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Vol. 10, No. 3 – Nov 8 – Nov 21, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial
• As you probably know, the State has mandated that Ventura selects councilmembers by districts, and not at-large. The City Council is working to make this happen.
I certainly agree that more racial diversity on the council is important. But I do not agree with those appearing at City Council meetings saying that they are underserved in Ventura because we have an all-white City Council.
I have not observed our City Council slighting areas of Ventura because of the “whiteness” of the members or appear to not consider the needs of all citizens. Though, I do agree that more minority representation on the Council would be a good thing so that all Venturan’s feel that they are represented equally.
A good example of this is the Westside. When people on the Westside requested a new park, the Council took action and found the funds to create Kellogg Park.
The Westside contains one of the most comprehensive, and most utilized parks in Ventura, Westpark. It provides the only public indoor basketball court in Ventura, the Boys and Girls Club, what was one of only two city libraries (we will soon have a third), a senior center and a bike path to Ojai. .
Having districts still might not make the council more diverse, though, as only voting will do that. According to “city-data.com” Ventura is 25% Hispanic, which is about 27,000 residents. This is much more than enough voters needed to put a Hispanic member on the council.
• I don’t understand why some folks put out all three of their trash cans on pick-up day. If they can’t remember which two cans will be picked up, they can just look up and down the street to see what neighbors have done.
• Funny regulation that doesn’t seem to make sense: A neighbor got sited by the city for parking his boats on his driveway – but on gravel. Ventura ordinance says, “All driveways, drive aisles, parking areas, and accesses to such parking areas required by this chapter, as well as all outdoor display areas for vehicles and all outdoor storage areas, shall be completely surfaced with asphalt or Portland cement concrete surfacing or other acceptable surfacing materials, including permeable materials such as block pavers, as approved by the city engineer. Adequate drainage shall be provided for all such surfaced and paved areas in accordance with the requirements of the building official and the city engineer.”
As a result, his boats, that were parked about 20 feet back from the street, had to be moved right up to the sidewalk for all to see.
• The Ventura City Council is continuing to decide how to spend the rest of this year’s money coming from our recently passed sales tax. Voters approved Measure O in November, and it is expected to bring in about $10.8 million per year.
There is an oversight committee that makes recommendations to the council on how to spend the money. Even though the council is not legally bound by the committee’s recommendations, it is good that the committee continues to advise the council on how to best use the money on our behalf.
These are the committee members:
Kathlene Bokoloes, Marni Brook, Kristopher Hansen, Bill Hickman, David Jaffe, Jordana Ybarra-Telias and Mary Laurel Rutledge
Their next meeting is on November 9, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall. You are welcome to attend and speak.
• Breeze writer Paul Peterson will continue to write about the legalization of marijuana in California and how Ventura is dealing with it.
Regarding a recent City meeting to discuss marijuana he stated, “We were the only media represented and were called out for special recognition for the story we did, and that the sequel is eagerly awaited. A woman held up the paper in the crowd (room was pretty full) and said, “I hope everyone sees this in our Breeze.” I spoke with Jeff Lambert, Ventura’s Community Development Director, before and after the meeting and we agreed to talk more. He also introduced me as “repping” the Breeze and we got applause. I have offered to help them sort out things because I have invested time in all these confabs. He seemed eager to accept my input. The crowd was 100% for cannabis and no naysayers were in sight. There were quite a few of medical patients there to testify.”
To hear my radio show on KPPQLP 104.1 fm discussing marijuana regulations in Ventura and other cities and states, got to www.venturabreeze.com “Face of Ventura” (by the top) and listen to the show Cannibis (show 014).
• On Oct. 23, it was hotter here than in Death Valley (102 vs 100). If I had known that, I would have gone there to cool off.
• I know that people-kill-people and not guns, but it sure is easier for people to kill people if they can shoot 600 of them from the 32nd floor of a nearby hotel in a matter of minutes.
I have changed my mind about the second amendment being law. I think that we should adhere to it but it should just allow single shot guns available in 1791 when it was passed.
