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Have coffee with cop and break down barriers

The community is invited to come together with Ventura Police Officers in a friendly, informal environment to discuss community issues, build relationships and enjoy a good cup of coffee for National Coffee with a Cop which will be held at Palermo, located at 321 E. Main Street in Ventura, on October 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Most contacts police officers have with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street or during the course of their duties. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows time for relaxed one-on-one interaction.

Engaging the community in public safety efforts is a top priority of the Ventura Police Department. We share the community’s concerns and make every effort to address them. We offer monthly opportunities at Community Council meetings to learn about crime trends and crime prevention. We also provide regular community meetings and neighborhood meetings upon request. Coffee with a Cop is an additional opportunity for residents to get to know the officers that serve Ventura.

The Coffee with a Cop effort is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country as police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s service. There is no formal agenda, just a casual opportunity to voice concerns and share ideas. This is a no host event.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – A View from House Seats

Singing along to the tunes many of us grew up with.

by Shirley Lorraine
Rock and Roll at the Rubicon

What a terrific way to end the summer – reliving a memorable time in music history and singing along to the tunes many of us grew up with. The world premiere production of I Dig Rock and Roll Music now playing at the Rubicon Theater fills the arena and the audience with memories and joy. We were reminded that music is a healing art so needed in troubled times. The concert entreated the audience to relax and enjoy “about the happiest sound there is”, in the words of Peter, Paul and Mary.

Carrying forward the concept of “Lonesome Traveler”, a Rubicon world premiere of a few years ago focusing on acoustic folk music, the current concert showcases songs made popular in the mid 1960’s and 1970’s when folk became electrified and blended into rock and roll. Those were the days when the lyrics could be easily understood, and specific songs became banners for some of us. Now, some 50 years later, we can still happily sing along. And the lyrics are suitable for all ages to hear.

Co-creators George Grove, Rubicon co-founder James O’Neil and Dan Wheetman have compiled songs that epitomized the era and whose messages are still meaningful today. Perhaps even more so. Protest songs such as “Peace Train” and “War” are mixed with familiar favorites “Cherish”, “California Dreamin”, “Everybody’s Talkin’ and more.

Cast members Caitlin Ary, Sylvie Davidson, Brendan Willing James, Chris Lash, Matt Tucci and Trevor Wheetman displayed their acumen in song styles as well as instrumentation. James and Wheetman both appeared in Rubicon’s Lonesome Traveler, and Davidson appeared in the Off-Broadway production of the same show.

The night I attended one cast member was absent and her part was filled in quite capably by Cassidy Craig, a graduate of the Rubicon’s Harmonix. Craig held her own throughout and even garnered a standing ovation for her rendition of “Respect” in honor of the late Aretha Franklin.

The second act opened with an instrumental medley where the audience was invited to sing along. And we did, joining in on “Hey Jude”, Sweet Caroline” and “Let it Be” among others. Many in the audience kept time to the beats with hands, feet and heads bobbing throughout the performance.

Adding a special touch to the concert were original compositions by James, Lash, Davidson and Wheetman. Lash provided Elton John quality on the keyboards that was intricate and inspiring. Drummer Matt Tucci kept everyone on beat. The range of this talented cast is a thing of beauty to the eye as well as the ear.

Noel Paul Stookey (Paul of Peter, Paul and Mary) contributed an original song as well, titled “Standing on the Shoulders” celebrating the lasting influence of musical performers who shaped history.

I Dig Rock and Roll Music provides an evening of nostalgia, beauty and pure enjoyment. Once again, the Rubicon Theater brings forth a high-quality artistic event to enhance our community.

I Dig Rock and Roll Music plays Wednesdays to Sundays through September 16 at the Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St. (corner of Main and Laurel Streets) in downtown Ventura. Matinees: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets: $35-$65. 24-hour ticketing and seat selection is available online at www.rubicontheatre.org. (805) 667-2900.

