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Vol. 16, No. 04 – Nov 16 – Nov 30, 2022 – Harbor Patrol Blotter
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Wednes 10/19 |
7:25pm, while on patrol in Rescue B19, educated 2 fishermen hoop netting in the harbor entrance. Advised of areas to legally place hoop nets. |
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Thursday 10/20 |
4:39pm, dispatched to a marina fire near 1500 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded in the Fireboat along with VFD landside. After brief investigation, determined a generator on a Fishing vessel was the cause of the heavy smoke. |
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Friday 10/21 |
11:40pm, dispatched to an assault at Boat Yard Pub. Officers responded with AMR/VFD and Ventura PD. After stagging, PD cleared all units, no medical(s). |
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Saturday 10/22 |
8:06pm, received report of an ill person in a vehicle near boatyard on Anchors Way. Officers responded, attempted to resuscitate the patient but unfortunately unable to for obvious signs of death. Medics affirmed death and VPD took over. |
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Monday 10/24 |
9:15am, officers participating in annual Marine Firefighting training with Ventura City Fire. Officers operate Fireboat 1, while City Fire practice fire fight |
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Tuesday 10/25 |
9:30pm, received report of a medical on a large Fishing Vessel. Officers responded, performed first aid (splinted a broken foot) and gave directions to hospital because the patient refused medical care further than first aid. |
| Friday 10/28 | 3:00pm, observed approximately 80 novice Stand up paddlers “attempting” to navigate the turning and Pierpont areas. Officers offering navigating advice.
9:00pm, while on patrol, contacted fishermen illegally placing hoop nets in the Harbor Entrance. Educated on legal areas for hoop net fishing. |
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Saturday 10/29 |
4:30pm, assisting Pierpont Bay YC with their last sailboat race of the season with access to the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker Drive. |
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Sunday 10/30 |
8:15am, received report of hazard to navigation, debris in the Ventura Keys. Officers responded in Fireboat and searched but were unable to locate hazard.
3:28pm, received multiple reports of a vessel accident at VIM E-dock. Officers responded by land and sea to the incident. After investigation, a new owner of a 58ft motor vessel attempted to back in his vessel, collided with pilings & docks. |
| Tuesday 11/1 | 8:05pm, contacted an individual parked in Harbor Cove lot, camping in vehicle. The person is heading out on Island Packers tomorrow. Advised where they could get a parking permit and the area to park for such activities. |
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Wednes 11/2 |
6:03am, observed National Weather Service issued a Gale Warning for winds gusting to 35kts late. Officers raised warning pennants at Port District. |
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Thursday 11/3 |
7:27am, received report of a commercial fishing vessel listing to port at VHV D-dock. Officers responded and assisted with determining the cause that appeared to be from unevenly filled fuel tanks. |
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Friday 11/4 |
6:45pm, observed a large sea lion on the swim step of the Fireboat. Officers carefully and legally convinced the mammal off the boat and into the water. |
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Sunday 11/6 |
4:10pm, dispatched to a fall victim in Harbor Town Point timeshare. Officers responded by foot and assessed then performed first aid on a lacerated hand. |
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Monday 11/7 |
5:40am, observed National Weather service issued Small Craft Advisory for winds, officers raised warning pennant at the Port District.
9:41pm, dispatched to a medical alarm alert in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded, found patient on the floor requesting a lift assist, no injuries were sustained. Lifted the patient onto her bed, cancelled responding units. |
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Tuesday 11/8 |
10:20am, dispatched to an unresponsive diver aboard an inbound dive boat. Officers responded in the fireboat but unfortunately responders were unable to resuscitate the 50 y/o male who was diving off Santa Cruz Island.
2:00pm, observing heavy rain fall and strong Southerly winds most of the day. |
City approves applicants for commercial cannabis business permits
Cannabis stores are clean professionally designed retail businesses.
The Ventura City Manager Alex D. McIntyre selected the finalists for the City’s first round of commercial cannabis permits. The three retail businesses that have been conditionally awarded permits are Responsible and Compliant Retail Ventura, located at 1890 East Main Street; TAT Ventura, located at 2835 E Main Street; and ZASA, located at 4591 Market Street. The only industrial applicant in the process has been awarded to Ventura’s Finest, located at 3037 Golf Course Drive.
