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Damaging results from recent rains

The heavy rains that hit Ventura caused much damage including much damage to the 91year-old Buenaventura Golf Course. The city-owned course was immediately closed after the storms and will be for at least two months.

At least 14 people were rescued from a homeless encampment in the riverbed of the Ventura River Ventura firefighters used a ladder and rope system to reach the stranded people. One homeless woman died in the Santa Clara river.

The pier was damaged and work has started to repair the damage to the pier.
Pier photos by Yana Khiyod

The Chamber held a ribbon-cutting at The Six Ventura located at 419 E Main St.

Photo by Michael Gordon

The Six, established in 2010, was inspired by the “Society of Six” and in its honor they have created this rustic American experience to share unpretentious cuisine that is appealing to everyone. The streamlined menu emphasizes the concept of “six”; choose from six exciting starters, six savory entrees, six red wines, six white wines, six brews on tap & six desserts.

 

Student “4-way test” essay contest still time to enter

The Rotary Club of Ventura is still accepting applications for the 2023 “Four-Way Test” Essay contest. The contest is open to Middle School and High School Students with a chance to win cash prizes. Deadline is February 19, 2023.

Implemented in 1932, The 4-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian set of four simple questions that offers an ethical and effective guide to use when faced with a difficult decision or dilemma.

The 4-Way Test of Things We Think, Say or Do

 Is it the truth?

 Is it fair to all concerned?

 Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

 Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Since its inception the test has been translated into more than 100 languages and practiced by Rotarians all over the world for use in their personal and professional relationships.  “When I’m faced with a difficult decision, I find the 4-Way Test is a great resource in that it allows you to take a step back and look at a problem with a fresh perspective,” says Margi Wray, President of the Rotary Club of Ventura.

The contest asks students to write a short essay about how considering these four simple questions can influence everyday decision-making in their lives. Students should explore how any decisions may affect those around them. They can tell a story about how utilizing the Four-Way Test was beneficial or would have been. Past entries have related the test to personal experiences, historical figures, events, or current local, national, or international issues. Creativity is encouraged.

Students can visit venturarotary.org to download the informational flyer and essay cover sheet. Deadline is February 19, 2023. Members of the Rotary Club of Ventura will judge the essays and award prizes in both the middle school and high school categories. First $300, Second $200, and Third $100. The first-place winner will go on to compete in the District Level competition with a chance to win additional cash prizes.

Interview with Brett Reed, Ventura’s Fire Marshall

Brett Reed began his career in the fire service with the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department.

Q. When were you promoted to be Fire Marshal in Ventura?

A. I was selected as the City’s Fire Marshal in June of 2022

Q.What is your experience in fire departments and specifically in Ventura

A.I began my career in the fire service with the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department in 2006 as a volunteer firefighter, was hired full-time as a firefighter and fire inspector in 2007, and served that community for 13 years. With Mammoth Fire, I gained a tremendous amount of experience in wildland and structure firefighting, as well as fire prevention experience as the only fire inspector. I have a strong background in risk reduction and have completed State Fire Inspector Training and have completed numerous courses through the National Fire Academy for fire inspection principles, fire and arson origin, cause determination, and I am a certified Code Council Inspector and Plans Examiner. Upon leaving Mammoth, I held the ranks of Fire Engineer and Fire Inspector II.

I was hired with Ventura Fire in January 2019 as a Fire Prevention Specialist. My role in that position was to perform inspections for fire protection systems and fire code requirements for new construction. I was also responsible for performing plan reviews for permit applications for fire protection systems and new construction. In 2020, I promoted to Fire Prevention Supervisor where I was responsible for supervising our fire inspectors and hazardous materials inspectors. I also oversaw the fire prevention permitting process and plan review processes.

Q. How is one selected to be fire marshal

A. The selection process for fire marshal is an application and interview process. As with everything, there are many different paths to becoming a Fire Marshal, however, the qualifications and experience needed are similar among differing agencies and cities. Fire Marshals typically start their career as either a Fire Inspector or Firefighter and promote through the ranks in either Fire Operations or Fire Prevention.

Q. What are the duties of fire marshal

A. It is the Fire Marshal’s responsibility, as the Fire Prevention Division Manager, to oversee the community risk reduction programs of the division including the development fire plan review and inspection, hazardous materials enforcement, occupancy inspections, defensible space inspections, fire review for special events, and fire operations support programs. Essentially, any program that addresses fire prevention, the Fire Marshal has a hand in overseeing and related experience is always valuable.

