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Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 7/18	7:35am, officers on patrol in the vehicle, came across a new homeless camp near Surfers Knoll with several tents and lots of stuff. Left warnings on tents. 6:45pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, observed a female changing a flat tire. Officers offered to help, and were able to put on the spare tire.
Wednes 7/19	11:57pm, received report of two missing women last seen leaving business in the village. Officers responded and were able to locate the pair on the beach.
Thursday 7/20	3:45pm, received report of dogs in a locked vehicle. Officers responded, found the dogs in a vehicle near the Harbor Village. The windows were rolled down, the dogs only in distress when reporting party was demanding arresting owner. 10:00pm, received report of juveniles trespassing/fishing at the pond in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded, kids fled the scene on E-bikes

Saturday 7/22	11:53am, officers contacting skipper of a large yacht, “Veloce” for reckless and negligent operation, full speed through a small sailboat regatta and main channel 11:55pm, received report of a transient sleeping in the elevator of the timeshare. Officers responded and after several attempts to open the elevator, transient left.
Sunday 7/23	3:28am, dispatched to a vehicle fire in the VIM lot. Officers responded, found a fully involved vehicle. The owner was on scene, sleeping in the vehicle, unsure how the fire started. VFD put out fire, incident is under investigation.
Monday 7/24	7:02am, contacted a group of transients sleeping in various structures near Surfers Knoll for illegal camping. Advised need to remove items/themselves.
Wednes 7/26	6:42pm, dispatched to person bleeding near Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded with AMR/VFD, patient refused treatment, left the scene.
Thursday 7/27	1:35pm, observed an inbound vessel speeding in the harbor. Officers contacted the skipper who was a member of boating club in the harbor. Issued warning.
Friday 7/28	2:50pm, received “Mayday” call, vessel on the rocks in the sandtrap. Officers responded in Fireboat and Rescue watercraft to assist a vessel with 1 POB. Responders removed the vessel off the rocks and towed it to the launch ramp.
Saturday 7/29	10:45am, observed/responded to an ocean rescue, person in the water. Officers were on patrol in Fireboat, pulled victim from water and assisted back onto craft. 1:40pm, observed an ocean rescue, person in water/capsized kayak. Officers pulled victim from water and returned kayak and person to rental dock. 4:16pm, observed rental electric boat on the rocks near patrol office. Officers responded in Fireboat, pulled vessel off rocks, towed to the rental dock.
Sunday 7/30	10:17am, observed illegal vendor attempting to rent an innertube at Harbor Cove beach. The innertube placed at ramp with a sign, “5 dollars, first 2 hrs free.” 5:09pm, while on patrol in the truck observed heavy crowds and absolutely no parking anywhere in the harbor. VPD parking enforcement issuing citations.
Monday 7/31	2:37pm, dispatched to unconscious person at Surfers Knoll. Officers responded with AMR to 2 unconscious persons on the beach. AMR transported patients.
Tuesday 8/1	10:25am, dispatched to ocean rescue with 2 victims caught in a rip current near the Surfers Knoll groin. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 to assist State Parks lifeguards with the rescue. The victims were safely assisted to shore.

The Museum of Ventura County announces new events coming in august

Saturday, August 19th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula – Honey Bee Day – Shop, learn, create and taste all things Honey Bee! Guests are invited to join in on this family-friendly event that offers an interactive bee demo, beeswax products for sale, honey tasting, crafts, story time, an artist demo, lively discussion on pollination, and more. Stop by and learn how to help protect some of Ventura County’s buzzy-est residents. (Free in-person event, with registration required – https://venturamuseum.org/event/honey-bee-day/)

Thursday, August 24th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Museum of Ventura County – Exhibit Spotlight: Ventura Land Use Panel Discussion – In connection to the contentious issues highlighted in our new exhibit, The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story, the Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion on the dramatic struggles for land use in Ventura County, past and current. The panel will be moderated by Maureen McGuire, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, with representatives from agriculture, economic development, land conservation, and the Chumash to discuss the past, present, and future of Ventura County’s land. (Free in-person event, with registration required – https://venturamuseum.org/event/exhibit-spotlight-ventura-land-use-panel-discussion/)

Thursday, August 31st, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Museum of Ventura County – Playdate in the Children’s Garden – Learning is more fun when you can get your hands dirty. Families are invited to join the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office for an afternoon of learning about pollinators and the life cycle of a monarch butterfly. Children will learn about different native plants and how they benefit pollinators and can take native seeds to plant at home to help pollinators thrive! Elementary school children of all ages welcome. (Free in-person event, no registration required. Parent supervision is required. – https://venturamuseum.org/event/playdate-in-the-garden/)

Fire hydrant creates huge fountain

Photo by Patrcia Schallert

Ventura now has a nice fountain at California and Thompson and all it took for someone running over a fire hydrant.