“The City embarked on an extensive evaluation process that included feedback from an outside consulting group, staff, and community members. All applications were carefully reviewed to allow for responsible commercial business operations in our community,” said City Manager Alex D. McIntyre. “This is an extremely regulated area. These businesses were selected because they provided thorough neighborhood compatibility, security, and safety plans. They also demonstrated a strong desire to be responsible partners that would invest in community groups and local organizations.”
Once operating, all cannabis businesses are subject to regular inspections, audits, and monitoring. City staff, the Ventura Police Department, and State regulators will collaborate to safeguard the community and ensure all local and state requirements are met. All cannabis retailers must check IDs and ensure customers are 21 years of age or older (18 or over if a medical patient). Cannabis businesses must be at least 600 feet from an elementary, middle, or high school. Permits are renewed annually and can be revoked if a business does not conform to the terms of its permit or comply with the City’s ordinance.
In November 2020, voters approved a ballot measure for the taxation of cannabis in the City of Ventura. City Council approved an ordinance on February 24, 2021, and authorized the City Manager to initially grant up to five retail storefront or non-storefront cannabis permits and 10 industrial permits.
The City’s rigorous, merit-based application process opened in August 2021 with 25 retail and one distribution applications. In April 2022, nine finalists were selected by City staff and an outside consulting group using combined criteria of business ownership, neighborhood compatibility, community benefits, investment plans, and proposed locations, among other criteria. The finalists participated in a public meeting in July 2022, where community members shared input on applicants and the proposed locations.
Three of the five retail cannabis permits were included in the City’s first round of applications. The other two retail permits will open after the California Coastal Commission decides if cannabis businesses will also be permitted to operate in the City’s Coastal Zone. The final two retail permits will be considered Citywide and not limited to the Coastal Zone.
Cannabis businesses are expected to generate between $600,000 to $700,000 in revenue to fund City services in the first full year of operation by June 30, 2024.
For more information on the City’s cannabis regulations or the application process, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Cannabis.
Ventura’s Golden Age of Surfing: 1960-2022
Bill Hubina has long been a fixture in the Ventura surf community. Photo by Cecilia Ortiz @thepixelchick
by Amy Brown
In the 1960s, surfing was still in its relative infancy along the California coast. The ‘Sport of Kings’ started in ancient Polynesia, and had a surge of U.S. mainstream popularity in the Post-Vietnam war, as it gravitated from Waikiki to Malibu. The next few years were referred to as the Golden Age of surfing, as surfing gained momentum, media visibility and exponentially evolved. Meanwhile, Ventura was blossoming with its peeling point, reef and beach breaks and a small but seriously stoked cadre of enthusiasts was putting the sport and the city on the map.
One of them was Bill “Blinky” Hubina, now owner of Ventura Surf Shop, who was recently inducted into the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame. He moved to Ventura in 1961 to attend Ventura College, but his academic fervor quickly gave way to following his real passion on the waves. “It was the very beginning back then, there were probably only ten major surf shops on the whole California coast at that time, “ he said. “With the boom of the Golden Age, Ventura soon had a major surfboard business on Callens Road, Ventura International Plastics, that made mass production surfboards sold all across the country.”
Hubina and his friends didn’t have wetsuits in the 1960s, and while there were not yet a lot of surfers, when they came they were welcomed. “Mile for mile, we have more surf here than any other place on the coast,” said Hubina. Around that time he created what he calls the first short board in Ventura—by accident. “I was broke, and wanted a new board but didn’t have enough money. I was doing repairs and had a blank that I’d sawed the nose off to repair and then sawed the tail off to put on another board. I made a shorter longboard that was 7’11 that I took to C Street and was amazed at how it surfed; all my friends wanted to ride it. That started my career of making short boards.”
For many, surfing is legacy passed down in the family, like Bobby Biggerstaff, who grew up surfing in Hueneme with his dad, who learned from his father. Biggerstaff is now a shaper for Fletcher Chouinard, a surf division of Patagonia, but started making boards in the garage with his father. “It started because of my dad, and because boards are so expensive. My dad has a DIY mentality,” said Biggerstaff. “You don’t have to have a pro’s name on a board to make you surf better.” He says his family has seen the local surfing culture change and grow over the years. “Back when my dad was young, the Strand was super local spot. You kind of had to be more respectful in the water and more aware. Now it’s a bit more of a free for all.” He suggests that if someone is just learning to surf, it’s a good idea to hire someone to show them the ropes and learn safety rules and etiquette. “Surfing is for everyone. No matter where you’re from, your skin color, how you identify, there’s a place for you in surfing. You need to know the rules of the road—it’s kind of like driving a car, if you’re out of your lane or cutting people off, you can seriously hurt someone. It’s important to learn the right way.”
