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Vol. 13, No. 10 – Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2020 – Harbor Patrol

Wednes 1-22

 10:05am, received a report of a traffic accident near 1500 Spinnaker Drive. Officers responded and assisted VFD, VPD with the call. The vehicle sustained major damage, but the driver suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was towed.

Thursday 1-23

 12:08am, dispatched to an assault victim at RiverHaven. Officers responded and assisted VFD,VPD with the call. Patient transported to hospital.

Saturday 1-25

 11:45am, responding to check on two surfers near the Greenock lane jetty due to large surf. Officers were able to contact the group with assistance from State Parks lifeguards operating a RescueWaterCraft in the area. All were ok.

10:20pm, contacting a 20ft vessel operating recklessly near the outside of the breakwall in hazardous conditions. Vessel was escorted back to the launch ramp

Sunday 1-26

 7:00pm, received report of a fire near Spinnaker Drive and Harbor Bl. Officers responded and assisted Ventura Fire Department with locating the fire. No fire was found, but the Natural Gas burnoff on the South side of the Santa Clara Bridge was the likely source of the report. The burnoff is commonly misidentified as a brush fire.

Monday 1-27

 7:03am, received a report of a transient trespassing at Ventura West Marina C-dock. Officers responded and found the individual incoherently speaking. She left the area talking.

6:00pm, received a request to assist good Samaritans remove shopping carts that were deposited in the barranca. They were towed to the launch ramp.

Thursday 1-30

 8:35pm, patrolling in Rescue Boat 17, officers contacted a small vessel engaged in hoopnetting in the Harbor entrance. After a safety inspection was conducted, no lifejackets were aboard the vessel. The vessels voyage was terminated, and the fishermen returned to the launch ramp.

Friday 1-31

 10:35am, while manning the office, received a request to use the districts emergency long dock for overnight berthing. The requestor was advised of the limited use of the dock, mainly for emergencies and was provided options.

3:25pm, while on patrol in the fireboat, officers observed a sail-foilboarder beset by calm conditions. The sailor was transported to his residence in the keys.

Saturday 2-1

 8:40am, received request to escort the Manson crane barge “Freya” into the harbor. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 to assist.

3:03pm, received a report of a male transient loitering with all his belongings spread out in the VIM parking lot. Officers responded and contacted the individual. He was granted time to organize his stuff and then move on.

11:23pm, officers contacting a fisherman on a small unseaworthy vessel at the breakwall and warning him of the Gale warning going into effect.

Sunday 2-2

 11:30am, received a report of two juveniles operating an inflatable without any lifejackets. Officers responded, found the vessel reported. One 13-year-old had on a lifejacket and the operator was 15, so he was not required to “don” a PFD.

3:05pm, while on patrol, observed a large Northwest swell, 9ft as measured by sonar on Rescue Boat 17.

10:00pm, weather observations to National Weather Service, 20kt wind increase

Monday 2-3

 10:00am, received a report of an errant buoy near 5th street in Oxnard Shores. Officers responded in the Fireboat to investigate. After a thorough search, no buoy or any other flotsam was discovered in the area. Large waves most likely washed whatever was observed to shore before officers arrived.

8:08pm, dispatched to a fall victim at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient. Patient sustained no injuries

 

VCCCD opts-out of California Community College Association Spring I Season

After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf.

No decision has been made for Spring II sports. The CCCAA COVID-19 contingency plan calls for Spring II sports to potentially have competition beginning in mid-April. The Spring II sports at the three Ventura County community colleges include baseball, softball, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s beach volleyball, men’s volleyball and men’s golf. The CCCAA deadline to “opt-in” or “opt-out” of the Spring II portion of the athletic season is Feb. 26, 2021. VCCCD leadership plans to hold meetings in January and early February to discuss the potential of moving forward with Spring II sports.

“Many adjustments have been required since March 2020. COVID-19 pandemic conditions are escalating now. We look forward to the use of ongoing safety practices and the availability of vaccines to help reduce risk and pandemic levels so that athletic competition can resume in future months,” stated Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “The health and safety of our student athletes and employees remain paramount in decision making. The creative and dedicated work of coaches and Athletic Directors keeps students engaged under challenging circumstances.”