Ventura Shellfish Enterprise site selection

by Oscar Peña, General Manager

On September 12, at 7:00PM the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners will convene in Open Session at the Four Point Sheraton Ballroom, 1050 Schooner Drive, for its Regular Meeting.

One of the items on the agenda of special interest to the public is the Ventura Shellfish Enterprise (VSE) Site Selection Process. The Board of Port Commissioners will receive an Informational Report on the proposed site in federal waters approximately 3.53 miles from shore, northwest of the Ventura Harbor in the Santa Barbara Channel.

District staff and Seth J. Theuerkauf, Ph.D. with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will provide the Board of Port Commissioners with information about two alternatives for site selection in federal waters. This agenda item is on the District’s website for your review at www.venturaharbor.com.

The public is invited to receive information on the Ventura Shellfish Enterprise site selection process and provide public comment.

The project consists of twenty 100-acre plots (total of 2,000 acres) located in open federal waters of the Santa Barbara Channel northwest of Ventura Harbor. The closest distance from the growing area to the City of Ventura city limit is 4.5 miles and approximately 4 miles from the Ventura Harbor. The sites will be used for growing the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) via submerged long lines.

VSE Site Selection

The project was initially proposed to be located in waters of the State of California, i.e., within the 3-mile limit. The Ventura Port District, in collaboration with its key participants undertook extensive site selection public outreach that culminated in the decision to instead locate the project in federal waters so as to minimize conflicts with commercial halibut trawlers based in Ventura and Santa Barbara Harbors. NOAA’s National Ocean Service staff undertook a second siting study focused on federal waters proximate to Ventura Harbor.

The siting analysis represents an objective, data-driven approach to identify the locations within federal waters with the highest compatibility with the proposed project. The results of this siting analysis identify two alternative sites proximate to Ventura Harbor given equal consideration of existing use conflicts, including:

County Service Excellence Program saves $33 million in first ten years

The County of Ventura Service Excellence Program was implemented in June 2008 and, in its first 10 years, has generated more than $33 million in ongoing annual savings and had a direct impact on the lives of the county’s residents.

The program’s objective is to foster a culture of service excellence through the County’s agencies and departments. It seeks to achieve this goal through a culture which embraces continuous improvement and data-based decision-making as a means of enhancing the quality, speed, consistency and cost of County services.

A key strength of the program is its team approach, driven by the talented County workforce on the front lines – the people who know the most. The County relies on these people to help streamline the operations and avoid the processes that lack purpose. To date, 4,700 employees have received training in the methods and tools of continuous improvement.

“A program like this can only be created and sustained with unwavering leadership,” said Paul Stamper, Deputy Executive Officer and Service Excellence Manager. “The Board of Supervisors, the County Executive Officer the and County leadership team have supported this program and enabled it to thrive.”

As more employees receive the training, the savings continue to grow. In the most recent fiscal year, there were 114 Service Excellence improvements with an associated savings of $3.8 million.

“Over the last decade, significant events such as the Affordable Care Act, safety realignment, foster care reform and, most recently, the Thomas Fire have impacted the County,” said Powers. “In every case, the Service Excellence Program gave us the internal capacity to resolve issues and meet customer needs. One example of this is the expedited building permit process for Thomas Fire survivors.”

The County has taken the award-winning program one step further by sharing it with other cities and counties and establishing an ongoing training relationship with California State University Channel Islands.

Venturans among those in terrible river boat collision

Kirra Drury had recently enrolled in a nursing program.

On Saturday, September 1st, there was a horrific boating accident on the Colorado River. Two boats, with a total of 16 passengers collided head on and the passengers were ejected. Several of the passengers were immediately rescued, while others are still missing and several died. Two were from Ventura. One of the deceased is Kirra Drury, 23, the daughter of Denise Olson Drury, sister of Kaley Drury and the niece of JD of Surf Rodeo and the Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store. Kirra had attended St. Bonaventure High School.

Her Ventura friend Raegan Heitzig, is still unaccounted for.

It was reported that none of the boaters were wearing life jackets, which aren’t required but are recommended.

The well known Kirra worked as a bartender at The Tavern in Ventura and had recently enrolled in a nursing program at Ventura College. Heitzig is employed at the Social Tap restaurant.

A GoFundMe site has been started to raise money for the Drury family. For more information visit www.gofundme.com/venturastargirl.

Ventura County Watershed Protection District announces community meeting

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Watershed Protection District will hold a community meeting to share the latest developments and anticipated path for the Ventura River Levee (VR-1) Rehabilitation Project.

The Ventura River Levee (VCWPD VR-1, FEMA ID No. 53) consists of bank protection and other improvements intended to provide flood protection for areas along the river such as residential and recreational properties in low-lying areas behind the levee structure within the floodplain of the Ventura River in the City of San Buenaventura in Ventura County.  The VR-1 levee system will ultimately protect 759 homes and structures in Ventura County. The project begins at its downstream end at the Pacific Ocean and extends upstream along the Ventura River to its upstream end downstream of Caňada de San Joaquin. The overall length of the levee is approximately 2.65 miles, with an embankment height up to 10 feet above natural ground on the landward side

Designed by the U.S Army Corp of Engineers in 1949, the VR-1 levee system is now owned and maintained by Ventura County Watershed Protection District. As of 2009, it was determined that the VR-1 levee system does not meet FEMA Levee Certification standards, and requires rehabilitation to repair VR-1 levee deficiencies.

VR-1 requires bank protection and other improvements designed to provide flood protection for approximately 2.65 miles along the Ventura River that will ultimately protect 759 homes and structures in Ventura County.

“The VR-1 community meeting serves to educate the general public of the current rehabilitation project, and offers a platform for our community members to ask questions and provide valuable feedback about project’s direct impact on Ventura County residents,” said Glenn Shephard, Director of Ventura County Watershed Protection District.

Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Bell Arts Factory-Janet Addison Community Room
432 North Ventura Ave.

Remembering first responders

On Tuesday morning, September 11, all Ventura City Fire Department stations held special remembrances for the first responders and civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Fire Chief David Endaya said, “Although 17 years have passed since that tragic day in 2001, it still seems it could have happened yesterday. The images, the sounds, the emotions, and the pain are as vivid today as they were when I watched the events of that morning unfold live on television with my crew at Fire Station 5. We will never forget the actions of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of our U.S. Armed Forces, and the brave civilians who worked to save others, many losing their lives, that fateful day.”

At 6:55am firefighters stood at attention and raised the U.S. flag ceremoniously to half-staff. Fire Officers shared a brief narrative on the events of September 11, 2001.

http://www.cityofventura.net/fire/about/stations.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Mailbox

Editor:

I have seen videos on U-Tube that show dramatic results of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) who have dyskinesia and after partaking medical marijuana products and choosing to buy weed online, their bodies calm down and the involuntary movements pretty much stop. I think it is really wonderful that it helps them with what can be an extremely debilitating symptom.

However, there are so many symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, and no one has exactly the same issues, so I strongly agree with the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s recommendations as the side effects of medical marijuana can cause or exacerbate some of the very symptoms that accompany Parkinson’s in many of the folks who suffer with it. Using gummy edibles for other issues is fine, but in this particular niche more studies need to be carried out first.

The other issue I and many doctors have are concerns about the quality of the medical marijuana; is the dose going to be consistent every time? Parkinson’s symptoms are so difficult to regulate with the medications developed specifically for PD that the last thing needed is another “unknown” affect from introducing something new and possibly inconsistent in dosing.

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group strives to stay updated on the research projects on medical marijuana and the many other potentially life-changing FDA controlled drugs, such as those found in edibles online, being researched to help improve the quality of life for people suffering with Parkinson’s Disease, and hopefully some day, a cure!

Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about medical marijuana. Your personal physician can help you review the latest research, the pros and cons, and how the therapy might fit into your regimen. If you are someone who already receives medical marijuana and you want to check on your card status, you can use this online florida medical marijuana registry, or one similar depending on where you live and your medical practice, to see if you are still eligible. Medical marijuana is not for everyone but discussing it thoroughly can help you make the right decision with the best support.

Patty Jenkins – Volunteer Coordinator for the Ventura PD Support Group.

Breeze:

I read that the closed Top Hat Restaurant located on Main might be included on the National Register of Historic Places. Which means it would need to be part of any new development there.

Personally I think the Top Hat is just an old plywood non-descriptive building that should be torn now. Just because it is old doesn’t make it historic Ventura has lots of old buildings.

If it must be saved why not move it to the outdoor area at the County Museum right up the street?

Thanks

Ernest Lewis Ventura

Dear Breeze,

For eight months after the fire we had no leaf blowers in Ventura and everything looked clean and neat anyway. Then the ban was lifted and now we have them all over town again blowing dust everywhere, polluting the air with their inefficient motors, causing noise pollution and stinking to high heaven. When will Ventura put a ban on them? And when will landscapers and those who don’t want to just sweep begin to use electric blowers instead?

Mary Volpe Ventura

All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening.
~ Alexander Woollcott

FOOD Share celebrates 40 years serving Ventura County at Blue Jean Ball event

FOOD Share founders Dan Wakelee, Jewel Pedi, and Virgil Nelson have done wonders for those in need of food.

Forty years ago, eight friends banded together to provide food to those in need in Ventura. Today, FOOD Share celebrates 40 years of service in Ventura County at the 3rd Annual Blue Jean Ball at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms on Thursday, September 20th from 5-9pm.  The food bank’s signature event will help raise the support necessary to feed the one in six Ventura County residents who is still food insecure.

“The need to help the hungry hasn’t changed in last 40 years but the face of hunger has evolved,” said FOOD Share President and CEO, Monica White. “The struggle to avoid hunger is real and affects thousands of working families, seniors, veterans and children right here in Ventura County. It’s not just the homeless that are food insecure in our community today. We simply couldn’t help everyone without the wonderful support of our donors, volunteers and the community.”

More than 20 local restaurants, wineries and brewing companies will be serving samples at the event along with entertainment, delicious desserts and a silent auction. “The name says it all: wear those blue jeans!” says Jennifer Caldwell, marketing director. “It’s an evening of reflection and appreciation as we celebrate FOOD Share’s 40 year history.”

Tierra Rejada Farm’s relationship with FOOD Share dates back to the 1970’s when the “pick-your-own” farm and roadside market was on Sunset Valley Road.  Whenever the farm was blessed with surplus crops, owner Rick Brecunier would call on FOOD Share volunteers to glean the crops for distribution to Ventura County’s hungry residents. The farm has once again generously donated the venue space at Walnut Grove to serve as the stunning backdrop for FOOD Share’s 3rd Annual Blue Jean Ball.

“What an incredible mission FOOD Share has served over the years.” said Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms owner Rick Brecunier. “We couldn’t be happier to host the Blue Jean Ball again for the benefit of FOOD Share. It’s very heartening to see the tremendous support FOOD Share provides to the community and we want to do everything we can to support their efforts.”

Individual tickets are available for $75 per person, and limited sponsorships are still available. Visit www.foodshare.com/bluejeanball for tickets and additional information.

Today, staff and volunteers distribute nearly 12 million pounds of food, or 10 million meals annually through its 190 pantry and program partners. As Ventura County’s food bank, FOOD Share provides food for 75,000 hungry friends and neighbors monthly. FOOD Share is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, as well as the California Association of Food Banks. For more information about FOOD Share, visit www.foodshare.com, on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter.