as Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Sunday, Sunday, November 15.
Regular performance times and prices:
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ($54) and 7 p.m. ($59) (Talkbacks following Wednesday evening shows except during previews)
Thursdays at 8 p.m. ($64)
Fridays at 8 p.m. ($54)
Saturdays at 2 p.m. ($64) and 8 p.m. ($64)
Sundays at 2 p.m. ($64)

Museum of Ventura County hosts a free community celebration Nov. 1st

On Sunday, November 1, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a free community celebration of music, dance, and crafts from 11am – 3pm for the whole family. Visitors can also see the artist-created altars, called ofrendas, on display throughout the museum, and have their faces painted calaveras–style for a small fee.  This annual celebration has become very popular at the Museum , highlighting the local traditions of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos.

Entertainment includes performances by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College, Ballet Folklórico de Bell Arts, and Danza Azteca Tonzatin as well as DATA (DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts) Mariachi.

Ventura’s Third Annual “Really Really Free Market”

Join the Ventura community in the sharing of thoughts and things at the Third Annual Really Really Free Market at Kellogg Park. Bring what you can, take what you need.

Members of the Westside and neighboring communities will participate in a true “gift economy” by sharing with neighbors unwanted stuff, games, talents, skills, services and entertainment. The mission is to give to others and receive the generous gifts others bring to give away. Absolutely, totally, really, really free!

On Sunday, November 8th, from 1-5pm community members will flock to Kellogg Park to share their goods and receive items from others. People can bring any usable items that they would like to give away and can take whatever they need – no barter, no trade, only free.

“This will be our third year hosting a Really Really Free Market in Ventura, and we are inspired every year by the energy at the event and the people that it benefits”, says event organizer, Ally Gialketsis. “Not only does the event bring people together in community and reduce the waste, it also supports members of our neighborhoods who do not have the means to buy new goods.”

In addition to physical items, people can share thoughts, ideas, skills, and knowledge at the event. There will be a wide variety of workshops for participants to take part in. People can learn how to knit or how to Timebank, about programs for military veterans and guerilla gardening. They can also participate in a collaborative art activity or host a workshop of their own! All are encouraged to bring a skill or bit of knowledge to share amongst neighbors and friends.  Community members interested in hosting a workshop or looking for more information about the event, should go on Facebook at Ventura Really Really Free Market 2015 or contact Ally at 216-4621.

4th Annual Water: Take 1 Online Short Film Contest

city water take1Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Shanna Epstein enjoying the Take I kick-off

On Oct.14  Ventura Water celebrated the launch of the 4th installment of its annual Water Take 1 Online Short Film Contest with a kick-off reception emphasizing collaborative community efforts in water conservation and sustainability. The reception was held at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and the contest, which highlights our relationship with water, through the powerful medium of film, draws attention to the growing challenges facing our water supply locally and internationally.

“This year Water: Take 1 is putting a focus on the importance of collaboration in achieving goals and solving problems in ways that are truly sustainable.” Said Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann.  “The drought has been a great reminder to Californians that we must work together to resolve existing water shortages not only for today but for future generations.  This is accomplished only through local   government agencies partnering up, businesses and government cooperating with each other and communities working together to achieve integrated and sustainable outcomes.”

Guests at the Kick-Off Celebration were presented with an overview of several of the City’s most popular initiatives including the Water Wise Free Gardening Classes and Incentive Program, The Direct Potable Reuse Demonstration Facility and some fun and entertaining programs such as the ‘Hey Ventura, What’s Your Shower Song” Campaign.

Short film submissions, up to 5 minutes in length, are being accepted via direct upload at the contest site – www.watertake1.com – and must address the topic of water in any genre including drama, documentary, comedy, animation, sci-fi or experimental. Films are posted online and a jury of entertainment and environmental experts vote to award prizes in categories such as the Grand Jury Prize, Ventura Vision Award and Best Student Short Film.

The public is also encouraged to take part by voting online for their favorite film and awarding the Audience Choice Award.  The deadline for film submissions is December 15, 2015 with voting for the Audience Choice Award open through January 14th.  The winning films we be presented at an Awards Celebration in March of 2016 at the Downtown Ventura 10 Movie Theater.