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Painful decisions ahead

by Venturans for Responsible and Efficient Government 

We’re living through unprecedented times. No one knows how events will develop as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis. Yet there are specific unmistakable trends to watch. We want you to be aware of the trends and to look out for the critical choices that will shape our future.

Now is the time to support our elected officials as they negotiate the COVID-19 epidemic. The time will come soon when the quality of their decisions will affect how much pain and sacrifice Ventura residents must bear. As a community, we’ve shown that we are resilient and generous. The Thomas Fire is a recent example. The impact of the Thomas Fire could pale in comparison to the coronavirus pandemic fallout.

The City of Ventura relies on income from two primary sources: property tax and sales tax.

Property tax revenue is constant and predictable. Yet, the Ventura City Council has little control over property taxes.

Sales taxes will be severely impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, and Measure O depends on sales tax revenue. Sales tax revenue has already plummeted. The auto dealers, the casino, the Pacific View Mall and restaurants aren’t generating the taxes the city expected. They are the city’s most significant contributors to sales taxes.

How will Ventura make up the difference in sales taxes? Consumers are reeling from the loss of jobs, reduced hours, and volatility in the stock market.

Furthermore, many businesses closed by the shelter-in-place order will not open. Don’t be surprised by some of the large businesses that fail in addition to the smaller, Mom-and-Pop establishments that will inevitably close—resulting in even more job losses.

With the two primary sources of income for the City of Ventura in serious jeopardy, and the City Council has little control over either. Finding a solution will require ingenuity.

With no chance to increase income, the only option available is to reduce expenses for the city. Before COVID-19, the city faced a $4.1million annual deficit.

After the business disruption from the epidemic, the $4.1 million deficit will be a welcome alternative to what is likely to happen.

The most considerable expense for any city is payroll—including benefits and retirement. The salaries, benefits and pensions are all controlled by labor contracts. In fact, because of the

COVID 19 pandemic, these costs will likely blow up. The Ventura City Council’s control of this expense is limited to reducing staffing levels.

Before the start of 2020, CalPERS required Ventura to pay an additional $2 million above the

$16 million it pays typically. Even though the economy experienced a decade-long economic boom, CalPERS is only 70% funded. By October, the $2 million additional CalPERS requires Ventura to pay may be considerably higher.

The City Council will be in the troublesome position of making significant, painful decisions to cope with the fallout. Payroll is the only controllable, significant expense that this Council can alter. While a hiring freeze is likely, it will have limited immediate effect.

There are other costs the Council can influence. It’s time the City Council scrutinizes all the cost of services to consider less costly options. Those services can be General Fund items like fire and police, or they can be other operational items like water.

Any increase to cost of water will be damaging financially too many families already burdened by the economic shutdown.

Lost sales tax revenue, steady property taxes, and an out-of-control, bloated retirement plan are out of the Council’s control. We hope they will focus on the things they can control and rein in expenses to avoid more extensive economic pain for the city and its citizens.

Vol. 13, No. 16 – May 6 – May 19, 2020 – The Pet Page

∙Oliver’s adoption story is truly a twist of fate. This pup is now getting to live his happily ever after thanks to a chance encounter with his now owners, Fred and Elvira. Sometimes, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time!

A twist of fate lead Oliver to his forever home.

Fred in Elvira first met Oliver by chance in 2016 after going out to lunch one day at the Ventura Harbor. The couple noticed a group of our HSVC staff and volunteers doing a pack walk nearby and decided to check it out. After saying hello, a small, friendly pup tried to jump into Elvira’s lap. According to Fred, the dog, named Boscoe at the time, gave them both a “look” and that’s when they knew he was special.

A couple of days later the pair visited their new friend Boscoe at the shelter in Ojai. They learned that the pup had been at the shelter for over seven months. After a meet and greet with Boscoe, Fred and Elvira had a tough decision to make. They were hesitant to adopt after just recently losing their beloved English Bulldog. Fred asked the dog, “What do I do?” The sweet little pup jumped on to Fred’s lap, looked into his eyes, and leaned in. From that moment on Fred knew Boscoe was theirs.

