Hi: I’m Stella. I am a nine-year-old Shih Tzu (like the wonderful Scamp who I miss) I love to take walks and eat chicken(I’m careful of the bones)! I have lots of toys but to be honest I would rather chase my sister cat, Cici around the house. That’s so much more fun!
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What you need to know this Medicare enrollment season
by Rick Beavin, California Market President Humana
It’s that time of year when people with Medicare review their health insurance choices and enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan for the coming year.
People typically have a lot of questions as they research their Medicare options, which primarily include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, before finding the plan that best fits their needs.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions Humana licensed health insurance agents get from consumers during the Medicare Annual Election Period:
When is the annual enrollment period to choose a Medicare plan for 2019?
The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period takes place from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2018, for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year?
You don’t need to sign up for Original Medicare each year. However, you should review your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan coverage annually, since Medicare plans and personal circumstances can change every year. If you take no action during the annual enrollment period, you’ll typically automatically be re-enrolled in your same medical or prescription plan for 2019.
Does Medicare include coverage for my prescription drugs?
Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, or you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. A licensed agent can look up your medications and tell you what the cost of each drug would be on a plan.
How are health insurers like Humana able to offer Medicare Advantage plans with no monthly premium?
Private insurers keep premiums low through programs like disease and chronic care management, which help people better manage health conditions and, in turn, reduce health care costs. Keep in mind that you still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium, which covers medical services and preventive care. You might want to use the additional premium dollars you save for out-of-pocket medical costs, such as co-pays.
How do I find out if my doctors, hospitals and specialists are in my Medicare Advantage provider network?
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer easy-to-use online tools to help you find doctors and hospitals that are in the plan’s network. A licensed agent can also help you look up hospitals and doctors to see if they’re accepting a plan and taking new patients.
If I select a Medicare plan for the coming year, and then find I don’t like it, can I drop it and choose another plan?
The plan you select by Dec. 7 will be your Medicare plan for all of 2019, with few exceptions, so it’s wise to research your options carefully. If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan for 2019, and then find it’s not the right fit, between Jan. 1 and March 31, there will be an Open Enrollment Period during which you can switch from a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage, or choose Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan. Full information on 2019 Medicare health and prescription drug plans is available on www.medicare.gov, and for Humana plans atwww.humana.com/Medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call Humana at 1-877-877-0714 (TTY use 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time seven days a week.
Vol. 12, No. 5 – Dec 5 – Dec 18, 2018 – 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.
Threats against a Peace Office arrest
On November 23, at approximately 8:30pm, a Ventura patrol officer saw a subject laying down on the sidewalk in the area of Chestnut and Thompson. The officer contacted the subject identified as 40-year-old vagrant Michael Anderson and learned he was on probation. More Ventura police officers arrived on the scene, and they began to conduct a probation search on Anderson. During the search, Anderson made a direct threat to one of the officers. The threat was credible, and Anderson was arrested for the threat.
A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Anderson has been arrested six times in 2018, three of those cases are still open. The officer returned to work after being treated.
Trespassing on Railroad Property and Resisting Arrest
On November 24, at approximately 9:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the Union Pacific Railroad dispatch reporting that a subject was on the roof top of the train and refusing to get off. The northbound Amtrak train, which was occupied by numerous passengers, was stopped at the train platform adjacent to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Officers arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with the subject, later identified as 22-year-old Motaz Eljadaa. Eljadaa refused orders to climb down off the train and continued running back and forth on the roof of the train, in an attempt to elude officers. Before officers could access the train’s roof top, Eljadaa suddenly climbed down and fled on foot, during which time he attempted to hide in a tree. Officers caught him and took Eljadaa into custody.
Amtrak employees reported Eljadaa boarded the train in Moorpark and had been causing several disturbances as the train stopped at each scheduled stop before arriving in Ventura.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
On November 24, at approximately 3:40pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a family disturbance and reports that one of the family members, later identified as a 56-year-old male adult had been stabbed with a screwdriver. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim suffering from multiple non-life-threatening injuries to his upper body. He was treated at the scene by medical personnel and later transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Ventura resident Andrew Ricardez, had fled the residence prior to officers arriving on scene.
During the investigation, officers determined the victim and Ricardez, who are father and son, got into a verbal argument. Ricardez armed himself with a screwdriver and stabbed the victim several times. Ricardez was contacted later at another family member’s residence and taken into custody. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.