CCCAA sports competition came to an abrupt end in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shutdown in the state. Western State Conference titles were not awarded in the Spring 2020 sports, which played abbreviated regular/conference seasons. VCCCD will continue to monitor the situation as new information is released from Ventura County Public Health.

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.

Finally, 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.

Deadly shooting in Ventura leaves one-man dead – appears gang related

Murder suspect, 24-year-old Raymond Bolanos remains in jail.

On January 18, a deadly shooting occurred in the public parking structure on Harbor Blvd. and California, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Alejandro Hernandez of Ventura. This is Ventura’s first murder in 2020, and police say the motive appears to be gang related.

At approximately 2:45am, a 911 call was received regarding a shooting victim at the top level of the parking structure. Patrol officers responded and located one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was treated by Ventura City Fire and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the crime occurred when one group – standing outside of their red Ford Mustang, was approached by the second group of people in a white sedan. The two groups started fighting when one person inside the vehicle shot at the group outside.

The Mustang fled the scene and ended up in Oxnard where the driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road by Victoria Ave. and Nantucket Parkway. CHP and Ventura police detained three of the vehicle’s occupants. One person fled the scene and was later apprehended.

The murder suspect, 24-year-old Raymond Bolanos, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for murder and gang enhancement.  A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Bolanos has prior convictions for carrying a concealed firearm, gang enhancement and a hit and run.

Twenty-six-year old Julian Nunez was arrested for a parole violation warrant and has prior convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and battery with serious injury, and twenty-three-year old Stephanie Sanchez was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. She has a prior conviction for possession of a loaded firearm.

Bolanos and Nuñez appeared in Ventura County Superior Court for an arraignment hearing. Bolanos was charged with murder, attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nuñez is accused of assault with a semi-automatic firearm as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Bolanos, with an attorney from Conflict Defense Associates appointed in Nuñez’s case. CDA provides a legal defense for indigent defendants when cases conflict in the public defender’s office.

Both men also face allegations related to prior felonies and are accused of committing the alleged crimes for the benefit of a Santa Paula street gang.

Nuñez and Bolanos remain in Ventura County jail. Nuñez’s bail was set at $290,000 and Bolanos’ bail was set at $1.43 million. Both men are due back in court for a continued arraignment hearing on Feb. 20.

Bronze sculpture is by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly

Statue honors Miriam Schwab.

A memorial statue honoring local philanthropist and long-time Ventura College patron Miriam Schwab was unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, January 25, in the courtyard of the Ventura College’s Performing Arts Center.

The large crowd enjoyed music, food and sharing stories about Miriam.

The 12-foot high bronze sculpture is by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly. It memorializes her love of music and her strong belief in the import role music plays in the community college system. The dancer in the sculpture is holding a violin, an instrument that she played in the Ventura College Orchestra for 15-years. The music stand symbolizes academic learning, while the dancer symbolizes stepping out into the world after students have received their education.

Schwab passed away in 2017 at age 89. In 2018, Ventura College Foundation, which provides financial support to students and programs of Ventura College, received a $12 million donation from Schwab’s estate in 2018. It is the largest gift ever to a community college in Southern California.

Anne Paul King, Executive Director, Ventura College Foundation was the MC for the event. She introduced the speakers that included Dr. Kimberly Hoffmans, President, Ventura College, Dr. Tim Harrison, Dean of Athletics and Fine Arts, and, of course the artist Michael O’Kelly.

The Ventura College Wind Quintet provided wonderful music for the large gathering during and after the unveiling.

O’Kelly has created many pieces of public art, in addition to his prolific privately commissioned work in Ventura County, Los Angeles and Las Vegas his public art pieces include the timeline ceramic mural located downtown on Main St. The beautiful ceramic mural highlighting Ventura’s history for the city’s 150th anniversary. The mural by the San Buenaventura Mission, is 50’ long by 9.5’ high and took him more than a year just to draw.

