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Vol. 16, No. 08 – Jan 11 – Jan 24, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820 or Rick Follenweider at 650-520-1098 can supply details.

Do you want a Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, at 12:30. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

Jan. 15: “Swing Shift” big band. House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave.
1– 3:30 pm. Donations are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Jan. 15: Olivas Adobe in Focus. Opening reception-Free11-3 p.m. Explore the Olivas Adobe Historical Park through the eyes of the Thousand Oaks Photo Group. Photographers specializing in still life, architecture, floral, abstract, and other photography styles visited this historic landmark during the Fall of 2022 to document its unique character and monthly interpretive outreach events. Select images from these outings will be displayed in the Small Adobe from January 15 through April. Photography is for sale. The historic rancho home will be open for daily tours for a small fee. The gift shop will be open; all proceeds support the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreter programs at the Olivas ~ 4200 Olivas Park Drive. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

January 15: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at 11 a.m. There will be a mart where items will be for sale, followed by lunch. An informational meeting and a presentation on clocks or watches will start at 1 p.m. Anyone interested in watches and clocks (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Feb. 25: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)

Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email and the Internet, social media brokers such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, and Yahoo. All CIPCUG events may be attended online. Due to limited space, live attendance is reserved for members. Details for connecting to online events are emailed before the event. To receive connection instructions, please sign up on our website at: www.cipcug.org. Evbeforein Saturday at 9:30 a.m. online and live at our temporary location Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117 (805) 289-3960

Our Ventura TV to feature series on homelessness in Ventura County

For 2023, Our Ventura TV is initiating a new interview series to shed light on the issue of the unhoused. The series will feature a diverse range of guests, including those who are currently experiencing homelessness, those who have experienced homelessness in the past, as well as nonprofits, church, community and government representatives and anyone who would like to add their voice to potential solutions.

The series aims to provide a deeper understanding of homelessness and its causes, as well as highlight the challenges and barriers faced by those who are unhoused. It will also explore the various resources and support systems available to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and examine the efforts of local organizations and government agencies to address the issue.

“We’re excited to share these powerful and important stories with our viewers,” said Sandra Siepak, Our Ventura TV host.

The series will include personal stories from individuals who have experienced homelessness, as well as insights from experts in the field.

Our Ventura TV host, MB Hanrahan said, “By highlighting a range of perspectives, including those impacted by homelessness and those who have worked to address homelessness in our community, we hope to create a more informed and compassionate conversation about this pressing issue.”

The series will also feature interviews with a variety of local individuals and organizations, including homeless service providers, government agencies, and community groups.”Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it’s important that we take the time to listen to and understand the experiences of those involved,” said George Alger the creator and producer of Our Ventura TV.

Additional Our Ventura TV crew, such as Hosts Monique Nowlin and Bonnie Rose; Director, Michelle Hoover; and Manager, Mary Christine Ballestero, will be integral to developing this series, as well.

Our Ventura TV airs on Ventura cable 6 TV and the segments are also available online at OurVentura.com and on social media platforms.

This special series is in addition to the routine Our Ventura TV programs, which are established on the theme of “People doing good things in Ventura County.”
For more information, or to request an interview, visit ourventura.com and click “Contact.”

Vol. 16, No. 08 – Jan 11 – Jan 24, 2023 – Mailbox

Editor:

In your last issue (page 8) you had a photo of the Pierpont Bay Bath House. What was that? Could you give me more information?

Thanks
Robert Allen Ventura

opinions

Re. Ventura Breeze
Vol. 16, No. 7
December 28, 2022 – January 10, 2023

“Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation help Ventura Teens explore STEAM”

This article reports that Aera Energy made a $25,000 donation to the STEAM program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura. The Aera-Ventura representative states that it is working to “improve the lives of residents in the communities where our employees live and work!”

It’s too bad that statement conflicts with Aera’s $7,400,000 contribution to the effort to defeat Measures A and B, eliminating sensible environmental requirements on the oil and gas industry adopted by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors (VC Star 5/22/22). Now they are suing the County over home and school setbacks for the oil industry and increased bond requirements, costing the taxpayers millions to
defend (VC Star 10/6/22).

It’s hard to believe that Aera Energy wants to “improve the lives” of anyone, least of all the young people who will have to live with the consequences of the climate disaster they are spending millions to perpetrate.

Don Price Ventura

Editor note: We have asked Aera to comment on this but did not receive a response from them.

Approach the New Year with resolve to find
the opportunities hidden in each new day.
~ Michael Josephson

Do you know which paper products are recyclable?

Paper items accepted in the curbside recycling program include: newspaper, colored paper, white computer paper, cardboard, magazines, catalogs, wrapping paper, junk mail, and envelopes (with or without clear windows).

Paper products to keep out of the recycle bin include: paper towels, napkins, tissues, receipts, wax paper, and paper coated with plastic or wax.

Please do not throw loose shredded paper directly in the recycle bin. Shredded paper can be bagged or contained in a cardboard box or a cereal box and then placed in the recycle bin.

Vol. 16, No. 08 – Jan 11 – Jan 24, 2023 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 12/20

 9:40am, observed a large accumulation of debris in the main channel. Officers responded in Rescue B19 and were able to remove Hazards to Navigation.

Wednes 12/21

 5:55pm, received report of a lost dog in the Harbor Village. Officers responded and searched for the reporting party and the dog, but were unable to locate either

Thursday 12/22

 10:46pm, received request for an escort of a semi-submerged “panga” being towed to the launch ramp by TowBoat US. Officers responded and observed the vessel was safely hauled out. The vessel was found abandoned near Gaviota.

Friday 12/23

 4:23pm, dispatched to a disabled electric craft near the launch ramp. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist 5 POB’s and two dogs aboard the vessel. The vessel was taken en side tie and towed to their slip in the keys.

Sunday 12/25

 8:05am, received report of a transient in a box truck dumping liquid waste/littering in public. Officers responded, contacted and issued warning for the violations. The individual was removed from the launch ramp.

Monday 12/26

 10:38am, dispatched to backpain in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to assist the patient, who was transported to hospital.

Tuesday 12/27

 8:00am, observing large 8-10ft surf breaking on both sides of the Harbor Entrance. Further observed dangerous conditions at beaches around harbor.

8:35am, received request for a tow from a disabled “honey-wagon.” Officers responded in the Fireboat and towed the vessel to the launch ramp.

Wednes 12/28

 6:13am, observed Weather Service issued Small Craft Advisory for large dangerous Northwest swell, officers raised warning pennant at District.

7:12am, dispatched to hemorrhaging in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to a 93 y/o male, transported by AMR to hospital.

7:39pm, received report of suspicious transient riding a bike without a headlight. Officers observed individual, were unable to ascertain any suspicious activity.

Thursday 12/29

 3:15pm, observed a “boat club” vessel inbound excessively in violation of speed ordinance. Officers responded to fuel dock and contacted the skipper. He believed the #10 ATON navigation buoy was a 10 mile an hour speed sign.

10:01pm, dispatched to a boat fire South of the harbor. Officers responded in the Fireboat, found a commercial fishing vessel with very bright orange forward lights. Confirmed no fire aboard the lightboat, canceled responding units.

Friday 12/30

 5:35pm, received a report of a disabled vehicle parked in the village. Officers responded, attempted to start vehicle but were unable to. Granted permission to park overnight with intention to resolve mechanical issues.

Saturday 12/31

 6:00pm, observing rain starting to fall. Preparing for heavy weather forecasted.

8:05pm, while on patrol, observed flooding in the Holiday Inn express parking lot. Officers alerted hotel staff and Ventura PD dispatch.

10:45pm, received report of a female transient kicking in doors in the Harbor Village restrooms. Officers responded, found female as reported, contacted VPD. The subject was eventually arrested for vandalism, public intoxication.

Sunday 1/01/23

 6:00am, observed winds sustained at 30kts, gusting to 40kts in operations center.

6:05am, raised Gale warning flags for Northwest winds gusting to 40kts.

8am-3pm, officers dealing with wind related issues such as unfurling sails, various debris in the water and resecuring vessels.

7:49pm, observing winds laying down, North at 5 kts.

Monday 1/02

 11:05am, officers on patrol in the Fireboat, searching for damage from the weather event. Found debris throughout the harbor such as palm fronds, flotsam and trash. Several trips were made to the launch ramp to drop off trash.

Tuesday 1/03

 10:50am, dropped of Rescue Boat 19 for bottom cleaning and new zincs.

11:43am, dispatched to difficulty breathing in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to the call, assisted 67 y/o male.

11:57am, dispatched to general malaise in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to assist a 70 y/o male with multiple ailments.

12:45pm, received report of a vessel accident at VWM, a 60ft powerboat stern line snapped in the strong surges in the area. Officers responded with lines and were able to secure the vessel before any damage occurred to the vessel or any others in the marina.

 

 

The Great storm of 1969

“Sending water and mud into the harbor and sending boats out to sea.”

by Richard Senate

Sixty-four years ago, January of 1969, a chain of storms hit California and resulted in forty-seven deaths. Anyone who was in Ventura County at that time remembers the terrible destruction that took place in that disaster. Ten in Ventura County lost their lives in the storms.

The Santa Clara River turned into a raging killer. By the time the rain and debris filled waters reached Ventura  it reverted to its old bed that emptied into  the new Ventura Harbor sending water and mud into the harbor and sending boats out to sea, to  be washed ashore and pounded to kindling in the surf.

The harbor was filled with mud and sunken boats, masts protruding at odd angles that had the harbor resemble a war zone.   One surprising find in the river was a dead twelve foot long alligator that had escaped from the Africa USA Compound and been  beaten to death by rubbish in the water.

Sadly, several boys at a camp were lost when the Sespi Creek flooded and they were trapped in a camp. The Adults unwisely tried to cross the rain swollen creek using a bulldozer. The boys lashed to the vehicle. They got mid-stream before water got into the engine and they were stranded in the surging water. The foolish adults tried as best they could but were swept away. Then, one by one, the boys were pulled from the tractor into the rushing water, where only one managed to survive the ordeal and make it to dry land to tell the tale.

The storm brought wood down all the rivers and streams to the sea, where it was washed onto piles on the beach. In time the wood was burned, filling the sky with black clouds of smoke. It caused the most devastation to hit Ventura  in many decades and no one who lived through the storm can forget  the destruction it caused.

Vol. 16, No. 08 – Jan 11 – Jan 24, 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.

The Ventura Police Department is asking the public for photos or video of a fight reported in downtown Ventura last month.

The altercation broke out around 12:48 a.m. Dec. 5 in the 400 block of East Main Street.

Sgt. Bill Dolan of the department’s major crimes unit said the fight involved two victims, a 29-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, and a group of five to seven male suspects who were believed to be in their early 20s. One victim suffered a non-fatal stab wound to the leg, while the other had a finger nearly severed off and a laceration to the arm.

Dolan said investigators have learned photo and video of the fight exists but have yet to view them. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recorded parts of the attack is asked to contact Detective Gil Pusen at 805-339-4467 or email [email protected]. Information and media can be submitted anonymously.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On January 8, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call regarding a single vehicle collision into a building in the 4200 block of Market St. Upon arrival, two occupants, the driver and a passenger, were found deceased inside of the vehicle. Antony Moctezuma (21 yrs), Ventura Resident and Agustin De Paz (19 yrs), Ventura Resident

An additional passenger had serious, but not life threatening injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.

Preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene indicate that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to colliding with the building. The investigation into this collision is still ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact Traffic Collision Investigator Chris Wilson at 805-339-4366.

Residential Burglary, Felony Vandalism, and Prowling Arrest

On December 28, 2022, at approximately 3:45 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a juvenile home alone, hiding in a closet, reporting that a subject had broken into their home and was still inside.

Officers arrived on scene in two minutes and safely detained a male subject, later identified as 35-year-old vagrant Johnathan Cervantes, as he walked out of the house. While inside the home, Cervantes broke into bedroom doors and vandalized the house, causing over $500 in damage.

During the investigation, it was discovered Cervantes had gone up to at least one additional residence on the street, knocked on the door, and claimed he was from the Ventura County Water Department when the homeowner answered.

Based on Cervantes’s actions, he was arrested for Prowling, Felony Vandalism, and Residential Burglary. Cervantes was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

DUI Collision into a Residential Home

On December 31, 2022, at approximately 1:15 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a single vehicle collision into a residential house in the 10000 block of Jamestown Street. An off-duty Ventura Police Officer heard the collision and witnessed 55-year-old Ventura resident Michael Souter leaving the area on foot.

The off-duty Ventura Police Officer coordinated responding officers to Souter’s location and after a brief foot pursuit, Souter was taken into custody. During the arrest, Souter tried to punch the arresting officer.

The residents of the home were not injured. Souter was booked at the Ventura County Jail for

misdemeanor hit and run, misdemeanor driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On January 6, 2023, at approximately 7:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from an alert witness reporting a suspicious male subject had entered a neighbor’s residence. The reporting party felt this to be suspicious, due to the fact the residents were away on vacation.

Officers arrived on scene and detained a male subject, later identified as 43-year-old vagrant Michael Nathan, inside of the residence.

During the investigation, it was determined Waites made entry via a broken window and had been squatting inside the residence for several days. He was also found to be in possession of stolen items from the residence.

Waites was arrested for Residential Burglary and booked at the Ventura County Jail.