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Former mayor running for City Council

Jim was first elected to the council in 1995.

Former mayor and council member Jim Friedman has announced that he is running for city council in the newly formed District 5 on the east end of Ventura. A small business owner/ financial planner for over 40 years, Jim has been a resident of the east end for over 28 years and lives with his wife Kelli who has been teaching at Mound Elementary school for the past 15 years.

Jim was first elected to the council in 1995 and served as mayor in 1998 and 99. He was re-elected in 1999 and served until 2004 when he retired after two terms. “People ask me why I’m running again?” “The 14-year break from the city council has allowed me to see city hall from the outside looking in. I have a fresh, new perspective and I’m not particularly happy with what I’m seeing,” Friedman said.

Friedman sited several areas of concerns. Among them were deficiencies in essential core city services particularly in public safety (police and fire), streets, sidewalks and the city’s urban forest. “I believe our city’s silent majority want reliable essential core services and we must do whatever we can to provide them,” said Friedman.

Friedman believes his long history of public service and leadership in the city of Ventura will be an asset when the new district-based council is seated in December. Besides serving eight years on the city council, Jim has been serving as a member of the Ventura Port Commission for the past 6 years. Port Commissioners are appointed by the city council but operate autonomously from the city council. He also served as the chair of the city’s Redevelopment Oversight Committee for the past six years and has a good grasp of the city’s budget. “Having been through it many times before, I understand the city’s budget process.” “As a new council member, I will be able to hit the ground running and won’t have the learning curve that rookie council members experience,” stated Friedman.

Speaking of the budget, Friedman believes that the only way the city is going to be able to provide the level of essential core services that the residents want is to reprioritize the budget and increase city revenues. “We are going to have some tough financial decisions to make over the next four years, and I believe my extensive business and financial planning experience will be an asset to the city council,” Friedman said.

Friedman stated that, “If elected, I will be as readily available to my constituents as before.” I always gave my cell phone number out to anyone who had an issue and wanted to speak to me personally.”

United Way adds 4th phase to Thomas Fire and Flood Fund distribution

by Jennifer Tipton

Phase I / Immediate Response: Within the first 30 days after the Thomas Fire erupted, United Way partnered with the Red Cross to identify those whose residences were damaged beyond habitability. There was no registration needed and eligibility was not income specific, 750 households were given a $500 pre-paid debit card. The money was distributed based on need with Ventura County receiving the greatest share because of the sheer number of homes lost.

Phase II / Mid-term Recovery: This phase took place in February and continued through April 30th, it allocated about 1.5 million dollars, but recipients had to apply, and income eligibility was set at 120% of the Area Median Income. (For Ventura County, HUD calculates the Area Median Income for a family of four as $96,000. 120% of $96,000 = approximately $115,000). This phase focused on hardship circumstances with most applicants requesting rental assistance. Case management was also provided by partner agencies.

Phase III / A continuation of phase II, phase III began in June and will go through the summer. Phase III was added to include those that did not apply or may have missed the deadline for phase II. The same guidelines apply.

Phase II and III are to support those with hardship circumstances, such as individuals who did not have insurance or those whose employment was interrupted and lost wages due to the fire. In late May, United Way voted unanimously to designate $300,000 for immigrant households affected by the fire because there were many farmworkers and service workers who lost wages.

According to Eric Harrison President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County, “we want to prioritize the most vulnerable population who have unmet needs”.

Phase IV / Long Term Recovery: Just added, any money not dispersed in an earlier phase will be carried over to phase IV. This phase will work with the Long-Term Recovery Group and their case management process to assist households affected by the Thomas Fire to plan for and achieve recovery goals. It will include assessment and verification of need, recovery plan, advocacy and connecting clients with community support. The anticipated timeline for phase IV is September to December 31st.

United Way of Ventura is part of the Long-Term Recovery Group which coordinates the management of the long-term recovery assistance to individuals affected by the disaster who do not have adequate personal resources for basic needs because of the disaster. Recommendations for long term recovery investments will be made by the Long-Term Recovery Case Management Committee.

“The Thomas Fire was a disaster like none other we have experienced, and we have all been impacted by the event in one way or another”, said Harrison.

United Way has raised 4.5 million dollars and I’m told has spent half within six months and has NOT taken any administrative fees. Check the website for eligibility and to see where funds have been distributed, click Thomas Fire Fund at: www.vcunitedway.org

Ventura County Board of Supervisors designates June as “Amateur Radio Month”

Several Ventura County ham radio communications volunteers assisted in the Thomas Fire.

At their June 12 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors recognized the county’s Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) volunteers by designating June as “Amateur Radio Month.”

In presenting a proclamation to local radio operators, the Board cited the many hours of training and instruction the volunteers devote to serving the region in times of emergency.

Amateur (or “Ham”) Radio operators gain operating privileges by passing examinations that qualify them for licensing by the FCC. Some then undergo training to support the county’s emergency services agencies or they may affiliate with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service to serve agencies such as the Red Cross when there’s a need for skilled communicators. A recent report showed there are over 3,475 licensed operators in Ventura County.

Locally, the Thomas Fire saw communications volunteers pressed into service in Ventura County during last year’s fire emergency. On a larger scale, the hurricanes of 2017 saw Amateur Radio used as the only workable link to some of the impacted islands and communities in the Caribbean.

In Ventura County, the Ham Radio communicators also support activities such as community events and they conduct weekly on-the-air drills to assure their equipment and operating techniques are current. Amateur Radio operators are unpaid volunteers who also purchase and maintain their own equipment.

Ventura Fireworks discounted family packs available online

Rotary Club of Ventura proudly presents the 24th Ventura Fireworks Show celebrating family, community and country on the 4th of July at the Ventura College fields. Gates open at 5 pm with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 pm. The evening also includes live music, robotics demonstration, giveaways, food vendors, and a Kids Fun Zone with bounce houses, inflatable attractions and organized games. Discounted Family Packs are available at venturafireworks.com now through July 4th at 5 pm.

For parking information, event map, tickets and more go to venturafireworks.com.

Harrison Industries remains a sustainability leader

Harrison Industries retains its Climate Registered™ status for the ninth consecutive year, by successfully measuring its carbon footprint according to The Climate Registry’s best-in-class program, then having it third-party verified and reporting the data on The Registry’s website.

Harrison is among a diverse group of about 300 leading organizations across North America that have adopted a truly sustainable approach to doing business and reported it for verification and inclusion on the nonprofit registry.

Measuring its carbon footprint with The Registry allows Harrison to prepare for future regulation, identify inefficiencies and potential for cost savings, and provide real and meaningful data to its customers and shareholders about its environmental performance. It is the first step toward reducing energy usage, costs and carbon emissions.

“With our work revolving around proper waste disposal, we have special incentives to maintain our place on The Registry,” said Harrison’s Nan Drake. “It’s a great gauge for us to know we’re succeeding in our efforts to reduce waste in every possible way.”

Said David Rosenheim, Executive Director of The Climate Registry. “Harrison is a prized, longtime member of a powerful community of Climate Registered organizations, with substantive data guiding and supporting its sustainable activities.”

The Climate Registry helps hundreds of public and private organizations measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with integrity. For more information, visit www.theclimateregistry.org.

Ojai artist Rick Monzon is a visual artist with a unique perspective on mid-century suburbia.

On his website, http://rickmonzon.com/, his Southern California houses sway and undulate with a dreamy surrealism. A conspicuous lack of doors and windows gives these structures a mysterious presence.

Rick is participating in the upcoming book From the Fire. This book is a collection of writings – poems, prose, reflections – and photographs that document the fire experience from the flames to the ash to the regrowth that is happening.

http://rickmonzon.com/

County to host job and career fair

Many jobs are available.

The County of Ventura Human Resources Department will be hosting a job and career fair on Thursday, June 21, 2018. The event is open to the public and there is no charge for entrance or parking.

The career fair will be held in the main courtyard of the Ventura County Government Center, between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice. The fair will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“The County hires talented people for a wide range of exciting and mission-driven occupations; from public safety and social services to Public Works,” said Shawn Atin, Human Resources Director. “We have opportunities for accountants, analysts, health professionals and many other careers. All of our County agencies and departments will be represented at the fair, so it’s a great opportunity to find a perfect career fit.”

Attendees can learn about careers in administration and support; engineering; environmental protection; planning; agriculture; health care; law enforcement; public safety; public works; recreational services; technology and much more.

More information on County jobs can be found at hr.ventura.org.

Vol. 11, No. 19 – June 20 – July 3, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

5-27 2:45pm, Received a report of a sting ray strike at Harbor Cove from State Parks. Officers responded and assisted a 12 year old female with hot water for the injury. State Parks monitored her condition and released to her parents.
6-1 11:45pm, while on patrol in rescue boat 17, officers observed a 34ft sailboat adrift in the Harbor Entrance. The captain was looking for an anchorage, officers directed him to Ventura Curtesy patrol for berthing in the Village.
6-2 2:14am, received a report of a vessel sinking in Ventura Harbor Village, E-dock. Officers responded and found a large commercial fishing vessel sunk in its slip. U.S. coast guard, Channel Watch Marine (TowBoat US), NRC, CA Fish and Wildlife, OST crane, Patriot environmental, Ventura PD/Fire and Ventura Harbor Patrol were summoned to mitigate the sunken vessel. Several containment booms were secured around the 60ft vessel.

9:01am, received a report of a boating accident at Dave’s Fuel Dock. Officers responded and discovered damage to the fuel dock and that the vessel had left the area. After a brief investigation, the vessel was located and advised of the damage to the dock. The owner went to the fuel dock to exchange information.
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 12:24am, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers observed a coyote in the entrance feature on the grass at the intersection of Spinnaker / Harbor.

9:39pm, received a dispatch to a fire near the intersection of Olivas Park and Harbor. Officers responded and observed the natural gas burn-off across from McGrath.

7:00pm, received a report of a suspicious transient in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and contacted the individual. He was asked to leave the park because he was trespassing on private property.

4:15pm, received a report of a fall victim in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded, assisted VFD lift the patient. No injuries were reported.

9:54am, received a dispatch to a female with chest pains in River Haven. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call.

11:20am, while on patrol and investigating a disturbing dog call, officers observed dangerous rip currents and ocean conditions. Several families with small children were contacted and moved to shallow water.

9:20am, officers are conducting traffic control and safety for the Hokuloa canoe club outrigger race.

11:00am, officers assisting Ventura Port District marketing with the Pirates Day event at the Ventura Harbor Village.

3:52pm, received a dispatch to a drowning at Harbor Cove. Officers responded by vehicle and boat to the call with State Parks Lifeguards. All victims were rescued, treated/assessed and released at the scene.

10:30pm, received a request for a transient slip from a partially disabled 47ft motor sailor. The vessel was escorted into the harbor to a slip in VHV C-dock.

Vol. 11, No. 19 – June 20 – July 3, 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.

Traffic Collision involving a Stolen Vehicle with an Arrest

On May 18, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Main and Mills. As officers arrived on scene and began investigating the collision, they learned that the driver of the vehicle, 24 year old Ventura resident Sariah Cundiff, was attempting to make a left turn from westbound Main to southbound Mills, when she struck a pedestrian who was walking in the cross walk. The pedestrian complained of pain to his back and was checked out by paramedics on scene but refused further medical treatment.

Also during the investigation it was discovered that the vehicle driven by Cundiff was a reported stolen vehicle. As a result of the investigation officers arrested Cundiff for driving a stolen vehicle.

Commercial Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance

On May 13 at 11:40am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a report of a male subject passed out in a vehicle in parking lot in the 4000 block of E. Main St. Patrol officers contacted the occupant of the vehicle, 53 year old Ventura vagrant Andy Batey, who was in possession of property that appeared to be stolen. Through further investigation, officers learned that an iPad in Batey’s possession had been stolen from Ventura City Hall, which had been burglarized over the weekend. There was not sufficient evidence to arrest Batey for the burglary, however he was arrested for felony possession of stolen property.

On May 28 at 6:20am, a Ventura City employee called the Ventura Police Command Center several minutes after seeing a suspicious subject walk through a City Hall parking lot. The subject was carrying bags that appeared to belong to other city employees. When the officers arrived they located property stolen from inside City Hall stashed in the bushes. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect. It was discovered that City Hall had been burglarized a second time.

Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit detectives conducted further investigation and were able to identify the suspect and developed probable cause to arrest 21 year old Ventura vagrant Brian Kimball. In addition, Kimball was previously arrested on May 23 by the Ventura Police for committing a commercial burglary at the Ventura Mission located at 211 E. Main St. Kimball was released from the Ventura County Jail on his own recognizance two days later (May 25). Three days after his release (May 28), Kimball burglarized City Hall for the second time.

On May 31 at 3pm, a Ventura PD patrol officer located Kimball and placed him under arrest for commercial burglary. Kimball was found to be in possession of a controlled substance during the arrest.

I Love Breaking Glass

On June 4 at 12:45pm, the suspect broke out a large window at a business in the 500 block of East Main Street. After breaking the window, he fled on foot from the business. Officers responded but were unable to locate the suspect. On the same date at 1423 hours, the same suspect broke out another business’ window in the 1900 block of East Thompson Blvd. He again fled on foot from the second location and responding officers were unable to locate him. During the investigations, officers were able to positively identify the suspect as 39 year old Ventura vagrant Christopher Vera.

On June 5, at approximately 12pm, a Ventura Police Patrol officer saw the suspect in the area of Ramelli Avenue and Telephone Road. He was arrested for the two counts of felony vandalism. During the arrest, the suspect was also in possession of a controlled substance and narcotics paraphernalia.

Don’t Leave Good Stuff in your Vehicle

On June 6, at approximately 1:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 1700 block of Topaz, reporting that her husband was chasing after a subject who had stolen his wallet. The suspect, later identified as 25 year old Ventura resident Esteban Cervantes, was seen climbing over fences into the backyards of some neighboring residences.

As the first officer arrived on scene and started speaking to the husband, the officer saw Cervantes and attempted to contact him. Cervantes saw the officer and fled on foot. The officer chased after Cervantes and after a brief foot pursuit, he gave up and was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, officers discovered the victim witnessed Cervantes closing the door of his parked vehicle that parked outside of his residence. Cervantes had taken the victim’s wallet, so he chased him.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind citizens to keep your vehicles locked at all times and remove valuables from inside.

Robbery

On June 6, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of four loss prevention officers at Target involved in a fight with a male suspect, 26 year old Oxnard resident Fernando Suarez. Prior to officers arriving on scene, the loss prevention officers were able to subdue Suarez and walked him back to their loss prevention office.

As officers arrived on scene they were informed that Suarez was using a magnetic tool to defeat security tags and remove electronic items from the shelves. Suarez then concealed the items and left the store without paying. When loss prevention officers tried to stop Suarez outside the store, he tried to run away from them. Once caught, Suarez started to fight with them. During the fight Suarez bit one of the loss prevention officers and kicked another. Suarez claimed to be injured during the incident, but refused any medical treatment.

Suarez is a PROS offender and had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Suarez was taking to Ventura County Jail where he was booked for Robbery, Possession of Burglary Tools, Commercial Burglary and his PROS warrants.

Why Are These People not in Jail?

On June 12, at 7:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a subject observed sleeping in a vehicle in front of a residence in the 5900 block of Eight St. Officers responded to the call and found 27 year old Ventura resident Angel Esparza sleeping in the front seat, and could see illegal narcotics in plain view.

During a search of his vehicle, officers found that Esparza had a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin packaged for sales. There was also a loaded handgun located under the car seat. It was later revealed that the handgun found in the vehicle was reported stolen out of a residential burglary in Simi Valley.

Esparza was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a loaded firearm with narcotics, possession of illegal narcotics for sales, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and a parole violation.

According to the Ventura County Superior Court website, in August and November of 2012, Esparza was convicted twice of being in possession of a stolen vehicle and being involved in a criminal street gang.

Arrest for Possession of Dirk or Dagger and Brandishing

On June 13, at approximately 12:45pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a subject stumbling in traffic in the area of Victoria and Valentine. Officers arrived in the area and made contact with the suspect, 59 year old Ventura vagrant Michael Throneberry.

As officers approached Thorneberry he took and aggressive stance towards them while holding two sticks, one in each hand. The officers ordered Thorneberry to drop the sticks and sit down on the ground. Thorneberry eventually complied with the officers and sat down on the sidewalk.

As the investigation continued the officers learned that Thorneberry had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. During a search of his person for any weapons, officers found two knives concealed on Thorneberry. Thorneberry was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a dirk or dagger, brandishing and his warrant.

According to the Ventura County Superior Court website, Thorneberry was arrested December 2014, for possession of a Billy club, in May 2016, for possession of a dirk or dagger and resisting a peace officer and March 2018, for exhibiting a deadly weapon.

Assault With A Deadly Weapon and Gang Enhancement

On May 6, at approximately 1am, the victim was attending a Cinco De Mayo gathering in Ventura when he was confronted by party goers who did not feel he was welcome. The victim was attacked by several assailants. The victim was able to break free and retrieve a firearm for self- defense. The assailants successfully disarmed the victim and fled with the firearm as police were summoned.

The Special Enforcement Team began investigating the case and obtained a search warrant for Piceno’s residence. On June 14, at approximately 11:30am, detectives arrested 39 year old Ventura resident Juan Piceno in the 1100 Block of North Ventura Avenue for his involvement in this crime. Soon after, detectives served a search warrant at his residence and located various evidence including approximately one ounce of suspected methamphetamine.

In the evening hours of June 14, a Ventura PD patrol officer located 22 year old Ventura resident Thomas Hernandez in the area of Ocean Ave Park. Hernandez was detained, arrested and interviewed by an SET detective.

Piceno was ultimately booked for assault with a deadly weapon, theft from a person, possession of methamphetamine, and commission of a gang crime.