When asked if creating public art creates additional pressure for him as the artist, versus private commissions, he replied, “Public art is so important, thousands of people see it, but I don’t feel any additional pressure when creating it. I’m confident and know what I can do. I’m just a working artist.” Michael O’Kelly sold his first piece of art at age nine while on a family vacation.

“I was really pleased when Miriam Schwab wanted me to do her memorial sculpture for Ventura College, which was part of her 12-million-dollar endowment for the college’s Performing Arts center” he said.

Schwab was a passionate classical music lover. She played the violin with the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra for over a decade and started the Henry Schwab Violin and Viola Competition, named after her late husband. Eighty-five percent of Schwab’s gift goes to the Ventura College Instrumental Music Program including funding for a permanent violin and viola competition, a sustainable year-round symphony orchestra and the creation of the Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music. In addition, fifteen percent of Schwab’s gift supports the Ventura College Aquatics Program. An avid swimmer, Schwab could often be seen swimming in the Ventura College pool (and riding her bike daily around town).

Ventura permanent shelter now a reality

Facility will provide shelter, social services and mental health counseling.

By Shirley Lorraine

At long last, Ventura County’s first government-funded and led permanent, year-round homeless shelter is finally ready to open. The ARCH celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Monday, January 27. ARCH is an acronym for “All Roads Connect to Housing.”

A joint project between the city and county of Ventura, the 55-bed converted county-owned facility will provide shelter, social services and mental health counseling in addition to job assistance, benefits navigation and other educational programs.

The shelter, located at 2323 Knoll Drive in Ventura, will be operated by Orange County based Mercy House who will take and process referrals. Administration and 24/7 staffing will be done by Mercy House. Occupancy is by referral, and each applicant screened for suitability. According to one staffer, enough referrals have already come through to fill the facility from the get-go. No walk-in services are provided. Ventura’s facility will accommodate 17 single women and 38 single men. And dogs. And cats.

The Mercy House model is “housing first”, which focuses on aiding those in need find stable housing as a primary step toward re-integration into society. Participants will be required to work on a plan to find suitable housing. Case managers will be looking at ways to reduce the barriers between resident’s current situation and permanent housing. However, according to Judy Alexandre, chair of the Ventura Social Services Task Force, finding affordable housing in Ventura County is a continuing challenge.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated, “This shelter is going to change lives.” He lauded the years of hard work and commitment that have made this achievement a reality and recognized those who have helped lay groundwork for this project. “This is what happens when communities work together.”

Supervisor Steve Bennett added “This shows how our culture and politics have changed over the last 20 years. We are so proud to be the first city in Ventura County to step forward for this project.” He urged everyone to continue to support the next phases of the project.

City Manager Alex McIntyre noted that the “city has made a long-term commitment in this journey toward success.”

Members of the San Buenaventura Women’s Club made and donated 80 blankets for the facility in December. President Rosemary Wilde and several members were present at the opening, presenting a donation of toiletry items, socks and personal care items for the new residents. Oak View Women’s Club and Ojai Women’s Club also donated blankets. Donations from many sources piled about five feet high in the entrance, with more to come.

Volunteers are a key component to the success of the program. To explore volunteer opportunities, contact Anabel Garcia, Volunteer Associate at [email protected] or (714) 836-7188 ext.197. Volunteers are needed for all shifts, all days.

How else can you help? Call (714) 836-7188 or go to www.mercyhouse.net – click on programs, shelters, the Arch. There is a link to their Amazon wish list. Purchases can be made and delivered directly to the facility. Of course, monetary donations are always accepted too.

For more information also visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/homelessefforts.

CAPS Radio – KPPQ celebrates its third anniversary

Happy D-Jays at KPPQ training with Lyn Fairly.

KPPQ-LP, CAPS Media Center’s local community radio station is celebrating its third birthday. KPPQ-LP has been serving the Ventura community for three years bringing local programming to over 100,000 residents. Our community producers are creating engaging and professional programs. Elizabeth Rodeno and Evan Carpenter built the station from the ground up converting a storage room into a professional production studio. They spent many hours, learning as they went, planning and building the only local community radio station and production facility in town.

Broadcasting 24/7, KPPQ hosts music and interview shows. Mark Levitt’s “Pure Rock Show” features hard rock and metal bands and has a nationwide following.

