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Shop With a Cop: Ventura kids experience the holidays early

by Mira Reverente

For some very fortunate Ventura children, Santa arrived a bit early this year.

Upon the recommendation of the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), 22 school-aged children from local schools recently participated in the annual “Shop With a Cop” sponsored by the Ventura Police Department (VPD) at Wal-Mart on Victoria Avenue.

Among the participants was Jasmine, 8, who had a small notebook with her, complete with a wish list and notes from her mother. “I’m going to get my mom size 9 slippers and some arts and crafts supplies. She really wanted those,” said the second-grader.

That’s Officer Beacham and Jasmine enjoying an early Santa.

Jasmine’s 14-year-old sister Arielle specifically asked for perfume, lotion and some belts. Grandma, who also wears a size 9, wanted shoes. “I think that’s it plus maybe something for my furry brother – our dog and some clothes for me,” said Jasmine, smiling widely and giving her list a once-over before turning to Officer Taylor Beacham.

Beacham, a three-year veteran at VPD, volunteered for the event for the first time and was paired with Jasmine. The pair hit it off right away, going over Jasmine’s shopping list, and checking it twice and were bantering like old friends before the evening was over.

Chief of Police Darin Schindler was pleased with that evening’s turn-out. “I know we’ve been doing this event for at least 10 years now, even before I became chief. I’m really proud of how much it has grown and how many officers and staff volunteer on their own time,” said Schindler, a 27-year veteran at VPD.

According to the chief, the size of this annual event largely depends on the department budget and involvement of the community. This year, donations poured in from the Police Community Foundation, the Optimist Club and other service clubs who are passionate about supporting youth in the community.

“Typically, we have 20 to 30 children participating every year, except last year due to Covid concerns,” said Emily Graves, community outreach specialist of the City of Ventura, Police and Fire Departments. “However, VPD officers still “played” Santa last year and delivered toys and gift cards to families in need.”

This year, every child was given a $175 “budget” to spend as they wish at Wal-mart. “Sometimes, the officers even pitch in when their shopping buddy goes over a bit,” said Chief Schindler.

Treats and snacks like cookies and hot cocoa were abundant as the children, officers and support staff assembled and “strategized” before hitting the aisles. Some officers and staff came with their spouses or significant others and tag-teamed as they shopped and helped wrap presents before sending the children home.

For children like Jasmine, the joy of shopping, wrapping and giving presents to their loved ones was sheer happiness and something they’ll never forget. Santa does come early in some parts of the world.

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I would like to thank all Ventura Breeze readers for their continued support of this publication. Publisher and owner, Sheldon Brown, truly loves this town as do all the staff. It’s pretty amazing to see what goes into publishing a newspaper and the care and respect the writers have for this town. As we usher in 2022, I would like to personally wish you a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

In our last issue, I covered a lot of the bars and venues holding New Year’s Eve parties (which is available online on the Breeze website at VenturaBreeze.com), but you can also find the parties listed here on this page. New York style means they’ll be celebrating the New Year at 9 pm (same as New York), otherwise it’s Midnight our time. If you need more details like times and whether there is a cover charge, you can go to Venturarocks.com for more information; the website now covers all of Ventura County.

Ventura Music Festival is bringing guitarist extraordinaire, Tommy Emmanuel to town on January 20 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Added to the bill, English guitar star Mike Dawes. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

It’s good to see the Ventura Theater booking more concerts. Shows coming up include January 15 with Smith/Kotzen, which is a collaboration between Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of the Winery Dogs; The Struts, Strange Days are Over Tour, is on January 23, and Subtronics, Boogie T, Levell Up, Phonon and Space Wizard on January 27.

Quick Notes: The Ventura City Council has voted to continue Main Street Moves which means not only will that four block section will remain closed to thru traffic, but the music downtown at Main and California will continue; enjoy Mariachi Gallos de Oro Sundays at Vaquero y Mar (formerly the Hong Kong Inn) from 11 am – 2 pm; Kelly’s Lot plays Namba on Saturday, January 8; and Tharon Weighill from Dr. T and the Blues Criminals is the latest featured artist on the VenturaRockSpot.com.

