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Petty” Theft Is Never Petty

by Jake Dodge victim of burglary

One year ago I had my bike stolen at work. I know exactly who stole my bike as it’s all on video. I see the guy on a somewhat regular basis, and every time I see him, it taunts me like it was yesterday. I filed a police report, but Ventura PD wouldn’t do anything as they considered it petty theft. According to California Penal Code 484 A, petty theft is the act of stealing items valued under $950. Consequences for petty theft could be up to 6 months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines. One day I saw him biking around the government center, which he does on a regular basis, I stopped a police car that was driving by, and told them, but they said because he wasn’t on my bike, and was now on Sheriff’s territory there was nothing they could do. The Sheriff’s department wouldn’t do anything either after I notified them that there is a bike thief who regularly bikes around the government center. I understand that the Ventura PD and Sheriff’s department have a lot on their plates and that petty theft is not highest on their priority, but when I’ve been stopped by the Ventura PD for crossing in the cross walk for not having the walking signal, or I get a $280 fine from the Sheriff Department for hiking up to the 2 trees, it really makes me question their priorities.

This is not the first time I’ve had something stolen, but it’s the first time I know who stole from me and seeing him bike around town is infuriating. One day, he had the nerve to come into my office a few months after stealing my bike. He left the bike outside, unlocked, came into my office to use the bathroom, then left. I called the cops, but they showed up too late, and I didn’t have the courage to confront him. I’ve seen him on my walk home from work, on the bike path, and at Whole Foods. I feel like a coward every time I see him.

When I tell my story to others, it saddens me to hear that just about everyone has a story of being robbed. There’s this feeling of being violated, and if you’ve ever felt it, I empathize with you. I don’t have the perfect solution for this, and there’s no way to stop all burglary, but it would be nice if the Ventura PD and Sheriff’s Department did more when the evidence is so clear. Put the guy in jail for 6 months, give him a $1,000 fine, or make him do some form of community service. “Petty” theft is never petty.

Looking to save money on your prescriptions at your local Rx pharmacy?

by Krisna Garcia

With prices constantly rising and insurance coverage seemingly getting worse and more expensive by the day, the better question might be, who isn’t? Whether you’ve just been prescribed a new medication and you’re not sure of the costs or you depend on an expensive medication to treat a chronic health condition, trips to your Rx pharmacy can be stressful. About  41 percent of all Americans take at least one prescription medication, while 17 percent take three or more prescription medications. If you’re wondering how to find health savings for prescriptions, there are several options you can try regardless of your insured status.

Request the Generic Version

If your medication has a generic version, you can easily save money by requesting that your doctor prescribe you the generic form of the drug instead of the brand name medication. If you’re concerned about quality, don’t be – generic medications undergo the same rigorous testing by the FDA as brand name medications do prior to being sold. The main difference between brand name and generic medications lies in the inactive ingredients (ingredients that do not affect treatment) used in the manufacturing of the drug. Inactive ingredients may affect cosmetic details like color, shape, and size of the medication, so the generic version of a drug does not necessarily resemble the brand name version. The active ingredients used in both medications are the same, so your treatment will not suffer, but you will save money.

Insurance Programs

Although about 80 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, if you are one of the lucky few who has good health insurance coverage, your medication may be covered by your insurance, especially if it is generic. Regardless of how good your insurance is, most insurances have some drugs that they will not cover, so you may not get the best price when processing your prescription through your insurance. Patients should ask for the cash price, look for coupons, research patient assistance programs, or purchase the drug with a local pharmacy discount card, as you may be able to save even more than when purchasing the drug through insurance.

Regardless of your insured status, Rx pharmacy discount cards offer patients the opportunity to save big on all prescription medications approved by the FDA. Pharmacy discount card companies negotiate directly with the drug companies to provide lower rates for patients, helping guarantee the best rate. Because pharmacy discount cards can be used on all FDA-approved medications, including those that are brand name or not covered by insurance, patients with insurance may find that they receive a lower price when using a pharmacy discount card as compared to processing through their insurance. There is no cost associated with pharmacy discount cards.

While you’re not likely to find coupons or rebates for generic medications, some manufactures do offer coupons or reduced copays on the brand name form of the medication. Ask your doctor during your visit if they are aware of any existing discounts or coupon codes that may be available, as some offers are only available upon receipt of a sample from your physician. Other coupons may be offered online.

Patient Assistance Programs

Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to low income, uninsured, or underinsured people who meet certain criteria. Patients who are eligible for patient assistance programs receive their medications for free or at a low cost. However, these programs are not available to everyone. Individuals who are covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid are typically not eligible for these programs, as are some patients with commercial insurance. To identify patient assistance programs that may apply to you, check the website for your medication.