Learning the right way is a legacy that can come from strangers in the lineup and can grow to include ocean literacy and social responsibility, according to Nancy Cairns. She been surfing in Ventura for 20 years, and remains grateful for the folks that were willing to help her learn. She joined local groups that focus on surfing and environmental and social responsibility. “That’s really grown in Ventura’s culture of surfing, activism around surfing is about maintaining and preserving our environment. I’m really impressed with the younger generation that are activists, protecting our environment and wanting to engage people with disabilities and get them connected with surfing, with something that will change their lives.”
4th Annual Witches Paddle
Photos by Patricia Schallert
On October 28, a large group of Ventura witches paddled out on the 4th Annual Witches Paddle in the Ventura Harbor! Anyone with a witch hat, a pair of striped socks, a cape and a paddle board or kayak joined in on the fun event. It also included a few warlocks.
Most witches were on paddle boards, but kayaks were also represented and a large pumpkin.
California’s 24th Congressional District’s candidate Salud Carbajal
Salud immigrated from Mexico to Arizona with his family at 5 years old.
by Ross Williams
Salud Carbajal is currently running for reelection to Congress for the Central Coast, California’s 24th district. With a busy schedule and the election right around the corner Mr Carbajal has a lot on his plate and while pressed for time, Salud was able to answer questions with the poise of a polished politician but with a rhythm and cadence similar to that of a fighter finding his rhythm on a speed bag.
Salud immigrated from Mexico to Arizona with his family at 5 years old and is the youngest of 7. His father worked as a miner in Arizona and moved the family to Ventura County after the Mine closed down. From there he found work in the fields of Oxnard, and many summers Salud would work alongside his father. Here Salud experienced the hard work and sacrifice of his parents firsthand.
Salud attended UCSB where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and joined the Marine Corps Reserves. He is married to wife Gina and has two children, a daughter and a son.
Currently finishing his third term in Congress, Salud states that he has always had a deep appreciation of public service. From serving in the Marine Corp Reserves to protecting our democracy and our freedoms, he believes in stepping up and improving the lives of the people around him. Whether it’s healthcare for children, improving our roads and bridges, improving our healthcare system or child care and housing opportunities, he’s proud of this track record and will continue his work on this path.
How do you make your accomplishments come to fruition? How do you work with organizations and groups to make those things happen?
“Firstly, while still in local government, we passed one of the most significant health initiatives to insure children as the central coast had one of the highest rates of uninsured children. I find opportunities to work across the aisle. When you consider that right now the most pressing issue is rising costs to families; whether it be gas, child care, groceries and housing. Addressing these issues as well as drought and water security issues and fire. We can find ways to work together. “
“I proudly stand behind the work I’ve done in upholding our fundamental rights. For women to have access to abortion and reproductive healthcare, making sure ‘They’ are making the decisions over their own bodies. And the rights of the LGBTQ community, making sure they are afforded the same rights as every other resident and citizen of our country. And of course voter rights.”
For your constituents, what do you think is their current version of the American Dream?
“I think it’s the ability to put food on the table, to provide a roof over your head, to be able to pay rent or a mortgage. To provide accessible and quality child care, pay reasonable prices for gas, have good and affordable quality health care, good jobs, economic opportunities and be able to pursue a higher education. That is the American Dream. That everybody can thrive and live up to their potential and be productive citizens.
Addressing the challenges that we face like climate change, drought and fires and water security is vital. I think those are important, but the first is dealing with everyday essentials; hierarchy of needs, food, housing, health care.”
Going into the election, how are you feeling?
“I feel good. I feel I’ve worked hard. I’ve been a good listener. I’ve been accessible. I have a track record of delivering for the Central Coast and I’ve been able to promote the values and priorities of my constituents and that is reflected upon in the accomplishments that I’ve been able to achieve and the investments that I’ve been able to bring. I feel hopeful that the residents of the central coast will again vote for me to continue representing them in Washington, and continue delivering on the issues that are important for the Central Coast.”
Twelve candidates running for fours seats in the Ventura City Council election
by Richard Lieberman
Candidates will compete for four seats on the city council in districts 1,4,5, and 6 for the November 8th election cycle.
Alyona Brody, Liz Campos, Marco Cuevas, and Helen Eloyan, are the candidates in District 1. Incumbent mayor Sophia Rubaclava has declined to run. Candidate Jim Rundle and incumbent Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios will compete in District 4.
Marie Lakin and Bill McReynolds will face off in District 5. Current councilmember Jim Friedman is not running.
In the District 6 race, incumbent Lorrie Brown is challenged by Jim Duran, Danny Carrillo, and Steph Karba.
The Breeze has given a forum for the candidates to answer questions based on reader feedback. We were able to interview 10 of the 12.
Marco Cuevas
Age: 24 Occupation: Assistant Vice President
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in business and economics.
What ideas do you have to address the problem of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
“The same issues I ran on 4 years ago are the same issues today. Seems like they are the same issues today, they seem like the same issues I have seen in my entire life, Homelessness, infrastructure, and the economy. My background is in economics and business. It is a matter of incentive. We have to make sure we have affordable units. We have to work with those people who are building housing in the city. Section 8 and other such programs. We need workforce housing. Teachers as an example, if we could supply teachers with affordable housing in properties the city or school district owns it would be just one example of a step toward affordable housing. With over 70% of the five hundred homeless residents in Ventura unsheltered, we should increase the capacity to shelter these individuals. There is no one blanket solution Looking at the ARCH shelter there are two more floors that can be built out. Using existing buildings before we try and build new buildings would be a start.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
We need infrastructure to attract businesses to Ventura. For example, we need better internet services we need to make our city attractive to have businesses come. We also need to have the highest quality infrastructure. This means having well paved roads, safe walkable sidewalks, and brighter lighting. Many companies are increasing their use of technology, so we need to make sure that we have broadband internet that can support this.
Liz Campos
Age 68Occupation: Retired Teacher
Education: Master’s Degree in English, bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in plant biology.
What ideas do you have to address the problem of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today? Immediately we need an inclusionary housing ordinance that is truly inclusionary not just use the ambiguous word affordable but require units for all income levels meaning low income, extremely low income, and extremely low income that means not to segregate put them all together and that will help solve part of the problem of homelessness. Put strong restrictions on rent increases even going lower than the state but still making sure property owners make enough to do what they need to do. Change the requirements that allow an owner to come in and buy a big property and say oh it needs major renovations and kick everyone out and also somehow work with people who make a business out of buying a house renting it to someone for 9-12 years and the minute the mortgage is paid off they kick them out and sell, then they buy another house cheap buy it low sell it high. There are lots of people living in boats and cars in Ventura who came through that situation hard working people who cannot find a house now because it is so expensive. There is also a need for immediate help. I know that the school district is working extremely hard to support families that are homeless there is a lot of children who are homeless in Ventura. Our rental costs are increasing and that is why I think we should put a cap on rentals. We need to encourage not discourage the building of ADU’s. We have a broken system, and it needs to be fixed.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
I think that over the last thirty years in government and in the media, there has been so much talk and competition about things like bring Amazon here I do not think that is the way Ventura will grow. Ventura needs to maintain a powerful focus on tourism and prepare for that, however we need to limit short-term vacation rentals, but we have a huge swath of our population unemployed a lot of the unsheltered people have great college educations, but they are not employed. So rather than attracting more businesses where the employees may have to live in Santa Paula and Oxnard and spend their money there, we need to start programs that train the population we have into high end jobs.
Helen Aloyan
Age: 27 Occupation: Environmental/landuse planner
Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science and resource management, master’s degree in public policy and administration.
What ideas do you have to address the problem of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
There are a lot of creative entities county wide that can help cut the cost. Also having a one stop shop program so it would be working with Westside community development corporation. Come to us we take care of the management of the whole entire project. Housing and homelessness issues require a collaborative approach to be effective and the following options are a good start:
- Facilitate lower-density housing solutions like accessory dwelling units, that is, that are reduced in size but offer communal living areas.
- Offer a “one-stop-shop “development program for property owners who are interested in developing ADUs in exchange for long term affordability.
- A multi-disciplinary approach to homelessness that incorporates supportive services at each touch point with unsheltered individuals.
- A Tailored approach to meet each unhoused individual’s needs, whether it be mental health services or addiction counseling.