And finally, condolences going out to the family and friends of Dustin Maddalone. I remember him best as the singer for the Ska Daddyz out of the Nard some 25-30 years ago. The memorial posts on social media speak to his kindness and talent, he touched so many lives. RiP Dustin.

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.

Kwanzaa the holiday

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from December 26 thru January 1, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karina, professor, Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, author and scholar-activist who stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture.

It is important to note Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available to and practiced by Africans of all religious faiths who come together based on the rich, ancient and varied common ground of their Africanness.

Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.

Ceremonies naming people who died without shelter throughout Ventura County were held

The three wooden markers are friends who died this year.

This year there were two interdenominational memorial Longest Night ceremonies naming the 136 people who died without shelter throughout Ventura County from the end of 2020 to 11/20/2021. One hundred and eight died without shelter in 2021 from January to November 2020.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura has hosted a memorial event for 15 years. In 2020, they were unable to host a public event and purchased an obituary where 76 people’s names were listed. That year, the Oxnard Commission on Homelessness organized an interdenominational virtual service with the reading of the names.

This year Longest Night services were held in both Ventura and Oxnard. The Ventura event was at Plaza Park on Saturday, December 18. It was followed by a silent march downtown.

The Oxnard event was at Oxnard’s Plaza Park on Sunday, December 19, and included a memory box where people can write their memories and deposit their thoughts of their loved one.

This year UUCV/ Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness and Oxnard Commission on Homelessness obtained the list of deceased homeless people from the Medical Examiner and some of the social service providers. Roy Foster and several others from LUYV created a tombstone display with all the names. There are many people who we do not know of their circumstances and will not be mentioned. Sometimes their family will take them in during the last weeks or months of their life. Some die in the hospital or in respite care and are not counted. We know many fall through the cracks and are not recorded as dying without shelter.

Roy Foster came up with the idea of the headstones about 5 years ago.  The three wooden markers are friends who died this year.  Roy is housed but lived on the street for a while.  Two years ago his brother (Don Baker) died on the street.

Jill and Tom Ball provided music for the event. Three youths and their advisors from Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura served snacks. Irene Johnson managed the clothing give away.

Reading the names of the deceased were Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller from Temple Beth Torah, Rev John Forrest Douglas from  Church of the Foothill , Rev Bonnie Rose from Center for Spiritual Living as Rev. Dana Warsnop rang the bell for each name.  Cantor Robin Faigin called all to prayer.

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Don’t Look Up – Netflix

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

In Don’t Look Up, student astronomer Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) discovered a 9 kilometer comet while working on her doctorate research. Initially seeming a cause for celebration, including the esteemed honor of having a newly discovered comet named after her, things changed when Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his student team decided to calculate how close it would come to earth. Unfortunately the math showed that it would actually impact earth in just over six month and destroy the entire planet.

After reporting the information to NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office head Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan) they were flown in a military plane to DC to meet with the president to explain the situation. They waited until late in the evening, watching what seemed to be trivial things get more attention than the literally earth shaking news they were there to share, and were eventually told they would have to wait until the next day.

After being put up in a hotel and waiting a entire second day, they finally met with President Orlean (Meryl Streep) who downplayed the situation as did her son and Chief of Staff Jason (Jonah Hill). Both belittled Dr. Mindy & Kate and sent them on their way saying “we’ll have our scientist assess the situation…” so hang tight and don’t say anything as it’s national security.

Feeling blown off, they shared the story with the New York Herald and on The Daily Rip, an upbeat morning show hosted by Brie (Cate Blanchett) and Jack (Tyler Perry), but again were not taken seriously. Then Dr. Mindy, Kate and Dr. Oglethorpe were all swooped up by FBI and brought to the White House where President Orlean said they confirmed the science and we’re ready to take any suggested steps, seeming to be done for popularity in the upcoming elections and to avoid some negative personal press. President Orlean then made a announcement to the world regarding the comet and plan to use shuttles with nukes to change the comet’s course.

