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Residents moving into newly built Westview Village

The $60 million first phase replaces 72 deteriorated public housing units.

Housing Authority City of San Buenaventura completes phase one of redevelopment

Ventura, Calif.—Residents have begun moving into the newly constructed Westview Village apartments as the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB), a public housing authority dedicated to promoting quality of life through affordable, healthy housing and community-based development, completes phase one of a four-phase redevelopment effort.

The $60 million first phase of construction broke ground in 2017 and replaces 72 deteriorated public housing units with 131 modern affordable one- to four-bedroom apartments. When all four phases of development are complete, the community will provide 320 LEED‐certified new construction homes, including 50 homes for seniors and 34 for-sale homes. The HACSB anticipates that the redeveloped Westview Village community will be the first LEED‐Neighborhood Development certified community in Ventura County.

The HACSB is working in partnership with San Francisco-based nonprofit developer BRIDGE Housing Corp., to redevelop the Westview Village site through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Driven by 10 years of planning and community outreach, the redevelopment effort aims to revitalize and expand housing opportunities for Ventura residents by delivering affordability and improved infrastructure and amenities while achieving modern, current design and construction standards that better meet the needs of families and seniors.

“Our mission goes beyond building housing. We’re working to build healthy communities that connect resources with needs and create partnerships to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said HACSB Chief Executive Officer Denise M. Wise.

Beyond the physical attributes of the project, the HACSB Community Services Department works to develop community partnerships to help residents achieve personal goals related to literacy and education, health and wellness, job training and employment. “Our housing authority is more than shade and shelter. We work to support residents’ personal growth and economic self‐sufficiency,” said Wise.

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is the developer, services coordinator and property manager. Mainstreet Architects + Planners Inc. is the Executive Architect and Cannon Constructors South is the General Contractor for the Phase I project.

Westview Village is the city of Ventura’s oldest and largest public housing complex.

The Housing Authority of the City Of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, currently managing 295 public housing units, 705 nonprofit affordable rental units, and more than 1,500 Section 8 vouchers. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for hundreds more of the low-income residents of the City of Ventura.

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 – Opinion/Editorial

∙I want to thank the Ventura Port District for inserting the Harbor Views Newsletter in this issue. Nice to know that they feel the Breeze is the best way to contact Venturans.

Commenting on gun violence, Gov. Gavin Newsom stated, “From San Bernardino to Ventura to Poway, too many Californians have already died from gun violence.” Strange that we got mentioned. Normally that would be good but maybe not in this case. Makes it sound as if we have lots of gun shootings here.

∙The Ventura City Council accepted a recommendation from Ventura’s water sources General Manager Susan Rungren to remain in a Stage 3 Water Shortage Event.

This means rate payers will continue to be divided into four cost tiers.

Apparently, rates won’t increase, but rates will remain the same through fiscal year 2019-20.

The fact that the City remains in Stage 3 seems strange to me, even the State has declared that we no longer have a water shortage.

∙In 2011, Ventura, and some homeowners in the Pierpont area, came to an agreement on who would clean sand from the beach in front of their properties that was blocking their ocean views.

Per this agreement, the City would remove tons of dirt and haul it away. Of course, the sand just comes back and now the City is being sued once again by a few owners.

The City claims that this is a natural occurring condition, and even if the City is held responsible it should not be the only one to pay for the removal costs.

What really confuses the issue (and others) is that the City owns 40 feet of the beach in front of the homes and the State owns the beach to the ocean, so the question becomes just whose sand is this and who should pay?

Never have understood why the State still owns part of our beaches. Can’t they just give it to us?

∙Cannabis in the news:

Businesses that focus on manufacturing, testing and distributing cannabis can apply to operate in Oxnard starting next month because the Oxnard City Council has voted to relax the current ban.

With a unanimous vote, Council gave preliminary approval for cannabis distributors and manufacturers and a testing lab to open in the city. Oxnard is considering allowing up to eight manufacturers, three distributors and one testing lab.

Port Hueneme cannabis dispensaries are contributing $30,000 in order to continue presenting the City’s Fourth of July fireworks show.

When, oh when, will our City Council get it?

∙I went online to make a DMV reservation. The next available appointment is in August which isn’t too bad considering that is about how long you would sit there without a reservation.

∙How to make foreign friends – An American airstrike accidentally killed at least eight Afghan police officers in southern Afghanistan.

∙The FBI released documents on the bureau’s short-lived investigation into Bigfoot which was done in 1977.

The 22 documents show that the bureau’s Scientific and Technical Services Division examined 15 hairs sent by Peter Byrne, who was head of the now-defunct Bigfoot Information Center and Exhibition in Oregon, and determined they were from a newspaper publisher and not bigfoot.

