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Vol. 12, No. 26 – Sept 25 – Oct 8, 2019 – Mailbox

Dear Editor:

Listen to all the voices. Hundreds of voices squealing about

impeachment. Everyone on TV news is parsing that word.

Do we or don’t we? Do we call it impeach? Do we call it an investigation? Does what we call this matter?

Every commentator has advice for the Democrats. Enough already!

Every commentator is so boring. Every commentator makes my fingers itch to change channels. Every channel has a talking head about the wishy, washy Democrats, and the obedient Republicans. Every commentator is irritated that the politicians are not listening to the commentator’s advice.

TV has never been so boring. I used to play games in the street when I was young. I miss those days. I think I’ll go play In the street. If  I’m  limber enough to avoid being hit by a car, that will be way more exciting than listening to dull, carping news commentators.

Your Scamp column is far more informative, and interesting, and entertaining, than those boring talking heads on TV.

I’m going outside; gonna  play tag with moving cars.

E. D. Coleski

E.D. Woof woof

Dear Sheldon, your heartfelt honesty is much needed, you are truly one of Ventura’s gems.
Sincerely
Jay Berkowitz (*no relationship to Avi).
Downtown Ventura.

Thanks Jay but some readers don’t think I’m a gem but a clump of coal.

*Avraham Berkowitz is an American attorney and political adviser, who currently serves as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Advisor to the Senior Advisor in President Donald Trump’s White House.

Editor,

Today I rode my bike down to Mission Park for the Climate Strike event that was happening there. I wore my March for Science t-shirt, took some pictures, and talked to a lot of people before I realized something: I am sick of all of this.

I was involved in what we hippies in Phoenix thought was the first Earth Day. There was no internet (or PC’s or Smart Phones, etc.) so the word was spread by people calling people then people telling people about the day. We called it word-of-mouth communication. There was no formal organization, no central authority. We just showed up one morning at Encanto Park and started picking up trash and putting it in the proper receptacles.

In the past fifty years, I have been a member of the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, Green Peace, and VLT. Fifty years and nothing has changed except that the planet has gotten hotter and more polluted. That is why I am sick of all of this.

I tried to tell a few people that things will continue as they are now if we don’t have the right politicians in place to make changes, politicians who care more about the Earth then Big Energy’s cash, but it was like shouting into the wind. They had their t-shirts, their clever signs, and their righteous indignation and they were sure that this would “save” the planet. I was tempted to clue them in on the fact that man will never destroy the Earth, it will go on no matter what we do; only mankind will be destroyed and, sadly, some of the beautiful animals who share this planet with us.

But maybe that is what is needed, maybe a species reset should happen so maybe a new class of man will arise that will respect our natural resources and work to protect them.

I know that I won’t live to see this or any other end of mankind however it happens, but I still care enough to do the thing now that will help the most: I will vote for candidates who have PROVEN that they give a damn about the planet.

Regards,

John Darling

Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
~ Robert L. Peters

Vol. 12, No. 26 – Sept 25 – Oct 8, 2019 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Ad Astra
1 out of 4 palm trees

When the government discovers earth’s solar system is on the verge of being destroyed, they call on astronaut Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) to save the world. Though proud to serve his country, Roy learns that the surges threatening to end humanity are due to the actions of an astronaut believed to be lost in space while on a quest to discover non-human intelligent life, who is also Roy’s father astronaut Clifford McBride. Released by 20th Century Fox, Directed by James Gray, Written by James Gray and Ethan Gross, and starring Brad Pitt as Major Roy McBride and Tommy Lee Jones as H. Clifford McBride.

After being briefed on the sordid details of his new mission, astronaut Roy McBride begins his ever long journey by taking a “commercial” flight to the moon where he encounters moon pirates on moon rovers who attempt to thwart his mission, but Roy’s rover survives the battle. Trouble continues on his shuttle to Mars when they receive a distress call and after bording have to battle man eating baboons in space, but with many dead and his mission partner severely injured, Roy remains unharmed.

On Mars, Roy records a message to his father and is immediately taken off the mission, his emotional attachment now being believed to be a psychological risk to himself and the mission. While there he meets SpaceCom base facility Director Helen Lantos, a Martian native who secretly shares more bad news about his father. Lantos’ parents were on the Lima mission with Roy’s father and were among those Roy’s father murdered when they tried to abandon the mission and return to earth.