Q. The phrase “The fire Marshall is going to shut you down” is well known. Can you shut down a business and/or music venue

A. The California Fire Code authorizes the Fire Marshal to take certain steps when it is determined that fire code violations exist. If a facility is overcrowded the fire code states that fire code officials “shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.” If a facility, or building is determined to be unsafe as described in the fire code, we are authorized to evacuate the building and take other steps to assure the condition is made safe. Our intent would be to correct unsafe or life-threatening situations and not to shut the business down.

Q. What happens if they refuse to shut down?

A. If a facility refuses to cooperate with the orders of the fire department, we will request assistance from law enforcement to assist in our efforts.

For further information contact the Fire Prevention Division at 805-658-4717. Contact Fire Marshal Brett Reed directly at [email protected].

Ventura Downtown Lions Club was chartered on April 27, 1923

Gala Lions Club celebration held at Crowne Plaza. Photos by Patricia Schallert

On Saturday, January 7, the Ventura Downtown Lions Club held their 100th birthday celebration at the Crowne Plaza.

The hundreds attending included Ventura Lions, club members from throughout Southern California and invited guests and dignitaries.

They enjoyed an evening of appetizers, cocktails an outstanding dinner and inspirational speeches.

Ventura Lions president Patrick D. Pothier welcomed all prior to the invocation by Lion Tom Hundley and pledge of allegiance led by Ed Rogoff.

Speakers and awardees included past presidents, district governors, VIP guests and First VP Maya Zumaya who will be the 100th President when she takes office on July 1, 2023.

The keynote speaker was International President Brian Sheehan who got the crowd cheering on their feet with his enthusiastic presentation.

Patrick Pothier stated “It is my great honor as President of the Ventura Downtown Lions to invite you to our 100th Birthday Celebration. Our history is rich in Lionism and in giving back to the community we love.”

“Our Club was chartered on April 27, 1923, by 51 outstanding local businesses and community leaders. One of them was Fred W Smith who went on to become President of Lions Clubs International for 1947 – 1948, and another was Charles Rea, the then Mayor of Ventura. Another was Erle Stanley Gardner, an attorney who became famous as the author of Perry Mason detective stories. While we’re celebrating our 100th Birthday, we can also celebrate that we have never had a repeat President, having 100 Presidents in 100 years. No other club can make that claim.”

“Our Club and its members have a rich history of civic service and of service to the community and beyond. There have also been 10 Members who have been the mayor of Ventura, and at least 20 who were city council members. Many have served as public officials on various public boards and commissions, on private boards and nonprofits, and as public officials in a wide variety of capacities. “

“While our history is rich, and our present is just as rich. We are dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and community organizations that are in need and support. These efforts include, but are not limited to, providing camperships for deaf children, free eye exams for those in need, scholarships for local students, Thanksgiving baskets for families that are food insecure, as well as supporting the Salvation Army food pantries. We participate in both community and beach clean-up days and we recognize America’s hero’s – the Military Veterans and First Responders. We support those suffering from diabetes and the researchers seeking a cure, efforts to help and assist those dealing with mental health issues, and a wide range of other worthy matters.”

“While our past and present is exciting, our future looks even brighter. As we celebrate the past 100 Years of Service at this Gala, we also begin to look forward to the next 100 years, and we are excited about what the future holds for us and the rest of the Lions around the world.”

Olivas Adobe held their installation of docent volunteer board members

The swearing in of the Board of Directors executive committee was officiated by Breeze publisher Sheldon Brown. Photos by Patricia Schallert

On Saturday, January 21, the Olivas Adobe held their annual celebration and installation of docent volunteer board members. Held at the Ventura Marina Park Clubhouse it featured happy hour and a wonderful dinner prepared by the docents. It was a time for fellowship with old friends and plans for the coming year.

The installation and swearing in of the 2023 Board of Directors executive committee was officiated by Breeze publisher Sheldon Brown. Sworn into service by him were returning Mary Thompson – President, returning Bob Sandler – Vice President, Marsha Brumana-Secretary and Glenda Jackson-Treasurer. Officers serve a one-year term.

Sheldon stated “It is now my pleasure to swear in the new board’s elected officers.”

“Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I promise to conduct myself with dignity and decorum when representing the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and the City of Ventura. I swear to uphold the By-Laws of the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and to do my job as an elected officer to the best of my ability. “

He concluded by addressing the large crowd “it is now my pleasure to present to you the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters elected and installed officers for 2023. Thank you, everyone for attending tonight’s Olivas Adobe swearing in ceremony and congratulations to the new board members.”

Mary Thompson went on to say “I came to the Olivas for the first time with my 4th grade class from Arnaz Elementary School in Oak View. My sister was married at the Adobe in 1977. I have been a docent for many years and am honored to be your president. I am looking forward to once again serving as president and keeping the history of the Olivas Adobe alive.”