∙I like to keep our readers informed. Researchers say they have observed parity-time symmetry breaking for the first time in an experiment. The result was obtained using a “dilation” technique on a single-spin system – a nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamond. The system could be used as a platform for studying new and exotic physics, such as new topological variants, quantum thermodynamics and quantum criticality, in non-Hermitian quantum systems.

According to current physics theories, the universe is governed by certain fundamental symmetries. One of these looks at the relation between parity (P) or “handedness” and time (T) and describes the oddness or evenness of a quantum particle and whether it is moving forwards or backwards in time. When a PT transformation is applied to a quantum system it appears the same as the original.

I hope that clarifies it for you. I’m sure no other explanation is necessary.

∙ Perhaps athlete’s salaries are getting out of hand. The LA Lakers (they play basketball) feel that they need one more star on the team, but they only have about $25M a year to offer. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough money to obtain a marquee player.

∙ Ocean levels are rising due to climate change. Some scientists say that sea levels could rise nearly three feet by the year 2100. However, others claim that is incorrect and feel sea levels could rise more than double that amount if global temperatures increase more than expected.

If sea levels were to rise by more than 6 feet, which the study’s authors believe is possible – an event they said, “lies within the 90% uncertainty bounds,” – the devastation could be catastrophic. A rise in temperatures by 5 degrees Celsius would cause significant declines in ice levels in Greenland, as well as Antarctica.

I know that the cause of climate change is debatable, but the fact that it exists is certainly not.

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine
Murder, mayhem & music take stage in Simi

The year span is 1907-09. The tale, told in retrospect as a jail-house memoir, is one of deception, death and dastardly deeds. Set to music. The audience is warned that what they are about to see may be disturbing and, if they are easily offended, they are free to leave the theater now.

And so, presented by the Actor’s Repertory Theatre of Simi, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, the Tony-award winning musical penned by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutyak, begins at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.

The vocal range of the cast is simply superior. Operatic in places, often reminiscent of Gilbert & Sullivan in its rapid-fire delivery, the lyrics are delivered with impertinence and impunity throughout. What a treat.

Montague “Monty” Navarro (Vincent Perez), upon mourning his mother’s recent demise, is visited by a mysterious stranger, Miss Shingle (Sydney Bowers) who informs him that he, in fact, is a distant heir to the earldom of Highhurst Castle. There are a few minor problems, however. His presence is not recognized by Highurst residents the D’Ysquith family as his mother was disconnected from the line years ago, and there are eight heirs ahead of him for the title. No matter.

Young Monty is in love with Sibella Hallward (Deborah Robin) although she desires to marry for money over heart. Monty accepts the challenge and vows to make his way to the top of the heir-chain by seeing that each heir meets an untimely death. Along the way he intrigues and is pursued by Phoebe D’Ysquith (Siena Avila), a distant cousin.

The entire D’Ysquith line (nine characters) is played by Adam Womak, each character distinct although with uncanny resemblances. Womak is clearly reveling in the chance to play such varied roles and does so in fine fashion, pulling out all the stops.

Six additional seasoned actors fill in as servants, portraits (yes, portraits) and lesser characters to great effect. Adding to their inclusion are highly stylized movements, a wide range of vocal talents and full immersion in their roles. Each of them brings with them a long list of theatrical credits.

Director Will Shupe and musical director Gary Poirot must be especially proud of the abundance of talent this cast displays. There are no weak voices among them. In additional to their sheer strength, the actors are also using microphones to overcome the right-in-front live orchestra. At times the volume overrides the lyrics, but the voices are so fine it is still easy to be impressed.

Period costuming by Joshua Stapel is on point and beautifully styled. The lush fabrics and detailed designs are visually appealing works of art.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder presents a decidedly light-hearted foray in time. The high energy performance keeps the actors on their toes and the audience on the edge of their seats with anticipation of the next twist. Performances are crisp, vocals are superb, and the evening is highly satisfying.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder runs through July 14. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 adults, $24 seniors/students, $20 12 and under. (805) 583-7900 or www.simi-arts.org

Ionic deli celebrating 25-years

On July 1, 2019, Ventura County’s iconic Danny’s Deli & Grill located in mid-town Ventura will be celebrating 20 years of serving our community. Owners’ Wendy Collings and son Alex Everhart will be hosting a celebration at the restaurant on Sunday, June 30th and Monday, July 1st, 2019.

To both commemorate this wonderful milestone and to honor our beautiful city, award winning local artist, MB Hanrahan, will have completed her 85 foot mural on the exterior wall of the restaurant. The mural will feature images representing Ventura’s rich history and beautiful surroundings. Danny’s Deli is proud to support this public art project as a gift to our community.

With a large selection of traditional homemade deli options and an expanding menu that includes many new vegetarian/vegan entrees, Danny’s is sure to have something delightful for everyone.

Danny’s Deli & Grill is a family owned and operated restaurant with a dedicated staff, many of who have been with the restaurant since its opening day. Many customers are long time regulars who have become part of Danny’s Deli’s extended families. With a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, Danny’s has always been a location for singles, friends, families, businesses and groups to meet, as well as a place you can go to feel completely welcome.

Danny’s Deli & Grill

3263 Telegraph Road

(805) 289-9200

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 – Mailbox

Dear Editor:

What a waste of time, energy, and insults. Trump hears nothing he doesn’t want to hear. He loves street fights. He loves slinging mud, and other matter, just for the sake of making noise.

The, only, way to make Trump uneasy, is to ignore him. He doesn’t exist. He isn’t worth an iota of attention, or awareness. Trump is a nothing.

One treats nothing by doing nothing, saying nothing.

S. Douglas

S: Wait a minute didn’t you just write about not writing about him by writing about him?

Dear Sheldon,

I disagree with your opinion that gun show should be allowed at the County Fairgrounds. To do so so soon after the recent shootings in Thousand Oaks shows a desensitization and insensitivity to this critical issue of contemporary Society.

Regarding Beay letter to Breeze on June 18, 2019. Excellent and concise. Why are government and religious entities involved in our personal health care decisions?

Lou Vigorita Ventura

Dear Editor:

I am writing to commend a teacher, Sheila Bartsch, who has passionately taken up the torch to teach tolerance and the benefits of diversity to her 2nd grade students. Ms. Bartsch teaches at Pierpont Elementary. She has been an educator in the district for 25 years. It began when Sheila happened upon a book titled, “My Totally Intolerable Blocks.” She was impressed with the book not only because of its message, but also because it was written by sixteen-year-old, first time author, Emily Ford, who was abandoned at birth in a remote village in China because of her sex. This young author wrote the book specifically to teach tolerance and the benefits of diversity to young children using the personification of a child’s block set. (go to www.raisingtolerance.com for more info)

Sheila Bartsch read Emily’s book and immediately recognized utility in the author’s story. Consequently, she decided to use the book as a springboard to discuss bullying behavior and the importance of tolerance to her young students. Ms. Bartsch’s passion for teaching these social values summoned her creative side which was natural given that she also holds a degree in Art History. Since reading the book, Sheila has developed novel methods of how the author’s book can inspire children to appreciate their differences and work together as a team for the common good of everyone.

Sheila Bartsch should be recognized for her efforts, for her passionate teaching, and immense creativity. As a result of Sheila’s enthusiasm, the author donated thirty books to Pierpont Elementary School. By example, Sheila Bartsch has not only encouraged this young author to continue to proclaim her passion for diversity, she also reminds adults that it is the responsibility of every one of us to teach tolerance to our youth. Thank you Sheila Bartsch for going the extra mile. You are to be commended!

April Marano

Sheldon:

Thank you for your great local paper.  You asked a question, “Why are Christian conservatives against abortion?”

The answer is that we Christians/Catholics/Episcopalians believe that life begins at conception and the Mother is carrying her baby boy or baby girl, a son or a daughter, and we do not believe in murder of the innocent children.

A good local pro-life group that saves babies is Life Choices Pregnancy Clinic of the Ojai Valley.  Check out their website.

The movie “Unplanned” at Collection theater was excellent, a true story about a former Planned Parenthood Clinic Director.

Betsey and John Stewart IV.

Ventura Keys

Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.
~ Elsa Maxwell

What started as only one poem for a creative writing class became the 1st place winner.

Before he went to doggy heaven Isabella would read poetry to Scamp.

Isabella Kress is a recent Culinary Arts and English Education graduate from Cerritos College. She will be continuing her educational journey as an English Education major with emphasis in Creative Writing at California State University, Long Beach Fall 2019. She recently placed as the 1st place winner of Cerritos College’s 15th Annual “Falcons Out Loud” Poetry Competition in 2018. When not writing poetry, Isabella enjoys cooking, traveling, singing, salsa dancing, and visiting family and friends in her hometown, Ventura. What started as only one poem for a creative writing class inspired her to create a collection of real, raw poetry that is Moonlight Reflections.

With one’s darkness, also comes light. Moonlight Reflections is a series of short poems split into two sections (Engulfed in the Darkness and Embracing the Light) that discuss the often dark struggles of poisonous relationships, loneliness and self-acceptance, and illuminate the triumph of overcoming hardships, finding inner peace, and learning to love again. Moonlight Reflections is for those who have loved and have lost, who have faced hardship, but are still moving forward, and those who are broken, but ready to begin healing. May this short, yet powerful collection bring you comfort and a sense of peace as you find your light within life’s darkness.

Moonlight is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Isabella is the daughter of Ventura Breeze Assistant to the Publisher Ana Baker

The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival to burst forth in bloom

The festival draws thousands annually to Ojai.

Lavender magic returns for the 16th year as Ojai festoons herself in fragrant, purple glory to celebrate an especially bountiful and breathtakingly beautiful season of local lavender. While drought and fire affected last year’s crop, Mother Nature has been most tender with temps and generous with rain in 2019 to produce a banner year for the versatile herb.

Always held the last Saturday in June to coincide with Ojai’s peak lavender bloom Festival will be Saturday, June 29th, 10am-5pm at Libbey Park. The festival draws thousands annually to Ojai for a family-friendly day of art, music, food, games, speakers, prizes and over 100 vendors offering a wide array of lavender and lavender-inspired products, including oils, vinegars, honey, aromatherapy and beauty products, culinary items, candles and of course plenty of freshly cut, dried and potted lavender. Local shops, restaurants, wineries, breweries, java cafes and overnight accommodations love to participate in the lavender celebration, too, and many feature unique lavender items and sales specials.

The sober side to this exciting event is that 2019 will be the final festival, at least as of the moment of this writing. The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival (OVLF) committee – tiny but fierce – has produced this incredible event for 16 years. The all-volunteer team lead by Executive Director Neil Friedrichsen, President Cindy Mullins and Vice President Joy Brown, is ready to retire. Yes, it’s a lot of work but it brings so much joy to so many. Hopefully another group or organization will step up and assume the lavender mantel to carry the festival into the future. Interested? Please contact Cindy Mullins at www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org to learn more.

Start with a 10:00 am performance by musician Richard Kaller on Libbey Park’s front patio. The all-day music lineup at the gazebo will feature the Old Time Fiddlers, District 8 at 10:00 am; Hal Waite and the Gaddis Boys at 11:15 pm; Lynn Mullins and Coyote Creek at 12:30 pm; Smitty and Julija at 1:45 pm, Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks at 2:45 pm; and Jon Gindick at 3:45 p.m.

The festival speakers’ tent will present Renee Roth at 12:00 pm with “Greywater Reclamation,” and Amanda Mullins at 2:00 pm with “Make Your Favorite Foods Nutritious and Delicious.”

Art, including entries in the 2019 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Art Contest, will be on display and for sale in the festival’s art pavilion.

OVLF’s popular Passport Game will offer fun, adventure and plenty of chances to win great prizes donated by festival vendors.

Another favorite, local Frog Creek Lavender Farm will again join the festivities, offering farm visits with U-pick lavender at its Upper Ojai farm 10:00 am- 5:00 pm on festival day, June 29th, and 10:00 am-3:00 pm weekends through July. www.frogcreekfarmojai.com for directions and details.

As a nonprofit organization, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival has long supported the community through scholarship awards and community grants. This year’s $2,500 OLVF David Mason Scholarship Award goes to Claire Hankins. Additional $2,000 OVLF Scholarship recipients are Karen Romero Sanchez, Angela Zirpolo, Aliyah Zweig and Giovanni Torres.

The free event offers free parking managed by Chief Peak 4-H, with complimentary parking shuttles run by HELP of Ojai. OVLF warmly thanks these organizations, as well as Ojai/Ventura Teen Challenge, Von’s, Ojai City Council, and OVLF’s many new and returning volunteers, vendors and festival guests, for helping to make the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival a joyful, memorable, and successful community event year after year. It’s been a really great romp through the lavender. Learn more at www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Over 1,000 attended Ventura County Public Work Agency’s Public Works Day

Event included a large career day booth for youth and the public.

5th Annual educational event adds themed stations, kinesthetic learning, and careers benefitting the environment

Over 60 years ago, John F. Kennedy started National Public Works Day to educate the public on the departments that run the water, sewer, building, watershed, transportation, recycling and refuse industries in the U.S. today.

In what is becoming a favorite educational experience- more than 1,000 Ventura County school children, teachers, parents and guests were in attendance at this year’s enhanced event that featured more than 23 heavy equipment demonstrations and 35 interactive booths, including a large career day booth for youth and the public.

This free event was located in Ventura County’s Government Center Parking Lot G where attendees had the opportunity to learn about the most recent innovations in safety, science and environmental sustainability. The newly created thematic zoned stations featured booths on Native Drought Resistant Plants, the County’s Raptor Program, building and safety, engineering STEM, and technology in public transportation to the always-popular live demonstrations of heavy equipment in action that highlighted the five departments of VCPWA.

In addition to careers in public works, General Services Agency (GSA) and County Human Resources arranged an expanded career booth where employees provided information to students as well as attendees looking to explore county and public works career paths.

VCPWA’s National Public Works Week (NPWW) event has grown tremendously since launching in 2012 with more than 700 students in attendance of last year’s event.