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New Developments in Ventura

Here is a bi-weekly highlight of some of the new developments being proposed, approved or under construction in Ventura

Submitted by Eileen Shaw, Carol Spector and Livable Ventura.

Park Plaza- a 5 story mixed-use building with 87 residential units proposed on the corner of Fir and Santa Clara

Front and Kalorama- a 4 story building with 88 residential units on the corner of Front Street and Kalorama. Design Review hearing was on 3/31

Hilton Hotel– a new 160 room hotel with a restaurant and retail on the corner of Figueroa and Harbor. Design Review meeting on 05/19

Two Eleven- a 6 story mixed use with 94 units proposed for the corner of Figueroa and Thompson

Anastasi- 97 condos plus commercial space in 15 buildings on the corner of Harbor and Seaward. Design Review meeting was on 3/31

Shea Homes Del Sol- 201 residential units (89 townhomes and 112 single family homes) proposed at South Wells Road and Citrus Drive. Planning Commission hearing on 05/25

For more information go to www.LivableVentura.com or access the city development map at www.cityofventura.ca.gov Permit Services “button” or Development Map https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1854/Permit-Services for projects Under Review, Scheduled for Hearing or Entitled (Approved) and Under Construction.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Haole Boy’s Memorial Rock Garden’s

Matsumoto, Murphy and Loy at Haole’s Memorial Garden remembering Haole Boy’s one year anniversary. 

by Amy Brown

If you walk along the iconic Ventura promenade near Surfer’s Point, you’ll encounter a beautiful tribute to another major Ventura icon: Haole Boy, the city’s late surfing Ambassadog. Haole had been surfing C Street and traveling the country for seven years as a surf therapist with the non-profit A Walk On Water for children and adults with special needs. He helped hundreds of aspiring surfers feel comfortable catching waves, riding right on the board with them—and he always made it look easy.

Photo of Haole Boy by Sebastian De Schepper

Haole passed away after a long battle with cancer in May of 2020, and was mourned by folks from across the country in person at his memorial and through ongoing worldwide outpourings of love and support. His mom, Kim Murphy and her friends Cris Loy and Dorianne Matsumoto decided to create a rock garden memorial to honor his beautiful surfing stoke and spirit on the one-year anniversary of Haole’s passing. It started with just a few brightly painted rocks, and now, at the one-year anniversary of the garden itself, it’s a beautiful kaleidoscopic tribute that grows every week.

It started with someone painting a single special memorial rock for Haole, and the idea for the garden germinated from there, according to Loy. “We said ‘we should start a rock garden with this rock, and it should really be overlooking Haole’s surf break,’” said Loy. “We all went home and started painting rocks like crazy.” The garden started from that group of friends with about 40 memorial rocks, with a kindness rock section soon added. “I kind of wanted both memorial and kindness rocks, since Haole was all about kindness, and we wanted this to be about kindness too,” said Loy.

The Kindness Rock Project started a few years ago, and is now a viral trend—people paint inspirational messages or images on rocks and leave them out for strangers to find and be inspired by. The distinction between memorial rocks and kindness rocks is that memorial rocks are to be left in place, honoring a lost loved one, human or pet, while kindness rocks are to be shared, in a ‘take a rock, leave a rock’ philosophy. Haole’s garden has a section for both. “Nothing fills my heart quite like the love and support we still receive. I feel as if the spirit of Haole is still so present in Ventura by the community continuing to support us, and cherish the memories that Haole made for all of them,” said Murphy. “We still often hear stories of Haole, and how he continues to touch people’s hearts.”

You don’t have to be an artist to participate, but you might just become one. “I first thought, I am not artistic. Art is not my thing!” said Matsumoto. Then, “I could paint a few rocks.” However, she is now one of the most prolific contributors, having since created nearly 100 rocks, beautifully painted with many time-consuming coats of resin, to the garden. She shared that she is always moved by the sentiments expressed in rocks created by others. “You see the rocks made by little kids for their pets, or others made for lost loved ones, and it’s clear they’ve all been made with love,” said Matsumoto.

One particularly talented artist who regularly contributes to the memorial garden creates photorealistic paintings on rocks of people’s pets, while others are more simple, but all are powerful. Murphy and her husband John share that anyone is invited to visit the memorial, and leave a rock for a loved one, but ask that if visitors would like a memento to take a kindness rock, while leaving the memorial rocks in place, as they are meaningful and meant to be permanent. “This garden has brought much healing and happiness to us, and we absolutely love that Haole is still bringing people together,” said Murphy.