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – 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.

Shooting Investigation with Arrest

The Ventura Police Department has been investigating three separate shootings that have occurred in the Montalvo area of Ventura.

The first shooting occurred on June 8, at 11:00 pm in the 2300 block of Peacock Av. In this incident the suspect shot several times into an unoccupied vehicle.

The second shooting occurred on July 22, at 3:30 am at Peacock Av and Whippoorwill St. In this incident a delivery driver was confronted by the suspect and as the victim was leaving the area the suspect shot several times at the victim striking his car as he left the location.

The third shooting occurred on July 24, at 8:00 am at Peacock Av and Bristol Rd. In this incident the suspect fired several rounds at an occupied parked vehicle and fled on foot from the area.

The Ventura Police Department Gang unit began investigating these cases and identified the suspect as 36-year-old Anthony Trejo, a documented gang member, who was responsible for the shootings. An arrest warrant for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied vehicle was obtained for Trejo.

On July 27, at 2:00 pm, Gang Investigators and other detectives located Trejo in the 6300 block of Bristol Rd. During the contact Trejo resisted arrest and was found to be in possession of a concealed handgun.

Trejo was arrested for his outstanding arrest warrant for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied vehicle. He was arrested for additional charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and resisting arrest.

Trejo was subsequently booked into Ventura County Jail.

These incidents are still under investigation and anyone with information about these crimes are asked to call Detective Reginato at 805-339-4466.

Brandishing a Firearm in Public

On July 27, at approximately 8:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a subject brandishing a handgun outside of his parked vehicle. The subject was also heard yelling racial slurs, however no victims of a hate crime were located.

Officers arrived within minutes and located Watson in his vehicle who was argumentative with the officers. The officers conducted a high-risk stop and Watson was detained.

An eyewitness to the event identified 41-year-old Ventura resident Jerrod Watson as the subject that brandished the firearm. Officers located the firearm and ammunition in Watson’s vehicle. Officers also located narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia.

Watson was booked into the Ventura County Jail for various gun charges, brandishing of a firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Watson has prior arrests and convictions for possession of a deadly weapon, criminal threats, forgery, and petty theft with priors.

Dog Fatally Shot After Attacking Officer

On August 3, at approximately 4:00 am, officers were on routine foot patrol at the South End of Ash St. As the officers were walking towards several vehicles parked in the area. They observed a dog off leash that immediately headed toward their direction.

As the dog approached one of the officers, it circled behind him, and attempted to bite him. The officer attempted to avoid the dog however it continued aggressing him. The officer drew his service weapon and fired several rounds at the dog striking the dog several times. The dog died at the location.

Ventura Police Major Crimes responded to investigate the incident as is customary whenever a firearm is discharged in the course of an officer’s duties.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the dog, an approximately 45-pound Belgian Malinois mix, aggressively approached the officers and attacked one officer twice before that officer fired his service weapon striking the dog to prevent being bitten. The investigation revealed that there was another incident on April 9 involving the same dog. In that incident the dog was off leash and had bitten a female victim in Plaza Park. The owner was issued a citation for dog of leash during that encounter.

Ventura County Animal Control took custody of the dog and performed a necropsy for official cause of death.

As a reminder dog owners are responsible for their dog to be on leash anytime they are on any public street, alley, lane, or place of nature. There are designated off leash areas at Camino Real Park and Arroyo Verde Park during designated hours.

Ventura County joins hands with Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Surfrider for a Successful Beach Cleanup

The participants made a significant difference by collecting a total of thirty pounds of trash.