Fast-forward four years later, Boscoe, now Oliver, is happier than ever in his forever home. Fred and Elvira quickly learned Oliver was a very intelligent, house broken, and well-trained dog. His favorite activities include hiking, going for walks, and sunbathing. He loves hanging out in the backyard and sleeping in his giant bed.

Elvira and Fred consider Oliver part of the family. “Oliver taught us that even in the toughest moments, you sometimes have to go with your gut and give the unlikely a chance. To think this jewel spent seven months at the shelter and we were lucky enough to bring him into our family,” said Fred. He continued, “We are so thankful to all of the members and volunteers of the HSVC as we believe this is where Oliver learned to trust and love.”

Remembering Scamp who went to doggy heaven on April 29, 2017. He is still missed every day.

by Amy King

∙As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, many pet owners are spending more time outdoors with their furry friends. However, excessive time in hot weather can spell danger for your animals. Check out these simple precautions provided by the ASPCA to prevent your pet from overheating this season.

1. Give your pet plenty of water

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to give them plenty of fresh, clean water when in the hot weather. Additionally, do not over exercise your animal in the heat and make sure they have a shady place to rest when outdoors.

2. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets

Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, and mild weakness are all signs your pet has become overheated. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats, elderly animals, and overweight pets are more susceptible to heat stroke. Be sure to keep these types of animals in a cool air-conditioned room as much as possible.

3. Never leave your pet unsupervised

Leaving a pet alone in a parked car in the heat can lead to extreme heat stroke and can even be fatal. Do not leave your pet unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers and ingestion of chlorine and other chemicals can cause health problems. Open unscreened windows can pose a danger to pets as they can fall or jump out of them if unsupervised. Do not let your pet linger too long of hot asphalt, as their bodies and paws can heat up quicker being lower to the ground.

4. Do not shave your dog

Feel free to trim longer hair, but never fully shave your pet. The layers of a dogs’ coat protect them from overheating and sunburn. Cats should be brushed more often than usual to prevent heat related health problems.

5. Visit the vet for a Spring/early Summer checkup

Be sure to get your animal tested for heartworm if they are not already on year-round preventative medication.

Vol. 13, No. 16 – May 6 – May 19, 2020 – Scamp Club

My name is Reverend and this is my new smile! ! My namesake is Parson John Russell, an esteemed fox hunter in England. In the mid 1800’s Parson Jack developed his terrier. To flush out foxes. Hunters carried my ancestors in saddle bags.  My new breed (2012) is a mouser! Short Hair Smooth Coat Jack Russell Terrier. AKC recognizes his breed as, Russell. 

Vol. 13, No. 16 – May 6 – May 19, 2020 – Opinion/Editorial

∙I received two envelopes from US Treasury so assumed that each contained a $1,200 stimulus check. Opened the first one, and it had a check for $26. After a few swear words, I opened the second one and it had a check for $2,400. Looking more closely at the $26 check, it was an income tax rebate. I never get income tax rebates, so this was a little peculiar, but I kept it anyway.

∙Folks that owe school loans and other money to the government are having their $1200 rebate checks applied directly to those balances. I don’t think this is appropriate during these times when people need money to survive. The government can get their money when things are back to normal (whatever our normal is going to be).

Regarding stimulus payments from the government, I’m glad to hear that the LA Lakers have returned the $4.6-million that they received. Hopefully, athletes making only $20-mill a year have saved some money and can manage to not receive salaries for a while. If I receive $4.6M, I will immediately return it as well.

∙The former co-owner of Discovery Ventura is facing criminal charges over a similar business venture in San Luis Obispo County. Jeremy Pemberton opened the entertainment venue in midtown Ventura in 2014 with his brother. In 2017, Pemberton was working to open another location in San Luis Obispo. Many Venturans, who invested in this venture have never received anything in return. They lost all of their investments.