• I don’t understand people that say professional athletes should just play sports, shut-up and not express their opinions about politics or anything else. They have the same rights to their opinions as you and me. Blame the media (and Trump) for making a big deal out of their opinions if you want to blame someone.
There is much concern about some athletes expressing their views by not acting properly while the National Anthem is played at sporting events. To me, the answer is quite simple – don’t play the anthem at sporting events. I don’t understand why it is played to begin with. What does it have to do with a sporting event?
Sailor & Friends Pet Supply have Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
Sailor & Friends Pet Supply had their official Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, November 4th. Owner, Marnie Bond-Harrison, many furry and human friends, family, Chamber Members, and community supporters, joined her for this special occasion. This was also a fundraiser for CARL(The Canine Adoption & Rescue League).
Sailor & Friends Pet Supply got its name from Marnie’s own dog, Sailor and his sidekick, Skipper- hence “Friends”! She just opened in August of this year and is passionate about providing the community and her own fur family with healthy, natural and raw pet foods and treats. Sailor & Friends is a family friendly, organic pet supply store that caters to the individual needs of our furry friends.
Store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30am-6:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm (closed Sundays) and is located at 142 N. Ashwood Ave., in Ventura. 642-8555.
Vol. 10, No. 3 – Nov 8 – Nov 21, 2017 – Movie Review
Happy Death Day Review:
2 Palm Trees out of 4
by Manuel Reynoso
Happy Death Day is a 2017 American slasher film directed by Christopher B. Landon, written by Scott Lobdell and starring Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, and Ruby Modine.
When Theresa “Tree” Gelbman’s birthday ends with her murdered by the hands of a baby faced killer, she finds that she is forced to relive the day over and over again. She is forced to relive the trauma each day till she discovers who her killer really is.
Around October to November, there is always this lull in the movie industry. Hollywood seems to save all its hot garbage for this time of the year, so I’ve learned to not really expect much. Sure a couple films will surprise me, but I don’t hold my breath. So leading up to its release, I thought Happy Death Day would comfortably fit in with the rest of the soon-to-be bargain bin tier movies that find its way on screen this season. So, consider me surprised when I can genuinely say that Happy Death Day was not terrible.
Happy Death Day was actually a pretty fun watch. Things can get a little cliche at times, but that’s okay. I never got the impression that Happy Death Day took itself too seriously. Characters are written to come off like they are in some dumb teen movie, but it does feels by design. In a way, it helps to keep the viewer’s suspension of disbelief going. Actions are questionable, but it helps to write off the characters as just dumb college kids instead of outright blaming the film for poor writing.
There’s isn’t much to compliment Happy Death Day about in terms of its production. The acting ranges from cringey to serviceable at best. Camera work does shine on occasion, but mostly plays it pretty safe. Except, the film does have a few scenes with some surprising spectacles. Otherwise, the film doesn’t do much to stand out production-wise.
Now, Happy Death Day’s biggest issue is that it finds itself shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Groundhog Day and All You Need is Kill. The looping day gimmick has been done a few times before and done very well. I was skeptical as to how it will differentiate itself from previous iterations but was sure that it would find some unique twist to it. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that it follows very closely to the beats and structure of Groundhog Day. Aside from the menacing, baby-faced killer hunting our hero down, the protagonist’s character develops identical to Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day.
Typically I don’t like to be so overt in comparing two films together, but I find Happy Death Day plays very safe with what would otherwise could have been an interesting take on the time loop story. While playing it safe isn’t normally a big problem, the issue here is is that the film is entirely too predictable. If from just watching the first 15 minutes of the film, I can conclude exactly how the story will play out. That’s no bueno. Aside from that though, if you are in desperate need to visit the theater, and want something light and fun. Happy Death Day can be a good time, just don’t think too hard about what’s going on. Rated R 1h36min
Vol. 10, No. 3 – Nov 8 – Nov 21, 2017 – 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.
