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Exotic Treasures

Is there gold buried under the mission?

by Richard Senate

Ventura County has some exotic treasure yarns that implies that treasures still are to be found here. These include the lost padre’s gold mine (at the headwaters of Piru Creek) to the lost Olivas Gold (buried on Red Mountain) But few realize that some treasures exist within the city limits of Ventura! This is a partial list of the lost gold rumored hidden beneath our feet. Now are these just stories or could they really exist? You be the judge. Have they been found but not reported? Perhaps but still, they are worth examination.

The Lost Mission Vault. The story is that the padre’s of Mission San Buenaventura operated a gold mine and formed the gold into crude ingots. They were taken down the Santa Clara River Valley and stored in a hidden vault at the mission Church. Once a year a black painted galleon of the Jesuit Order would come and take away the gold for the use of his Holiness the Pope in Rome. The galleons stopped coming with the Mexican War for Independence and the gold is still there! Some say it was within the thick walls of the church, others say it was under the Mission Padre’s Quarters, still others believe it is located in an underground room in the hill behind the church.

The iron bound chest at the Cross. In 1818 a pirate threatened California so the mission treasures were hidden and the settlement abandoned for several weeks. They saw the pirates as godless men who would be repelled by the cross–so they buried the contents at the foot of the cross on the hill. Native people saw them and curious dug up the goods, only to re-bury them on the hill. When they padres returned the treasure chest had vanished. The present site of the cross was not the original location. Maybe the rusted chest could be found with a metal detector?

The gangster’s loot. In prohibition times gangsters smuggled Canadian Whiskey into LA though Ventura. The ships would carry in the booze and fast boats would take it ashore, all the while avoiding the Coast Guard Cutters. The ship captains demanded to be paid in cash. So, the gangsters brought cash in suitcases to pay them. This was hidden in a tunnel under the city. But, before the ship came, an earthquake caved in the tunnel and buried the bag of cash. Those gold certificates would be worth a fortune today!

Crisis Now Program of Ventura County

Before coming to work in Ventura, Gilman was the
Behavioral Health Director for San Mateo County.

by Carol Leish, MA

“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains”—Anne Frank

Scott Gilman, who became the new director of Ventura County Behavioral Health Department in August, 2022, said, “We have an incredible opportunity to improve Ventura County mental health crisis services using the ‘Crisis Now’ Community Planning framework. Sevet Johnson, Ph.D., identified improving mental health crisis services as one of the county’s top priorities.”

Before coming to work in Ventura, Gilman was the Behavioral Health Director for San Mateo County. Gilman also served as CEO of a community mental health and substance use-health center in Michigan.

“The Crisis Now Planning Project,” according to Gilman, “would be funded by the Mental Health Services Act ([email protected]). We’ll be able to focus on coordinating current resources into four core elements. This will include: 1) A High-tech Crisis Call Center; 2) A 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team; 3) Commitment to evidenced-based safe care practices, such as Trauma-Informed Care and Zero Suicide principles; and, 4) A multidisciplinary approach to crisis resolutions.

“The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention in 2016 produced, ‘Crisis Now: Transforming Services is Within Our Reach,’ which has been documented to be a proven strategy to crisis response with the four core elements listed above.

“The Crisis Now model enables counties to assess community crisis care needs, enhance access to care, and realizes the overall cost savings.” (Crisis Now Multi-County Innovation Plan Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission.)”

Those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call: ‘988’ (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Or, locally, call the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team: ‘866-998-2343.’

“It’s important to get the help that you need in order to deal with a crisis in order to realize that you are not alone, and that your situation will improve. For further resources, visit: www.WellnessEveryDay.Org. “(‘Preventing Suicide: Connections & Community 7th Annual Forum’-‘Ventura Breeze’-September 21-October 4, 2022.)

According to Gilman, “The four phases of the Crisis Now Innovation Project are/have been: 1) (October-December, 2022) Identifying County data gathering for current crisis responses; 2) (January-February,2023) Stakeholder Engagements; 3) (February-March, 2023) Innovation Plan Project Design & Budget plan; and, 4) (April-May, 2023) Crisis Now Innovation Plan & Presentation to the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for ongoing funding.

“The county also has plans to expand upon crisis stabilization units, along with more crisis beds. Because no two individuals in crisis are the same, we need multiple levels of care that can respond to a variety of unique situations and are not necessarily dependent on law enforcement. Our system of mental health care must also address substance abuse challenges. We know that many individuals experiencing a mental health crisis also have substance use issues. Resolving the immediate crisis is only the beginning of the journey. To ensure individuals are successful, we must continue to build our community-based treatment system so that supports are in place when needed. I believe our community is ready to come together to make this happen.”

Follow-up articles will be done in order to show the progress and changes that have been made.

 

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

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Photos by Patricia Schallert.

On December 16 & 17 the Ventura Harbor held the Parade of Lights “Out of This World.” The boat parade was ended with a beautiful display of fireworks.

Ventura Water General Manager’s Message

Thank you, Ventura, for an amazing 2022! We have accomplished so much in this year and met so many challenges. As we faced another dry year, we were asked to conserve even more. We met those unprecedented levels of water conservation while continuing to see new development within the City. Our team hit the ground to message conservation by setting up booths at community events, engaging our customers via social media, following up on water waste reports and more. Not only did we benefit from the City reaching up to 29% reduction in water use, our hard-working Conservation Team won an award from the Tri-Counties Section of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for the Community Engagement and Outreach Program of the Year! We add this to another award from the Ventura County Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for Environmental Project of the Year for the Foster Park Fish Passage Project. Our Engineering and Environmental Teams worked to produce a project that meets the needs of our ecologically sensitive water source and have been recognized by their peers for a job well done!

As we wrap up 2022, we look at what we need to do in the future. Our “Wastewater Pollutant Series” gives insight into keeping our water safe and clean (and crafty!) In closing, you will see in our holiday schedule notice below, that City offices will be closed the week of December 26th thru January 2, 2023. But, as always, if you need assistance you can reach us by means of the methods given in the notice.

Respectfully,
Gina Dorrington

Vol. 16, No. 07 – Dec 28, 2022 – Jan 10, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Anubis, named after the Egyptian god, a beautiful 4 1/2 year old Pit Bull X who is in need of a new home as I don’t care for dogs or cats.

I’m a very sweet social dog with people and need an active home where I can be your one and only. I enjoy chasing balls and playing tug. I’m good with older children, but it’s unknown how I’d do with younger ones.

I have environmental allergies and take Zyrtec once a day, fish oil daily and eat Science Diet for sensitive skin and stomach. I know basic commands, but need work on walking on leash (I tend to pull). Although I don’t have a history of escaping, I do need a fence over 6′.

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application to meet me.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.

Home


CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

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Jet is a friendly and outgoing rabbit who adores attention. He would be the ideal companion. Jet is litter-trained and is waiting for a home of his own. Interested? Email [email protected].

Vol. 16, No. 07 – Dec 28, 2022 – Jan 10, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

Grief support during the holidays

It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program can offer compassion and understanding during this difficult time of year. Livingston offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again. All support groups are free for the community. Visit www.LMVNA.org for more information.

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 guarantee 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. 7: Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will conduct our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic.

There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice, we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you still need a fly rod, don’t worry; just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit, and Waco, 9 – 11 a.m., in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd. For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall (805) 377-5249

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Jan. 8: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.

Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill Rd. Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free parking. Open to the Public. For more information, call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.

Jan. 17: At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, program staff from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will join the Ventura County Library to lead a Financial Education Webinar titled “How to Navigate your Budget with Confidence and Purpose.” This program will take place virtually via Zoom. Are you ready to navigate your financial mindset and its role in your finances? Join us during this 75-minute workshop to identify your financial priorities so you can manage your numbers and budget with confidence and purpose. This session will be facilitated by Irene Kelly, WEV’s Financial Education, and Community Engagement Manager. A Spanish-language version of this program will take place on Wednesday, January 18, from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. To register for this event, visit bit.ly/VCLWEV17. Contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. Instructions for registering for this event on Zoom can also be found on our online calendar at www.vencolibrary.org/library-events.

As I See It

This is the time of the year when I usually reflect on what has been good and bad about the Ventura Breeze. What has worked and what hasn’t? What needs improving or changing?

But this year, I’m only reflecting on one thing which is the untimely passing of the most wonderful Breezy Gledhill. There are very few days that I don’t think of her (maybe none).

I’m usually wanting to share a Breeze moment by texting her, but she is not here. Wanting to share a photo by emailing her, but she is not here. A new restaurant would open, and we would have lunch there to check it out, but she is not here.

I (and all that knew her) miss her dearly. Take care – keep your loved ones close. Thanks for the Breeze support in 2022. A toast to a brighter and happier 2023.

Vol. 16, No. 07 – Dec 28, 2022 – Jan 10, 2023 – Mailbox

Breeze:

Thanks for printing the article by Richard Senate. The way the Missions allowed Spanish soldiers to kill the Natives and rape their women is disgusting. They were slaves and yet no reparations have ever been offered. It was the only slavery in California except when Native American tribes made slaves of other tribes defeated in raids and warfare. I am not sure what happened back then and I question Mr. Senate’s story. The Mojave is quite far from the Ventura Mission. I have heard there was a Native American upraising around 1819. General DeLaGuerra chased Chumash fleeing and killed them all. Disease ravaged the population and without slaves the missions fell apart. Anyway, if interested, there is a great class at Moorpark College. And at Santa Barbara city college spring 2023.

Sincerely,
Maryanne deGoede

Opinion:

This time of year I reflect on what Ventura needs to  have to attract visitors.  There is a line in the Musical “Hello Dolly” I recall, Barnaby says he wants to go to New York’s Barnum’s Museum to see the stuffed White Whale.  It was something that excited him to see this unique display. That’s what Ventura needs a “White Whale” something that no one else, no other city in the west, has. It must be grand and  will serve as a magnet for tourism. But, what could it be?  I am sure the creative readers of the Breeze maybe able to come up with something that could draw people to our community. Remember–it must be unique. Here are some of my ideas: Good and bad.

1. A signature event. Santa Barbara has “Old Spanish Days,” Oxnard has “The Strawberry Festival” what do we have?  Well, most of the calamari consumed in the state come out of Ventura’s Harbor.  We could have a Calamari Festival at the Harbor with our mascot Carmen Calamari (Think a squid version of Carmen Miranda).  We could have Calamari Burgers, Calamari ice cream!  A Calamari parade!

2. A suggestion was put forward many years ago for a Steam Punk, Captain Nemo like aquarium at the harbor to honor the sea life of the Pacific Coast. It could also Honor Jules Vern the French Writer who invented the future.

3. Maybe we need a focal point for the city. A statue that will draw people from all over.  A signature image. Something non-controversial like a native American.

4. Maybe a large, ornate town clock like they have in Europe. That would ring and have animated performers.

5. Maybe a special dish that was developed in Ventura? Corn taquitos were invented here! The Ortega Chili was developed here by Mr. Ortega. That could be a creation to be celebrated!

Maybe you have some better ideas.

Richard Senate

June Fog

The cloudy mist,
A sprinkle in the air.
Fog looms heavy,
Yet the winds are near.

Early Harbor breeze,
Parts the clouds.
Breaks the June fog,
Pushes it off the pier.

By Jeff Russell

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.
~ Margaret Mead