While seeking investors for the San Luis Obispo project, authorities allege Pemberton misrepresented the amount of financial backing he already had. He is also accused of failing to disclose to these investors that there was a default on the lease he had for the future site.

The situation was made even more complicated in December last year when Pemberton filed for bankruptcy.

In the meantime, the property of the Discovery Ventura building, located at 1888 E. Thompson Blvd., is on the market for $4.2 million. So, if you want to buy a restaurant, music venue, bowling alley and bar, this is your chance.

Luckily (or wisely), the Ventura Breeze stopped accepting their advertisements some time ago because their credit cards were always being declined.

∙I’m sure you all remember our previous city manager Rick Cole. After being dismissed from Ventura, he went on to hold several important positions. His last one being the city manager of Santa Monica. He recently resigned, citing divisions over drastic budget cuts that he has recommended as result of the coronavirus. He has been under fire by some who accused him of rushing to cut programs and city staff, deeming it unnecessary. But, no need to worry about him financially since he has several pensions and will not have to worry about an income.

∙Soon good, and bad, news regarding local newspapers. Three smaller newspapers recently closed by the LA Times have just been purchased by the owner of a La Canada Flintridge paper. But, at the same time, the publisher of all four of Northern California county’s newspapers has stopped publication. This is all based on the great huge reduction of advertising in all newspapers, big and small.

∙Once again, I want to sincerely thank our dedicated readers for donating money to keep the Breeze in publication. Hopefully, this will keep us publishing until the economy does turn around when we can, once again, have our more usual number of advertisers.

∙Many local restaurants (and all take-out restaurants) are open for delivery or take-out, So, please support our local businesses and shop as best you can. Many also have sales on-line to consider. Hopefully, they can open-up soon.

∙President Trump recently took aim at George W. Bush after the former Republican president issued a call to push partisanship aside amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In a three-minute video shared on Twitter, Bush urged Americans to remember “how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat. In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God,” Bush said. “We rise or fall together, and we are determined to rise.”

Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Sunday that he “can’t really explain” President Donald Trump’s public speculation last week about using disinfectant as a treatment for COVID-19, but he advised the president make sure his news conferences on the coronavirus are “fact-based.”

Hogan, chairman of the National Governors Association, said on ABC News’ “This Week” that from the beginning of the outbreak, it had been important to him that officials communicate “very clearly on the facts because people listen to these press conferences.”

“They listen when the governor holds a press conference and they certainly pay attention when the president of the United States is standing there giving a press conference about something as serious as this worldwide pandemic,” Hogan said. “And I think when misinformation comes out or you just say something that pops in your head, it does send a wrong message.”

“We had hundreds of calls in our hotline here in Maryland from people asking about injecting or ingesting these disinfectants, which is, you know, hard to imagine that people thought that that was serious.”

Donald Trump said he will take no responsibility if Americans inject or otherwise consume disinfectant to kill Covid-19, even though he suggested it during a press conference. Finally, some Republicans are speaking out against some of the rash statements made by Trump.

Vice President Mike Pence’s refusal to wear a mask during his visit to the prestigious Mayo Clinic sent the wrong message. He was the only one in the hospital not wearing a mask. He certainly didn’t support the federal guidelines he regularly touts.

Regarding Trump, there is an opinion in our Mailbox section from Kevin Daly that I suggest you read. Again, I am always looking for counter-opinions.

VMF Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta presents his Music in the Schools

VMF Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta began presenting his Music in the Schools curriculum to children in Ventura Unified more than ten years ago. Today the program is still going strong, supported in Ventura by grants from Aera Energy, the Julius Gius Foundation and individual contributions. Starting Fall 2020, it will also be available to elementary schools in Santa Paula thanks to a small, just-announced grant from Limoneira.

With life as we all knew it currently on hold due to the Pandemic – and wanting to communicate something musical and uplifting to our supporters – it seemed an excellent time to share some of the Music in the Schools reviews written by audience members from the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.

We publish KIDnotes weekly, on Monday. If you’d like to receive, just send an email to [email protected] . You can also access the series on our website at www.venturamusicfestival.org .

Warm wishes,

Susan Scott VMF Executive Director

Vol. 13, No. 16 – May 6 – May 19, 2020 – Mailbox

Sheldon:

Your deep convictions and passion were in evidence in your opinion in the Breeze, and, appropriately so, I might add!

Ed Wehan

Breeze:

I support re-opening of public parks including restrooms for those who may need to use limited restroom facilities

I object to age discrimination of limits for those age 70 or above when the true test should be underlying health conditions or physical fitness

I am age 78 going on 79 and in excellent health with no underlying health concerns comparably younger than many 60-year olds.

Mike Merewether

Sheldon Brown,

You asked for an intelligent counter to what you demmed reprehensible behavior to President Trump’s behavior. Here it is:

States like California, Michigan, New York and New Jersey have been infringing on people’s Constitutional rights forcing businesses and government offices to close in the name of saving lives. People who are sitting alone in their cars at the beach with their windows rolled up or surfing with no one within three hundred feet of them have been getting thousand dollar fines for violating public health orders issued by County doctors who are not elected officials.

Our own Dr. Levin who is the Head of Public Health for the county of Ventura has dictatorial powers over what businesses can be open and what can be sold at these businesses. I find it amusing that under Dr. Levin’s Orders people can’t purchase electronics or clothing but you can purchase as much liquor as you want at Target according to these orders.

Elective medical procedures such as knee and hip replacements are not allowed but abortion clinics are considered essential medical services. This sounds political to me.

Are people dying ? Yes.yet the numbers are being inflated so we don’t know how many people have actually died of the Corona Virus because those that die of secondary causes such as heart failure are listed as dying on the death certificate of Covid19 because that’s what state governments told Dr’s to do.

The economy is being hit hard with people out of work, suicides and domestic violence are way up and more people are dying from the secondary effects of the forced economic shutdown than from Covid deaths themselves.

People have the right to protest their constitutional rights being infringed upon  and to protest the fact that government will not allow them to work and support their families.

Is the death of thousands worth the economic death of millions?

When Obama was President the flu took 80,000 lives one year and there were no oders infringing on people’s right to work and support their families ,their freedom of movement or government telling them what they can or can not purchase. I believe there is a Covid19 virus but the severity of the virus is being inflated for political purposes by those on the left including the media during a Presidential election year in an attempt to get rid of Democrats number one enemy, President Trump !

Kevin Daly ,Ventura 

We thank Kevin for his thoughts. First Trump fan letter that we have received that actually made his ideas clear and not just condemned the Breeze.

Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.
~ Elbert Hubbard

FASTSIGNS of Ventura makes Heroes signs

FASTSIGNS of Ventura made the Heroes signs pictured and placed them at our local hospitals- CMHS, VCMC and Kaiser as well as FoodShare, Project Understanding and VUSD meal distribution sites. Owner Saurabh Bajaj is at Community Memorial Hospital with a health care worker having just placed the Heroes Work sign. Saurabh “We must come together as a community to recognize our heroes who are taking care of us and keeping us safe. The Heroes Work Here signs are a small way to do that.”

Ventura County Board of Supervisors votes to contribute up to $855,000 to Food Share

Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to contribute up to $855,000 to Food Share over a three-month period. The money will come from county property tax dollars but that they expect to receive some reimbursement from the state and federal governments.

The money cannot be used to replace Food Share’s own spending on food. The funds can only be used for expanding services and supplies.

For more information, visit https://foodshare.com/.

Ventura Townehouse supports front lines

Doing good things during these difficult times for Ventura the Ventura Townehouse donated some of their resources by showing their support for the people on the front lines at Community Memorial Hospital. VTH donated thousands of masks, hundreds of gowns and donated gift cards of meals and coffee from local coffee shops and diners. They also supplied much needed sundries of toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap and hand sanitizers to the local senior mobile home parks. They also created a pen-pal at the mobile home parks where their residents correspond with the seniors at the mobile home parks.