Stolen Vehicles/Residential Burglary Arrest
On October 28, at 6:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an unoccupied vehicle left running in the roadway in the 1900 block of Hillcrest Dr. Officers arrived on scene and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of a residential burglary on Encinal Pl three days earlier.
Officers were conducting the investigation when a resident on Hillcrest Dr. reported that their vehicle had been stolen within the hour.
At about approximate;y 8am, the Ventura Police Command Center received an additional call of an interrupted residential burglary in 2800 block of Harbor Bl. The caller indicated that the suspect, later identified as 27 year old Oxnard resident Vincente Quinonez, had left in a vehicle southbound on Harbor Bl with a large amount of property.
The occupied stolen vehicle was located with the assistance of LoJack at Harbor and Spinnaker Dr. Officers conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle and took the suspect into custody without incident.
Quinonez was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for residential burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and two outstanding felony warrants.
Registered Sex Offender Compliance Sweep
On October 27 at 8am, twenty-three officers from multiple allied agencies including the Ventura Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security, and County Probation conducted a citywide compliance check of registered sex offenders in advance of Halloween night. Registered sex offenders are prohibited from passing out treats or displaying any decorations on the outside of their residences on Halloween.
Officers inspected thirty-nine locations that resulted in two arrests. 51 year old Ventura resident Jack Rickman was arrested at his residence in the 6900 block of Norton Ave for felony violations of his probation terms, narcotic use, and two felony warrants. 64 year old Ventura resident Eric Rasmussen was arrested at his residence in the 200 Block of S Petit Ave for felony violations of his probation terms and possession of sexually explicit material.
Felon in possession of a firearm
On October 30, at approximately 1am, Ventura Police Patrol Officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, 37 year old Ventura resident Christopher Kehr, was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and drug paraphernalia. Kehr was taken into custody and found to also be in possession of counterfeit U.S. currency.
Upon further search of the vehicle Officers also located a loaded handgun as well as burglary tools.
Stabbing
On October 30, at approximately 4am, a Ventura Police Patrol Officer contacted the victim riding a bicycle in the area of Thompson Blvd and Coronado St. Coronel informed the Officer he had just been stabbed in the chest during an argument with 27 year old Ventura resident Kyle Dean, in front of 68 South Seaward. Coronel was transported to VCMC where he was treated for a non-life threatening stab wound to the chest.
Officers responded to 68 South Seaward and made contact with Dean. Dean was questioned and taken into custody without incident. The weapon used in the stabbing was located at the scene. Dean was transported to VCJ where he was booked for domestic violence with injuries, and Assault with a deadly weapon.
Stolen Vehicle Arrest
On October 31, at approximately 8pm, an alert citizen called the Ventura Police Department Command Center to report that she had just seen a relative’s stolen vehicle in the area of Ventura Ave and Thompson Blvd. Officers in the area observed the stolen vehicle entering the 101 southbound freeway from Harbor Blvd and conducted an enforcement stop on the 101 southbound freeway just before the Seaward Ave off- ramp. Officers conducted a high-risk stop of the vehicle and had to shut down the 101 southbound freeway for a brief period of time.
The vehicle was occupied by 23 year old Ventura resident Ciara Ashford and she was taken into custody without incident. Ashford initially lied to officers about her identity and was found to have two outstanding warrants for her arrest.
Ashford was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, providing false information to a peace officer and for the two warrants.
Stabbing
On November 1, at approximately 3am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an injured subject on the Ventura Promenade.
Officers arrived on scene and located a victim of a stab wound to the torso. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
The ensuing investigation revealed that there was possibly an altercation on the promenade prior to the stabbing. The victim was uncooperative during the investigation.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Sgt. Cain at 339-4488.
Miguel Espinoza selected Ventura Police Crime Fighter for November
Congratulations to Officer Miguel Espinoza who has been selected as the Ventura Police Crime Fighter of the Month for November. Miguel was nominated by his peers for his teamwork, thoroughness and positive attitude. His co-workers appreciate his work ethic, willingness to assist and take pride in the way he represents our department to the community. Please join us in congratulating Officer Espinoza!
