Wondering why City Hall seems to have added three super-bright spotlights facing directly behind on to the hillsides. Most County regulations discourage all but down-facing lights to reduce disturbance to wildlife.
Debra Barringer
Debra
We have spot lights to illuminate our parking lot for our visitors and employee safety at night to get to their cars. We will see if it is illuminating the Ventura Botanical Garden and hillside. We are aware of the “night sky” requirement. I know there has been very bright lights behind the hillside, but I am not aware of where the lighting is coming from.
Thank you,
Mary Joyce Ivers, CPFP Interim Public Works Director
Have a question? Send to [email protected] and we will try to get you an answer.
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.
Stolen Vehicle and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Gun
On February 5, at 7:40pm , patrol officers responded to a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1600 block of Walter Street. When officers arrived, they discovered the vehicle was reported as stolen and was occupied. The suspect, Nicholas Gebber (25), was detained and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a handgun with an obliterated serial number, stolen property and a methamphetamine smoking pipe. The suspect is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Gebber was booked for possessing a stolen vehicle, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court Website revealed he has been arrested 14 times since 2015. The listed charges include drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, prowling, burglary and possession of stolen vehicles.
Armed Robbery
On February 6, at about 6:26 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an armed robbery at the Subway Restaurant located at 4624 Telephone Road in the City of Ventura. The caller stated that the suspect had a gun with him and demanded money from the cash register. The suspect fled with an unknown amount of cash.
Ventura Police Department patrol officers arrived on scene shortly after receiving the call. Officers saw a subject possibly matching the description of the suspect walking southbound on Telephone Road near
Transport Street. As the officers attempted to contact the suspect, he fled by running southbound through the commercial area and eventually ran into the orchard located south of Transport Street and west of Telephone Road. The suspect dropped a bag containing an assault rifle, a loaded magazine for the assault rifle, cash, and some items of clothing.
Officers set up a perimeter around the orchard and began a search for the suspect. Multiple Ventura Police Department K-9’s were conducting a training exercise nearby and were able to respond to the orchard within a few minutes. One of the K-9’s was used to conduct a track of the suspect from his last known location. The K-9 led the officers directly to the suspect, who was hiding in a tree in the orchard. The suspect did not immediately respond to the orders of the officers, so the K-9 was used to assist in the apprehension. The suspect received minor injuries during the apprehension.
The suspect, later identified as Eugene Hernandez (43 unknown residence) , had a felony warrant out of San Bernardino County for a parole violation. In addition to his warrant, Hernandez will be charged with robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a high capacity magazine, possession of an assault rifle, and resisting arrest.
Woman found deceased at the Harbor
Judith Campbell, 80, of Ventura was found deceased after the Ventura Police Department received a report of a possible body in the water at the Harbor. Her death was determined to be an accidental drowning, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials said that the cause of death did not appear to be suspicious in nature.
In Ventura, the city staff uses the Brown Act to do precisely the opposite of what lawmakers created it to do.
Legislators designed the California Brown Act to end “back room” deals and bring local government out into the open. Ventura Water uses it to throttle the flow of information instead.
Ventura established a Water Commission to advise Ventura Water. Before the Commission, Ventura Water operated with little oversight. Even with the Water Commission, Ventura Water continues to control all meeting agendas and minutes. At best, this restricts the flow of information to the City Council. At worst, information flow is non-existent. The City Council doesn’t receive any meaningful information that may help with their future choices.
Ventura Water forces the City Council to get their information from the General Manager. Thus circumventing the reason the city established the Water Commission.
Because the Water Commission minutes show only action items, all discussion of issues are as though they never happened. So, when the City Council looks to the minutes for any records of issues or concerns, the minutes are no help. Nor are they sufficiently transparent to Ventura’s citizens.
Ventura Water deals with a water system that impacts all Ventura citizens directly. In August 2018, the department violated the Federal Clean Water Safety standards. Ventura Water breached the Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) drinking water standard. The results could lead to harmful health effects over time. Ailments such as cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes can happen. Ventura Water has corrected the problem, but that’s not the issue.
At issue is how Ventura Water communicated the problem and the solution.
You may not have heard about the incident. It’s not because Ventura Water didn’t announce it. They did the minimum notification. They reported the incident to residents in the affected area by mail. They also posted it on their website. They took out an ad in the Ventura County Star, too.
Ventura Water fulfilled the letter of the law, but it may have missed the intent behind it. Meeting the legal requirement seems to be the minimum standard. Yet setting the bar at the lowest level may place everyone’s health at risk in the future.
Not The Only Incident In 2018
In July, Ventura Water withheld information from the Water Commission. A panel of experts examined Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) of treated wastewater. The experts found DPR for drinking purposes was a threat to public safety. The City Council did not know that. They were only alerted to that fact after private citizens brought it to their attention.
Editor’s Comments
Ventura Water needs to be more transparent. The City Council allows it to operate in secrecy and subterfuge. Stop. Ventura’s citizens deserve and expect open communication. Here’s what the Council should do:
First, make hiring Ventura Water’s next General Manager a priority. Insist City Manager Alex McIntyre interview the Water Commissioners. So Mr. McIntyre may form his own opinion, he should talk to the Water Commissioners without Water Department staff present. The goal is to get the knowledge and details of the history of Ventura Water and gain the perspective to understand what lies ahead in the next six years.
Second, have the Water Commission’s Chairman set the meeting agendas, with input from all commissioners.
Third, ensure all Water Commission’s minutes reflect topics and discussions from all meetings.
Fourth, have the Water Commission Chairman provide a written report to the City Council on a quarterly basis.
Fifth, expand the communication channels Ventura Water uses to inform the public. Set the standard higher than the minimum legal standard.
11:49am, dispatched to a vehicle vs pedestrian at Harbor and Schooner. Officers responded and found a cyclist who suffered minor injuries but was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
1-24
3:45pm, received a request for assistance from a disabled sailboat. Officers responded, placed the vessel into a sidetie and towed to VWM C-dock.
7:09pm, received dispatch to a fall victim at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with a 70 year old female with moderate injuries from the fall. She was transported to local hospital by AMR.
1-25
2:18pm, dispatched to water rescue, swimmers in a rip current at Marina Park. Officers responded and assisted VFD and State Parks with the rescue.
1-26
3:33pm, received a dispatch to an unconscious person at Ventura Marina community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call.
1-27
4:15pm, contacted by captain of a disabled sailing vessel at the #2 Buoy. They have lost power and need assistance. Officers responded and assisted.
1-28
9:48am, dispatched to River Haven for assistance. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with a patient suffering breathing problems. He was treated and transported to local hospital for his injuries.
3:05pm, officers removed a hazard to navigation, a large log at the laun. ramp.
1-29
3:45pm, received dispatch to a 50ft vessel on fire, 8 miles South of the Harbor. Officers responded with VFD engine 2 to the vessel in the shipping lane. After experiencing rough seas, HP fireboat began fire suppression of the commercial fishing vessel. During the firefight, the fireboats plumbing failed and dewatering of the bilge began. US coast guard took over the call. The vessel burned for a few hours and was eventually towed to its homeport in LA.
1-30
11:54am, dispatched to a drowning victim at VWM A-dock. Officers responded with VFD/AMR and discovered an elderly female DOA in the water, then pulled onto the dock. The incident was handled by Ventura PD.
1-31
7:15am, officers observed significant weather, lightning strikes, very close to the harbor, strong downpours and loud thunder.
2-1
1:40pm, while on patrol in Boat17, officers observed a hazard to navigation, an abandoned hoopnet at the North end of the breakwall and removed it.
2-2
11:25am, received a report of a vessel taking on water at VWM D-dock. Officers responded, dewatered the vessel and searched for a source, but UTL.
3:35pm, measuring 2.3 inches of rain from the most recent new storm.
2-3
7:30am, receiving multiple calls about hazards to navigation all throughout the harbor, logs and other various debris. Also monitoring large waves breaking across the entrance. Officers communicating with captains about safe transits.
2:45pm, officers escorting a sailboat attempting to enter the harbor.
5:05pm,Beach Hazard assessment:6-8ft NW swells, massive erosion and wood debris littering the beach from Harbor cove to Santa Clara Rivermouth.
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019, Grandmaster Qin will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a presentation on the Life-Force Energy Expo and Immersion.
The Life-Force Energy Expo and Immersion explores the Qigong method of cultivating bio force energy. Grandmaster Qin comes from China, and will discuss the transmission of powerful, healing Qi energy with the audience.
Grandmaster Qin began meditation at age three with her grandmother and developed her abilities and higher awareness in early childhood. She was the only female student of several venerable grandmaster teachers in China. Founder and renowned grandmaster of Qinway Qigong, she has taught this art and science in China and America.
Kathryn Padgett will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019, to deliver a talk entitled “Monsters: The Dark Side of Human Imagination.” Ms. Padgett comes via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.
This presentation covers some of the many kinds of monsters imagined by humans and how they have been depicted in visual and performing arts. Enjoy learning about Frankenstein, Dracula, gorgons, demons, cyclops, Cerberus, the Minotaur, and many more.
Communications consultant, attorney, and senior peer counselor Judy Devore will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019, to deliver a presentation titled “Walking on Eggshells and Communicating with Adult Kids.”
Judy Devore, attorney and communications consultant, will discuss a powerful method she developed to address the “eggshell” issue. Neither mediation nor therapy, her method enlists seniors’ willingness to look carefully at, and make use of, their own life experience. Although she developed her method with the maternal mind and skill-sets in mind, all seniors are welcome to listen and learn.
Anagarika Sucinno will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2019, to deliver an introductory talk titled “The Search for Silence in Turbulent Times.”
Are people inevitably stuck in history’s turbulence and personal suffering? How does a Buddhist/Taoist respond to the turmoil of the current world situation? Is it even possible to find peace and silence for oneself? Should one go out and “reform” the situation, or is finding personal silence enough?
These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.
The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Sunday, February 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for a gathering devoted to love.
Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and will anchor the morning in a consciousness of prayer and healing.
The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road, Ojai. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.
The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com. Rev. Karen is the author of Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, available on Amazon and her website.
Performances To Grow On will present Origami Tales with Kuniko Yamamoto on Saturday, March 9th at 2 pm at the Ojai Art Center, located at 113 South Montgomery. Tickets are available at ptgo.org. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Charming Japanese folktales are combined with traditional musical instruments, magical masks, origami and mime to create storytelling that will have audience spellbound in their seats. From Disney Epcot Center and The Kennedy Center through Eskimo villages, Kuniko’s marvelous presentations promote cross-cultural communication and understanding in an entertaining way.
On Sunday, February 17th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Ojai Jazz Concerts will present Bruce Forman, guitar virtuoso, in solo concert performing his Jazz Libretto “The Red Guitar.” General admission is $20 and for students, it is $10. Tickets can be purchased at www.ojaijazzconcerts.com. The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 South Montgomery Street. For more information, call 805-746-0936.
Artwork from across the United States will be exhibited at Buenaventura Art Association’s 33rd annual Open Competition, a show being mounted for the first time at the Museum of Ventura County.
Making the selections is California artist William Wray, who began his career in the comic book and animation industry with stints at Disney, Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and Marvel and DC Comics. He studied oil painting at The Art Students League in New York, and has earned acclaim in fine art with his colorful contemporary urban landscapes in a blend of styles he calls “realistic expressionism.”
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.
The show will run through March 2 in the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion at the Museum. Museum admission is $5 general, $3 seniors and $1 children.
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 65-year-old nonprofit artists cooperative and its programs, visit www.buenaventuraartassociation.org or call 805-648-1235 during gallery hours.
Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Archive & Library is pleased to announce that ten artists have been selected for FOTM formal documentation for the 2019 season. FOTM is excited to partner this year with the Museum of Ventura County, where each artist’s interview will be filmed before a studio audience. Documentation derived from this interview, extensive in-depth oral interviews, digitized library of the artist’s work and the collection of printed materials, news articles, gallery announcements and other pertinent material, will be added to the prestigious FOTM Archive & Library.
The Artist Spotlight is open to students and faculty attending as a class assignment free of charge. FOTM is happy to assist with tracking attendance and sign-in sheets. Faculty and students are requested to make a reservation at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 805.653.2501.
Admission to the Artist Spotlight interviews is free for FOTM members; general admission is $15, seniors and students with valid ID $10. For membership information, visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.
AfterGLOW Fundraising Events will be planned after each interview. These popular salon style gatherings offer art enthusiasts the opportunity to visit with the featured artist while enjoying a light supper in the company of dedicated arts supporters.
The ten artists listed below were selected based on the artists’ mastery of their craft and diversity of expression, the respect from their peers and their historic role in the life of our artistic heritage. Nominations are accepted year-round and can be made online at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.
Artist Spotlight Series 2019 Sundays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Focus on the Masters, founded in 1994, is one of Ventura’s premier arts organizations. Its mission is to document and present to a large public the lives and works of leading contemporary artists. An in-school education program based on the work of these artists is offered to Ventura County schools and, in conjunction with Turning Point Foundation, to adults with mental illness. To learn more about Focus on the Masters, go to www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.
∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.
Three Clinics in February: Oxnard Performing Arts Center, on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th. Located at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard and the third in the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) on Thursday, February 28th.
Please call to schedule an appointment 805-584-3823.
Jason Sleffenauer – Rincon Brewery, Luisa Hwatt -Rincon Brewery, Rachael Ashleman- owner of Charles and Micky & Alma- Bilgren Ricon Brewery at the party for Charles. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
∙On Thursday, February 7, a three-year old birthday party was held for Sir Charles. The party was held at Rincon Brewery and featured music by Kirby Ali, a raffle and a special birthday cake. Charles is a Bernese Mountain Dog certified therapy dog at Kids & Families Together. Charles roams around the office and loves greeting people especially the kids who can sit on him, pull his tail and some can even ride him around.
Kids & Families Together is one of the county’s leading contractors providing services to children and families within Ventura County’s child welfare system. The not-for-profit organization was founded in January 2000 by David and Faith Friedlander, along with other passionate community members with the purpose of providing services to families that have come together through adoption, kinship care (most often grandparents raising grandchildren) and/or foster (now called resource) care.
To learn more about Kids & Families Together and support their efforts contact them at (805) 643-1446 or [email protected] and www.kidsandfamilies.org.
∙The Oxnard Performing Arts Center (The PACC) presents RESCUECON, a convention like no other, where the human-animal bond takes center stage. Through visual and performing arts, hands-on workshops, talks by inspiring individuals, an artisan marketplace, and so much more, attendees will learn, play, explore, and, above all, refresh their relationship with animals… and each other.
On February 23-24, 2019, RESCUECON sets out to promote the welfare of all animals (wildlife and farm animals too!), create a culturally-enriching environment, and provide interactive opportunities for learning, making, connecting, and relaxing. Keynote speakers include Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw) and Ellie Laks, co-founder of the Gentle Barn. The goal of event is to rally animal lovers in the region and, in turn, strengthen the local rescue landscape.
In addition, there will be a free Adoption Fair with adoptable animals from Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), the Bunny Brigade, Surfcat Rescue, C.A.R.L., and a $10 spay and neuter clinic provided by Simi Valley Spay & Neuter Clinic, arts and crafts, and activities for families.
A percentage of ticket sales benefits VCAS, this year’s featured nonprofit partner.
Tickets are available at the box office between 12-6pm, Monday thru Saturday, by calling (805) 486-2424 or by purchase online, oxnardperformingarts.com.
∙Dog owners are urged to check their canned foods after Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the voluntary recall of a select products because of excessive amounts of Vitamin D.
The recall notes that “the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide” though “no dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.” Owners who bought the affected foods should dispose of the product and discontinue feeding it to any animals. Unopened containers may be returned to retailers.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition encourages anyone looking for more information to visit their website or call 1-800-445-5777. A list of the affected foods and the full FDA recall notice can be found here.
Though it is an essential vitamin for many functions, too much of any good thing can be harmful. According to the FDA, the danger in being exposed to high levels of vitamin D depends on the length of exposure. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, increased thirst & urination, seizures, abdominal pain, and sudden weight loss.
∙By Jane E. Brody
Humans are not the only residents of the United States who are getting fatter every year. So, unsurprisingly, are our furry friends — the dogs and cats that share our lives and, too often, our tendency to overeat.
Unlike their owners, however, the family dog or cat cannot open the refrigerator or gain access to snacks in high cupboards without human assistance, which means the responsibility for pet obesity rests with you-know-who.
Veterinarians report that nearly half the dogs they see are overweight or obese, although only 17 % of owners acknowledge that their pets are too fat.
“Others know their pet is overweight but don’t think it’s a problem,” said Deborah Linder, who heads the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals Clinical Nutrition Service.
According to Nationwide, the country’s largest provider of pet health insurance, obesity among dogs and cats has risen for eight years in a row, along with claims for ailments related to being overweight. In 2017, obesity-related insurance claims for veterinary expenses exceeded $69 million, a 24 % increase over the last eight years, Nationwide reported in January. With only 2 % of pets covered by insurance, the costs to owners of overweight pets is likely to be in the billions.
Karen Payton and Adonna Ebrahimi show together at Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura. The joint exhibit, “Flower Power,” will be from March 16-May 12, 2019 with a reception on March 16, 6- 8 p.m. It’s all about the Power of Flowers and surrounding yourself with Joy. Instead of brushstrokes, Karen uses needle and thread to paint her canvas with textiles. Karen celebrates hippies with fabric portraits that look like paintings from far away.
Primarily working in acrylic and incorporating other mixed media, Adonna creates bright, colorful compositions of flowers atop abstract backgrounds. The strokes and colors convey tremendous movement and energy, in a way that is almost chaotic but also somehow serene. You can see their work: www.karenpayton.com and www.artistrybyadonna.com and on social media @karenpaytonart and @artistrybyadonna.
In May of 1999, the City Council established the Municipal Art Acquisition Program to document the history of visual art in Ventura through the annual purchase of important works of art created by area artists. The collection provides increased access to art of the highest quality and of distinctive merit through its displays. This water color “Passing Storm” by Norman Kirk can be enjoyed in the art collection in the corridors at City Hall and could be your inspiration to enter Art Tales.
