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Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 – 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.

Residential Burglary

On October 4, at approximately 7:45 am, a resident in the 500 block of Redwood Ave. witnessed the suspect walk up to his residence and enter the garage. The resident called the police department, and officers located the suspect, identified as 29-year-old vagrant Hannah Craver, still inside the garage, going through the victim’s property. Officers detained Craver and found her to be in possession of the victim’s property.

Craver was arrested and transported to Ventura County Medical Center. While at the hospital, she attempted to escape from the officers but was quickly subdued. No injuries were sustained, and Craver was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Burglary and Attempt to escape custody.

Brandishing of a Weapon and Criminal Threats Arrest

On October 8, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received several calls about a pregnant female vagrant waving a knife in the area of California St. and Santa Clara Street. As officers responded, the female fled the area, followed by a park ambassador.

Officers stopped the female a few blocks away and she was identified as 33-year-old vagrant Rebecca Ross. The investigation revealed Ross picked up a knife from an outside table at a restaurant near Main St. and California Street. Ross began throwing the knife in the air near restaurant patrons. Fearing for their safety, a patron confronted Ross, and Ross brandished the knife at the patron. Ross fled from the area and was detained by officers. No one was injured during this incident.

Ross was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center to be medically cleared before being booked at the Ventura County Jail for Brandishing a Weapon and Criminal Threats.

Commercial Burglary and Vandalism

On October 9, at approximately 4:15 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from a security guard indicating there was possibly a burglary in progress at a business in the 700 block of East Main Street. Ventura Police Department patrol officers responded to the location and found that an unknown suspect had forced entry into the business by breaking through the front door. Officers checked the business, but the suspect had already fled.

On the same date, at approximately 5:30 am, The Ventura Police Department Communications Center received another call regarding vandalism and a possible burglary in progress at the Sommerset apartments at 540 East Santa Clara Street. The reporting person stated that the suspect broke the glass front door and was trying to open doors inside the apartment building. Patrol officers responded to that location and found the suspect (later identified as 57-year-old vagrant John Ramirez) outside of the apartment complex. Officers found that the suspect was in possession of property taken from the earlier burglary on East Main Street. Officers also determined that Ramirez had broken the front door to the apartment complex and forced entry. It appears he made it into the common area of the complex but did not enter any apartments.

Ramirez was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for commercial burglary and felony vandalism.

An internet search revealed that Ramirez was booked for felony vandalism by the Oxnard Police Department on August 21, 2023. He was released on his own recognizance on October 5, 2023.

Felony Evading, Felony Hit & Run, Possession of Narcotics and Paraphernalia Arrest

On Oct. 15, at 2:53 pm, officers patrolling the area of Valentine St. and Portola Rd. attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a motorcycle for a traffic violation. The motorcycle rider who had a rear passenger, failed to yield to the officer’s emergency lights and siren and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit the motorcyclist, later identified as Brendan Clinch, he drove recklessly while endangering others on the roadway. Clinch eventually entered the SR 101 southbound onramp from Valentine Rd. where he encountered heavy traffic and proceeded to ride at a high rate of speed on the shoulder portion of the freeway. Due to the inherent danger caused by Clinch’s behavior, officers cancelled their pursuit.

A short time later, the Ventura Police Communications Center received numerous 911 calls of a multiple vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the southbound 101 freeway just south of the Victoria Ave. onramp. Officers arrived on scene and discovered Clinch and his passenger fleeing the scene but were apprehended. Both Clinch and his passenger were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center via ambulance for treatment of their injuries. Clinch was arrested for possession of narcotics, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, felony evading, and felony hit and run and later booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Bonny Butler’s “Coloring Outside the Lines” at Bell Arts Factory

Coloring Outside the Lines by Bonny Butler

Buenaventura Art Association at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Now thru October 28, 2023

Bonny Butler’s “Coloring Outside the Lines” show presents 15 to 18 of her soft pastel paintings, most about 9 by 12 inches, all matted and framed.

After 40 years in the dog-grooming business, including owning a shop, Butler said she retired to “chase my lifelong dream of learning how to paint. I took my first art class at 60 years old. It’s been eight years that I’ve become obsessed with learning all the mediums and I paint and practice every day.