Possession of a Knife on a School Campus, Resisting Arrest and Warrants
On November 26 at approximately 2pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from Gold Coast Transit reporting a subject possibly armed with a gun near the intersection of Telegraph Rd. and Palomares Ave. The information was second hand from a bus driver, who denied the subject entry onto a bus and said the gun was wrapped in a shirt.
Officers arrived on scene and observed the subject, later identified as 34-year-old Ventura resident Andrew Ortiz, walking near the YMCA on Telegraph Rd. As one of the officers was attempting to make contact with Ortiz, he fled onto the campus of Anacapa Middle School. The officer pursued Ortiz on foot and quickly took him into custody.
Traffic Pursuit with Arrest
On November 28 at approximately 1:30am, a Ventura Police Officer attempted to stop a Chevy truck on the 126 Freeway at Kimball Road for a traffic violation. The driver did not yield to the officer and fled. Officers pursued the vehicle onto Telephone Road and into a neighborhood south of Bristol Road and Ramelli Ave. The driver was not familiar with the area and turned onto a dead end street. Recognizing he could not continue to flee in his vehicle, the driver exited and fled on foot. Officers initiated a foot pursuit and caught the suspect after a short distance.
The suspect, 44-year-old Oxnard resident Joaquin Cano, was a parolee at large and had thrown methamphetamine out of the window of his vehicle during the pursuit, which was recovered by officers.
Armed Robbery
On October 20, at approximately 1:30pm, the suspects entered a business at 1839 E. Main St. They approached the employee at the counter, pulled out their guns and demanded money. The employee gave the suspects an undisclosed amount of money and the suspects left to the business. The suspects were last seen driving away eastbound in a white four-door compact vehicle.
Major Crimes Detectives began investigating this incident and several other similar armed robberies that occurred around the same time frame. After analyzing video surveillance and following up on investigative leads, Detectives identified 29-year-old Ventura resident Ernesto Solis as one of the suspects in the H&H Liquor store robbery. Solis was also wanted for a PROS violation and for providing false information to a police officer on two different occasions allowing him to avoid being arrested for his PROS warrant.
On November 27, at 6:30pm, Detectives located Solis near his residence in the 1700 Block of Olive Street and took him into custody without incident.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Elder Abuse Arrest
On November 29, at approximately 9:45am, officers responded to multiple reports of a fight near the businesses in the 5700 block of Telephone Road. When officers arrived, they found the elderly male victim to the front of the businesses. He was suffering from multiple lacerations and other non-life threatening injuries. The suspect, 56-year-old Ventura resident Tod Koep, was also located nearby and detained by officers.
The investigation revealed Koep was unprovoked when he approached the victim and struck him numerous times with closed fists. Koep was arrested for the felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.
Attempt Carjacking and Attempt Kidnapping Arrest
On November 29, at 7:50pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a female victim advising the suspect had attempted to get into her vehicle forcefully, and she described the suspect. Ventura College Police officers who were in the area saw a suspect matching the description and detained him.
Ventura Police officers arrived and conducted the investigation. A brief moment after the female victim got in her car, the suspect opened her car door and grabbed her. He made a gesture that he had a gun in his waistband and told her to move into the passenger seat.The victim resisted and began honking her horn which caused the suspect to stop his assault and flee.
The victim identified the suspect who was detained, Anthony Figueroa, 18 years of Ventura ,as the person who committed the crime. Through the investigation, it was determined the suspect was not armed with a handgun. No one was injured as a result of this crime. Figueroa was booked at Ventura County Jail for Attempt Carjacking and Attempt Kidnapping.
How the midterm elections will affect aging policy
by Howard Bedlin
Democrats could pick up as many as 40 new seats, establishing an anticipated 234-201 margin in the House. That means, House Democrats can lose only 16 votes within their party to pass legislation. So, the 20-25 conservative Democrats, also known as “Blue Dogs,” who could represent swing votes, will likely have increased influence in the House.
It is not certain whether current Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will be able to secure the votes needed to be the next House Speaker. Several candidates who won office, as well as several current Democratic members, have said they will not support her.
House Ways and Means Committee: Richard Neal (D-MA) will chair this committee that has jurisdiction over Medicare, Social Security, and tax issues. The chair of the Health Subcommittee will be either Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) or Mike Thompson (D-CA).
House Energy and Commerce Committee: Frank Pallone (D-NJ) will chair this committee that has jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid issues. The Health Subcommittee chair will be Anna Eshoo (D-CA).
Appropriations Committee: The new chair will be Nita Lowey (D-NY), and the chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee will be Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).
Education and Labor Committee: Bobby Scott (D-VA) will be the new chair of this committee, which will oversee the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 2019.
Changes in the Senate
In the Senate, Republicans gained one seat for a margin of 52-48, and they may gain another, pending the outcome of the Mississippi runoff race today. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will continue to be the Senate Majority Leader, with Chuck Schumer (D-NY) continues as Minority Leader. Moderate Republicans such as Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) are expected to be key swing votes.
One important leadership change is that Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will take over as chair of the Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and tax issues, replacing retiring Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The Finance Committee.
With the Democrats in control of the House, fears about key programs being cut are eased. If Republicans had retained control of the House, Senate, and White House, many expected they would continue to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and significantly cut and cap Medicaid, which helps about 7 million low-income seniors. There were also fears that Republicans would attempt major cuts to Medicare, OAA and other discretionary appropriations, and potentially Social Security to help pay for the $1.5 trillion increase in the deficit due to last year’s tax cuts.
Leaders, instead, are expected to focus on several key health care issues, including reducing prescription drug costs, Medicare for All proposals, and stabilizing the ACA. Other priorities will likely include climate change, immigration, gun safety, voting rights, and infrastructure, as well as several investigations of the White House.
Some of these bolder House issues have little or no chance of passing the Republican Senate and being signed into law by the president. However, some compromises can be made to gain bipartisan support and move through to final passage.
Vol. 12, No. 5 – Dec 5 – Dec 18, 2018 – Cartoons
Mother Goose and Grimm
Crock
Baby Blues
Hagar the Horrible
Blondie
Hi and Lois
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
REMEMBERING ~ City Memorial Ceremony
On Monday, December 3, the City of Ventura held a ceremony in observance of the one-year anniversary of the Thomas Fire. The ceremony was held on the front steps of Ventura City Hall proceeding the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Comments were made by Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere and Fire Chief David Endaya, followed by a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives. Traditional bagpipe music was played by the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes & Drums Corps. Handheld battery candles were held to show support and reflect the strength of our community.
Remembering the Fire ~ City Memorial Ceremony
Thomas Fire homeowners have understandable anxiety
REMEMBERING
by Bruce Labins Architect
We have a deep admiration for our Thomas Fire clients’ strength, patience, and positivity throughout the design, permitting, and rebuild process. They have had the hardest of years, but in every instance have embraced the ‘new vision’ of their home and are looking forward.
Thomas Fire homeowners have understandable anxiety about rebuilding and meeting zoning ordinances, regulations, code upgrades, time delays and more. In every case, our clients have been able to rebuild not only what they had, but make significant improvements to design, life safety, and energy efficiency of their home. City Planning and Building and Safety worked diligently to make these accommodations. That’s our City.
City of Ventura Community Development Director, Jeffrey Lambert, partnered with his network of city planners and local design professionals to create the Planning Pre-Review submittal process. This significantly streamlines their review process upon submittal to plan check. With thorough preparation of submittal exhibits, our experience with the process and professionals involved has been 100% positive. That’s our City.
City of Ventura Building Official, Yolanda Bundy, is likely the first building authority a Thomas Fire homeowner will meet. When we submit our drawings to plan check, Yolanda greets each of our clients with a direct look in their eyes, asking them how they are doing and reassuring them that the City will make the process smooth and timely. She gives each homeowner a thoughtful touch on the arm or a hug. That’s our City.
Yolanda Bundy initiated with her team of plan checkers a Thomas Fire expedited plan check procedure. She established a 14-day plan check turn around. Her Team have met or reduced that time in our numerous plan checks. During our re-submittal, Yolanda has personally reviewed our drawings on the spot to further expedite the permit. That’s our City.
The Thomas Fire was unprecedented for Ventura. Our City has rallied and extended themselves in every department. They have worked incredibly hard with dedication, professionalism, and thoughtfulness. We are grateful to each of them.
805.641.2310 [email protected] brucelabins.net
Ventura’s Footworks Youth Ballet Celebrates its 15th Year!
Join Footworks Youth Ballet for their Family Educational Hour
Ventura’s Footworks Youth Ballet presents its 15th anniversary performance of the Tchaikovsky classic, The Nutcracker. On December 8th and 9th, in two full-length performances, they will perform with the Footworks Community Orchestra and singers from the Carpe Diem Chorus at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Family-friendly matinees on both days begin at 2 p.m.
While Tchaikovsky’s score remains the same, the live orchestra adds dimension and individual flare as well as artistic director Kirsten Oakley’s little twists to the story that provide freshness and whimsy each year. This year marks the first time a student will take the role of the Nutcracker Prince. Jonah Thomas, a 12-year-old Ventura Charter School student, begins the evening as Clara’s nephew who eventually becomes the Nutcracker Prince. Regarding ballet and the role he is playing this year, Jonah comments, “I have been doing ballet for three years at the Oakley Ballet Center and I really enjoy it. The studio has really helped me grow as a dancer. The Nutcracker role is a really big step for me and I am excited to perform it.”
Nicola Hammond, a 7th grader at Anacapa Middle School, takes the role of Clara this season and is joined by her father Chad Hammond who is in the role of Mr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father. It’s the first father/daughter duo to hit the stage in quite some time by the Footworks Youth Ballet dancers.
Founded by Kirsten Oakley, Footworks Youth Ballet was created with the goal of providing a place for young people to thrive and grow through the joy of dance as they learn the art and discipline of classical ballet. Technique classes are offered through the Oakley Ballet Center in Ventura, for children ages 5-18.
In keeping with the mission of Footworks, many student dancers perform in principal roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy or Snow Queen, giving young artists the opportunity to take on classical ballet repertoire at its best. As Oakley explains, “Even if a student leaves ballet after high school, they take with them a great appreciation for the classics, having explored the art form to its utmost and seen the results of their dedication and effort.”
For each ballet production, Footworks Youth Ballet hosts a sold-out performance for over 3,000 school-aged children to see the ballet. Most of the tickets for the children are provided at the reduced fee of $5.00 each, and many of the students qualify for free tickets.
Join Footworks Youth Ballet for their Family Educational Hour one hour prior to each show to learn about the production, costumes, ballet history and music.
The Nutcracker, presented by Footworks Youth Ballet.
Sat. Dec. 8th, 2:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 9th, 2:00 pm
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Tickets $19, $24, $29
Call 486.2424 to buy tickets, or order online at footworksyouthballet.org
Vol. 12, No. 5 – Dec 5 – Dec 18, 2018 – Events
Events by Ana Baker
Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.
There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.
Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play. Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun. There is a game every day of the week. Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org
Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.
Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/
The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events. Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments. The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. Visitors and potential members are welcomed. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.
First Wednesday, of each month, 6 – 10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805)229-7429.
Retired men might enjoy a visit to a meeting of the Ventura Retired Men’s Group at the Ventura Elks lodge at 11:30 a.m. on the first or third Tuesday of the month. Stop in and introduce yourself for a complimentary lunch, interesting program, and a relaxing good time with your peers. Give Bob Likins a call at (805) 587-1233 for details.
Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.
Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].
Are you a stamp collector?
The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. They are a fun group. Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]
Mended Hearts of Ventura
Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. They have excellent speaker leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians etc. from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at (805) 644-2733
When a child dies, The Compassionate Friends (TCF) can help a family move forward through the grief journey. This can take time and require added patience. The Compassionate Friends provides a safe and supportive place where grieving parents, grandparents and siblings over age 16 can come speak openly about their child, express feelings about loss, be listened to by others, and celebrate milestones. Meeting twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday from 7-9 pm at the Poinsettia Pavilion, in the Canada Larga room. On the following dates: Dec 5, Dec 19. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay, [email protected],
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 PM at Kaiser Health, 1000 Hill Rd. 2ndfloor lobby. Further information Deva (805) 814-5650.
Dec. 7,8,9: The 25th year of the Dudley House Holiday Boutique continues into December on weekends from 10 – 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past at this historic 1892 farm house where you will find quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles and a tearoom with refreshments, silent auction and bargain items. The Dudley House is located at 197 N. Ashwood Avenue on the corner of Loma Vista. Admission is free. Call (805) 642-3345 for information.
Dec. 8: You are warmly invited to attend an Advent Evensong on Saturday at 5 pm. This hour of meditation, led by the women’s voices, will include the singing of carols interspersed with the gift of silence to welcome this season of hope. Patricia Lathrop-McPherson and Karen Sonnenschein are the soloists. Directed by Helen Farson. Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6300 Telephone Rd., Please call 805.641.9646 if more information is desired. Admission is free.
Dec. 9: Community Presbyterian Church Choir and Preschool Present a Family Christmas Concert and Caroling. 1555 Poli St at 4:30 p.m. All ages welcome, Christmas cookie potluck to follow.
Dec.11: Pasajera, an evening of Flamenco at the WAV, 175 S Ventura Ave. at 8 p.m. Seattle-based Flamenco dancer, Savannah Fuentes brings her latest show to WAV. Savannah will be joined by two exceptional Spanish Flamenco artists; acclaimed Spanish-Romani guitarist Pedro Cortes and singer/percussionist/dancer Jose Moreno.
Dec. 13: Ventura Chapter, Holistic Chamber of Commerce upcoming Holiday Party on Thursday, from 6- 8 p.m. at the Harvest Café, 175 S Ventura Ave. Please bring a vegan or vegetarian dish for the potluck (the cafe has asked that no meat or fish be included in food); drinks will be available for purchase.
Cost to members is $5 and non-members is $10 in cash to be paid at the door.
Battling the Thomas Fire
REMEMBERING
by Sheli Ellsworth
Ventura City Fire Department serves a population of over 110,000. They do so with six stations, ten engines, one truck company (hook and ladder) and seventy-three sworn firefighters in fire suppression. That is one firefighter for every fifteen hundred people.
On December 4, 2017, Ventura City Battalion Fire Chief Doug Miser was driving to Ojai to visit his girlfriend. He noticed a red glow in the distance over towards Santa Paula and was immediately worried. A fire alert appeared on his phone at 6:24 PM. Low humidity, sustained winds in excess of 40mph, temperatures in the 60s—and it was the first day of a 5-day Santa Ana wind event, the situation did not bode well. A six-year drought had left much of the county’s thickets and undergrowth dry as kindling.
By 6:30 PM, ten fire engines, two helicopters, two bull dozers and two airplanes and over a hundred fireman had been dispatched to what has become known as the Thomas Fire. By 8:30 PM almost all available off duty city fire department personnel were either showing up at stations or were on their way in. Less than an hour into the incident, 50 strike teams consisting of over 200 engines were requested from neighboring counties. “Spot fires immediately sprang up downwind from the initial blaze. Driven by 50 mph winds blowing toward the ocean, it didn’t take long for spot fires to cause their own ancillary fires and take hold near Ventura.” Miser says the fires consumed the parched boscage at about an acre per minute. Some of the engine companies initially placed into Santa Paula were quickly relocated closer to Ventura’s urban interface as the fire leapt from one ridge to another, leaving unburned valleys to be consumed later. With very few resources, it became readily apparent that evacuation would be top priority, fire-fighters began knocking on doors and using their public address systems telling people to leave, helping people move cars, carrying the disabled out of homes. “There is always a life-before-property obligation all emergency responders have.”
At 10:00 PM, Miser, who has over 20-years of experience as a fireman, began evacuations in Ventura Heights. “The Police and Fire units were going through neighborhoods and announced on the PA system—telling people to evacuate immediately. The recurring problem was that people went to bed knowing there was a fire in Santa Paula, no one thought it would be in Ventura in a manner of hours.”
As if the pressing problem wasn’t enough, at 11:20 PM a 50-acre fire erupted in Grant Park which became known as the Cedar Incident. “Even though Grant Park is six miles away from the High Point area that was about to get the first wave of the fire about that time, it was obvious spot fires were fueling spot fires that were fueling spot fires—the fire essentially hopscotched across the Ventura back oilfields in a matter of minutes.”
For the next 39 days, 8,500 fire fighters fought fires that had burned everything from Santa Paula to Ventura City, through Ojai and up into Santa Barbara, becoming the largest fire in California History, until this year. The fire eventually destroyed 440 square miles and 504 homes in the city of Ventura, according to the damage assessment report. An additional 140 were damaged.
“We were able to save many structures, but obviously lost many as well. We tragically lost one of our brothers, Cory Iverson who worked for Cal Fire 10 days after the start of the fire, which is when things usually begin to become manageable as far as wild-land incidents go. This fire, fueled by an unusually long Santa Ana event, would not quit, and consumed everything in its path. I think every firefighter I know remarked how blessed we were that no civilian fatalities happened in Ventura that first night. Given the degree of chaos and rapid pace of the fire, it was the silver lining of it all.”