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Sevet Johnson named to head County Behavioral Health Department

Johnson has 15 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health fields.

Sevet Johnson has been named as the Director of the County’s Behavioral Health Department. On the recommendations of the Health Care Agency Director and County Executive Officer, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved her appointment. Johnson will also serve as the Local Mental Health Director. The appointment follows a nationwide recruitment that attracted more than 100 applicants.

Johnson, a licensed psychologist, has 15 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health fields. She has worked for the County’s Behavioral Health Department since 2009. She began her County career as a Senior Psychologist and was then promoted to Clinic Administrator and Senior Behavioral Health Manager.

“This position is critical to the health and safety of our communities”, said CEO Michael Powers. “Behavioral Health promotes recovery, hope and resiliency to Ventura County residents with mental health or substance abuse issues. Sevet’s combination of clinical and administrative experience, her calm, thoughtful and collaborative leadership approach and her passion for the mission and vision for the future of the department make her ideally suited for this important role. Sevet understands the importance of maintaining focus on the clients while staying connected to the families and the community.”

The Director of Behavioral Health reports to the Director of the Health Care Agency and is responsible for the administration of the County’s many Behavioral Health programs and services. These include programs for adults, youth, families and alcohol and drug abuse.

“Sevet will use all of her clinical and managerial skills as she develops, maintains and directs the department’s culturally responsive programs,” said Johnson Gill, Director of the Health Care Agency. “Her position requires broad skills in addition to her clinical expertise. The director needs financial expertise, significant leadership ability and the ability to achieve effective outcomes that are both client-centered and data driven.”

Johnson, 37, is a Moorpark resident and will begin her new duties during June at a salary of $203,887.

Mission San Buenaventura dedicated Michelangelo Pieta Statue

The statue is so lifelike that a viewer can almost feel the curls of Christ’s hair.

A Vatican licensed copy of Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pieta is gifted to Mission San Buenaventura. A dedication and unveiling service was held Sunday, July 8.

Forty-one years ago, May 21, 1972, the Renaissance statue was damaged at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The incident, and what subsequently became one of the most delicate and controversial art restorations in history, stunned the world. Forty-six years later Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hanson of Arizona gifted Mission San Buenaventura the financial means to acquire the Vatican licensed exact replica from a mold of Michelangelo’s Pieta. Approximately 100 licensed replicas of the Pieta statue are being placed around the world.

Michelangelo was commissioned on August 27, 1498 and carved it out of a single block of Carrera marble he chose himself from a Tuscan quarry. The replica is composed of crushed Carrera marble from the same quarry Michelangelo chose. The crushed marble is mixed with resin and adhesives and then polished to resemble the original work of art. The Pieta at St. Peter’s Basilica is viewed by millions of people a year. Now visitors to the Mission will be able to view an exact replica of the sacred art in what is now the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, formerly the Baptistery.

The folds in the Madonna’s veil seem made of muslin rather than marble. When art historian Giorgio Vasari saw the statue in 1550 he wrote in his book about the lives of artists. “It is a miracle that a rock, which before was without form, can take on such perfection that even nature sometimes struggles to create in the flesh”.

Mission San Buenaventura was founded in 1782 by St. Junipero Serra and continues to be an active Catholic parish and is open daily to the public for pilgrimage and tour.

Mission San Buenaventura, 211 East Main St www.sanbuenaventuramission.org.

Upcoming events for the Museum of Ventura County

MUNCH = Music + Lunch. Grab lunch and head over to the Museum, every Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., for music by local musicians and free entry to the galleries. July 19 features music by Santa Barbara Trombone Society. Feel free to tip the musicians! The museum is located at 100 E. Main St.

Opening Day – Vaquero Campfires at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Opening day activities for the Vaquero Campfires exhibit, Saturday, July 28, from noon to 3 p.m., will feature a junior calf roping station, rawhide riatas weaving stations, Buckaroo crafts table and chuck wagon style grub by Santa Paula’s famous Santa Paula. Hillgrillies BBQ. The Vaquero Campfires exhibit is a nostalgic look back at the eye-catching displays of silver-studded saddles, hand-woven rawhide ropes and antique bits and spurs that were unique to the Vaquero lifestyle and traditions. The exhibit will be on display July 28 to November 25 at the Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue,

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 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.

Shots Fired

On June 29, at approximately 9pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of shots fired in the 1000 Block of Kimball Rd. Officers quickly arrived on scene and were able to locate several spent shell casings in the street. A canvas of the area was completed and no victims were located. A witness told officers that a sedan (unknown make or model) was seen in the roadway as the shots were fired and that 3 males were seen running away from the area. The witness was unable to give a description of the 3 males who ran from the scene. It is unknown if the shots came from the vehicle or the 3 unidentified subjects.