If Trump were captain of the Titanic

by Paul Swanson

• There isn’t any iceberg.

• There was an iceberg but it’s in a totally different ocean.

• The iceberg is in this ocean but it will melt very soon.

• There is an iceberg but we didn’t hit it.

• We hit the iceberg but the damage will be repaired very soon.

• I knew it was an iceberg before anyone else knew it was an iceberg.

• The iceberg is a Chinese iceberg.

• We are taking on water but every passenger who wants a lifeboat can have a lifeboat and they are beautiful lifeboats.

• Look, passengers have to ask nicely for the lifeboats if they want them.

• We don’t have any lifeboats, we are not lifeboat distributers.

• Passengers should have planned for icebergs and brought their own lifeboats.

• I really don’t think we need that many lifeboats.

• We have lifeboats but they are supposed to be our lifeboats and not the passengers’ lifeboats.

• The lifeboats were left on shore by the last captain of this ship.

• Nobody could have foreseen the iceberg.

• I am the best captain ever, ask anyone.

Vol. 13, No. 15 – Apr 22 – May 5, 2020 – 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.

Contacting Minors for Sexual Purposes, Possession of Child Pornography

On March 28 at 12pm, Ventura Police Detectives received a tip from Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and a tip from National Center for Missing and exploited Children (NCMEC) that a 14-year-old Male had requested help as he was being pressured into sending photos to a subject on Instagram.

On March 30, a detective from SVU contacted the Juvenile and learned that a subject with a female profile contacted the Juvenile and sent him nude photos of a female. The subject with the female profile was later identified to be 22 year old Travis Whitfield. Under the fraudulent female profile, Whitfield asked for nude photos from the Juvenile. The Juvenile sent a nude photo to Whitfield. Whitfield asked for more pictures, and if the Juvenile did not send photos, Whitfield would send the first photo out on the internet. The Juvenile tried to get out from sending more photos to Whitfield but feared his photo was going to be sent out to friends and family. Prior to sending Whitfield more photos the Juvenile asked for help from Instagram, ICAC, and NCMEC.

During the investigation, detectives learned through search warrants that several Juveniles were contacted by Whitfield starting in 2018. Detectives also learned Whitfield was conspiring with another subject who also lived in Oxnard. Both subjects were exchanging juvenile photos and sharing ideas on how to get juveniles to share nude photos of themselves. Oxnard Police Department was contacted and took over the investigation on the second suspect, who was later arrested on April 8.

On April 6, SVU, FBI, VCDA Investigators, and a VPD K-9 unit served a search warrant at Whitfield’s residence and recovered several pieces of evidence. Whitfield was arrested during the search warrant service and later booked at Contacting minors for a sexual purpose, Conspiracy, Dissuading a victim, Possession of child pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography with intent to distribute. Whitfield’s bail was set at one million.

Follow up into this case is still ongoing as we know there are many victims that we have not contacted. If Whitfield has contacted, you or your child under the Instagram name “Devon Bay” or the Instagram

Attempt Homicide

On April 9, at approximately 7am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the Manager at the Loops Motor Lodge as he had found a female subject bleeding from the head in a room.

Patrol officers arrived and learned that the victim was staying at the Lodge with her boyfriend, 31 year old Jonathan Aguirre. Both became involved in a domestic dispute and began to argue. During the argument, Aguirre strangled the victim, causing her to lose consciousness. Aguirre exited the room and picked up a rock from the planter and began to hit the victim over the head.

Aguirre fled prior to Police arrival and was later found by officers walking in a nearby neighborhood. Aguirre was taken into custody and later booked at VCJ for Attempt Homicide and a Parole Violation.

The victim has moderate to severe injuries, a laceration to the skull, fractured left hand, and visible signs of being strangled.

Aguirre is currently on parole for threats of violence, battery, and is on probation out of LA County for robbery.

Domestic Violence with SWAT Activation

On April 11, at approximately 2:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a physical domestic inside an apartment at the Peppertree Condos in the 1300 block of Saratoga Ave. The male suspect, later identified as 34 year old Ventura resident Gilbert Rivera, forced his way into his ex- girlfriend’s condo by breaking a sliding glass door and physically assaulted her once inside. The victim and three of her young children were able to leave the condo, and were met by responding officers. It was reported Rivera armed himself with a knife as the victim fled from the condo and then barricaded himself inside.

The victim received minor injuries to her arms and legs from broken glass. She was treated at the scene. None of the children were injured.