All efforts were shifted to the president’s plan and the science seemed to indicate that there was a very good chance they would be successful, until crazy tech giant Peter Isherwell, the billionaire CEO of BASH and one of Orlean’s top donors, got President Orlean to abort the mission just after take off. Peter had an alternate plan to use developing tech to blow up the comet in space and mine it’s smaller pieces filled with precious minerals estimated to be worth $140 trillion.

Kate told some people the truth in a bar and though they listened, they panicked and started rioting. The FBI grabbed Kate again, and agreed to drop any charges in exchange for her silence. Propaganda campaigns were started to discredit them, saying things like the comet doesn’t even exist and it was all a hoax, but then the comet came into plain site. The scientists replied with “just look up” and the truth can be seen, which created chaos, so President Orlean’s response was a “don’t look up” campaign, saying it was scientists just trying to invoke fear in people.

Unknown to the world and due to the fact they were cut out of the comet mining deal, Russia, China and India teamed up to send a rocket to destroy the comet but the launch failed, leaving only the BASH plan by eccentric billionaire Peter to possibly save the planet. Will greed become mankind’s downfall? Can wealth be a ticket to immortality? These are some of the things revealed in this star-filled, entertaining parody of today’s world stage, headlines and political issues.

Rated: R (Language Throughout|Graphic Nudity|Drug Content|Some Sexual Content)
Runtime: 2h 18m

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 – Community Events

January 2: Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House

Museum—with COVID protocols—will take place on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. As an added treat, “Mrs. Dudley” will be guiding tours that day. Tour group size will be limited. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood) in Ventura. For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.

Ventura Land Trust events 

January 8: Saturday- Guided hike, Harmon Canyon Preserve Learn about the natural and cultural history of the preserve on a 90-minute, easy pace hike led by a VLT staff member (free).

January 13: Thursday – VLT’s Environmental Speaker Series returns to the Museum of Ventura County. What does wildlife at Harmon Canyon Preserve does when no one is watching? Certified wildlife tracker Mike Watling shares his trail camera footage (free for members, suggested donation for non-members).

January 10: Cantor Michael Stein, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and actor will be in Ventura. The free event, “The Power of Music in Enhancing Spirituality”, will be Monday, from 3-5 pm at Congregation Am HaYam.

Tickets are free, but registration through Eventbrite is required and can be made at https://congregationamhayam.com/jewish-life/special-events/the-power-of-music-in-enhancing-spirituality-mike-stein/

Congregation Am HaYam is located at 4839 Market Street, Unit C (rear), Ventura 93003. Ample free parking is available. Please call 805-644-2899 for ticket or other information.

Congratulations to the graduating interns from PathPoint Project Search program

Interns from PathPoint and Gina Salman at Cypress Place.

by Carol Leish, MA

“Having our first interns from the Pathpoint Project SEARCH program,” according to Cypress Place Senior Living executive director, Gina Salman, “has made a difference through their ability to help others here. We realized that all three of you have been always learning in order to think positively and to not be afraid of change.”

“PathPoint utilizes the Project SEARCH model, which is a school-to-work program for individuals with disabilities that takes place entirely at an employer worksite. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and on-the-job training and support,” according to their website: www.Pathpoint.org. “Interns build communication and problem-solving skills, as well as job-specific skills, through worksite rotations. These are paid internships, which are funded by Tri-Counties Regional Center. The paid internships are similar to the clinical rotations that are part of every medical school curriculum and many other professional career programs.”

“This is the first year that Cypress Place Senior Living has been involved with the Project SEARCH Program,” according to, Salman. “We were initially referred to the program by our sister community, Regency Palms in Oxnard.” The position that interns did were: 1) Dining Services Attendant in the Dining Department; 2) Laundry Attendant in the Housekeeping Department; and 3) Janitorial/Housekeeping Assistant in the Housekeeping Department. “We would encourage others to get involved in this program by contacting Path Point directly and asking if they need interns who are the right fit for us here at Cypress Place Senior Living or other organizations. Many of these interns have specific skills that they are interested in gaining experience in.”

Mike Macke, Community Relations Director at Cypress Place Senior Living said, “Cypress Place Senior Living is a premiere senior community in Ventura County. The beautiful senior living campus features an Independent Senior Living community and an adjacent Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care community connected by a lushly landscaped courtyard.”

For more information about Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura, visit: www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com or call: (805) 650-8000.

Heather Sturm, Program Coordinator at PathPoint, with various sites in Ventura County, said, “Interns work at a site for six months to a year. Then, we help them to find a job through job searching.” Ricardo Castellon, who does Direct Support at PathPoint, said, “The staff at Cypress Place Senior Living has been super kind and welcoming to all of us.”

Congratulations to the three graduating interns: Kayla Rucker, Taylor Cargile, and Diane Easly. Kayla Rucker said that, “It ‘s been a pleasure to have worked here. It was fun.” Diane Easly, said, ‘I’ve appreciated working here. Now, it’s time to move on (to another position).” Taylor Cargile said, “I was grateful to have worked in the dining room. And, I have accepted a position to work in the dining room, which will be starting in January, 2022.”

Shirley and David Hartman, who have been residents at Cypress Place Senior Living for the past two years both said, “All three interns have done a good job. We are going to miss Diane Easly and Kayla Rucker. We are glad that Taylor Cargile will be continuing to be working in the dining room in 2022.”

Project Search is now accepting applications for another internship at Cypress Place Senior Living, which will be starting in January, 2022. Contact, Heather Sturm, coordinator, at: [email protected] or call: (805) 863-5548.

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 12/08

 4:23pm, dispatched to an offshore Search & Rescue for missing fisherman from the commercial boat John Start. Officers responded in the Fireboat and Rescue B17 with multiple agencies to aid in the search. Search patterns were conducted for five hours in the Santa Barbara Channel along with USCG vessels/aircraft & TowBoat US. Sadly, and with heavy hearts, only his vessel was found and he is still missing. Tran was one of the longest tenants of Ventura Harbor, beloved by everyone, he always made the effort to say hello, shake your hand with a huge smile. Fishing, years ago, Tran rescued a former Ventura HP officers’ father in an outrigger canoe accident.

Thursday 12/09

 12:30pm, officers assisting the family of Vuong Tran tow his vessel the John Start to be offloaded at the VHV fuel pier and then returned to its slip in VHV.

Friday 12/10

 7:36pm, received a report of a vessel hoop netting at the breakwall without navigation lights. Officers responded in Rescue B17, educated operator.

Saturday 12/11

 10:05am, received a complaint from a fisherman about another fisherman placing his hoop nets illegally too close to the breakwall. Officers investigated and educated the individual about harbor ordinance on legal placement of traps.

Sunday 12/12

 1:15am, dispatched to Ventura Marina Community for female complaining of difficulty breathing. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with call.

8:20am, received report of an alarm sounding on a vessel in Portside F-dock. Officers responded, no issues noted. Owner notified, en route to secure alarm.

Monday 12/13

 12:30pm, received request from CIMWI (CI marine wildlife institute) to assist in capture of emaciated sea lion at Harbor Cove. Officers assisted and were successful in capturing the mammal so that it can be rehabilitated.
Wednes 12/15 12:49am, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue at VHV D-dock, 26 y/o male fell overboard from a Commercial Fishing vessel. Officers responded and found the individual intoxicated and hypothermic from water immersion. He refused care.

12:04pm, received a report of an individual harassing sea lions at VIM. Officers investigated, contacted the disturbing party; no evidence of harassment found.

Thursday 12/16

 10:20am, contacted a male with three labs off leash at Harbor Cove. Educated the individual about leash law and to please be in control of his dogs due to numerous complaints about the issue.