Some of her art can be found at bonnybutler.com.

Purchase the exhibited pieces directly from our website’s online gallery!

The entrance to Studio 99 at the Bell Arts Factory is around the back of the building off of Wall St. Studio 99 is open Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

Stacey Zarazua named Acting Parks & Recreation Director

Zarazua joined the Parks & Recreation Department in 2001.

The City of Ventura has selected Stacey Zarazua to serve as the acting Parks & Recreation Director. Zarazua succeeds Nancy O’Connor, who retired in September after serving as Parks & Recreation Director since 2016. Zarazua will oversee the department’s day-to-day operations while the City conducts recruitment efforts to fill the position.

“Stacey has a wealth of knowledge and experience within our Parks & Recreation Department. Over the course of her more than 20-year career with Ventura, she has served in many roles within the department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “She has a deep understanding of the department’s inner workings at every level and can seamlessly provide critical support to various work groups during this time of transition.”

Zarazua joined the Parks & Recreation Department in 2001 as a Recreation Coordinator in the Youth Sports section, where she was promoted to an Aquatics Supervisor in 2005. She has held multiple leadership roles within the department, serving in all three department divisions, including recreation, parks, and community partnerships.

Zarazua holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University Northridge.

“I’m thrilled to take on this role and lead our incredible team of staff members, many of whom I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for years,” said Zarazua. “My aim is to ensure that our city staff has the support and resources they require to continue delivering high-quality programming and services to our community. After all, parks make life better.”

Annually, the Parks & Recreation Department presents an extensive array of more than 1,000 recreation programs catering to all age groups. It oversees the maintenance of roughly 800 acres of parkland and open space, encompassing three community centers, three historical sites, an aquatic center, a sailing center, two beaches, and two golf courses.

To learn more about Ventura’s Parks & Recreation Department, visit the City’s website at

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ParksRec.

Ventura receives $32 Million from the State of California for an innovative housing project

In a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a historic $32,076,607 grant for Ventura during the third round of Project Homekey funding. This substantial allocation is earmarked for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB), in partnership with the County of Ventura, to facilitate the transformation of a hotel into a permanent supportive housing facility.

“This is the largest Homekey award in the history of both our City and County and will substantially impact our community,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City Council is committed to addressing our housing crisis while prioritizing the well-being and future of our residents. This achievement marks a significant stride in our continuous efforts to combat the homelessness crisis that our community faces.”

The $32 million Project Homekey grant is earmarked for acquiring and renovating La Quinta Inn at 5818 Valentine Road in Ventura, strategically situated near public transit, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities. This funding, granted through the State’s Project Homekey initiative, will transform the 142-room hotel into 134 permanent supportive housing apartments designed to serve households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

“The rise in the number of homeless individuals, particularly those without shelter, underscores the need for further efforts to address and prevent homelessness comprehensively,” said Jeff Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority.

The total project cost, encompassing acquisition and renovation expenses, is estimated at over $50 million. The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura led the acquisition and rehabilitation of the facility, providing a sponsor loan of $1 million. The City of Ventura secured over $1.5 million from a California Department of Housing and Community Development fee on real estate documents to help purchase the hotel. The city also committed nearly $1.4 million in HOME-American Rescue Plan funding. The County of Ventura also contributed a $5.5 million grant for the La Quinta Inn project.

Based on the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, the County of Ventura has 2,441 people experiencing homelessness, marking a 9% increase compared to the 2022 Point-in-Time Count. During the same period, the overall number of homeless individuals in Ventura decreased by 10%, from 713 to 644.

It also facilitates the conversion of commercial properties and other existing buildings into permanent or interim housing for those in need.

The development will comprise 134 studio apartments alongside office and community spaces; all centered around a flexible courtyard that serves as a communal gathering place. To ensure the success and well-being of residents, the Valentine Road housing project will be staffed by four property managers, including two residing on-site, six case managers, and maintenance personnel.

The Housing Authority anticipates finalizing the property’s acquisition by early 2024, with the first occupants expected to be welcomed by the spring of the same year.