Ventura County Surfrider, in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) is elated to announce the triumphant outcome of the beach cleanup event held at Surfer’s Point on July 16, 2023. This cooperative effort witnessed the convergence of environmental enthusiasts, with twenty passionate Girl Scouts stepping up to demonstrate their love for the environment and commitment to preserving our beaches.

Surfer’s Point in Ventura County, a cherished location renowned for its natural beauty, received a much-needed boost to its environmental health through this successful cleanup endeavor. The enthusiastic Girl Scouts, accompanied by Surfrider representatives, dedicated their time and efforts to make a positive impact on the local environment, displaying an unwavering commitment to the cause.

During the cleanup, the participants made a significant difference by collecting a total of thirty pounds of trash, including the removal of 110 cigarette butts, 18 plastic bottles, and 20 plastic utensils from the beach. Their diligent efforts exemplify the power of community action in safeguarding our precious coastlines.

“We are immensely proud of our girls who participated in the weekend’s beach cleanup for their exemplary dedication and enthusiasm in helping keep our beaches clean,” said Tammie Helmuth, GSCCC CEO. “Their participation in this joint initiative with Surfrider showcases the potential of youth-led environmental stewardship in driving positive change within our communities.”

In addition to their invaluable contribution at Surfer’s Point, the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast are gearing up for further collaborative cleanups with Surfrider, spreading their environmental advocacy to regions including San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and Santa Cruz. Moreover, the Girl Scouts are partnering with the California Coastal Commission to conduct cleanups throughout the remaining summer months, extending their impact along the picturesque California coastline.

The GSCCC x Surfrider sponsored beach cleanup also offered participating Girl Scouts a chance to earn a special fun patch, recognizing and celebrating their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our beaches.

Ventura County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Surfrider for inviting the Girl Scouts and making this event possible. The county remains committed to supporting and fostering such collaborative initiatives that promote environmental conservation and inspire future generations to be custodians of our planet.

Looking for a Church Home?

by Pastor Leonard DeWitt

Permit me to introduce you to Ventura Jubilee Fellowship, located at 1956 Palma Drive.

First, we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that is what we teach. It speaks to just about every issue of life that we face in this present world.

Our worship of the Lord is a mix of inspirational hymns and worship choruses that focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Next, I want to share with you some of the DNA of Jubilee, so that you will know what to expect when you visit us.

1. We offer a weekly Women’s Bible Study that meets every Wednesday at 10 AM.

2. Also, a weekly Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, every Thursday, at 6 AM.

3. We offer four adult “Bible Alive” classes, every Sunday at 8:45 AM.

4. You will enjoy our diverse music ministry. You will be enriched by our choir, handbells, Gospel Band & keyboard ministry.

5. Each year we offer guest speakers and two Bible Conferences. One is usually on Bible prophesy and the other focuses on the dynamics of living out our faith.

6. We are committed to the Great Commandment to love one another and the Great Commission to go into all the world to help people develop a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ.

7. To help people deal with losses, we offer a monthly Grief Support Group, led by a Pastor and Certified Grief Counselor.

8. We make every effort to stay in touch with our people, especially if they have been coping with health or age-related issues. We want to be assured that they are safe and well.

9. We believe that the Holy Spirit has given every believer at least one spiritual gift that is to be used to enrich others in the church; so, we have developed many ways for people to serve and bless others.

We are not a perfect church, but we are a joyful people and our goal is to make people feel welcome from the moment they enter our doors. I hope you will visit and give us a try. I believe you will be blessed by what you discover in Jubilee. Our services are 10 AM and 11:30 AM. www.vjf.church; [email protected]

When you come, please introduce yourself to me. I want to get to know you.

Blessings, Pastor Leonard DeWitt.

Ventura welcomed the X Games

Sunday, July 23, was the conclusion of the 2023 X Games held under Ventura’s most beautiful weather. Many thousands visited Ventura to enjoy and celebrate the X Games.

They also stayed at our hotels, motels and ate at our restaurants and spent money at our wonderful stores and shops. The $250,000 that the city invested in the games was well worth it. It was much less than other cities have spent.

The games drew some of the biggest names in skateboarding, BMX and Moto X to the Ventura County Fairgrounds for three days of fierce, but friendly competition.