Officers attempted to negotiate with Rivera, but he refused to come out of the condo. While speaking with officers, he repeatedly threatened to assault and kill officers. Rivera also threw glass bottles, metal objects and various items at officers who were outside of the condo. He also intentionally lit two fires inside the condo, which caused minor damage.

For the safety of other residents in the building, all the occupants inside the neighboring condos were evacuated.

The Ventura SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene. Crisis negotiators also responded and after approximately 8.5 hours of negotiations, Rivera surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

Commercial Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Felon with Ammo, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Controlled Substance, Wanted Felon Arrest

On March 31 at 4am, Ventura Police Department Patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary at Gracie’s Deals, located in the 90 block of W. Main St. At about 0400 hours, an unknown suspect broke into the store and stole several thousand dollars worth of t-shirts and sweatshirts. Street Crimes Detectives began an investigation and identified 39 year old Ventura resident Cano Sanchez as the burglar through security video footage.

On April 16 at 8am, Street Crimes Detectives, with the assistance of Ventura Police Patrol Officers, K9 and Ventura Police PROS Unit served a search warrant on a residence in the 40 block of Vince St. During the service of the search warrant, Sanchez fled from officers and began jumping fences in an attempt to escape. Sanchez was taken safely into custody in the 150 block of Vince St. Also, inside the residence was a wanted felon, 30 year old Ventura resident Anthony Maxwell, who was taken into custody without incident. During the search of the home, most of the stolen property from Gracie’s Deals was located, along with an illegal AR-style rifle, ammunition, and methamphetamines.

Maxwell was arrested and booked at VCJ for his warrant and possession of stolen property related to the burglary. Sanchez was arrested and booked for commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and felon in possession of ammo. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Sanchez has prior convictions of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of illegal weapons, possession of drugs, resisting arrest, and a recent arrest for felony battery.

Vagabond and Best Western Turned into Homeless Shelters During Covid-19 Crisis

by Richard Lieberman

The iconic Vagabond Motel has been transformed into a high risk shelter for the homeless population, and it’s next door neighbor Best Western motel have been contracted by the city to serve as homeless shelter during the duration of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

Chain-link fencing surrounds the sites and entrances are blocked and guarded by armed security services. Tents have been installed in the parking lots for overflow. Signs at all the entrances warn “For the privacy and safety of our residents, this facility is closed to the media.” Another sign posted at all entrances warns residents of the rules they must follow “ One client per room, No visitors permitted, no profanity, no drug use, no alcohol use, no violence, no foul language, no loud noise.” Currently the Vagabond is owned by Vista Investments which has owned the property since 1997. “We are in it for the long run,” said Zack Cohen, Special Projects Director. Although it appears that once the emergency is over extensive repairs and refurbishment will be needed. “Likely the Vagabond will not be the same when it reopens, but maybe just maybe it will come back stronger for generations yet to come,” added Cohen. The Vagabond Coffee Shop has remained shuttered for two or more years now and now it looks there will be an even longer wait for reopening if it ever occurs.

The County of Ventura and the California Department of Public Health has taken steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 virus among vulnerable populations in the county. The county secured housing options at the beginning of the emergency. Local motels in the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Newbury Park have been contracted to accommodate this population, including the Vagabond and Best Western both located on Main Street, Ventura. Transportation for “at risk” homeless individuals is being coordinated by the county. Medical care, and mental health care are being provided by various county agencies. The shelters are providing housing and care for those considered “high risk” homeless individuals 65+ years old and those having an underlying condition like heart disease, diabetes and other conditions putting those individuals in the “high- risk” category. Persons are medically evaluated before they are cleared for intake into one of the facilities.

“We are trying to place persons in a location near their home community when it is safe to do so,” said Tara Carruth, Program Manager with the Ventura Continuum of Care, and to commit to helping individuals reconnect with that community when it is safe to do so,” added Carruth.

The various county and city agencies have been able to place more than 255 people mostly in motels and continue to accept referrals for people that meet the high-risk category of 65+ years old and those with serious health conditions. Nonprofits throughout the region are providing food, showers, laundry and linkages to housing, shelter and motel placements.

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Vol. 13, No. 15 – Apr 22 – May 5, 2020 – The Pet Page

∙As COVID-19 continues to create anxiety, the unconditional love of our furry family members provides comforting and love (and we can even hug them).

Best Friends stated “our pets are living reminders of the beauty and joy around us, even in the darkest of times. They are such an important part of our families, and we know your pets are important to your family, too.”

Scamp (from doggy heaven) stated “we’d love to hear about your pet’s story of the joy that they are bringing while sequestered at home (or taking a much-needed walk around the block). So tell us about how your pets have been there for you during this crisis at [email protected] (with a photo of course).”