- Transportation options to return individuals home after they are discharged from the county jail or hospital.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city
I intend to create an incubator zone within District 1 to foster the development of a highly skilled workforce and supply local job opportunities for residents. I believe we can leverage the creative and entrepreneurial nature of our community to create more job opportunities that offer higher pay. For example, the development of a vocational school specializing in healthcare, construction trades, culinary arts, business management, etc. would inherently diversify and create a highly skilled workforce that can directly contribute to our local economy. This setting would be attractive for the development of new local businesses and would give residents a chance to pursue their desired employment opportunities.
Jim Rundle
Age:55 Occupation: Emergency medical technician. Education: Bachelor’s degree in history.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
The homeless issue is of great concern and we as the City Council, and me specifically, need to look to having a closer relationship with the organizations who are already addressing this issue such as Ventura Social Services Task Force and Homes for All. I would like to have a close relationship with these organizations and look for ways to continue the work they are already doing as well ask work together to see how we can go forward to address the homeless problem even further and find solutions to their problems, not just band-aids.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
Ventura has a lot of higher paying jobs already. We have many jobs in the government center as well as through our hospitals and health care systems. I do not know that attracting more high-paying jobs is the problem. I would like to focus more on retaining our small businesses and addressing the needs of our local businesses that are already a part of our community. There are many fees that these businesses pay that are pure government overreach and need to be addressed such as the fee charged just to hang a sign up at a place of business. We should be working with these businesses to encourage their growth and opportunity, not making it harder for them to even exist.
The city council first has to look at expanding roads and to be honest get rid of bike lanes. I am not in favor of taking away traffic lanes for bike lanes I am never going to favor that. You do not see thousands of bikers on our roads. To be honest they are not safe riding next to 4-6 10,000-pound vehicles.
Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
Age:48 Occupation Councilwoman District Director for state lawmaker. Education: Bachelor’s degree in women’s studies with a minor in political science, master’s degree in public administration and enrolled in educational leadership doctoral program.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
One of the options we do have is we can purchase land and sell the land for dollars where affordable housing developers can come in and build affordable housing which is something the city has not done. At the end of the day, we have to provide all income levels Its about equity making sure everyone who works here has a place to live. As a whole we can start to look at some of those projects where having a workable relationship with developers is so important. Homeless challenges will not be solved overnight. Strengthening partnerships with public housing agencies, private partners and non-profits can help produce a collaborative solution. Also allowing for denser development in compatible areas for affordable and mixed-income housing developments.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
We need to be responsive to businesses when they want to come to Ventura, the city has to be welcoming. We need to say how can we work together what do we bring to the table see how they will fit in our city. One way of attracting businesses to the city is to be responsive to businesses when they want to come to Ventura. Recently, the council voted to further streamline our building permit review process by cutting down on outside contractors by using three firms rather than a multitude of contractors. This allows for cohesion, efficiency, and improved customer service. The city must continue supporting start-up businesses as well as major corporations by providing resources that help start, retain, or grow businesses in Ventura. Working with the chamber, visitor’s bureau, and other community groups to collaborate on attracting businesses to Ventura is also fundamental.
Marie Lakin District 5
Age: 62 Occupation: Non-Profit president. Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication with an emphasis in public relations.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
Much of the housing we are currently building in Ventura is market rate and expensive. We are in need of affordable and workforce housing for the families who work in this community. Ventura should look at an inclusionary housing policy which mandates a portion of every new rental project include affordable units or an in-lieu fee paid to build it elsewhere. The city should prioritize partnering with the county on permanent supportive housing efforts such as building out the floors above the ARCH shelter. Project Room key, which currently houses 198 people in local motels, is set to expire soon. A replacement or extension of this program must happen.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
People and companies can now choose to locate wherever they want. Those with choices want Ventura’s lifestyle. We need to invest in what people already love about this city — the beach, open space, downtown, neighborhood centers and parks. We are not doing enough of that.
New businesses want certainty and timeliness when opening new facilities. Our community development department suffers from staff shortages and tech problems. We need to do better.
Bill McReynolds
Age:51 Occupation: Residential Builder. Education Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
To ensure the creation of affordable housing, Ventura needs to update its inclusionary (affordable) housing ordinance to include rental units. That update will lead to the creation of low-income housing where the demand exists the most. The council needs to advocate to our state legislators for the creation of a dedicated affordable housing funding source, which we have not had since 2011. The opening of the ARCH emergency shelter in Ventura was a step in addressing homelessness. We need to continue working with our public and private partners to expand the social services offered at the ARCH, while continuing to expand the patrol task force, the frontline police officers that are addressing vagrancy.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
As we enter a post-COVID world, finding a sense of community in a potential location has become more important to businesses as they look to relocate or start-up. This is one of Ventura’s strengths. Ventura needs to market this strength to the business community. That marketing effort must include the story of Ventura’s most successful start-up Trade Desk. Trade Desk started in Ventura for this reason and has committed to remain in Ventura because of the community here. We need to assist Trade Desk in starting construction on its headquarters in Ventura, as this will add to our community and create an energy that will attract other businesses with high-paying jobs.
