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Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

There are a number of special events lined up during the next two weeks, and of course you’ll also want to map out your Halloween plans, I’m finding a number of venues are celebrating on the days leading up to the big night. If you go to the VenturaRocks.com calendar page, you can search “Halloween” and see what I’ve found out so far. I’ll give more details in the next issue of the Breeze.

Let’s start with Boccali’s in Ojai and their Boots & Bluegrass special event featuring live music from Drea & Kellen Van Allen. This ticketed event includes a family-style Italian dinner, non-alcoholic beverage (wine & wine available for sale though), and live entertainment on Thursday, October 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 in the evening. Ticket information can be found on the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds this year over the weekend of October 8 and 9th with live music from the Angry Brians, Sligo Rags, Browne Sisters, George Cavanaugh and the Ploughboys. This Scottish themed event is family friendly and includes such competitions as bagpipping & drumming, drum majoring, fiddling, highland dancing, and heavy athletics. Tickets can be found at SeasideHighlandGames.org.

Saturday, October 8 is also the return of Surf ‘n’ Suds. This ticketed event features rows of vendors and with lots of alcohol samplings, and this year a mega sized beer pong competition. They’re back at their San Buenaventura State Beach location (entrance at San Pedro Street). The last time I went, I visited one of their vendors selling a unique wine opening device, and I ended up on a commercial which aired on several social media platforms, so you know, you too might can become a star 😊. Live musical entertainment will feature the Free Love Project, KingQueen Band and DJ FIU. For ticket information, go to SurfBeerFest.com.

Surfer’s Point Live hosts Boots & Brews (yes this is the second one in the past few months), and it falls on a Friday, October 14, staring Tim McGraw, Michael Ray and Bailey Zimmerman. So get off early from work, pull on your country boots and head over to the Ventura County Fairgrounds when the gates open at 3 pm, grab a cold one and enjoy some of the best country music around! Secure your tickets at BootsAndBrews.com.

The Brite Room located at Music Freqs, at 2258 Pickwick Drive in Camarillo offers an all-ages live music venue with bands of all genres available to the under 21 crowd. You most likely will remember this is the space formerly known as Rock City Studios. Kudos for taking a chance, and making a safe place for kids to take in live shows. I’m hoping to share more of their listings in the future. Currently I have Feed the Beast, Disrupted Euphoria and Black Moon Lilith on Friday, October 7, and Ottto, Noah Weiland and Akila Fly on Saturday, October 8. Tickets are available via EventBrite.

Ojai Valley Day is Saturday, October 15 with lots of vendors, arts, activities and live music from 10 in the morning until 6 pm. I understand they’ll have two stages one of which is the Gazebo, and the other the Libbey Bowl where Abba Dabba Doo! (Abba tribute) plays at about 3 pm followed up by Spencer the Gardener, both of which are free to the public.

New shows on sale:

Ojai Underground:
Jamie Drake on October 15
Expandards on October 21
Perla Batalla on November 11 & 12

Ventura Music Hall
The Aquadolls, Sitting on Stacy & Strange Case on October 21
La Santa Cecilia on November 1
Sammy Johnson on November 3
Long Beach Dub Allstars on December 3
Zoso, the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute on January 14, 2023

Ventura Theater
GlorRilla on January 14, 2023

Quick Notes: The Twist is switching hands early this month, current owner Teri doesn’t anticipate any major changes with the live music you’ve come to know and love; It’s a Flashback 90s night at Poseidon Brewings with Vinny Berry on Friday, October 7; Numbskull Productions present Dirty Rotten Imbeciles at Gigi’s on Tuesday, October 11; Cantara Winery is celebrating their anniversary on October 15 with Heart and Soul; and Rey Fresco will do an intimate performance at the Aqua Beachfront Bar located inside the Crown Plaza Hotel on Saturday, October 15.

By the time this issue rolls off the presses, The Fatty Vegan will have closed their doors for good. Sad times for you Vegans out there, but we’re much appreciative of all the live bands you brought to town. Best wishes for your family’s future.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Mailbox

Letter to the Editor

The United Water Conservation District plays an important role in managing sustainable water supplies in Ventura County. Mohammed Hasan serves on the Board of Directors for District 3 representing the Ventura area and is on the ballot for re-election in November. He has been an effective voice on United’s board.

I have known Mohammed for more than 30 years and am well aware of his experience as a civil engineer and water system manager. He has designed water system improvements throughout the County and has been applying his considerable knowledge and experience to United. Besides engineering, his generous public service extends to social, environmental, and educational causes.

His engineering voice on the United board provides an important perspective for their planning and deliberations. Voters in Ventura have the opportunity to re-elect Mohammed Hasan to the United board in November, and should do so.

Phil White
105 Layton St
Ojai
805-804-7625

Dear Ventura,

All is not well in VUSD. Ventura Unified faces a swath of teachers and staff angry at an unfair and dishonorable contract offer.

Responding to students’ needs, teachers and school staff have thrown themselves into the social and emotional well-being of Ventura’s young. They have been mentor and counselor to students, an open ear and heart in the face of fire, pandemic, economic inflation, increasing anxiety, social instability and academic recovery. They have worked overtime, online, in person, facing the perils of infection, the fragility of vulnerable students, and the discontent of society at large. The district has failed to treat teachers and school staff with the level of care that teachers and staff have shown students.

Do not believe VUSD’s Facebook posts, intended to paint a picture that all is well. Had the district turned the camera on August 23rd, their post lauding VUSD’s “Celebrate” rally would have painted a different picture: teachers and school staff, dressed in red, carrying signs and banners, chanting and proclaiming their outrage and disappointment at the district’s failure to honor, appreciate, and respect their work.

Speaker and student, Gino Caceres, understood the situation better than the district, ending his story of resilience by thanking teachers and staff for “taking care of us.” His success was their success. The value and the worth of teachers and school staff continue to fall on deaf ears as the district refuses to expedite negotiations for an expired contract.

Teachers and staff of VUSD ask parents and the community to stand up for their kids by standing by their teachers and school staff. Teachers and staff cannot continue to care for the academic, emotional and social needs of students while facing financial insecurity and emotional distress in their own lives.

Sébastien P. DeClerck
Vice President, Ventura Unified Education Association
Teacher, Pacific High School, Ventura

Editor note: We asked the VUSD to respond to this but they didn’t.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
~ Martin Luther King

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 9/14

 5:25am, dispatched to a fire alarm in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD, alarms were malfunctioning due to low battery.

9am-7pm, received multiple calls (20) concerning dead/sick or injured sea lions through out the harbor and the keys. Sea lions are dealt with by an agency called CIMWI (CI marine wildlife institute). If a sick/injured sea lion is observed, contact CIMWI at 805 567-1505 or fill out online report at CIMWI.org.

Friday 9/16

 4:44pm, dispatched to an aircraft down at Marina Park. Officers responded with multiple agencies to the call. 3 persons were aboard, no injuries sustained. The plane landed on the beach and eventually ended up on the Greenock jetty.

Saturday 9/17

 6:15am, received request to open locked restrooms at the launch ramp from VPD. Officers assisted and VPD arrested an individual for warrants..

11:10am, assisting with a memorial paddle out for Firefighter Clapsaddle at Harbor Cove. Later, officers assisted with Coach Barrette paddle out at the Pier.

Monday 9/19

 9:10am, officers retrieved/trailored rescue boat on loan from City of Oxnard to return it. Much thanks to the city for loaning their vessel.

Tuesday 9/20

 12:00pm, received report of an aggressive sea lion attacking kayakers in the keys. Officers responded in Fireboat 1, but were unable to locate the mammal or kayakers in the area described.

 

 

 

Wednes 9/21

 3:20am, received a report of a dead sealion near the Portside marina rip rap. Officers advised they would investigate during daylight hours.

11:33am, received report of a vessel adrift in the keys. Officers responded in Fireboat, were able to tow the vessel back to its dilapidated dock in the keys.

Thursday 9/22

 7:31am, officers received request to standby at the launch ramp restrooms while VPD arrests transients residing there. Several arrested for outstanding warrants.

Friday 9/23

 7:25pm, received a request to jumpstart a vehicle disabled on Spinnaker Drive. Officers attempted several times, but unfortunately were unable to help.

Saturday 9/24

 1:40pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, observed to skin divers attempting to cross the Pierpont Basin. Officers contacted and educated about no diving or swimming in the Harbor ordinance. The pair returned to Marina Park Dock.

9:15pm, contacted by a family with a disabled recreational vehicle in the village. Officers attempted to jumpstart the RV, but were unsuccessful. Transported the family to the 4points Sheridan were they were staying. Vehicle was towed away

Sunday 9/25

 7:30am, officers opened gate at the end of Spinnaker for NSSA contest parking.

2:55pm, observed a small sailboat with 2 POB having difficulty. Officers responded in Rescue B19 to assist. After several attempts to right the sailboat, officers assisted with lowering the sails and took the vessel en tow to the L/R.

4:20pm, received report of a disabled electric boat. Officers responded in the Fireboat, towed the vessel to the Dreamer Rental dock and released.

4:47pm, received report of an unconscious person in a vehicle near 1575 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and found the patient, she was intoxicated. Her husband arrived on scene and she was released to him. No medical.

Monday 9/26

 5:40am, observed NWS issued a Small Craft Advisory, raised warning pennant.

12:35pm, gave permission to commercial fishermen to store lobster traps at the launch ramp while they prepare for lobster season that began October 1st at 6am.

 

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Ojai News & Events

Ojai ACT approaches election season with Walter Cronkite is Dead, a play about conversation and understanding in politically and culturally divided times. The play runs three weekends only, through October 16.

Written by multi-award-winning playwright Joe Calarco, Walter Cronkite is Dead stars Sindy McKay and Jill Dolan as Patty and Margaret—two strangers forced together for a long night in a public place.

Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. General admission is $20, $18 for students and seniors, and $15 for Art Center members. For Ticket information and group sales call 805-640-8797.

Local author Chip Fraser will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, October 8, 2022, to speak about his books Philosophy of a Dashboard Saint and Looking for Emerald City. This talk will center on being kind and doing good—two concepts we can never have enough of.

California State University Channel Islands Assistant Professor of Art Simon Quiroz will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022, to deliver a talk titled “Coloring Motion Pictures.” This program is part of the CSUCI Library Lecture Series, presented in collaboration with the Ventura County Library.

Along with this talk, two additional Library Lecture Series programs are scheduled for the coming weeks. Colleen Delaney, Ph.D., will deliver a talk titled “Chumash Presence Past and Present” at the Hill Road Library (1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura) at 11:30am on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Finally, Rainer F. Buschmann, Ph.D., will deliver a talk titled “Primitive Art in Civilized Places” at the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Chamber On The Mountain, a chamber music concert series in presents Anita Graef, Cellist with Louise Chan, Pianist, on Sunday, October 16, 2022, 3:00 pm at Logan House (located at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai). Tickets $30.00 at www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com. Audience members are invited to meet the artists at a lovely outdoor patio reception following the performance.

The show is all music, all the time, with very little dialogue in the evening. “The songs are outstanding and so well-known that they need no introduction,” Camp said. “The song list is lengthy, including such favorites as “Nothing Like a Dame,” “I Can’t Say No,” “My Favorite Things,” “Cockeyed Optimist,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “If I Loved You,” and many more.

“I wanted OPAT to produce a show that celebrates these two giants of musical theater while making us feel glad to be back attending live performances after the pandemic,” said Joan Kemper, Executive Producer at OPAT. Tickets are available soon at www.ojaitheater.org. Prices are $30 for seniors and students and $40 for general admission—telephone orders at 805-640-5814.

After a summer break, walking tours of historic Ojai resume on October 22. Put on your comfortable shoes, bring a friend or family member, and enjoy learning about Ojai as you walk around town.

The Ojai Valley Museum offers walking tours at 10:30 am every Saturday. The 90-minute tours are interesting and informative. Trained docents share stories about the people, places, events, and architecture that shaped Ojai.

Walking Tours of Historic Ojai start at the Ojai Valley Museum. They are offered year-round (except during Ojai’s hottest months). Tickets are $10 per adult, $25 per family, children 6-17 and OVM members are $5 and include admission to the museum all day.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, off Blanche Street. The Museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, call the Museum at (805) 640-1390, ext. 201, email [email protected] or visit the museum website at OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – 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.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On September 9, at 5:00 am, a resident on Ayala St called the Ventura Police Command Center and said that someone had just broken into their residence, and he was following the suspect as she was walking away.

Responding officers arrived on scene within four minutes and located the suspect a short distance from the residence.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspect, 32-year-old Ryan Flores, had made entry into the residence through an unlocked front door while the residents were asleep. The residents were awakened from the commotion inside the house and went downstairs. Flores had taken the keys to the residents’ car and was attempting to steal the car from the driveway when the resident confronted her.

Flores fled on foot and was apprehended a short while later.

Flores was booked into Ventura County Jail on charges of residential burglary, attempted vehicle theft, and possession of narcotics.

Vehicle Burglary and Possession of a Firearm Arrest

On Oct.3, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call of a subject, later identified as Seth Gibson (24-years-old, Ventura Resident) tampering with a vehicle. The caller confronted Gibson but left when he saw that Gibson was holding a gun in his hand. Patrol officers responded to the location and found Gibson inside the vehicle. Investigation revealed he was in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and had burglarized the vehicle.

Gibson was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for vehicle burglary and several gun-related charges including possession of a concealed firearm, possession of an undetectable firearm (AKA: “ghost gun”), and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Road, Ojai
Sun 10/16: Anita Graef w/ Louise Chan

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 10/7: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Tues 10/11: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 10/14: Epitome of Dreams
Sat 10/15: Déjà vu Two
Tues 10/18: Troy Edwards

Boccali’s
3277 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Thurs 10/6: Drea & Kellen Van Allen

Boots & Brews (take II)
Ventura Fairgrounds
Fri 10/14: Tim McGraw, Michael Ray & Bailey Zimmerman

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 10/7: Katey Shorey
Sat 10/8: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 10/14: Paulie Cerra
Sat 10/15: Heart & Soul

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

The Collection
2751 Park View Court, Oxnard
Rock the Collection
Wed 10/19: Bruno and the Hooligans

Copper Blues
The Collection, Oxnard
Fri 10/7: Bring on the Night
Sat 10/8: No Biggie
Fri 10/14: Jetlemons

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/14: Heart and Soul
Sun 10/16: Clear Sky Trio

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Tues 10/11: Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Boilerman

The Grape
2833 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Wed 10/5: Sean Riddle Quartet
Thurs 10/6: Karl Hunter (5 pm); Kavika G and Tyler Hammand (8 pm)
Fri 10/7: Fred Kaplan (5 pm); 6 Beats Apart
Sat 10/8: Fausto Cuevas y la Moderna (2 pm); WebBinney (8 pm)
Wed 10/12: Neil Elliott Dorval
Thurs 10/13: Tom Etchart & Friends (5 pm); The Urban Jazz Collective (8 pm)
Fri 10/14: Fred Kaplan (5 pm); Marina Pacowski Band (8 pm)
Sat 10/15: Barrelhouse Wailers

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Saturdays: The Cook Hand Ukes

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 10/7: Heart and Soul
Fri 10/14: Reign
Sat 10/15: The Balance

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 10/7: Mike Beers
Sat 10/8: Shakamon & Dread Kennedy
Sun 10/9: Jake Mclelland
Fri 10/14: Andrew Hart
Sat 10/15: Kimo Moya

Libbey Bowl
210 Signal St., Ojai
Thurs 10/6: Ben Harper
Sat 10/15: Abba Dabba Doo! (3 pm); Spencer the Gardener (5 pm)
Sun 10/16: Judy Collins and Sophie B. Hawkins

Madewest Brewing
1744 Donlon St., Ventura
Sat 10/8: Cap Quirk
Sat 10/15: Josh Nordgren

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 10/5: Apocalyptica Cell-O
Thurs 10/6: Lagwaggon, Strung Out, Sack
Sat 10/8: GWAR, Light the Torch, Crobot, Nekrogoblikon
Sun 10/9: The Front Bottoms
Wed 10/12: Testament

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Wed 10/5: Richard Weiss
Fri 10/7: Lisa Ritner
Sat 10/8: Tour Support
Wed 10/12: Robert Van
Fri 10/14: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 10/15: Doc Rogers Duo

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri & Sat 7-10 pm; Sun 5-8 pm
Fri 10/7: Urban Dread
Sat 10/8: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 10/9: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 10/14: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 10/15: Crosscut 805
Sun 10/16: Corsican Brothers

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Fri 10/14: Dogyear, Logan Campbell, Josh Cronin, Roberto Hermosillo, Aaron Burch

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl Street, Ojai
Sat 10/8: Jude Johnstone & Amilia K. Spicer
Thurs 10/13: Jackie Bristow & Jeff Young
Sat 10/15: Jamie Drake

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant Street, Ojai
Sat 10/8: The Silent Treatment
Fri 10/14: The Moondawgs

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 10/7: Operation 90s
Sat 10/8: Jetlemons
Sun 10/9: 8 Years Gone
Fri 10/14: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 10/15: Urban Soul
Sun 10/16: Smokey & Friends

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 10/7: Robot Uprising, 5th Street Saints Band

Seaside Highland Games
Ventura Fairgrounds
Sat & Sun 10/8-10/9: Ploughboys, Angry Brians, Sligo Rags, Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 10/7: Steve and Sally Williams
Sat 10/8: Sin Chonies

Strey Cellars
951 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sun 10/9: Crosscut 805
Fri 10/14: Whiskey Business

Surf ‘n’ Suds
San Buenaventura State Beach
Sat 10/8: Free Love Project, KingQueen Band, DJ FIU

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Wednesdays: Americana Night
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 10/7: Littlefish
Sat 10/8: Vinny Berry (2 pm); Vanise Terry Band (8 pm)
Sun 10/9: Déjà vu Too (12:30 pm); Mark Masson (5 pm
Fri 10/14: Sin Chonies
Sat 10/15: Steve & Sally Williams (2 pm)
Sun 10/16: Joe Delia (12:30 pm); Kenny Devoe (5 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednedays: Tribal Me

Ventura Harbor Village
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 10/8: Teresa Russell

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/5: Bad Suns
Thurs 10/6: Dirty Honey, Dorothy, Mac Saturn
Fri 10/7: Ocean Alley
Sat 10/8: the James Hunter Six
Thurs 10/13: Kabaka Pyramid, Jordant
Sat 10/15: LA Dispute, Sweet Pill & Pictoria Vark

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julia and Friends
Sundays: Austin Vallejo
Fri 10/7: TD Lind and the Aviators

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 10/7: LA Jazz Connection w/ Davey Miller
Sun 10/9: Pull the Trigger
Thurs 10/13: Brandon Ragan
Fri 10/14: Karyn 805
Sat 10/15: Crooked Eye Tommy
Sun 10/16: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Tues 10/18: Open mic with Jenna Rose

1901
740 S. B Street, Oxnard
Sat 10/8: Steve and Sally Williams

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 – Opinion/Editorial

∙ I have consistently asked readers to send comments explaining why they don’t agree with my comments in my pub letter. An exchange of ideas is the backbone of a democracy. It seems lately that an intellectual, logical discussion can’t be held between those who have different opinions. This is bad for our democracy and country and is slowly (maybe not so slowly) tearing us apart.

There was a time when we could all express ourselves and disagree in a mature adult manner. But, that started changing with social media because we can insult people we don’t even know with no repercussions. That has been greatly exacerbated because of Donald Trump (my opinion, let me hear yours). Just too much anger to have a civil conversation.

I do receive emails disagreeing with me, but they usually start out by stating, “You’re an idiot”, so I never publish them. I’m not an idiot for having my opinions and readers who have different opinion are certainly not idiots. Again, I’m happy to publish reader’s opinions that express ideas without name calling.

Rodney King said, “Can’t we all get along?” Can we… can we all get along – do you think it’s possible?

On September 24, a memorial service was held at Surfers Knoll for the most wonderful Breezy Gledhill. It was attended by family and few of the many people that loved this amazing lady. She will always be in our hearts.

∙ Incumbent City Council members Mayor Sofia Rubalcava and Jim Friedman have chosen not to run for another term. That means Districts 1 and 5 will have new representation. Two other current council members are also running in their districts which means we could potentially have 4 new members if they are not re-elected.

∙ After months of public demand for transparency, the Ventura City Council will consider a review of city officials’ travel and credit card expenditures.

The review and audit came after a City Council trip to Washington D.C. last year when 5 council members traveled to the National League of Cities Conference. The trip was not properly placed on an agenda and included discussions about city issues which was a violation of a state’s open meeting law (the open meeting law is the Ralph M. Brown Act, which requires legislative entities of local governments and agencies—for example, city councils and school boards— to conduct business in a way that enables the public to scrutinize government decision-making when there is a quorum present).

A majority, Mayor Sofia Rubalcava and Councilmembers Joe Schroeder, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Lorrie Brown and Doug Halter attended the conference with City Manager Alex McIntyre.

City Manager Alex McIntyre has apologized for giving the council bad advice about the trip (and its expenses) that led to the violation.

The Ventura City Council unanimously decided to hire an independent auditing firm to review meal and travel reimbursements, city credit card usage and other spending. The Finance Audit and Budget committee, which has three council members, will request proposals from auditing firms and return to the council within 60 days with options and a recommendation.

Mayor Sofia Rubalcava stated, “Public trust and fiscal responsibility are crucial to effective government and the goals of this audit. Policies are created to ensure that the use of public funds is transparent and appropriate. This audit is a citywide review of how we are doing at following safeguards, policies, and procedures.”

Some are calling for the resignation (or firing) of City Manager Alex D. McIntyre. I feel it is much too early to even discuss this. Let’s wait until the results of the report from the outside consultants. The city council hires and fires our city manager and city attorney.

∙ The City Council unanimously approved a new six-month program that will help Spanish–speaking residents better understand city council meetings. Kristian Nunez, a policy advocate for Central Coast Alliance Unified for a Sustainable Economy said the program will help Spanish speakers in places like the Westside or Montalvo who are left out because of language issues. “Even if families or individuals do not speak or give public comment, when they attend, they need to know and understand what’s going on and what’s talked about in their respective communities.”

∙ Apple Senior executive Tony Blevins has been fired after saying he fondles big xxxxxxxxxxxx women for a living (he thought he was being funny). Trump basically said the same thing and he was elected president. Does this mean being an Apple executive is more important than being president?

∙ Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws that would open up much of the state’s commercial land for residential development. It’s a long-sought victory for affordable housing advocates, who say such sites are ready-made for apartments because they are often near populated areas and come with ample parking.

Newsom stated, “This is a moment on a journey to reconcile the original sin of the state of California, and that’s the issue of housing and affordability. We need to all be a little bit more accountable to this crisis of affordability.”

Many local government officials say the laws (and other new state mandates regarding housing) undermine local authority and planning that better reflect community needs. Does this mean general plans need to be revised? Will there be new zone designations that allow residential living in commercial zones? Look forward to hearing from Ventura planning about this issue.

∙ The newly built veteran’s clinic has opened at 5250 Ralston Street. It has 50,000 square feet and is run and staffed by the VA, which is preferred by veterans. The Ventura facility will have services including dental care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, eye treatment and audiology. Veterans say the new care will mean fewer long trips out of the county to other VA facilities.

This is really wonderful.

∙ Go to www.PlanVentura.com to complete the City’s General Plan’s Land Use Alternatives survey, open now through late October to help plan Ventura’s future.

This is a critical part of the General Plan update process, since the land use map directs the future pattern of development in the City. The land use alternatives are being developed to implement the Vision endorsed by the City Council and address issues of concern in the community, particularly affordable housing and economic growth.

I encourage all of you to take the survey and attend upcoming workshops or meetings to learn more about the General Plan (see Gov. Gavin Newsom above).