Gentry Eagle’s final days

Photos by Patricia Schallert and Yana Khiyod.

In a previous issue we had an article about the Gentry Eagle that was stored in the Ventura Harbor boat yard. It was once the fastest luxury yacht in the world. This yacht has been berthed and idled in the Ventura Harbor for over 15 years.

The Gentry Eagle was built in 1988 and on July 26th, 1989 she crossed the Atlantic to win a race, at an average speed of 73 miles per hour in one of the biggest Transatlantic
races in maritime history.

Even though there were many rumors about its future the Eagle has now been demolished by a huge mechanical “hand.” It was carefully pulled apart piece by piece so that the aluminum (and other valuable parts) could be salvaged. Her ghost will always remain in the harbor.

Students from VUSD presented proposals to reduce their schools’ environmental footprint

The event began with the 16 finalist teams presenting to a panel of judges.

On Thursday May 5th, forty-five 7th-12th-grade students from Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) presented their environmental business proposals to a panel of judges. Students chose their project from 4 categories: Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction at their school campuses, or to inform their communities about the benefits of removing the relic Matilija Dam from the Ventura River. The event took place at the Museum of Ventura County, in downtown Ventura, from 4 -7 pm. The keynote speaker for the event was Chipper Bro, Environmental Advocate, Professional Surfer, and 13-time Frisbee World Champion.

The event began with the 16 finalist teams presenting to a panel of judges who ranked the proposals based on merit and cost effectiveness. First place in the Energy Efficiency category was awarded to the “Electric Warriors” Team from Ventura High School, Ms. Miyata’s class. In the Water Conservation category, top prize went to “Project Motion Sensor” team from Ms. Mendez’s class at Anacapa Middle School. In the Waste Reduction category, the first-place prize went to “Recycling at Buena” team from Mr. Yorke’s class at Buena High School. In the last category, Matilija Dam removal, the top team was “Give a Dam” from Mr. Yorke’s class at Buena High School.

The EECCOA Challenge Awards Ceremony is the culmination of the 9 month-long Ventura Action Network (V-RAN) Program administered by VUSD in partnership with the MERITO Foundation. The following schools participated in the 2021-2022 V-RAN program: Buena High School, Anacapa Middle School, Ventura High School, Foothill High School; Balboa Middle School, Cabrillo Middle School; and Sunset K-8.

In addition to the EECCOA Challenge, the Ventura Action Network (V-RAN) Program provides professional development field training, webinars, science curriculum and stipends to science teachers, as well as, environmental monitoring experiences for their 600-750 middle and high school students each year at Ventura River watershed and the coast.

The MERITO Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Ventura, CA, dedicated to protecting the ocean by facilitating education, conservation and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities. The EECCOA Challenge empowers students to be environmental entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools to understand climate change, ocean acidification, drought and wildfires and address these issues with money saving project proposals for their school campuses. Students are also given the option to develop awareness campaigns that inform and involve their communities.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $2 million in lines of credit

The Westview II units are located in Ventura.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces two, $1 million lines of credit (LOC), one each from Community West Bank and Mission Bank. The funds will be used as part of Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home revolving loan fund, a community impact note that provides flexible, below market interest rate loans for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. Three upcoming developments that will receive funding are a new pre-development loan for Fillmore Terrace being developed by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC), a GAP loan for Mesa Ojai being purchased by Mesa, and a construction loan to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) for Westview II.

The LOCs provided by Community West Bank and Mission Bank join a pool of funds from other public and private investors, sponsors, and donors to provide lending capital in support of Housing Trust Fund VC’s Community Promise of building safe and equitable homes in Ventura County. Brian Schwabecher, Chief Banking Officer of Community West Bank stated, “Community West Bank is proud to support Housing Trust Fund Ventura County with financing for their housing initiatives, and we’re also honored to help sponsor the Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign event on May 12.” The nonprofit’s annual fundraiser takes on a unique twist this year as a guest immersive experience shining light on housing equity as told through the lives of connected individuals.

Please visit:  www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassioncampaign2022 to learn more.

The construction loan for Westview II (which will provide 50 homes to low-income and homeless seniors), were pulled from a pool of investments from Bank of the Sierra, Mission Bank and Community West Bank, and were provided to the developers at below market interest rates and reduced fees to help the developments move to the next phase of development.

“We are excited to build on our Community Promise of funding affordable homes with the support of both Community West Bank’s and Mission Bank’s generous lines of credit, which allow us to continue funding impactful developments,” states Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger.

As of April 1, 2022, Housing Trust Fund VC has invested over $22.3 million through its revolving loan fund, creating 870 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.

 

Happy 13th Anniversary to The Ladies Luncheon

by Laurie Ann Meyer

The Ladies Luncheon began as a women’s networking group in 2009. Over the past 13 years, it has transformed into an opportunity for women to experience connection, community, and support.

Together we have/continue to foster a safe space for achieving common goals and developing lifelong friendships.

Whether you own a business and want to network or you attend to be a part of a warm group, we always have fun, laugh a lot, and raffle great prizes!

I will share how/why I started The Ladies Luncheon in order to help ladies, and to meet at a convenient lunchtime hour. Please join us to celebrate 13 years of creating connections, community and empowering women in business. Thank you!

Come join us at on June 2nd, 2022, at The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood Restaurant at the Ventura Harbor from 11:30am-1:00pm. Please go to: www.theladiesluncheon.com to register! See you all very soon!

Hey, You’ve Got MAIL! MAIL ART we mean.

Imagine sending in a piece of art through the mail, and then having it displayed in a museum, online, and in local venues. That’s happening in Ventura right now.

The ARTLIFE INC. Foundation is holding its annual MAIL ART Exhibit.

Hundreds of artists throughout the world have submitted over 200 pieces of art in a small 6” x 9“ format with all kinds of imagery and it must come through the mail!

We will show these works at the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday June 4 at 100 E. Main Street, Ventura, 2 to 5 pm. The Public is invited. Admission is free.

After that, various venues throughout Ventura County will display our frames of MAIL ART in their stores and businesses for about a month. ((NAMBA, Stephen’s Grill, House of Rio, and other places)

Check out our website to see the entries online : https://artlifefoundation.org/

US Representative Julia Brownley D-CA 26th District on leaked Roe vs. Wade

On Monday night, press sources obtained a leaked draft opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which appears to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

While this draft decision is deeply alarming, it is very important to be clear: Right now, Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land. Abortion is legal.

Sadly, this leaked draft decision shows us what we already knew: the conservative, Republican-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court have once again shown their utter disregard for the rights of people who need abortions, and they are bowing down to the demands of extremists. If finalized, this court opinion overruling Roe would effectively allow states to ban access to safe and legal abortion entirely, as well as allowing Mississippi’s 15-week ban to go into effect.

Decades of attacks have left abortion rights hanging by a thread in the United States. We have seen a flurry of state bans in recent weeks, and anti-abortion state lawmakers are already trying to prohibit people from accessing abortion across state lines. These types of laws must be stopped.

Anti-choice activists have made it clear that they aren’t stopping with Roe – they’re committed to a future where abortion is outlawed in every state across the country, showing there is no limit to their cruel attempts to control people’s personal health care decisions.

The House has already taken action by voting to codify the right to abortion access into federal law. As a member of the Pro Choice Caucus, I am proud to have voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act, and I will continue fighting until every person – no matter where they live, no matter their socio-economic status, and no matter the circumstance – has the freedom to make their own decisions about their lives and futures.

This issue could not be more urgent. The House has done its job and passed a bill to codify Roe into law. Now, the Senate needs to do its job and pass that same bill. This leaked opinion makes it clearer than ever that we cannot rely on the courts to protect our rights.

Abortion bans affect everyone, but the impacts of this decision, whenever it comes, will fall hardest on people who already face discriminatory obstacles to health care – particularly Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, and those having difficulty making ends meet.

Every American should be able to make the personal health care decisions that impacts their life, their health, and their future. We must – and we will – continue to fight to protect and expand abortion access across the United States.

 

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Jill Forman

Friends Online Bookstore Update

We invite you to continue to visit our online store for local sales.
Special for May:  Audiobooks $2.00!
During the most recent library closure, inventory on the online store has expanded — many more great non-fiction, classics, fiction and vintage are available.

Books purchased at the online store will be available for pick up at the bookstore in E. P. Foster. You will receive an email letting you know when your purchase will be available for pick up.  Any questions?  Please email [email protected]

LIBRARY EVENTS

Paws for Reading is back!

The Paws for Reading Program brings together young readers and affectionate, canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers.

Hill Road Library — Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 pm
E.P. Foster Library — Thursdays, 4 to 6 pm

Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch.  Children of all ages are welcome.

INCA, the Peruvian Music & Dance Ensemble

Hill Road Library, Saturday, May 21, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

INCA presents music and dances from the native Incas of Peru, the Criollo coastal communities, the Amazon jungle natives, and the Afro-Peruvian communities from towns south of Lima. The musicians play Andean ethnic instruments, which include woodwinds, percussion and strings. This program is made possible in part with a grant from the California Arts Council.

Lyrical Literature
E.P. Foster Library

Saturday, May 21, 2 to 4 pm

Enjoy a free concert of the music of Ventura composer Ross Care in the Topping Room. Care has worked extensively in theater music and is also a published author.  The program will emphasize his music’s literary association, including song settings of poetry by Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, and Lewis Carroll, and instrumental excerpts from his theater music for plays such as The Glass Menagerie and his original musical, (Alice)Through the Looking Glass.

The music will be performed by an ensemble of well-known singers from the Ventura area with guest instrumentalists on harp and flute from Los Angeles. Tyler Carlisle will serve as pianist and musical director. The composer will moderate.

Ukulele Jam
is back in the Topping Room
E.P. Foster Library
every 1st and 3rd Monday at 7 pm, hosted by Alan Ferentz.

Open Mic Night hosted by Phil Taggart  

returns to the Topping Room at E.P. Foster Library and via Zoom.  Thursdays, 6:30 to 10:00 pm

Enjoy a featured poet, then share your own work with the group. All are welcome to just sit and listen as well.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9607501600

Meeting ID: 960 750 1600

Family Storytime
E.P. Foster Library
Mondays, 10:30 to 11 am
Stories, poems, music, movement, & fun!  This event takes place on Main Street in front of the Topping Room. If there is inclement weather, the storytime will be held in the Topping Room. This event has a limit of 30 people.  If the limit is reached, another storytime will be held at 11:00 AM.  Ages birth to 5.

Hill Road Library
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 am,
This event takes place on the patio, so remember to bring a sweater or a cozy blanket!

VCAAA seeks new community vendors

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is inviting qualified individuals, public and private nonprofit services, and private for-profit organizations to apply as new contracted vendors for VCAAA programs that serve older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

The VCAAA is the focal point in Ventura County for those seeking resources and services related to aging and for those caring for an aging loved one. The VCAAA also operates Ventura County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center in partnership with the Independent Living Resource Center, with the end goal of providing a one-stop-shop approach for information and assistance. Potential vendors will share an equal commitment to assisting older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers and are expected to provide the best possible customer service to help Ventura County residents age optimally in place.

The following service categories are specifically being sought: counseling, money management/bill payment/document organization, transportation services (for frail seniors and/or disabled adults), personal care products, home repair and/or home safety modification, biohazard cleaning & waste management (i.e. ability to remove and legally dispose of potentially pathogenic substances), adaptive equipment/non-medical home equipment (must be a contracted provider with both Medi-Cal and/or Medicare for wheelchairs, threshold ramps, hospital beds, walkers, etc.), respite, personal care, chore and homemaker assistance, registered dietitian services, nutrition education, and home delivered meals.

Providers with bilingual Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi and Chinese Mandarin staff are encouraged to apply. Prior to a vendor being granted a contract, they must complete a vendor application packet and supply proof of all required licensing and insurance as required by the California Department of Aging, Federal Transit Administration, Administration for Community Living and the County of Ventura.

A vendor application packet may be obtained at the VCAAA offices located at 646 County Square Drive in Ventura, or by calling 805-477-7300. Those interested may also obtain an application online by visiting www.vcaaa.org/for-providers/vendor-service-tools/. This application process is ongoing. Preference will be given to vendors that provide service throughout the county. VCAAA administration will review all applications. Vendor contracts are subject to the receipt of federal and state funds. Funds are expected to be available beginning July 1, 2022, and are anticipated to end on June 30, 2023. Contracts may be renegotiated to provide additional or fewer services. For more information concerning the vendor application process, contact Brian Murphy, at (805) 477-7300.