Lorrie Brown
Age: 51 Occupation Government service Education: Master’s degree in public policy and administration.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
I plan to continue being an unapologetic advocate for affordable housing on the dais, in committee and through policy.
I have already done many things in these three positions as chair of General Plan Advisory Committee, delegate to the Southern California Association of Governments and as former chair of the Housing Opportunities, Proactive Engagement, and Solutions committee. It has been my intent to make sure the opportunity for affordable housing alternatives were seriously considered and discussed while furthering the idea that housing is needed for our residents, our workers, our seniors, and our children. I will continue this fight.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
Ventura is attractive because of all it has to offer. Moving into the future, it would be beneficial to partner with the county for workforce investment initiatives, promote local hiring, support skilled apprenticeships, advocate for healthcare requirements to keep our workers healthy and continue to support our vibrant small business community. Many industries in this county are faltering because skilled employees turn down lucrative job offers after discovering they are unable to find a place they can afford. Continuing the fight for housing affordability for starter families, graduates coming out of college and seniors on a fixed income is integral in sustaining a strong workforce.
Danny Carrillo
Age: 61 Occupation: Regional Director for local union, personnel commissioner for college district. Education: Associate degree in liberal studies, bachelor’s degree in business administration.
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
We need to make sure the builders are in fact providing new housing that fits in to the affordability range where local workers and residents have an opportunity to live where they work. In lieu fees should not always be accepted as a way out for developers to only build high-end homes here. There are many programs, both in this State and throughout the country, where we do not have to reinvent the wheel to help our homelessness problem. This problem did not happen overnight, and a remedy will not be produced overnight either. We have to look at the three components that exists in addressing this problem. Number one is the law; number two is the mental health of those who choose to remain in the streets and number three is making sure we have enough workers and professionals who deal in case management today and have been.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
There are opportunities to continue teaching a better green environment to not only our students who will be learning these programs but to our communities as well. Continuing to explore uses of solar, wind, the ocean and other technological fields will help attract not only green jobs but higher paying jobs. Working with our local school districts and community and university colleges will help to fill up that pipeline for generations to come.
Jim Duran
Age: 61 Occupation: Pastor, executive director of a nonprofit. Education: Associates degree in biblical studies, bachelor’s degree in ministry, master’s degree in theology
What ideas do you have to address the problems of housing affordability and homeless issues facing Ventura today?
Homelessness comes in all shapes and sizes, and we cannot implement a one size fits all to solve this problem. We have some amazing programs, and I plan to continue to support those programs that are making a difference. We need to deal with the top two reasons for homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction.
With respect to affordable housing, I will support our inclusionary housing plan. I will also work with my colleagues in developing a plan for workforce housing. I recommend that our state money set aside for homelessness be used for affordable housing. If more affordable housing is not built, our homelessness challenge will only increase.
What do you intend to do about attracting high paying jobs to the city?
In order to attract more higher-paying jobs, we need to attract the companies paying these wages. I am a lifelong resident of Ventura, and I have had the opportunity to manage, own and operate several businesses in our city. I am committed to supporting a strong local economy to ensure we have the money to pay for the things we need.
I will work hard at decreasing obstacles in our current process that keep businesses from opening and prospering. I believe we need to treat every business as a customer and do what we can to help them succeed. Because when businesses prosper, so does our city.
Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 – Mailbox
Sheldon
Thank you for all you have done. We gained a number of new members thanks to the info in The Breeze. I love the Breeze and I think you do a bang up job.
Lauraine Effress BCNN
Breeze:
Several years ago, I met Sheldon Brown and was invited to write for the Ventura Breeze. It’s been a wonderful experience to be a part of our hometown paper. Now, I have finally published my first book Off the Chart: A Nurse’s Journey of Heart and Humor. It’s a memoir of my nursing career here in Ventura; but along with my own stories, I share the stories of some very remarkable co-workers and patients that I’ve met along the way. In fact, it was their stories that drove me to write this book. In the world of nursing, they say if it wasn’t charted (documented) it wasn’t done. These are the stories behind the scenes in healthcare; the ones you’ll never read in a nurse’s notes. The book is not intended to be limited to the medical community; there’s information that should interest everyone from eighteen to eighty-eight! And of course, you can’t write a book about healthcare during a pandemic and not talk about that too.