It is unknown if anyone was injured as a result of the shooting. The Ventura Police Department is actively investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to call 805-339-4488.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On July 1 at 8:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a suspicious vehicle parked to the rear of an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Rexford Street. A witness had observed two subjects inside who appeared to be under the influence.

Officers arrived on scene and located three occupants still inside the vehicle. As officer approached, they observed the suspects preparing to inject themselves with narcotics. Officers announced their presence and ordered the suspects to remain in the vehicle until additional officers arrived to assist in removing them. One of the suspects, 31 year old Camarillo vagrant Dani Cruz refused to comply with the officers commands and attempted to flee from the vehicle. A Ventura Police K9 arrived on scene a short time later and all three suspects were detained without incident. Officers later determined the vehicle had recently been reported stolen.

The driver, 24 year old Ventura vagrant Nicholas Gebber was placed under arrest for being in possession of stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance. Cruz was placed under arrest for a parole violation and resisting arrest. The third suspect, 30 year old Ventura vagrant Dorothy Dobbin was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and two outstanding warrants. All three suspects were transported to the Ventura County Jail where they were booked for the above charges.

Stolen Vehicle and Felony

On July 4, at approximately 3am, officers were at the intersection of Utica Avenue and Telephone Road handling an unrelated call for service when an officer saw a stolen vehicle drive past. The officer followed after the stolen vehicle and initiated an enforcement stop. The driver, 25 year old Ventura resident Martinez, failed to stop and immediately began driving evasively. Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit and Martinez entered a nearby residential housing tract. Martinez drove at high speeds, failed to stop at numerous stop signs, and drove a circuitous route through the neighborhood for over six minutes with officers in pursuit. Martinez eventually yielded in the area of Nevin Avenue and Fairford Street and was taken into custody without further incident.

Martinez was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle and felony evading.

Officer involved Traffic Collision

On July 4, at approximately 10:15pm, a Ventura Police Patrol officer was dispatched to a shooting call in the 6000 block of Whippoorwill. The officer responded to the shooting by driving “code 3”, lights and siren. As the officer was enroute, a vehicle failed to pull to the right and the officer had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with the vehicle. As a result the patrol vehicle collided with a street signal and Edison light pole. The officer received minor injuries and was taken to a local area hospital to be checked out.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind drivers that according to California Vehicle Code 21806. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle sounding a siren and at least one red light that is visible, the surrounding traffic shall do the following: the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear any intersection, and shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

Bank Robbery

On July 6, at approximately 1:15am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from an employee of Chase Bank reporting that a bank robbery had just occurred at the Chase Bank branch at 2499 Harbor Blvd. Upon arrival of the officers, they determined the suspect had already fled the bank and was last seen leaving the area on foot.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspect (a Hispanic male, 25-30 years, shaved head, wearing a black hat, sunglasses, light blue button shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes) entered the bank and approached the counter. He handed the clerk a note stating was robbing the bank and demanded the clerk give him money. The note claimed he was armed with a gun, although no weapon was seen. The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money, and he fled the bank.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

The FBI was notified. The Ventura Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit will be conducting the investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.

Residential Burglary

On July 4, at approximately 4:30am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a report of a burglary that occurred overnight at a residence located in the 9600 block of Telephone Rd. The victim discovered that his home had been ransacked and numerous belongings had been stolen. Officers responded to the home and determined the suspect made entry into the residence through an unlocked window.

Through further investigation, detectives with the Street Crimes Unit were able to identify 19 year old Ventura resident Alex Reyes as the suspect in the burglary. Detectives later served a search warrant at Reyes’ home located in the 10600 block of Veronica Lane in the city of Ventura. Detectives located numerous items in the residence that were stolen in the burglary. On 7/6/18 at approximately 1400 hours, detectives arrested Reyes and booked him at the Ventura County Jail for 459 PC- first degree residential burglary, a felony.

Residential Burglary and Possession for Sales Arrest

On July 13, at approximately 10am, officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious subject knocking on multiple residences’ doors in the area of the 100 block of Gay Drive. When officers arrived, 23 year old Ventura resident Allen Minot was seen walking away from a residence. The investigation revealed he entered the house, removed property from the residence and hid it nearby. He was also found to be in possession of a large quantity of prescription drugs (Xanax). Minot’s vehicle was parked nearby, and the second suspect, 27 year old Moorpark resident Kevin McNicol, was seated in the vehicle. He was found to be in possession of heroin.