“The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour”, hosted by local music celebrity and expert Pam, features Ventura bands and those that come to play in the 805. Listen and learn about the eclectic and talented performers from Ventura County.

“Cool Jazz and Smooth R&B” hosted by Jace Martyn. shares a wide variety of Jazz and R&B, cool and smooth, of course. Riley Real’s “Straight From The 805” airs rap and then some from artists from the 805 and San Francisco. You will hear dark wave, punk and 60’s classic hits on “Soundz”. Kevin Wallace’s “Ojai Dream” is a musical journey through the decades.

“In the Women’s Room”, Kathleen Good’s long running program features guests who share their experiences as women and address social and health related issue to name but a few. Tune in to “Ventura Vibe!” with Nadine Piche. Nadine gets to meet interesting community and nonprofit organizations that care about and support Ventura in each their own way. She also shares some local treasures. “Teen Centric” hosts poetry by a vast and unique group of students finding their voice. Let’s not forget the students from the award winning ECTV. They are producing their own show and podcast. “The Shiver Shows’” unique sci fi and horror storytelling will scare the pants off you. “Adventures in Step” parenting is just that.

Sheldon Brown produced a fascinating community focused show called “The Face of Ventura” and we look forward to his return. There is much more entertaining and informative programming from throughout the world featured each day, 24/7. The schedules and tons of other information about the radio and how you can be part of the audio world – both radio and podcasts. Training classes are held the 4th Wednesday and Thursday or every month.

Sunday, February 9 at the CAPS Media Center will celebrate CAPS Radio-KPPQ’s 3-Year Anniversary of delivering outstanding local radio production to Ventura. We will also Open House that night with opportunity for the public to take a tour of the CAPS Media Center, meet the CAPS Crew and learn more about becoming a Member/Producer. We also celebrate the Oscars so everyone can play along and guess who the winners will be. Doors open at 4pm. RSVP to [email protected]

Become a Member/Producer, learn the tools, explore any subject that interests you and CAPS will broadcast the story on television and stream it online. Who knows? Next year’s WAVE award could be yours.

The annual membership fee of only $40 with raining included. CAPS Radio requires an additional annual fee of $50 for DJs. Go to capsmedia.org/events to learn how to register for upcoming classes and become a Member/Producer.

Ventura County Fair announces poster contest for county youth

The Ventura County Fair has announced that the 11th annual Fair poster contest for the 2020 Ventura County Fair is under way. The contest is open to young artists in grades 5 – 12 who reside in Ventura County.

The theme of the 2020 Fair is “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” and will serve as the familiar guideline to the imagery. Artwork can be traditional, whimsical, clever and stylized in any way the artist sees fit. Creativity and artistic license is encouraged.

Artwork may be created in any medium but may not include the use of glitter, metallic paint, or 3 dimensional objects attached to the artwork. Digital entries must be completely original and include no clip art, trademarked or stock images.

Poster designs will be judged on originality, creativity and theme. Entries will be accepted until the entry deadline, Friday, April 3.

Entries can be brought to the Fairgrounds administration office at 10 W. Harbor Blvd. in Ventura. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8AM until 5PM. Please note, Fairgrounds administration office is closed weekdays from 12 – 1 pm for lunch and will also be closed on weekends and on Tuesday, March 31.

Rules, deadlines and other information can be found on the Fair website, www.venturacountyfair.org.  For more information about the contest call 648-3376 or send an email to [email protected]. (Please add “Poster Contest” to the subject line)

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, First prize: $500, Second Prize: $250, Third Prize: $100. All contestants will receive 2 admission tickets for the 2020 Ventura County Fair.

The winning design will be used to advertise the Fair on Fair posters, souvenirs, advertisements and other applications. Second and third place winners will also be used in various applications. All contestants’ entries will be displayed in the Youth Expo at the Ventura County Fair.

The Ventura County Fair will begin its annual 12-day run Wednesday, August 5 and continue until Sunday, August 16.

For more information about the Fair, or the poster contest, please call the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 648-3376 or visit www.venturacountyfair.org. Keep up to date when you follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.