At Ventura’s Board of Education meeting passion and intensity took center stage

The voices were loud and at times raucous throughout the passion filled meeting.

Part 1 of 2
by Ross Williams

Arriving at the parking lot of the VUSD building on Stanley Ave, I didn’t know what to expect. A long line of cars waiting to pull into a nearly full lot, directed by what seemed to be an ecstatic security guard with a huge welcoming smile on his face, waving everybody in place.

Approaching the building at 6:45 pm on Tuesday September 13th there was a huge crowd outside. There were boxes and boxes of pizza, sodas, people with guitars, tambourines and somewhere in the crowd someone tooted on a jug. Laughing, hugs, the buzz of conversation, everything pointed towards a celebration except for the picket signs and posters with sayings such as “We Love Kids,” “Save The Heart of Foothill,” “For All We’re Worth” and “VESPA Strong.”

As I entered the meeting room I realized that all of the people here were not going to fit inside as I had to weave through people to make my way closer to the front. Taking position, I took up as little room as possible as more and more people began to push their way in. The meeting came to order but the buzz of chatter that still permeated the air and was enough for the board to ask if they could close the door. Which was met with a resounding “Nooo!”

At heart today were two topics of deep passion and deep frustration, the compensation package currently being negotiated between VUSD and the Teachers Associations and the removal of Foothill Technology High Schools prep periods for teachers. This had brought together the community of people now focusing their energies on the small handful of VUSD board members that sat beyond the wooden pony wall.

First up were students who attend Foothill Tech. At the start of the semester coordinating periods for teachers were cut from their schedules in order to add more classes and shrink class sizes. This previously allotted time allowed for teachers to build, coordinate and facilitate programs that students and faculty alike had become so passionate about. Students declared their appreciation for the opportunities that they had been given at Foothill and stated that the prep periods were an absolute necessity for the teachers.

Foothill Tech’s Principal Gibbs was present at the meeting and explained the need to make the painful balancing corrections in order to address classroom overflow stating that in some classes up to 10 students at a time could be found sitting on the floor.

However, Foothill Tech’s instructor Mika Anderson stated in a passionate, moving and at times teary speech that she had worked for decades to build and provide programs and activities that were varied and vital to their students’ futures. From job shadows and internships to networking and special projects. This adjustment was not taken as just a change in schedule, but a disregard for years of hard work as well as a lack of support for staff and a lack of understanding of the repercussions of these changes.

“What I can say is that as the Bioscience Academy advisor and teacher, I want to do more than just teach or deliver curriculum. It is my life’s mission to provide students access to rich and relevant experiences so they can be inspired to break barriers and achieve beyond any limitations they or others might have set for themselves. I want to light their passion, sometimes in areas of study that they never heard of by providing them with rich, relevant and meaningful experiences. Finally, I love helping students grow their leadership and show compassion towards others through acts of service.

Participants climbed the equivalent of 110 stories

Ventura Fire Department honored 9/11 fallen heroes. Photos by Patricia Schallert

Community members joined the Ventura Fire Department and the Ventura Fire Foundation for a Memorial Stair Climb at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 11, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

“Now, more than 20 years after 9/11, the tragedy remains a moment forever etched in our minds and this memorial stair climb is just a small way to honor the first responders and others who were lost that day,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are grateful to help provide the opportunity to recognize those heroes and raise money for the Ventura Fire Foundation.”

Participants climbed the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers. The stair climb is not a timed race and participants climbed at any desired level.

Venturans who were interested in participating in the climb attended as a spectator in support of the event.

The memorial climb honored the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, the 60 first responders who died that day from multiple agencies, as well as the 200 firefighters who have since died from illnesses related to the attack.

The Ventura Fire Department supports the Ventura Fire Foundation’s mission to enhance the lives and provide assistance to firefighters and their families. The Ventura Fire Foundation currently serves families from CAL Fire, Fillmore Fire, Oxnard Fire, Ventura County Fire, the Naval Base of Ventura County Federal Fire, the US Forest Service, and Ventura City Fire.