The large range of alternative transportation options made for easy access to the Fairgrounds for many. Others enjoyed the games on KABC and ESPN.

Both Amtrak and Metrolink announced special X Games schedules for the weekend, with extra trains running Friday night through Sunday as part of plans by the city of Ventura and its partners to ease the traffic conditions.

Other alternate transportation was Gold Coast Transit Bus, VCTC Big Blue Buses and Pacific Surfliner.

For those that took their bikes or skateboards to the games there was a Bike Valet and a Skateboard Valet to store them while enjoying the day.

In her Breeze column Pam Baumgardner wrote ‘I’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair, in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes.”

These were the first summer finals held in front of large crowds since 2019. Saturday

was sold out before the three-day games even began. It was estimated that Saturday attendance was 15,000. The fairgrounds’ parking lot was also sold out.

Headline events on Friday’s opening day include the BMX dirt elimination, the BMX street finals, the men’s skateboard vert and the motocross best trick.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder stated “ From the drone show on Thursday to finials on Sunday we witnessed a well-organized, wildly popular X Games for the ages. I was so impressed with how polite everyone was, how well traffic was managed and the incredible talents that were on display the entire weekend. Congratulations to the X Games staff and the Visit Ventura team for putting on a first-class event. The world saw why we all love living in Ventura.”

Marlyss Munguia Auster, President & CEO Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau proudly stated “We did it! Ventura stepped on stage and shined bright! I am so proud of the community, partners, and Visit Ventura team! Thank you to everyone, you were part of making history in Ventura with X Games 2023!”

X Games

Ventura Unified School District celebrates retirees

Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception.

VUSD held a Retiree Reception to recognize 2022-2023 school year retirees. Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception, which was held at the District’s Education Service Center. Among the retirees were employees who devoted many years to serving in Certificated (teaching) and Classified (non-teaching) positions. In their positions, they provided support, care, and inspiration to the students, staff, and families of VUSD. Five of them held a longevity of over 35 years. Collectively, the Retiree Class of 2022-2023 has served the VUSD community for 1,389 years.

One member of the VUSD team retiring after 38 years of service is Mr. David Hess, Athletic Director for Ventura High School. Mr. Hess stated, “Too many things to name” as his reason for dedicating many years to VUSD. He shared that he immediately felt a sense of a great community, and Ventura High School felt incredibly connected to its members.”

Another staff member retiring after 36 years of service is Ms. Sheila Clow, Kindergarten Teacher at Poinsettia Elementary School. Ms. Clow, originally from Ireland, wanted to establish herself in the school district where she was hired.

Dan Larson, a US History teacher at Ventura High School, is retiring after 34 years of service. He expressed his gratitude for working for VUSD, stating that it has paid off numerous times. Mr. Larson said, “I couldn’t have made a better choice” about working at VUSD and feels fortunate to be a part of a united community with a strong culture.

“We cannot adequately express our appreciation to our retirees for their impact on our schools and community. They have served as mentors to new staff, modeled professionalism for their peers, and provided a source of continuity for the District. Most importantly, they have helped our students grow and prepare for their futures,” stated Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent.

Retirees mingled with each other and enjoyed refreshments and a photo station. They were given a small appreciation gift to use on their upcoming adventures, along with individual floral arrangements provided by the students of Ventura High School’s Floral Design Capstone Class.

In her congratulatory speech, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Gina Wolowicz noted, “Reflecting on the years of service these educators have given, we are reminded of the transformative power of education. Their unwavering belief in the potential of every student has led to our students reaching heights they may have never thought possible”.

“It was a lovely event in honor of their essential role in helping district students grow and discover who they want to become academically, personally, and socially. VUSD wishes the 2022-2023 retirees a happy, healthy, restful, and exciting retirement,” stated VUSD Talent Acquisition Specialist Jackie Lopez.

For more information on Dave Hess, Sheila Clow and Dan Larsen visit our News & Updates webpage, https://www.venturausd.org/about/news-updates.

Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives.

by Patricia Schallert and Yana

On July 15th, Tender Life Maternity Home, had an open home tour and invited members of the community to see the property, have conversations with the residents and ask questions of the staff and board members. With a strong commitment to providing a nurturing environment, Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support, empowering women with the tools and resources they need to navigate pregnancy and beyond. For Tender Life, this open home tour was a time for residents to tell their stories.