Friday 12/17

 4:15pm, officers preparing for the 2021 Parade of lights, setting turning buoys and answering numerous inquiries about the event.

5:30pm, officers monitoring the parade of lights from patrol vessels and vehicle. Several warnings for safety violations issued to vessels watching the parade.

Saturday 12/18

 12:50pm, officers attended the memorial for lost fisherman from the John Start.

1:15pm, officers in fireboat lead a procession of vessels for the lost fisherman.

5:05pm, officers preparing for the second night of the Parade-of-lights. Setting the turn buoys and receiving assignments for the evening.

10:54pm, dispatched to a traffic accident at 1901 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and assisted VPD/VFD with the accident. No injuries occurred.

Sunday 12/19

 11:02am, dispatched to a stroke victim in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with female patient.

Monday 12/20

 6:37am, dispatched to a fall victim in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted the 72 y/o male back to his bed, he refused treatment.

 

 

 

 

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 – Police Reports

Armed Robbery Arrest

The Ventura Police Department responded to two armed robberies that occurred in October and November 2021.

The first robbery occurred on 10-21-21 at 2850 Johnson Dr (Wild Side Smoke Shop). The suspect entered the establishment with a handgun in his waistband and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk complied with the suspect and gave him an undisclosed amount money. The suspect fled on foot after the robbery.

The second robbery occurred on 11-13-21 at 1145 S Victoria Av (Blenders in the Grass). The suspect entered the store brandished a knife and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect fled on foot after this clerk provided him with an undisclosed amount of money.

Ventura Police detectives began to investigate these two robberies and during the investigation it was determined that the suspect was the same person in both incidents. Detectives located witness and physical evidence to these crimes to assist in linking the suspect to both locations.

On 12-15-21, the suspect, Saad Fakhouri (9/26/96) Ventura Resident was found on Johnson Dr and was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into Ventura County Jail on two counts of felony armed robbery.

Stabbing Arrest

On Dec.15, at 7:35pm, , the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a stabbing in the 500 block of East Thompson Blvd. Patrol Officers arrived in the area within three minutes of the call and immediately located the suspect and took her into custody. During the investigation, officers learned that the victim was attempting to walk by Mary Martin, 01/06/1978, Vagrant , who was blocking the victim’s path to her residence. As the victim walked by Martin, Martin threatened her and then stabbed the victim in the leg and arm. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Martin was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

State regulations for food waste recycling taking effect

Starting January 1, 2022, the City of Ventura will be required to comply with California’s Senate Bill (SB) 1383. The City Council recently adopted an ordinance in November 2021 to comply with state law. The City also began rolling out food waste recycling programs for all residents, businesses, and multi-family properties to assist with the mandate. SB 1383 aims to reduce methane emissions by diverting organic material from landfills by establishing statewide food waste recycling requirements for cities.

“Food waste includes items like bones, nuts, dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables, meat, and more,” shared Public Works Director Phil Nelson. “The City’s Environmental Sustainability team has worked diligently to ensure our community has resources to assist with these new state regulations to recycle food waste and reduce air pollutants like methane gas.”

Residents in single-family homes must bag their food waste and place it in their yard waste cart. Once at the sorting facility, the bagged organic waste will be separated and composted into soil products. Businesses and multi-family properties can expect to be contacted by E.J. Harrison & Sons to set up yard waste and food waste collection services unless they apply and qualify for an exemption.

Businesses can request exemptions if they generate very little organic waste or if they do not have space for additional containers. Exemption waivers must be filed before SB 1383 regulations take effect on January 1, 2022.

The statewide law was enacted in 2016 by Governor Brown to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP’s), which contribute to global warming and negatively affect human health. SLCPs remain in the atmosphere for less time than carbon dioxide, but potentially cause more damage due to their potency. By collecting and composting organic waste, SB 1383 aims to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the release of methane into the atmosphere.

The City’s Environmental Sustainability team continues to provide residents and businesses with guidance and support with food and organics recycling resources. Visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/ES to learn more.