Bill Ayub, City Manager, City of Ventura – “About a year ago, employees from the City, Housing Authority, and County gathered in a small room at City Hall with a shared vision of a project that could significantly improve the lives of those in need of support. Witnessing this vision becoming a reality is exhilarating for all of us and a source of excitement for our entire community.”

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 – Scamp Club

This is Hannah. She’s a beautiful St Bernard and is still a puppy.
She loves to swim at Solimar Beach and walk on the C street Promenade with her owner and older brother, Brodie, also a St Bernard. She’s friendly with people. She has modeled for the BC Star and for Santa Paws with the Ventura Humane Society.
She eats about 60 pounds of kibble within three weeks and will often have chicken, rice and hamburger added to her food. She is a beautiful girl.

Visit Ventura received the Key to the City for X Games success

“That’s a heavy key!”

President and CEO Marlyss Auster accepted the Key to the City from Mayor Joe Schroeder for Visit Ventura’s leadership in bringing the X Games to Ventura

Visit Ventura was honored to receive the Key to the City for Visit Ventura’s tremendous efforts in bringing the X Games to Ventura. This is just the second time Mayor Schroeder has bestowed a Key to the City as Mayor of Ventura.

“Visit Ventura did so much for the City, not just for this year but for the next decade,” said Mayor Schroeder after presenting the Key to the City. “Everything went better than we ever hoped… Visit Ventura showed everybody what can happen when you preplan and you communicate with others.”

The finals weekend hosted in Ventura saw a number of record-breaking moments. Tickets were completely sold out for Day 2 of the competition — the first time in X Games’ history. X Games California 2023 witnessed the competition’s first Chumash blessing in which three Chumash tribe members performed the welcoming in front of athletes and media. Official X Games merchandise was sold out for the first time ever as well. 16 hours of X Games broadcasted content on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2 averaged 459 thousand total viewers, up nine percent versus X Games 2022 and a 10 percent increase versus X Games Minneapolis 2019 (the last event with fans in attendance).

Visit Ventura led city-wide and county-wide partnerships to ensure a successful event. A partnership with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, Ventura County Transportation Commission, Bike Ventura, and Revolution Surf and Skate resulted in an X Games Transportation Plan unlike the City has ever seen before. A city-wide call out to local businesses inspired creative X Games-themed cocktail drinks, special release beer, and food, demonstrating the innovation and passion of Ventura’s small businesses to support a large-scale event.

“That’s a heavy key!” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura, with a laugh after receiving the key on behalf of Visit Ventura. “This was truly a team effort. It was amazing to have all of our stakeholders and partners at the table collaborating to make this event the success that it was. It just goes to show what we can do together r and the whole world witnessed what Ventura is all about and what we’re made of.”

Ventura ArtWalk returns

Exhibits inside Bell Arts Factory. Photos by Richard Lieberman

At the County Museum several exhibits for ArtWalk viewers

Ventura is known as one of the most creative communities in Southern California. It’s time to focus on the magic that brought many artists and entertainers to our area. ArtWalk is back! This family-friendly event Sept. 23-24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  featured hundreds of artists in local galleries and creative collaboratives in businesses and other unique spaces. Large art installations, music, poetry, dance and theater will all be a part of this event run by a new and enthusiastic all-volunteer team.

A billboard promoting ArtWalk on Main Street

Ventura’s long-running and popular arts event took a break during the pandemic and is back, better and larger than ever. Because of the great interest from the arts community, organizers decided on a two-day event to give participants extra time to see all the venues. The route started near Cemetery Park, traveled down Main Street and up Ventura Avenue, encompassing the Library’s Topping Room, City Hall, the Crowne Plaza, Ventura Mission, Museum of Ventura County, Vita Art Center, Working Artists Ventura(WAV), Bell Arts Factory and Art City. In between were numerous galleries and businesses featuring local artists and musicians. Two-day pop-up galleries along the route featured even more artists.

The event is also focusing on performing arts. Two stages, the Main Street Stage Downtown and the City Hall Atrium, will feature some of the area’s top performers. Highlights will include aerial acrobatics from The Aerial Studio, a performance from the Ventura County Ballet, and sets from local favorite bands Shaky Feelin and the Heavy Hitters. The Rubicon Theatre Company will entertain at City Hall. A third stage by Mission Park featured performance art.

It has not been held since 2019 and was welcomed back by folks enjoying the art and music. Hundreds of artists showed off their wonderful art.

Marie Lakin, ArtWalk Chair was thrilled with the wonderful attendance to the Walk and the many many artists participating.

To make it easier to attend Gold Coast Transit District offered unlimited ride passes for Saturday and Sunday along their routes.

To learn more about the ArtWalk event, performers and artists, visit www.artwalkventura.org.

Fun for all ages, with fabulous food and drinks

Beachside Bash held at San Buenaventura State Beach Park. Photos by Yana Khiyod

The three Rotary clubs of Ventura presented the End of Summer Beachside Bash on September 23, at San Buenaventura State Beach Park.

A national ribeye steak cookoff, car show, live bands and food trucks were at San Buenaventura State Beach Park. The event marks the end of summer and was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Ventura, Ventura East, and Ventura South.

Fun for all ages, with fabulous food and drinks, a car show and a steak cook off, plus celebrity chef demonstrations and live music. All proceeds from this event will go to local charities.

Last year collectively the Rotary Clubs gave $770,056 to service-oriented organizations.

The cookoff was sponsored by the Steak Cookoff Association, in Ventura for the first time. Ventura bands Nautical Thrust and The Bomb will entertain with yacht rock, Latin soul, and funk. Grill demonstrations by award-winning BBQ chefs Kyle Matuszewski and Phil “the Grill’ Johnson. Visitors enjoyed a variety of offerings from food trucks, beer and wine, and shopped at local vendors.

“On behalf of Ventura’s three Rotary clubs, I am thrilled to invite our community to join us for a day of joy, connection, and giving back at Ventura’s First Annual End of Summer Beachside Bash” said Neal Lassila, President of the Rotary Club of Ventura.

 

Young crime victims attended Camp Hope

49 children at Camp Hope summer retreat.

To provide hope and foster resilience in childhood victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and physical and sexual abuse, the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) hosted 49 children at its annual Camp Hope summer retreat.

Since 2015, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and VCFJC have hosted an annual five-day-long summer camp in partnership with Camp Hope America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the nation for children exposed to trauma. Camp Hope’s goal is to give healing, hope and childhood experiences back to children and teens who have been impacted by violence.

For the last two years, Camp Hope has been held at Camp Daley, a Salvation Army property outside Calabasas. Camp Hope activities included hiking, ziplining, rock wall climbing, recreational pool time, art, mindfulness, yoga classes and a dunk tank. The campers are supported by college-age counselors at a ratio of 3:1 to ensure campers have the safety and guidance they need. Staff from the district attorney’s office, doctors and donors volunteer, as well.

The VCFJC launched Camp Hope after the Ventura County district attorney’s office noticed the generational impacts of violence as members of the same families were appearing as both defendants and victims year after year. Camp Hope was intended to be a proactive, rather than reactive, response to childhood trauma, as well as a crime prevention tool.

“Hope is a powerful tool in overcoming childhood trauma. One of the things we teach on a daily basis is that you should believe in your dreams, believe in others and believe in yourself,” said Mike Jump, chief deputy district attorney and executive director of the Ventura County Family Justice Center. “Your past does not define your future. You are in control. We talk about that around the campfire.”

This year’s camp was paid for with funds raised by the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation’s inaugural Hope Gala on July 28. The gala raised $140,000, which exceeded expectations for the event.

The VCFJC has identified 600 children who qualify for the camp, but enrollment is limited based on funds. Depending on the generosity of donors, the VCFJC hopes that next year’s camp will include a second session to accommodate an additional cohort of 50 campers.

The Ventura County Family Justice Center is continuing to expand its footprint in order to assist more children and their families after experiencing violence. The county is currently moving forward with plans to convert a 32,000-square-foot-building in Oxnard into a secondary VCFJC location. Christine Mitchell, the project manager for the much-anticipated East County family justice center, which is in the early planning stages, stepped into her new role the day of the Hope Gala.

To support the Foundation by sponsoring the Gala visit here: vcfjcfoundation.org.