Information about Tender Life was provided to the guests at this well attended event and attention to detail in their preparations for the event was obvious with a BBQ, desserts, tours through the property and speakers.

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives. Tender Life Maternity Home’s vision has provided comprehensive support and assistance to pregnant women (18 years and over) in need and encourages healthy alternatives for a better and productive life. The well-being and comfort of mothers and their unborn children have been top priorities.

The Tender Life Staff offers supportive services and provides an environment that can break the patterns of homelessness, addiction, and abuse. Some of Tender Life’s early babies have graduated from college, found their careers, and are living productive, fulfilling lives. With a capacity of six women at a time, Tender Life Maternity Home is a warm, nurturing refuge where the women are encouraged to focus on making their future both positive and fulfilling. They learn group and relationship dynamics, coping and life skills along with learning to avoid the self-destructive behaviors that got them to their current place in life.

Through Tender Life, the women receive therapy, take classes, develop spiritual nourishment as well as lifestyle coaching. They discover Tender Life as a safe, nurturing place from the beginning of their stay. After their baby is born, the women receive guidance for up to 12 months that includes training in parenting, child development, and life skills along with employment coaching and financial responsibility. A team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals are on hand to provide personalized care and guidance, ensuring that each woman’s unique needs are met. Tender Life Maternity Home in Ventura, California, offers a haven of compassionate care, guidance, and support, ensuring that every woman’s journey into motherhood is nurtured and cherished. Tender Life Maternity Home is where “courage meets compassion to build new lives”.

Tender Life Maternity Home is having an annual walk on July 29th. Please register now to help raise as much as possible for Tender Life Maternity Home to shelter unhoused pregnant women. Over the past 5.5 years, Tender Life Maternity Home has given 49 babies a chance at life. Tender Life is asking for your participation to help continue this rich 40-year legacy. http://www.pledgestar.com/TenderLife/

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” Jim Duran Executive Director

Dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s

The monthly support group for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers is free to attend.

by Carol Leish, MA

Vanessa White, Ph.D. has been dedicated to making the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s better. Dr. White earned her Ph.D. in Sports Management/ Kinesiology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She first thought that she would become an athletic director. Her studies in kinesiology led her to teaching in the Women’s Physical Education Department in East Los Angeles, Monterey Park.

Dr. White was happy that she got to play every sport, and was a collegiate athlete in her school career. She was a swimmer and water polo player. She also played volleyball and basketball. She was a high school volleyball coach and has had over 35 years of teaching experience in physical and wellness education.

After spending many years teaching in higher education, Dr. White decided to pursue a lifelong dream of owning her own gym. She and her husband, Kevin, purchased Santa Paula Fitness in the summer of 2011. That is when Neurofitness was founded.

Dr. White said, “The reason that I got into helping people with Parkinson’s was that my mother-in-law, Judge Toy White, was diagnosed with it in 2015. By seeking out programing and education that would provide my mother-in-law with the exercise she needed, which was specific to Parkinson’s, I put together a new and unique training program that worked well. This is how Neurofitness started.

“Because of Judge Toy White having had developed Parkinson’s, I resurrected the monthly support group for people with Parkinson’s that was initially led by Patty Jenkins. Things had stopped with COVID-19 in 2020. Then, after Patty lost her husband to Parkinson’s, I restarted the group.

“By getting people with Parkinson’s involved in agility training, cardio work, and strength training, I could help them out. I also do cognitive and physical drills, which involves improving memory. Vocal work is also important since people with Parkinson’s tend to get a quiet voice.”

The monthly support group for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers is free to attend. It meets the 3^rd Tuesday of each month from 10:00-11:15am at Cross Point Church in Ventura. Their address is: 5419 Ralston Ave. Ventura, CA 93003. Dr. White said, “We alternate things in the support group by having a presenter one month, and a discussion group the next month. Speakers have included neurologists and psychologists. During the discussion, there are two groups: one of those with Parkinson’s, and the other for caregivers. Anyone interested in becoming more aware of Parkinson’s and how to help those affected, or who just want to become more informed, are welcome to attend the group,” For more info., contact Dr. White at: [email protected].

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