∙During times of crisis, it’s more important than ever to preserve the bonds that matter most, such as those that bind pets and their humans. As the number of people affected by COVID-19 continues to rise, RedRover is providing needed resources to ensure that people can still care for the animals they love during this crisis.

RedRover’s new Emergency Boarding grant program helps animals who need temporary boarding while their owners are hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus. The grant will cover the cost of up to two (2) weeks of boarding while a pet owner is being treated. This new program was supported by a generous donation from Purina – RedRover’s Purple Leash Project partner.

Nicole Forsyth, RedRover President and CEO, states, “Preserving the human-animal bond is at the heart of what we do. During these trying times we are thankful for Purina’s support for our new emergency boarding grants to help pet owners hospitalized with the coronavirus. Knowing a pet is well cared for will hopefully bring some peace of mind to those undergoing COVID-19 treatment.”

To become eligible, a pet owner or guardian must follow these steps:

  • Before submitting an application, contact local boarding facilities (kennels, veterinarians, animal shelters/humane societies, etc.) to find reasonably priced options
  • Ensure boarding is done through a business, not an individual.
  • Establish a plan for how the animal’s needs can be met.
  • Confirm boarding facility will provide a written estimate and a final invoice once the animal leaves boarding.
  • Obtain permission from the pet owner if someone else submits an application.
  • Provide updates on the pet owner’s situation if requested.
  • Note – RedRover covers vaccination costs that are needed for the animal to enter boarding. Any veterinary requests beyond vaccinations will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
  • Both the applicant and the animal must live in the United States.
  • Submit an online application at https://redrover.org/relief/emergency-boarding-grants/.

RedRover recognizes the fluidity of the novel coronavirus pandemic and will continue to follow expert recommendations concerning COVID-19 as it relates to pets.

Continuing in their efforts to help animals and people in crisis, RedRover has created a list of resources to support people and pets during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. For the fifth consecutive year, RedRover has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn more, visit RedRover.org

∙Keeping your pet safe during the covid-19 crisis

by Amy King

Our priority at the HSVC (Humane Society Of Ventura County)is to keep our staff, animals, and the public safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is spread to humans through person-to-person contact. There has been no evidence that pets can become ill from or spread COVID-19. However, there are some good general practices you can do to help keep your pet safe during this time.

Wash Your Hands

Although there is no evidence that animals, including pets, can contract and spread COVID-19, it is still good practice to wash your hands after handling animals. It is also suggested to wash your hands thoroughly after handing your pet’s food, waste, or any other supplies such as toys and bedding. All animals can carry germs, so it is always a good idea to practice healthy habits around your pets.

Stock Up on Pet Supplies

According to the ASPCA, it is a good idea to prepare an emergency kit with essentials your pet may need during a crisis situation. Such a kit should include any medications your animal is taking and at least two weeks worth of food. The HSVC is offering pet food to anyone in need through our Pet Food Bank. Please contact the shelter by calling 805-646-6505 or email us at [email protected] for any questions about pet supplies or other pet-related needs. We are here to help!

Designate an Emergency Caregiver

In the event you are unable to care for your pet, it is good practice to have someone in place that can help with short or long term pet care. A family member, friend, or even a boarding facility may be the best option to keep your pet safe in the event you become ill. Per the CDC, it is recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.

Create a Pet Dossier

Make caring for your pet easier for your emergency caregiver by creating a collection of your pet’s information. You can include things like eating habits, favorite toys, medical conditions, and veterinarian contact information.

Following these simple practices will help ensure the health and safety of your pet. The HSVC will remain staffed for emergency services Monday-Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm until further notice and will continue to help the public in any way that we can. We encourage the community to adhere to the “Stay Well at Home” order and practice social distancing until we can open our doors again.

Vol. 13, No. 15 – Apr 22 – May 5, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Honey, a playful 9 years young Labrador X in need of a new home as my owner passed away and the sibling who took me in is moving out-of-state and I am not able to go too. I enjoy a game of fetch and going on walks. I’m good with cats (I may chase them, but I just want to play). I’m choosy with other dogs, so I’d do best as the only dog in the home. I need an adult only home. I’ve had formal training and know some basics – come, sit, stay and I walk well on a leash. I’m also house and paper trained and I’ll go to the door if I have to go outside. If you have room in your heart and home for me, please stop by to meet me.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

This beautiful boy was found in Camarillo. We think he is a tricolor Bluetick Coonhound mix. He weighs 57 pounds and is about three years old. Is this your pet? Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive