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After 14 weeks of training graduates completed the course

The cute one on the left is Breeze Publisher Emeritus Staci Brown. From a different WEV class but we had to show Staci.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 19 women and men who successfully completed WEV’s Ventura County-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at Ventura Adult & Continuing Education (VACE) in Ventura.

After 14 weeks of training on topics including finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, record keeping, and how to write a business plan, these graduates completed the course with the necessary tools and support needed to start or expand their businesses.

“We are so proud of the dedication and passion these graduates showed in class” said Leticia Sandoval, WEV Spanish Program Coordinator. “Even though some had to travel or come straight after a long day of work, they committed to doing the work and now have graduated with more confidence and the resources necessary to achieve their dreams. We can’t wait to see how far they can go!”

The graduates range from first-time business owners to those who have turned to WEV to help expand their existing businesses. Graduate businesses and business ideas include blacksmithing, construction, day care providers, produce vendors, folkloric dresses, ice cream shops, personal empowerment coaching, housecleaning, and more.

Vol. 12, No. 6 – Dec 19, 2018 – Jan 2, 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.

Prowling Arrest

On December 4, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 2400 Block of Lexington Dr. reporting that she had just returned home and there was an unknown male subject in her backyard. The Reporting party further said that all of her gates were locked and the subject had to jump her fence to gain entry into her backyard.

Officers were dispatched to the area and located a subject matching the description the Reporting Party had given dispatch at the corner of North Katherine Dr. and East Main St. This subject was identified as 27 year old Simi Valley resident Christopher Bruney. Bruney was later positively identified as the subject who was in the Reporting Party’s yard and placed under citizen’s arrest.

After the arrest, Bruney was searched and found to be in possession of a usable quantity of Methamphetamines.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Bruney has been recently arrested for brandishing a deadly weapon and Hit and Run.

Theft from Person and Elder Abuse *Update with Arrests*

On November 17, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a purse theft that just occurred near the intersection of Potomac Ave. and Kennebec St. The suspect was last seen getting into an awaiting vehicle being driven by another suspect and fleeing the area northbound towards Northbank Dr. The suspect vehicle was described as a white, later model SUV.

During the investigation, officers determined the 73-year-old female victim was walking down the street when she was approached by the suspect. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and pulled it from her shoulder. He then got into the awaiting vehicle, which fled the area.

VPD Detectives reviewed surveillance video in the stores where the victim’s credit cards were later used, and identified all (3) suspects, 18 year old Ventura resident Kaleb Dixon, 18 year old Thousand Oaks resident Josiah Shephard and a 16 year old male juvenile from Thousand Oaks.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Stabbing)

On December 6, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a physical fight in the 1400 block of Chipmunk Circle in the City of Ventura. The reporting party noted that one of the persons involved in the fight was lying on the ground.

Ventura Police patrol officers responded to the area of Chipmunk Circle and located one of the parties involved, later identified as 31 year old Ventura resident Carlos Gonzalez. At about the same time, a Ventura Police officer assigned to the Ventura County Medical Center informed patrol officers that a stabbing victim had arrived at the hospital, claiming to have been stabbed while involved in a fight.

Officers ultimately learned that the victim was walking his dog when he came across Gonzalez and his brother. Gonzalez kicked the victim’s dog and then insisted on fighting the victim. The victim attempted to avoid a fight; however, Gonzalez would not stop instigating a fight. Ultimately, Gonzalez and the victim became involved in a physical fight. During the fight, Gonzalez pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim two times in the upper body. The victim then had a family member drive him to the hospital.

Officers contacted Gonzalez and his brother near the scene of the stabbing and took Gonzalez into custody without incident. Gonzalez was booked into the Ventura County Pretrial Detention Facility for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The victim’s injuries were moderate, but not life threatening.

Armed Robbery

On December 7, at approximately 5pm, two male suspects entered the Rabobank located at 1171 S. Victoria Avenue in the City of Ventura. At least one of the suspects was armed with a handgun. The suspects demanded money from the bank tellers and were ultimately given an undisclosed amount of cash. After gathering the cash, both suspects fled on foot to a white vehicle that was parked nearby and they were last seen driving away southbound through the parking lot.

Both suspects were wearing nylon stockings over their face and head. One suspect was wearing a grey colored hoodie sweatshirt and dark pants. The other suspect was wearing a dark T-shirt and dark pants.

At the time of the robbery, there were several bank employees and a few customers present inside the bank. One customer was shoved aside as a suspect attempted to gather money off of the counter, but nobody was injured during the robbery.

Sexual Assault and Burglary Arrest

On December 7 at 7am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from an adult female reporting that she had just been sexually assaulted in a room at the Ventura Beach House Motel, 1220 E. Thompson Blvd. The suspect, later identified as 38 year old vagrant Jesus Arreola, who was known to the victim and others at the motel, was last seen fleeing from the area on foot.

Officers arrived on scene and learned that Arreola had forced his way into the victim’s motel room and assaulted her while she was sleeping. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate Arreola.

Today, 12/08/18, at approximately 1100 hours, officers saw Arreola walking in the area of E. Main St. and Lang St. He was contacted and taken into custody without incident.

Battery on Police Officer and Felony Resisting Arrest

On December 11, at approximately 9:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911call from a resident in the 500 Block of Lincoln Drive reference a subject who was disturbing in the area and appeared to be under the influence. Officers arrived on scene and contacted a subject later identified as 27 year old Simi Valley resident Christopher Bruney who was outside of his car and walking in the middle of the road. Officers ordered Bruney to the side of the road, but Bruney refused and got into his car and drove away.

Officers followed Bruney as he stopped a short distance away. Officers contacted Bruney and asked for his compliance and for him to step out of the car to determine if he was safe to drive. Bruney refused and began to swing his fists at officers, hitting them. Officers attempted to control Bruney who continued to resist, and officers had to deploy a Taser. More officers arrived on scene as Bruney continued to struggle. Bruney was finally taken into custody.

The two initial responding officers suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene and returned to full duty.

After the arrest, Bruney was searched and found to be in possession of a usable quantity of Methamphetamines.

Twin Palms Health and Beauty Boutique

Twin Palms Sharlene is on left and Shannon on right. Or is it Shannon on the left and Sharlene on the right?

by Victoria Usher

Shannon and Sharlene Lenardson, the owners of Twin Palms Health and Beauty Boutique, have always been passionate about helping people heal. Having the ability to help people feel better both physically and mentally brings them the greatest joy. Shannon and Sharlene were born and raised in a small town in the San Fernando Valley known as Sunland/Tujunga, in the foothills above Burbank.

They attended California Healing Arts College where they became certified Massage Therapists ten years ago. After becoming certified/licensed, they began working for a day spa and a chiropractor. Their dream was to one day open their own Day Spa. In February 2013, they discovered the perfect location in Downtown Ventura to open their very own Day Spa, at 35 South Oak Street, and they made the move to Ventura, where they now call home.

May 3,2013 was the Grand Opening of Twin Palms Health and Beauty Boutique! This year marks the milestone of their Fifth-Year anniversary! The two of them both love what they do, and they both love everything about the Ventura community.

Over the years they have continued their education and are now licensed Estheticians, (including Skincare & Waxing), Microblading Artists, and Spray Tan Artists. Soon, they will be adding Eyelash Extensions to their services as well. Twin Palms Health and Beauty Boutique is open by appointment only Tuesday – Friday 12:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 2:00pm. Visit their website: Twinpalmshealthandbeauty.com. Call: 805-643-0100, or Email: [email protected].

Provoking art of Jane Peterson at Dab Art

The whimsical but thought provoking art of Jane Peterson can be seen at her new working studio located at Dab Art, 1793 E. Main.

Peterson holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa, and her work can be seen in collections from coast to coast. She works in an assortment of mediums, ranging from paint, oil, watercolor, wood, ceramic (mixed-media), sculpture, and photography. She also is affiliated with Galerie 102 in Ojai and TAG Gallery in Santa Monica. [email protected]

Ventura fire crews respond to structure fire

On Dec.11, at 2pm, Ventura fire crews responded to a reported structure fire in east Ventura in the 9900 block of Basswood Ct. . The first arriving unit discovered a single-family residential structure with smoke emitting from the attic. Fire crews initiated a rapid interior fire attack coordinated with firefighters performing vertical ventilation on the roof. Simultaneously, firefighters performed a search for occupants inside the structure. Additional fire crews were assigned to protect adjacent structures being exposed to the fire and protect interior furnishings with salvage operations. One civilian was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital.

Lone suspect broke into and robbed Namba Performing Arts

On Thursday, December 13th, a lone suspect broke into and robbed the Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 So. Oak St. The entire crime was captured on security cameras. The suspect smashed the front glass door, entered directly to Namba’s box office area and left with a small donation box with less than $30 in it.

Namba is a non-profit organization serving our community with performing arts including music, dance, comedy, theatrical performances as well as community and civic events.

Police have not yet identified suspect. If you know who the individual is in the photo, please call Ventura Police at 805-339-4400 ext. 1169.

Jeffrey Willerth, Namba Director, said “While a smash and grab isn’t in the spirit of our December holiday programming, we’re thrilled nobody was hurt. Yes, only a few bucks were stolen but, like most local non-profits, we work really hard to raise every dollar to serve our community and it feels so unjust.”

Vol. 12, No. 6 – Dec 19, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

11-28 12:50pm, officers en route in Boat 19 to train with U.S. coast guard helicopter with hoisting rescue basket and transferring from the deck of the patrol boat a few miles offshore. This is/was periodic training between the agencies.
11-29 7:08am, received a dispatch to a swift water rescue at Harbor Blvd and the Santa Clara bridge. Officers assisted multiple agencies with the rescue of a female transient from an isolated area of the river caused by the high water. The victim was rescued via a paddle board and transported to local hospital for further evaluation for environmental exposure from the rain and storm.
12-1 4:12pm, observed a 38ft sailboat under power, not sail outbound of the harbor. Officers attempted to contact via VHF 16 to obtain the skippers intentions but were unsuccessful. The sailboat made a labored transit to the #2 entrance buoy due to the extremely rough conditions, then turn towards Anacapa Island.
12-6 9:25am, received a report of a transient sleeping in front of the business at 1400 Spinnaker. Officers responded and found a male with an encampment. He was issued a warning and gathered his belongings and moved.
12-7 7:05am, while on patrol officers observed the Santa Clara Rivermouth had breached sometime last night. It was flowing pretty heavily into the ocean.
12-8 6:40pm, while patrolling the breakwall, officers contacted several vessels engaged in hoopnetting for lobster. Various violators were issued warnings.
12-9 3:33pm, received a report of two Personal Water Crafts being operated recklessly near the Ventura Pier. Officers responded, found the violators and made contact. Educational warnings were issued to the operators.
12-10 11:19am, dispatched to a medical at Ventura West Marina D-dock. Officers responded and found the patient at the top of the gangway. The patient advised he was suffering from some broken ribs. He was eventually transported to local hospital for further evaluation after treatment.

4:45pm, received a report of a large sea lion lying on a HarborTown point dock. The reporting party wasn’t sure if the animal should be out of the water. Advised that sealions are mammals and spend about half their life out of water.

7:35pm, received a request to tow a disabled 40ft commercial fishing vessel. Officers responded and safely towed the vessel to its slip near the launch ramp.

8:05pm, while on patrol, officers received a request to tow a disabled commercial fishing vessel from the U.S. coast guard. Officers responded and took over the tow from the coast guard near the #2 entrance buoy. The vessel was safely towed to its slip in the Ventura Harbor Village I-dock.

12-11 9:45am, dispatched to a structure fire by FireCommandControl. Officers responded and assisted VFD with the call.

Ventura art group readies big national show

While the World Burns, 1st Place winner, 2018 Open Competition, pastel, by Veronica Lambert

Buenaventura Art Association is gathering the best recent works by talented amateur and professional artists from throughout Southern California and the nation to showcase in Ventura early next year.

BAA’s 33rd annual Open Competition will be displayed Feb. 9-March 2, 2019, in the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Two- and three-dimensional original artworks offered for sale are eligible for online-only entry at www.buenaventuraartassociation.org. Entry deadline is midnight Jan. 26, with notification of acceptance via email on Jan. 29.

Cash awards and association memberships are the prizes. First, second and third places will earn $500, $350 and $250, respectively, and one-year memberships. Four honorable mentions will come with $100 prizes and six-month memberships.

An opening reception and awards ceremony will be 5-7 p.m. Feb. 9.

The fee for each piece submitted is $15 for BAA members and $20 for nonmembers, plus a $3 processing fee per total entry. A $10 fee will be added for works over 4 feet in any direction. Complete entry and shipping specifications are in a prospectus on BAA’s website.

Juror for the competition is noted California painter William Wray. He worked in animation as a teen in the late 1980s before studying fine art at The Art Students League in New York, then worked in commercial art for 15 years on the “Ren and Stimpy Show,” comic books, and as a contributor to Mad Magazine. Wray returned to oil painting in 2005, eventually finding success and satisfaction exploring what he terms “realistic abstraction.”

BAA’s new gallery home in Studio 30 at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. For more about the 64-year-old nonprofit artists cooperative and its programs, visit www.buenaventuraartassociation.org or call 805-648-1235 during gallery hours.

 

CAPS in our community

Film thanks first-responders.

The Perfect Firestorm, our documentary film that chronicles these personal stories of survival and healing during and following the devastating Thomas Fire had a series of successful screenings last week. Comments included “Emotional, heartbreaking and yet so much heroism and community pride” posted Kat Merrick and another told us “I learned so much and realized it wasn’t just me, I wasn’t alone”. These were held at the beautiful Museum Pavilion hosted by the Museum of Ventura. We received such positive feedback that we have planned an additional screening on Tuesday January 22nd at 6pm at the Museum. Go to our website for information.

The film will begin airing on CAPS channel 6 beginning the 23rd of this month. The dates and times will be posted on the CAPS Media webpage. There will be other opportunities to view it in the new year. The Perfect Firestorm is a tribute to our entire community of heroes who, in the face of an overwhelming crisis, responded with astonishing calm and then opened their hearts, hands and homes to rescue neighbors and strangers and together rebuild their lives. It cannot be said enough – Our community came together.

CAPS Media’s community involvement continues. We are offering support including coverage of theatre productions and production of training videos for both the Micro Biology and Chemistry departments at Ventura College. In addition, we support both Ventura County Fire and the Fire Safe Council. Production for the Ventura County News Channel includes the most recent video which introduces America’s Job Center. The center located in Oxnard offers support to search for jobs, build résumés, access career resources, and find information on education and training programs. The annual West Coast Community Media Awards are just around the corner. With over 50 public access centers participating we wait with anticipation to learn if any of our community-focused programs or those of our students or members have won awards. We will keep you posted.

Our mission is to educate and inform. We continue to educate members on what CAPS is and does and how they as members can contribute to local and global discussions. We train and mentor each member every step of the way. Do you have an idea? questions? We here to help answer them. Have you produced a film or video that you would like to share? Come attend the orientation and learn how you can participate. All training sessions are held Thursdays with the KPPQ-LP radio station’s classes held on a Wednesday as well. Go to the web page for more information.

Commitment to our community continues as we share the Ventura City Council meetings live on channel 15. In addition, we air the City of Ventura’s Design Review and Planning Commission meetings. The Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meetings are also broadcast on channel 15.

Please contact CAPS Media at capsmedia.org or at 805.658.0500 for information about the screening and about how to join and become a member. Our mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.