Available at barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com
I’ve also created a website/blog for nurses to share their off-the-chart stories at nursingoffthechart.com
I’ve done 99 articles for the Ventura Breeze, and (if he’ll still have me), I plan to make number 100 something super special!
Jennifer Tipton
Hi Sheldon
I had a brother who was a quadriplegic in the 80’s and we worked hard developing handicap parking in California along with several paralyzed associations. It was always designed to help people who couldn’t walk. Today, it seems every Dr is willing to issue these plaques if someone has a pimple on their butt. I’m sick of these so called handicap people parking in spaces where real disabled people who can’t walk have their space stolen by one of these “entitled” people park.
Today topped it all. I saw a Harley (2 wheeled) parked in a handicap zone at a restaurant where there was plenty of spots available right next to the spot. I would love to know what others feel about this situation as it has to stop.
Leon Rousso
William Greenberg
What is so funny about triangle shaped bike wheels?
Larry Chiro
Larry:
You will need to Google Pythagoras to figure it out so I won’t tell you.
William
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
~ Plato, ancient Greek Philosopher
Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 – A View from House Seats
Ryan Reyes (far left) and the company of the Rubicon Theatre Company production of In the Heights.
by Shirley Lorraine
Musical Highlights Life in a Barrio
Rubicon Theatre Company’s current production of Lin-Manual Miranda’s In the Heights is an absolute must-see. The fast-paced operetta is packed with non-stop action, tight, acrobatic dancing and engaging characters.
A multi-leveled challenging production to mount, the quality of this Rubicon offering is as high as any Broadway show. From the opening notes to the end, the production offers an upbeat picture of the stark realities of life in a depressed neighborhood, struggles to maintain dignity and overcome pitfalls as well as the enduring positivity of relationships, hope and redemption.
Usavi (Ryan Reyes) runs a small bodega in Washington Heights. Along his street are a beauty salon, a car service and residences of long standing. All the businesses are barely getting by, but the joy of the residents pervades the neighborhood. There are romances, ongoing dilemmas, humor and a few surprises laced throughout. Author Miranda has drawn on his own background to create a world foreign to many of us Californians. However, there is universality in the situations portrayed that embrace and touch everyone in some way.
Although a good deal of the dialogue and lyrics are in a mixture of what the play refers to as Puerto-Rican Spanish and Dominican Spanish, it not difficult to ascertain the meanings involved. The panoply of emotions run deep and are clearly conveyed.
There are many strong voices in this large cast, most beautifully heard when the orchestra allows the vocalists to shine in quieter moments. The rapid pace of the lyrics is a marvel to hear as the actors barrel forward without missing a single beat or step. I could not catch some of the lyrics due to the pace, but the meanings were clear throughout. The lead character, Usavi, embodied by Ryan Reyes, is simply mesmerizing as he weaves the story thread along.
This is a production I could see multiple times and each time see something different as a focal point. Each character is singularly well defined yet universal. Standout performances are given across the board from the smallest ensemble role to the leads.
Bringing extremely strong characterizations to the story are Laura Lebron, Corinne Miller, Jalon Matthews, Luis-Pablo Garcia, Danny Bolero, Laura Castrillon, Susan Oliveras, Suzanna Guzman, Jeffrey Nunez, Yan Carlos Diaz and Mariana Herrera Juri. Their stories are complex, completing the neighborhood’s saga.
Director/Choreographer Luis Salgado has brought his considerable talents to our community by which we are enriched beyond measure. Salgado was Assistant Choreographer for the Tony-Award winning In the Heights on Broadway and Director/Choreographer for a production of same in Washington, D.C. for which he garnered several awards. The use of the entire cast as enhancing movement background on multiple levels of the impressive street setting is fresh and exciting.
Rubicon Theatre has presented outstanding, challenging productions that have benefitted our community for 25 years. This production of In the Heights ranks right up there towards the top.
In the Heights runs through November 13 with many afternoon and evening options to choose from. www.rubicontheatre.org. Get tickets before they are sold out.