Ventura Harbor Village hosts seaside Thrill the World celebration
![](http://venturabreeze.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/stuff-thriller-300x200.jpg)
Ventura Harbor Village hosted a seaside Thrill the World celebration on Saturday, Oct. 29. The dancers learned the dance from Molly Hill, executive training director at FitZone in Ventura, and proceeds from the dancer registration fees benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation
First time dancer Rosemary Lieberman stated “I watched the Thriller dance last year and thought it looked like a lot of fun. Then I found out it was a fundraiser for the Make- A- Wish Foundation; so what could be better, I get to donate to a wonderful charity, dress up like a zombie and gather with other zombies to do this cool dance.”
“Giving Back”
Family Caregiver Resource Center
Catholic Charities/OASIS
by Connie De La Rosa
There are many ways of “Giving back” that makes a difference especially for those who are lonely during the fast approaching holiday season and daily basis with very little to no communication with family or friends. Family caregivers who do not live close by may feel some concern for their aging loved ones who live alone and who may have some limits on their mobility.
Programs for the elderly offer a variety of services at no cost but it is not possible without volunteers like Bruce Archer who is a retired Chef from the Santa Paula Senior Center and volunteers wherever help is needed. The “Friendly Visitor” program is one of many services offered in Ventura County for those elders who are lonely and just need someone to stop by and say hello, read the paper if they are having difficulty reading or just sit and play one of their favorite games.
Socialization is part of living a longer and happier life so if you know someone who can benefit from this program or would like to volunteer, please call the Family Caregiver Resource Center at 420-9608.
Ventura Family YMCA to hold Prayer Breakfast
The Ventura Family YMCA is hosting its Annual Prayer Breakfast. The popular annual gathering of local religious and community leaders will feature keynote speaker, Chelsea Shaw. Shaw is a two time national champion with the University of Oregon’s Acrobatic and Tumbling team and is currently a coach, athletic recruiter and motivational speaker.
As the daughter of a pastor, Shaw’s motto is “all you’ve got, all the time”, and she will share the story of how her faith helped her achieve her goals not only in her athletic career but also in her personal and professional life.
Along with Shaw’s appearance, attendees will enjoy breakfast generously donated by The Palms at Bonaventure as well as musical performances by Rubicon Harmonix and Laura Callen.
For 12 years, the Annual Prayer Breakfast has inspired and united the community to come together for the common good. This year eight churches, Anthem Church, Harvest Bible Chapel, New Harvest Ventura, River Community Church, Mission Church, South Coast Fellowship, Mission San Buenaventura and Temple Beth Torah have dedicated their time and efforts to making this event possible.
The Annual Prayer Breakfast will take place Wednesday, November 15 at 7:30 am at the Ventura Family YMCA, 3760 Telegraph Road. The event is free for the community to attend but RSVPs are required by calling the YMCA at 642-2131 or by signing up online at ciymca.org/ventura.
The Ventura Family YMCA thanks its local volunteer heroes and extends an invite for more volunteers to give their time to upcoming opportunities to give back.
As one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, nearly 600,000 people volunteer at the Y each year and at the Ventura Y more than 200 donated their time this year through activities such as mentoring teens, coaching youth sports, serving on boards and committees, participating in community projects and spearheading fundraising drives.
For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642.2131.
Understanding hospice and palliative care
Learn how hospice and palliative care support a person and their loved ones. Understand what transitions, challenges, and choices there are at the end of life. Identify when a person might be ready for palliative or hospice care.
Thursday, November 9, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Fremont Junior High School Cafeteria, 1130 N. “M” St., Oxnard. Presented by Teri Helton, RN, MSN, FCN, and Program Manager for Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. Ms. Helton is a hospice nurse faith community nurse, and educator.
For more information, please contact: Tri-County GLAD
644-6322 or [email protected]
256-1053 (VP) www.tcglad.org
644-6323 (TTY)