The docents and board members perform a most valuable service of not only protecting the historic Olivas Adobe, but also keeping relevant by planning and staffing its many activities year-round. The docents are chiefly responsible for keeping alive the rancho’s many seasons of history and celebrate the skills, traditions and heritage that belong to Ventura’s many peoples.

The Board of the Olivas Adobe Historic Interpreters oversee the docent operations and ensures that they run smoothly and successfully. Thanks to the OAHI docents, the Olivas Adobe continues its long tradition of hospitality by hosting a full calendar of diverse cultural events for all ages including the very exciting the wonderful Adobe Music Under The Stars.

How the recent heavy rains have affected Ventura’s drought situation

Foto: City of Ventura was unable to utilize water from Foster Park.

How the recent heavy rains have affected Ventura’s drought situation

By Carol Leish, MA

“Although the rainfall has been beneficial,” according to Gina Dorrington, Ventura Water General Manager, “the recent rainstorms do not immediately relieve the years of persistent drought that the City of Ventura has faced. Per the Governor’s orders from last summer, the City of Ventura and its customers are still subject to demand reduction actions of Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan in addition to the irrigation ban of non-functional turf at Commercial, Industrial and Institutional properties. The emergency regulations will remain in effect until December 20, 2023.”

Water sources have been affected since, according to Dorrington, “The City of Ventura is entirely dependent upon 100% local resources. The water supply portfolio includes Lake Casitas, Ventura River, and three groundwater basins. The recent rains have increased surface flows in the Ventura River, have begun to fill up reservoirs, and have been recharging groundwater basin.

“The City of Ventura was unable to utilize water from its Foster Park facilities due to sewage spills on the Ventura River and San Antonio Creek. Communications to the wells currently operating in the park were lost during the storm in addition to other minor equipment damage. As of January 18, 2023, operations at one of the wells has been restored.”

“Yes, the City of Ventura is grateful for the recent rainstorms that have helped to alleviate drought conditions,” according to Dorrington. “Per the California Drought Monitor, released January 12, 2023, the County of Ventura is currently experiencing Moderate Drought conditions. (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/pdf/current/current ca trd.pdf) Prior to the recent rainstorms, the County of Ventura, along with most of California, was experiencing severe drought to exceptional drought conditions. The California Drought Monitor notes that it focuses on broad-scale conditions and that local conditions may vary.

“At this time, single family residential properties in the City of Ventura are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 %. Stricter measures, including implementing water shortage rates and mandatory outdoor watering restrictions, could go into effect if demand reductions are not achieved through voluntary efforts.

“As a reminder, the City of Ventura will continue to enforce water waste prohibitions, offer water efficiency programs/incentives, and pursue multi-benefit water supply projects, such as the ‘State Water Interconnection Project’ and the ‘Ventura Water Pure Program.’ Ventura Water extends its sincere appreciation to Ventura residents for their continued commitment to improved water efficiency as the State of California shifts towards ‘making water conservation a California way of life.’”

“Climate is changing,” according to Dorrington. “We’ve experienced a reminder of that change through the increased intensity of storm events that we’ve been having. Conservative water use will continue to be valuable when we see another period of no rainfall. Thus, it’s important that we continue to use water wisely.”

Hasan elected to Ventura LAFCO

Hasan is sworn in by LAFCO clerk of the board, Richelle Beltran.

Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent community and business leader in Ventura County has been elected to the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission. The special districts in Ventura County elected him to be an alternate Commissioner.

The Ventura County LAFCO decides primarily boundary issues of the county, cities, and most special districts. Every county in California has a LAFCO. They implement state law requirements, state and local policies relating to boundary changes, including spheres of influence, incorporations, annexations, and reorganizations. More Information is available at ventura.lafco.ca.gov.

Hasan is well known as a tireless volunteer/leader in the community in the areas of environment, health, art, and youth. He is the founder and instructor of free community classes in Longevity, conversational Spanish, financial independence, and calligraphy. He currently the vice president of the non-profit organization, El Concilio FS, which serves the underserved community of farm workers and those in need of assistance for immigration and citizenship services. All the local newspapers have published an article or two about Hasan’s passion for contribution to the community.

Hasan is the owner of a civil and environmental firm in Ventura. He was an engineer with the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, and the utilities superintendent of the City of Oxnard. He earned advanced degrees from the University of Iowa. He is Fellow two national professional societies, and Harris Fellow of the Rotary International. He authored a book on solving drought problems in California.

Hasan is a co-founder of OceanForesters. This Ventura start-up helps economically challenged coastal communities build and manage their own flexible floating fishing reefs. The complete ecosystem on the reefs restores ocean bounty and biodiversity. Hasan also served as the chief engineer and general manager of the bio-energy startup company, PODenergy, where he helped develop theories for the reduction of global carbon dioxide via ocean afforestation.

Hasan is a 48-year resident of Ventura. He and wife JoAnn have two adult daughters, Yasmin and Mishty.

SEEAG Kicks Off “Bus Bucks” Agricultural Education Fundraising Campaign

Students asking questions regarding Ventura County agriculture.

Each year, elementary school students travel by bus to take part in Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Saticoy and Allan Hancock College’s Demonstration Orchard in Santa Maria to learn about the farm origins of their food. The program is offered free to schools including most of the school bus transportation costs.  SEEAG is launching its “Bus Bucks” fundraiser to fully offset school bus expenses so that its field trips are 100% cost-free.

Now through June 30, funds raised will enable thousands of Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara county students to travel from their schools to one of SEEAG’s Farm Lab locations at no cost.

The goal is to raise $20,000. “Transportation is one of the main reasons schools don’t go on field trips,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of SEEAG. “We give each school $250 per bus, which pays for most if not all of the school’s bus costs. If we raise enough funds we can make each bus ride 100% free. We couldn’t do this without the generous support from the community.”

In 2022, SEEAG educated 2,558 students about local agricultural sciences during 56 field trips to its two Farm Lab locations.  Many students who attend are low-income, Title 1 students.

To make a Bus Bucks donation, go to www.seeag.org/busbucks. For more about SEEAG’s ag education programs, go to www.seeag.org.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

Vol. 16, No. 09 – Jan 25 – Feb 7, 2023 – Ojai News & Events

Offering neighbors, collectors and the curious a rare opportunity to experience world-class artwork in the spaces where it’s made. Studios across the Ojai Valley will open to the public in neighborhood-specific tours on the second Saturday of every month from February through August.

Painters, sculptors, potters, weavers, printmakers, glass artists, jewelers and apparel makers are participating in the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) Second Saturday program, kicking off on February 11 with eleven artists in and around the Oakview area opening their doors.

Unlike the October tour, a three-day extravaganza in which more than 70 OSA artists open their doors, Second Saturdays offer a more casual and intimate opportunity to see Ojai artists at work. Crowds are smaller and artists are more available to meet and talk.

“Second Saturdays are the best-kept secret of the local arts scene,” says Linda Taylor, OSA’s president. “There’s no way to see everything in the October tour – there’s just too much ground to cover. By breaking up the artists into smaller neighborhoods, Second Saturdays gives you a chance to take your time and really appreciate the incredible array of artwork being made here.”

The February Oakview lineup includes landscape painter Shahastra Levy, painter of fantastical dreamscapes of the Ojai valley, Carlos Grasso, maker of gorgeous mystical abstractions and famed fashion printmaker Leslie Plimpton.

The March event features 14 artists from the East Side of the Valley, followed in April by a Downtown group, the Arbolada in May, Mira Monte in June, the West End in July and Meiners Oaks in August. Check the OSA website for a full list of participating artists.

Ojai Studio Artists supports community education that promotes art awareness, preparing the next generation of artists, and celebrating the importance of the arts within the region. To date, OSA has given more than $200,000 in art scholarships. It also purchases art books for local libraries, partners with schools in teaching classes and mentoring students, and supports public art projects and other community programs.

For more information and a full list of artists, see the OSA website: www.ojaistudioartists.org.

On Sunday evening, February 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Ojai author and naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead a Full Moon Sunset Nature Hike to vista point above the Ojai Valley where his group can watch the near-simultaneous sunset and moonrise.

Kaufer’s group will meet at the trailhead at 3:45 p.m. for a 4:00 p.m. start, then gradually hike about 1.5 miles to the viewing site, experiencing some elevation gain on a well-worn, dirt fire road with uneven footing in places. Along the way they’ll stop to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants, including Black and Purple Sage, Blue Elderberry, Coastal Sagebrush, Horehound, and Toyon. They will also identify Poison Oak.

After witnessing the sunset and moonrise, they’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the trailhead by 7:00 p.m. Kaufer will have copies of his book, Medicinal Herbs of California,for sale and signing before and after the hike.

Light rain will not cancel. Heavy rain or chance of thunderstorms will cancel the hike. No dogs or smoking, please.

The cost for the hike is $35/person. Senior, student and child discounts are available by request. Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email a few days prior to the event with all necessary info, including what to bring, weather forecast, and directions to the trailhead. Afterwards, they will receive a follow-up email with a list of all plants and wildlife seen. Register now at HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281.