At the conclusion of the investigation, McNicol was arrested for the misdemeanor charge possession of heroin and booked into Ventura County Jail. Minot was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for residential burglary and possession for sales of Xanax. Officers recovered the stolen property and returned it to the victim.

California Rising Stars

Jacquelyn Ruffin

Jacquelyn Ruffin and James Perero, attorneys from the Ventura’s Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Feingold law firm have been selected to the California Rising Stars list for the second year in a row. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Ms. Ruffin, a partner at the firm, was selected as a Top-Rated School’s and Education Attorney. Mr. Perero was selected as a Top

James Perero

Rated General Litigation Attorney. Ruffin is a graduate of the UCLA School of Law and Perero is a graduate of Southwestern Law School.

NAWBO Ventura County launches mentor program

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners has announced a new mentoring program for college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals who are in their first five years of business.

“This valuable program is designed to connect aspiring young women entrepreneurs with successful and inspiring women business owners throughout the county and is ideal for those looking to develop and grow their business skills,” stated Kamie Abraham, NAWBO-VC mentor program coordinator and Certified Financial Planner® for Sagemark Consulting in Westlake Village.

Mentees are carefully selected and matched with appropriate NAWBO Ventura County mentors, ideally whose business is in the mentee’s industry or major, to ensure mutual goals and satisfaction. Mentor–mentee relationships will last formally for a period of one year with a minimum of four one-on-one meetings. At the end of a year, mentees can apply for different mentors, move on from the program, and/or continue the relationship informally.

NAWBO Ventura County is committed to strengthening the wealth creating capacity of its members while promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial Ventura County community. Additionally, the local chapter focuses on creating innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances and transforming public policy for the benefit of its members. Membership is open to women sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners as well as those businesses that support women owned businesses.

To learn more about NAWBO Ventura County’s mentor program and to find a mentor please visit, www.nawbovc.org/mentor-program.

One Stop does it all

There are no prima donnas there … just worker bees.

Ventura County’s hidden gem is the One Stop program for homeless people. It is a lifesaver for those most in need … especially for the newly homeless who are often overwhelmed by the many agencies they must apply to for help.

One Stop, under the leadership of Health Care for the Homeless, provides comprehensive care under one roof – in five different cities each week. Tuesday’s Ventura day at the County Public Health HIV Department is a prime example of compassion and efficiency. A dozen service providers gather for three hours to collaborate with each other so as to guide the many people seeking help through the system.

There are no prima donnas there … just worker bees, collectively figuring out how to best help each person.

Some need photo I.D.s in order to register for services, some need medical care through Medicare or MediCal, others need mental help care. Some have pets and need veterinary care, food or licenses for them, some are disabled, some are addicted; all need housing. The workers listen to their needs and figure out how to help. They compare notes with the other services to form as thorough a package of care as possible.

This is not your typical homeless agency: people are welcomed as soon as they come through the door. There is hot coffee to greet them, plus a bagged lunch and bottled water. As they form a line to sign in, they are offered candy and chit chat … this is the best waiting line in town.

People have mail delivered here and so there is a group of people at the mail counter. Friends have a chance to visit in the waiting room or out on the front lawn. Tables with Obamaphones appear so that those who have nothing at least have phones, which are often their lifesavers.

It is a congenial place where very serious business is conducted by representatives from the Health Care for the Homeless Department, Buddy Nation, Independent Living Resource Center, the Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health, Project Understanding, The Salvation Army, Turning Point/River Haven, the Human Services Agency and Whole Person Care. All of this is guided by James Boyd, who knows everyone in the service agencies and everyone on the lines. He keeps things running smoothly and resolves any problems that arise and comes up with answers for complex situations.

When the last person has been helped, the workers exchange ideas and talk among themselves, getting their notes and files ready for the next day of One Stop, which will be in Oxnard.

Volunteers are always welcome to help sort mail, make the coffee, greet people, and generally assist. Call James Boyd at 805-652-6694 and pitch in to help your fellow Venturans get through a rough spot.

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 – Mailbox

Dear Mr. Brown,

I noticed you printed a letter from a 3rd grader about our roads. I’ll be interested in seeing any action in that regard.

I have complained through the email link about the scandalous state of Moon Drive at the foot of that gigantic apartment development overlooking Moon Drive. The response was that I would receive a phone call within 5 days. I did not receive a call. I called again and spoke to someone who told me they needed to wait for school to be closed. School is now closed.

Still no action.

How should I vote on the next council election, I wonder?

Best Wishes, Steve Hurst

to opinions

Sunday night Camarillo displayed significant awareness of a national phenomenon. A march promenaded down our street protesting the separation of parents and their children when they sought refuge. The issue that caught my awareness was the protest of a bystander saying “Send them home! We need to support the veterans instead.”

It seems to me that is a denial for all that our veterans were fighting for. The separation of those helpless children is an immense act of hatred. Inciting hatred seems to be the primary tool used to justify greed and intensify the division of the two parties.

My take can be summed up by the sentiment – “there is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it little behooves any of us to talk about the rest of us”. In other words, love is the answer what is the question?

Marilyn Dempsay

Hi Sheldon,

I read an article in your paper last week about how the City of Ventura had streamlined the rebuilding process for people who lost their homes in the Thomas Fire. I live on Colina Vista where about 30 homes burned and not a single one has broken ground to rebuild. Since that is in stark contrast to your article, I did some checking.

It appears that the city officials you spoke to did not give you the whole story. While the City has streamlined the plan check and approval process, they have added expensive and time consuming obstacles that are causing unnecessary delays and expenses for the homeowners.

While I don’t have all the details, I believe they are requiring soil and seismic reports and there aren’t enough professionals available to meet the City’s requirements; hence the delays for homeowners who are eager to rebuild their homes.

I urge you to do a little more investigative reporting. And maybe you could do a service to your readers and put a spotlight on unnecessary delays caused by the City. Who knows, maybe you could start a pressure campaign to get the City to drop burdensome and expensive burdens created by bureaucrats.

Regards,

Bill Bays

Bill

This is not true; we didn’t add these requirements for fire rebuilds… they are code requirements that will ensure solid and safe new homes…

Jeffrey Lambert, Community Development Director

Breeze:

I was a professional counselor for Planned Parenthood for many years. We helped thousands of young, and not so young, people at almost zero cost for them. A small portion of that help, included terminating pregnancies for various reasons — health of the pregnant patient; being expelled from pricey, religious college; no offer of marriage. I never witnessed an abortion decision that was made without tears, turmoil, and fear.

Being the protector and supplier of the continuation of the human race falls to the female. Yes, the male assists.

He does not need to make life and death decisions for any female.

Esther Cole, Ventura

Editor:

Brummm, Brummm, Brumm

If above reminds me of anything, its insanity!

While both coastal communities (Ventura & Santa Barbara) are busy finding ways to deter and outlaw (homeless folks), and while arresting people for camping on the streets, issue outrageous fines for parking RV’s on the streets in both Ventura and Santa Barbara communities. But allow Brummm, Brummm, Brumm as the result of no mufflers on the motor cycles, trucks, and very noisy tail pipes of hot rods.

What happened to the law that says all vehicle driven in the state of CA must have adequate mufflers

California law requires that all vehicles must be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive noise from the exhaust system. … The maximum decibel level applies only to those vehicles. Citations issued to other vehicles (motorcycles, trucks exceeding 5999 pounds GVWR) are not part of this program. California Vehicle Exhaust Noise Laws (2018)

www.californiacarlaws.com/exhaust-noise/

Adequate muffler required. 27150. (a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.

This world is full of insanity and this is just one more example. When the white man arrived to this continents boarders there was nothing but outdoor living, as things have progressed we are facing mass homelessness and continuation of lots of noise in our streets!

Arrests people that cannot afford housing, but ignore make believe “Hells Angels” even if they are breaking the law with outrageous noise.

Jay North Ojai

to opinions

Shame on you Bill (from July 4 Breeze), for your dehumanization of some of the most desperate people in the city. And shame on the Breeze for giving Bill a platform for his hatred.

Ian Gamble

Ian:

The Breeze agrees with you but expression of opinion is still what this country is all about. Hope that it stays that way.

to Editor

Hello, Is there any way of getting the city to pay attention to the lack of public bathrooms? We are at the corner of Thompson and Hurst, and our business seems to be the favorite spot for taking a dump. People don’t realize what a health hazard this can be for those of us who have to clean this up. The city will not help because it is private property. Hope some public spirited person will make a map of public access bathrooms.( It might be more popular than monuments or other tourist attractions.) My guess is they are very few and most businesses will only have the bathroom available for clients, if that.

Janet McNeil DVM

There is no intensity of love or feeling that does not involve the risk of crippling hurt. It is a duty to take this risk, to love and feel without defense or reserve.
~ William S. Burroughs