Roy sneaks onto the ship sent to destroy his father’s ship, and ends up killing the entire crew to protect himself and continue the mission. Roy finds the Lima Project ship near Neptune and sets out to destroy it as it’s unstable malfunctioning anti-matter power source is causing problems throughout the solar system. He sets up the nuclear payload to destroy Lima and returns in spacesuits to his ship with his father, but Clifford breaks away in the transit and intentionally drifts off into space despite Roy’s efforts to save him.

Roy recovered the data from Lima and returns to his ship in his spacesuit using a panel from Lima to block asteroids as he flew through the rings of Neptune. Roy’s ship did not have enough fuel to return, so he used the nuclear blast from Lima to jettison him back to earth where he reconnects with his wife and himself.

Brad Pitt’s talents were underutilized in “Ad Astra” speaking in a monotone voice and acting robotic and emotionless the entire movie. The movie also drags on through scenes with long, uneventful periods spent traveling around, and seems unbelievable the amount of time spent flying around in space in only a spacesuit using unbolted panels to deflect asteroids.

I think the $88 million budget spent on this family drama in space could have been better spent if just donated to the space program, and if you’re interested in what’s happening in space, your time would be better spent enjoying an evening outside under the stars.

Rated: PG-13
124 minutes

Science and religion take the stage

by Sheli Ellsworth

The Ojai Art Center Theater is performing the original play Bless Your Heart through September 29 with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.

The play Ojai Art Center’s own artistic director, Emmy winner Richard Camp wrote Bless Your Heart which explores the impact of religion, education and science in modern culture. Camp describes it as “a play about evolution and faith with a juicy dollop of Elvis Presley fandom . . .”

Set in 1998 North Carolina, a deeply religious family prepares for the wedding of 17 year old John David played by Chance Kelejian to the ditzy 18 year old preacher’s daughter played by KiSea Katikka. The festivities are dampened when John David’s stubborn mother, Martha—played by Susan Kelejian—refuses to be involved in the nuptials. After John David’s brother, Thomas—portrayed by David Nelson Taylor—arrives, the family’s dynamic goes into further free fall. The educated Thomas brings his liberal, science-based ideas into the already turbulent situation and when John David’s estranged preacher father—JD played by veteran actor Michael Holden—arrives, things go from bad to worse.

Fortunately, Martha’s sister—brilliantly portrayed by true southern belle Julie Denny Hamann— keeps the laughs on track throughout the whole debacle.

Camp took on a controversial topic and made it fun and watchable. The acting is spirited and engaging; for anyone interested in Darwinism, God, or the matrimony of the two.

The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery Street in Ojai. It opens 45 minutes before each show. Go to www.ojaiact.org for tickets. Prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those under 25. If you have questions, please call (805) 640-8797.

Vol. 12, No. 26 – Sept 25 – Oct 8, 2019 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Monday
9-2		 3:14am, monitored mayday call for a boat fire from the dive vessel Conception on VHF 16 to the U.S. coast guard. Officers prepared the fireboat and responded with multiple agencies. The incident is under investigation.

5:51pm, while on foot patrol, officers were contacted by a transient claiming he was assaulted. After an investigation it was determined the individual was the disturbing party and was removed from the harbor by VPD for trespassing.
Friday
9-6		 2:55am, received a report of a transient disturbing a female sitting outside the Holiday Inn express. Officers responded and searched but were UTL.

7:50am, received a report of a transient disturbing people and fitting the description of the earlier person of interest. Officers found the individual and issued warnings for his various violations. He moved along. Later in the day Ventura PD was looking for the same individual performing same stunts.
Saturday
9-7		 11:40am, officers contacting several kayakers and Standup Paddle Boarders and issuing warnings for insufficient safety equipment. Also with educational warnings, issuing loaner lifejackets. Every person aboard a vessel needs a PFD
Sunday
9-8		 5:06pm, received a report of a stingray strike at Harbor Cove. Officers responded and assisted State Parks with the patient.

5:40pm, received a report of a male fainting in the parking lot near Island Packers building. Officers attempting to assist the patient, but he refused any medical attention.
Tuesday
9-10		 10:45pm, while on patrol, officers observed/contacted three vehicles parked in the district lot for illegal camping. The three individuals were issued warnings and their vehicles removed from the parking lot.
Wednesday
9-11		 8:31pm, dispatched to a traffic collision at 1510 Anchors Way dr. Officers responded and assisted a female who reported suffering a reaction to medication and was involved in an accident with several vehicles.

1:57pm, received a dispatch to a fall victim at 1583 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and assisted an elderly male with a head injury. The patient was transported to local hospital for further evaluation by AMR medics.

3:05pm, observing the US coast guard buoy tender “George Cobb” conducting routine maintenance of navigation buoy #4 outside the harbor entrance.
Thursday
9-12		 2:56pm, while on patrol in H-1, dispatched to a traumatic injury near Riverhaven encampment. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with a transient male who sustained a major head injury, but unable to remember how it happened. The patient was transported to Harbor Blvd by fellow transients in a makeshift gurney, treated there then transported by AMR to hospital.

7:25pm, dispatched to a person not breathing at VWM. Officers responded with VFD/AMR and found the patient deceased. VPD took over the incident.
Friday
9-13		 7:15pm, observing a full moon rising.

7:40pm, while on patrol outside the harbor in Boat 17, officers engaged a drone flying from Harbor Cove, had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. The drone disappeared and officers were unable to locate the operator. It is illegal to operate drones in and around the harbor without a permit.
Saturday
9-14		 6:30am, monitored radio traffic of an abandoned panga aground at Deer Creek beach near the Ventura County Line.

8:45am, dispatched to a sick 90-year-old female in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with patient complaining of right foot pain from gout. Patient self-transported to hospital.

1:15pm, received a dispatch to a fall victim in the Ventura Marina community. Officers responded, assisted VFD/AMR; the patient suffered major injuries.
Sunday
9-15		 5:20pm, officers assisted State Parks in detaining a large vessel reported operating in violation of speeding near swimmers and no registration aboard.

 

Retirement Pension Funds are Underfunded

by Venturans for Responsible & Efficient Gov’t (VREG)

America’s significant retirement pension funds are underfunded by an unfathomable $4.2 Trillion. Thousands of Americans each year find themselves with a mis-sold pension and finding themselves out of pocket. Ventura mirrors this phenomenon. Ventura workers participate in the state pension fund, CalPERS. CalPERS is only 71% funded as of June 30, 2018, despite a 10-year bull market and a growing economy.

Because of the chronic funding shortfall, CalPERs demands increases of at least $2 million per year for five to six consecutive years, and then remain at those levels. Ventura’s pensions are underfunded by $215.1 million.

We respect the work city employees do. Our concern is about the structure by which their retirement is accumulated and paid after retirement.

Most government pension benefits are considered to carry a virtually iron-clad guarantee to the civil workers. Even the smallest attempts to alter future benefits have been met with furious opposition. Governments at all levels are hamstrung between their duties to provide on-going services to their citizens and their ever-increasing financial obligations to pension funds.

A typical city employee would receive a pension almost the same as his or her working salary if they participated for their whole career. The years in retirement can still equal or exceed those worked.

Discussions about pensions get emotional because we’re talking about people’s future and security. What gets lost in the arguments is this. The law and politics guarantee retirement pension benefits, but not the actual returns on investments. The myth is that pensions are safe. They are not. The difference is that taxpayers pick up the difference between reality and what politicians promised.

Politicians have made many attempts to improve the current system, but none have addressed the problem in a meaningful way.

League of California Cities and Government Finance Officers Association recommended actions to confront unsustainable pensions.

1. Reduce the unfunded liability by making annual catch-up payment even more than CalPERS instructs you to pay-if you can afford to pay more.
2. Raise taxes
3. Reduce services
4. Require voter approval of any pension obligation bond, or POB.

These are terrible choices for the public.

There are two other choices for our City Council to consider if they have the political will to do anything about this crisis that will cripple the City of Ventura.

1. Make beneficiaries pay more. Capping the employer contribution at a fixed percentage of salary would cut pension costs for the city. As pension costs increase over the years, the employees will pay all the costs associated with the growth.

2. Change when retired city employees may begin collecting pensions. This alternative solution applies to new employees only. Why would that help? The reason is that even if the city makes no further contributions, the fund will have ten more years to grow. Also, the retirement payment period would be ten years shorter, given the same life expectancy.

Think about it. Today, public employees can get generous pensions by age 50 or 55. Private sector employees don’t get their full social security until 65 or even 67, depending the year they were born. Moreover, Social Security is only going to be one quarter to one-half of your working earnings.

Even with an unprecedented bull market, Ventura’s unfunded pension liability grew over the past ten years faster than market returns can ever expect to make up. CalPERS annual demand will now permanently increase by about $2 million per year for the five to six years and then stay there. Something has to change. Otherwise, the city will either cut back needed services, raise taxes, or both.

Changing the system is the only way these promised benefits can be truly sustainable and dependable for retirees. It’s also the only way that taxpayers can afford to pay for them.

Vol. 12, No. 26 – Sept 25 – Oct 8, 2019 – 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.

Attempted Commercial Burglary and Trespassing Arrests

On September 8, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible commercial burglary in progress at a business in the 2800 block of Loma Vista Rd. It was reported the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old vagrant David Vance, was attempting to break into a medical office through a rear window. Officers arrived on scene, and detained Vance as he was attempting to leave the area. Evidence was found that showed Vance tried using force to gain entry into the business. He was identified by a witness and arrested for attempted commercial burglary.

While on scene, officers found an unsecured window in another section of the building that is vacant and conducted a search with the assistance of a K-9. During the search a second subject, later identified as 39-year-old vagrant Juan Reyna, was found inside. It was determined Reyna was illegally trespassing and in possession of a large amount of stored property. He was arrested for trespassing.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Vance has prior convictions for trespassing, petty theft, and currently has three open cases for charges of prowling and trespassing. It also showed Reyna has prior convictions for possession of a control substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal lodging.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Brandishing, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Vandalism, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia

On September 10, at approximately 9:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of several subjects in a physical fight near the intersection of Porter Ln. and Empire Ave. It was also reported the subjects were throwing rocks. Prior to the officers arriving on scene, additional callers said one of the subjects, later identified as 27-year-old vagrant Andrew Martinez, was fleeing the area on foot and running towards the Pacific View Mall. Martinez then ran towards Lowe’s, where it was reported he armed himself with an axe. Officers located Martinez near the intersection of Maple St. and Maple Ct., where he was taken into custody.

During the investigation officers learned Martinez was confronted about being in possession of stolen property, which is when the physical altercation occurred with the victims. Martinez started throwing rocks and brandished a knife at the victims, before fleeing the area on foot. One of the victims called 911 and followed Martinez on a skateboard will updating the dispatcher of his location. Martinez then ran to the parking lot of Lowe’s and stole an axe from another victim. He broke several vehicle windows using the axe, before officers located him and took him into custody.

Martinez was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing, possession of a dangerous weapon, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. No one was injured as a result of this incident. There are possibly other vehicles that were vandalized by Martinez, but the owners left prior to being contacted by officers. If your vehicle was damaged and parked in the area at the time, please contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4416.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Martinez has multiple prior convictions for brandishing, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and possession of burglary tools.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On September 13, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a driver driving recklessly in the area Citrus Dr. and Pajaro Av. The vehicle was described as a newer Chevy pickup black in color. Approximately 15 minutes later a Ventura Police patrol officer saw the pickup at the intersection of Partridge Dr. and Telephone Rd.

The officer observed the pickup driven by 31 year old Deanthony Catron driving erratically and attempted to stop the vehicle. Catron failed to pull over, and a vehicle pursuit was begun. Catron committed several vehicle code violations before and during the pursuit. The pursuit eventually ended back at the 11100 block of Citrus Dr. where Catron stopped his vehicle. A high-risk stop was conducted and Catron exited the vehicle and was arrested for felony evading. No one was injured during this incident, and Catron was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Residential Burglary, Identity Theft, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine and a Methamphetamine Pipe Arrest

On September 16, at approximately 3am, the victim heard someone in their home and awoke to see an unknown subject walking out of the front door. The victim then called 911. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. It was determined that the subject had entered the home by removing a screen and entering through an open window.

At approximately 2pm, Ventura Police Dispatch received a call from Red Barn and Market of a suspicious male attempting to cash a fraudulent check. When officers arrived on scene and attempted to detain the suspect he resisted arrest and was taken into custody. The suspect, identified as Angel Apolonio Luna Reyes, was found to be in possession of property, including the checks, from the victim of the residential burglary.

Reyes was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for Residential Burglary, Identity Theft, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine and a Methamphetamine Pipe Arrest

Attempt Homicide

On September 18, at approximately 9:45pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received an open line 911 call. Over the line, the dispatcher could hear an unidentified person yelling in the background that someone had been stabbed. Approximately 15 minutes later a local hospital called the Command Center and informed them that two stabbing victims had just arrived at the hospital.

Officers went to both locations, and during the investigation, officers learned that the two victims were at an apartment in the 800 block of Empire visiting a friend. Sometime during their stay the suspect, 33-year-old Randal Roberts who is the resident of the house, got into a fight with the two victims stabbing each of them multiple times. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds to their torsos.

As the victims were receiving medical treatment officers at the residence tried to contact Roberts who had locked himself inside. After an extended negotiation with Roberts he finally exited the residence and surrendered to the officers. Roberts was unhurt during the incident and was arrested for felony attempt homicide.

Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist recognized at state and international level

Ashley Bautista selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award.

Ashley Bautista has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the California Peace Officers’ Association for her community outreach efforts with the Ventura Police Department. Ashley is a Senior Community Outreach Specialist with the department. She is also the

police liaison for the Ventura Police Community Foundation spearheading fundraising efforts for police equipment and community crime prevention programs. In June 2019, she took on an additional role as the Acting Communications Manager for the City of Ventura.

In August, she was selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award. The award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession. The award will be presented in Chicago in October. In August, she was the recipient of the California Peace Officers’ Association’s (CPOA) Inaugural 12 under 12 Award. She was selected for Region VII which covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The award recognizes 12 individuals from the 12 CPOA regions with 12 or less years of service who represent the future of the law enforcement profession.

“In a time where the national narrative of policing in America is challenged, new and innovative approaches to bring together communities and law enforcement are as important as they have ever been. Ashley Bautista has transformed this narrative in our community,” said Police Chief Ken Corney.

Ashley joined the Ventura Police Department in July 2014. She previously served as an Associate at Paladin Principal, LLC a regional public affairs firm. She represented the Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council Central Coast Chapter as the Executive Director of both organizations. She also assisted in crisis communication for a variety of government, nonprofit and business clients during her time with Paladin.

“As the owner of Cole Pro Media, one of the leading firms across the country in helping law

enforcement tell their own stories using social media, there is no better partner than Ashley in this

process. She gets it, she cares, and she’s the real deal. She gives her life every day to the community of Ventura and to this great profession that protects all of us 365 days a year,” said Laura Cole, Cole Pro Media President. Since her time with the Police Department she has increased the following on social media to over 80,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor combined. Her innovative social media campaigns have been featured on the national level. She provides presentations to community groups and high school groups on crime prevention, traffic safety and cyber safety. She also hosts the police department’s annual citizen’s academy providing an opportunity for residents to learn about police operations. She has become a resource for governmental agencies in providing community outreach strategies. She is passionate in her efforts to create a strong sense of connectivity between the police department and the community.

“I appreciate Ashley’s hard work, dedication, passion and responsiveness. She is a significant part of the

heart, compassion and devotion of our police force,” said Ventura community member Lori Steinhauer.

She was awarded the Ventura Police Support Crime Fighter of the Year in December 2016. She was nominated for employee of the year for the City of Ventura in January 2017 and January 2019. She was selected for the cover of the Ventana magazine as a “Woman of Substance” in March 2016. She has also been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times, a tri-county central coast publication, as the “Top 50 Women in Business”, “Top 40 under 40” and “Who’s Who in Civic Leadership”. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Political Science from the University of San Diego a minor in Media Studies and her master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Ventura County Leadership Academy. The academy brings leaders together from various professions to address complex issues county-wide.

“I have put my heart into what I do because I am motivated to make Ventura a better place for my four sons. I am motivated to prevent crime; motivated to help apprehend suspects, who continue to victimize the most vulnerable; and motivated to change the negative perceptions about police officers. The men and women who serve our community are remarkable people and it’s an honor to be their advocate. Building the bridge between the police and the community has been an incredible

experience,” said Community Outreach Specialist Bautista.

The goal of this year’s ride is to raise $1 million, with $821,945 raised so far

California Coast Classic coming to Ventura.

The Arthritis Foundation’s largest fundraising ride, the 19th Annual California Coast Classic presented by Amgen, a 525-mile eight-day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles will be rolling into Ventura on September 27.

One in every four Americans is living with arthritis — that’s more than breast cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and autism combined. It’s the number one cause of disability and a growing health crisis affecting more than 54 million adults and 300,000 children. The Arthritis Foundation is leading the fight to conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections.

250 bicyclists, both with and without arthritis, from California, other parts of the United States and internationally ranging in age from 18 to 70-plus. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $3,500 to participate in the CCC.

A 525-mile eight-day bicycle tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise $1 million for the Arthritis Foundation. Funds raised help to bring life-changing tools and resources to those with arthritis, their family and friends; provides support to the 300,000 kids and teens with arthritis through the national Juvenile Arthritis Conference, JA Camps, and other educational activities; to accelerate the path to better treatments and a cure; and to break down barriers to optimal arthritis care.

The route follows California’s beautiful coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. During the 8-day ride, participants will overnight in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton, Ventura, and finish in Los Angeles. At each overnight stop, the majority of the riders camp out, some will stay at a hotel, and at the campground a hearty meal is served and riders share memories from the day, participate in a raffle for donated prizes, and honor a different person each night who is living with and surviving arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure (arthritis.org).

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour is the winner of the 2019 Best Charity Bike Tour Award by Gran Fondo Guide. It began in 2001 and is the flagship fundraising bike tour of the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $1 million dollars annually. The money provides educational resources for adults and children, supports advocacy, funds kids’ camps, and much more. Beginner and experienced cyclists are welcome and encouraged to join the journey down the coast of California.

The Tour will arrive in Ventura on Friday afternoon around 2-3 p.m., September 27, Day 7 of the 8-day tour. The riders will be staying at the San Buenaventura State Beach.

 

Here’s the schedule for that Friday night

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm        CCC Social Hour

6:00 pm                         Daily Announcements

6:30 pm                         Dinner

Here’s the schedule for that Saturday morning before they start to trickle out on their way to Los Angeles.

6:30 am – 8:30 am        Breakfast

Direct Relief Organization donates emergency vehicles to Ventura City Fire

Ventura City Fire Department receives a pickup and a sports utility vehicle.

Santa Barbara based Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by emergencies, is equipping many of California’s first responder agencies to help save lives. After the devastation of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mud & debris flows, the organization recognized the need of local agencies for additional emergency response vehicles and equipment. The organization has since donated life-saving equipment to several Southern California emergency service providers, including Ventura City Fire Department.

“Given the overwhelming scale and tragedies of debris flow and fires in California, Direct Relief was looking to help in anyway it could both in the immediate aftermath and for the future, and while outside our normal course of support, the benefit of being in a position to help our local Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) first responders with a purpose built vehicle was clear,” said Andrew MacCalla, Vice President Direct Relief, Emergency Response.

Direct Relief recently donated both a pickup and a sports utility vehicle to Ventura City Fire Department to help support emergency response efforts in Ventura, and for the greater operational response area of Ventura County. The Ford F-150 4×4 pickup will be used for surf & ocean rescues, as well as supporting wildland fire, flooding, and urban search & rescue operations. The pickup has been outfitted with storage compartments, overhead racks, an air compressor system, Opticom traffic preemption (to change traffic signals during emergency response), a mobile data computer (for GPS location/regional dispatching), dual sirens, LED response & scene lighting, and two-way mobile & portable radios. The Ford Explorer SUV is outfitted as an additional command vehicle. It will be used by the Training Battalion Chief as a secondary mobile incident command post to respond when the primary on-duty Battalion Chief is already committed to another incident, or when an incident is so large that it requires multiple chief officers to be in place to take command of various geographic local areas, as occurred during both the Thomas & Woolsey Fires.

“We appreciate the generous support of Direct Relief in supporting our first responders and our community. This specialized equipment is critical for protecting life during a serious disaster,” said Mayor Matt LaVere.

Students partner with City of Ventura to improve hillside

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the City of Ventura, Councilmember Lorrie Brown, the Ventura Botanical Gardens, the Serra Cross Conservancy and California Lutheran University partnered with more than 500 college students to improve the hillside area of Grant Park which was damaged during the Thomas Fire.

Steven De Fratus and Lorrie Brown mulched the day away.

Steven De Fratus, Community Partnerships Supervisor coordinated the project with Councilmember Brown.

“We raked mulch in the area impacted by the fire. It was a creative way for us new freshmen to really get to know each other and help out our community. Helping our community is important to me and I think this is a great way to do it,” said freshman Erica Weis.

The students spread mulch, removed debris and cleaned areas surrounding the trails. For the past 12 years Volunteer Ventura has partnered with Cal Lutheran for the “You’ve Got Served” volunteer effort to improve various areas of Ventura.

“I am an alumna of CLU and it was great to work alongside CLU students to help improve our community during this important service project,” said Councilmember Lorrie Brown. “The more we can work together the better our community will be. The students worked so hard during this project. They truly helped to make a difference in Ventura.”

Ventura Botanical Gardens Board President Tracy Long was also on hand helping to pitch in.

Previously Cal Lutheran’s students and city staff have removed arundo and invasive ice plant in the Ventura Harbor Wetlands located off of Spinnaker in the Harbor.

The Gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members get in free (with $45 annual membership) and others pay $7. On Tuesdays, admission is free. Dogs are welcome Tuesdays and Wednesdays.