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Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 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.

Felony Resisting Arrest  

On February 13, at approximately 7pm, the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received several 911 calls reporting a subject running in the roadway in the 2700 block of E. Main St.  It was also reported the subject, later identified 20 year old Ventura resident Juan Plascencia, was throwing objects at passing vehicles and kicking parked cars.

Officers spotted Plascencia near the intersection of Main St. and Telegraph Rd., but at the sight of the patrol units, he fled from them and ran onto the campus of St. Bonaventure High School.  A brief foot pursuit ensued, until officers caught Plascencia near the corner of Dos Caminos Ave. and Telegraph Rd.  As officers tried to arrest him, Plascencia punched one of the officers in the face and continued to violently struggle with them.  It took several officers to control Plascencia, but he was ultimately taken into custody.

As a precaution, Plascencia was transported to VCMC for displaying symptomology of being under the influence of a controlled substance.  He sustained minor scrapes during the arrest.  After being medically cleared, Plascencia will be booked for felony resisting arrest.

One officer sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident.

Felon in possession of a firearm arrest 

On February 14, at approximately 1:30pm, Special Enforcement Team Detectives were conducting a follow-up investigation when they heard what they believed to a gunshot from a nearby resident.

The detectives responded to the area of the gunshot and detained several male subjects attempting to flee the area on foot.

Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to assist. One subject, identified as 39 year old Ventura resident Pablo Flores, lived at the residence and is currently on probation with search terms.

The detectives conducted a search of Flores’ residence and recovered seven firearms included one that had been reported stolen from a burglary in Camarillo and one that had recently been fired.

Flores who is a convicted felon was arrested for several crimes including felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and a high-capacity firearm magazine, possession of stolen property, and possession of a small quantity of heroin.

He was later transported the Ventura County Main Jail and booked on the listed charges.

Residential Burglary, Felon in Possession of a Loaded Firearm Arrest 

On February 14, at approximately 1:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from resident in the 500 block of Donizetti Ave., reporting that a subject had just broken into a neighbor’s residence and left on a bicycle.  The suspect, later identified as 37 year old vagrant Kevin Long, was last seen fleeing eastbound on Thille St.

An officer responding to the call saw Long riding his bike on Main St. and attempted to stop him, but he failed to yield to the officer.  As the officer followed him in his patrol vehicle, Long continued riding the bike and rode through several intersections, failing to stop for the red lights.  At one intersection he was almost hit by a vehicle.  In the area of Main St. and Mills Rd., Long tried to ride towards the parking lot of the Pacific View Mall, but fell from the bike.  Officers were able to take him into custody without incident.

Officers found a loaded handgun in a bag Long was carrying.

During the investigation, officers learned Long entered the residence after breaking a front window and took the firearm that was found in his possession.  The resident was not home at the time of the burglary.

Long was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for burglary, felon in possession of a stolen and loaded firearm and resisting arrest.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On February 14, at 11:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of an intoxicated subject fighting in the parking lot of Circle K. The suspect had struck a patron in the face unprovoked which led to the fight.

An officer investigating the incident was interviewing a witness when the suspect was driving out of the parking lot and involved in a hit and run accident of a parked vehicle. The suspect fled in his vehicle northbound on Wells Rd.

The officer returned to his vehicle and attempted to catch up with the suspect but lost sight of the vehicle as it turned east on Foothill Rd. When the officer drove east on Foothill Rd he saw the aftermath of a single vehicle traffic collision near Foothill and Aliso Canyon Rds.

The suspect was ejected from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries.  The female passenger was trapped inside of the vehicle. Ventura City Fire extricated the passenger from the vehicle and she was transported to VCMC where is she is in stable condition.

The California Highway Patrol responded to assist with the traffic collision.

Commercial Burglary, Identity Theft, Elder Abuse Arrest

In January Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives began investigating several purse thefts that had occurred at local grocery stores. The suspect had targeted elderly victims who were distracted and had their purses stolen from their shopping carts.

The suspect then used the victim’s credit cards to make unauthorized purchases from businesses in Ventura and Oxnard.

Street Crimes Unit Detectives obtained video surveillance footage of the suspect using the stolen credit cards. Photos of the suspect were posted on the Ventura Police Department’s Facebook page asking the publics help in identifying him.

Within days detectives had received numerous responses to the social media posts identifying the suspect as 50 year old Ventura resident Terrence Bauer.

With this new information detectives continued their investigation and worked on locating Bauer who had no permanent address.

On February 18, at 10:30am, Bauer was located at a motel in the 300 block of E Thompson Blvd and taken into custody without incident.

He was interviewed by detectives and later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on two counts of Commercial Burglary, two counts of Identity Theft, and felony Elder Abuse.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind citizens to keep a watchful eye on their belongings while shopping. Be aware of individuals who may attempt to distract you and report any suspicious persons immediately.

Possession for Sales Arrest

On February 18, at 11am, VPD Patrol Officers contacted Mohamed Imed passed out in a vehicle. He was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to assist and obtained information that Imed had possessed the methamphetamine for the purpose of sales and obtained a search warrant for his place of business in the 100 block of N Ashwood Ave.

Detectives served the warrant and located several items of contraband including two handguns, an assault style rifle with its serial numbers obliterated, a high-capacity handgun magazine, and assault rifle parts. Detectives also seized additional items used to package narcotics for sales and a large amount of US currency.

Imed was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on the charges of Possession for Sales and Driving While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4325, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Robbery

On February 18, at approximately 2pm, the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a call of a theft that just occurred at JC Pennys. As loss prevention was pursuing 54 year old Ventura resident Derrick Dawson on foot, another person called 911 to report Dawson had stolen a backpack from the trunk of a vehicle and threw it back at the victim when confronted10 minutes earlier to the theft at JC Pennys.

JC Penny’s Loss Prevention caught Dawson and grabbed a hold of his duffle bag containing the stolen merchandise and demanded he let go. Dawson forcibly pulled the bag from JC Penny’s Loss Prevention hands, causing a minor laceration to her finger.

A responding officer saw Dawson jump a residential fence in a nearby neighborhood and took Dawson into custody.

The JC Penny Loss Prevention did not require medical treatment for her injury. Dawson was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery.

Felony Resisting Arrest, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Stolen Vehicle, Felony Warrant Arrest   

On February 18, at approximately 11pm, a patrol officer was on patrol in the 1100 block of Saratoga Ave., when he saw the suspect, later identified as 26 year old Ventura resident Pablo Reyes, walking in the area.  Reyes was known to the officer and he was aware that Reyes had a felony warrant for his arrest.  When the officer tried contacting him, Reyes fled towards his residence.  The officer pursued him on foot and caught him before getting inside.  A second officer arrived on scene, and both attempted to take him into custody.  Reyes violently fought with the officers and tried to escape.  After a struggling with him for several minutes, officers were able to take Reyes into custody.

Officers located a vehicle parked nearby that was connected to Reyes.  During a search of the vehicle, a shotgun and ammunition were found inside.  It was also discovered the vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle.

Reyes was transported to VCMC for treatment of a minor injury while fighting with officers.  After being medically cleared, he was arrested for felony resisting, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, stolen vehicle, felony warrant and for being a post release offender.

One officer sustained an injury to his hand.

Prowling, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance 

On February 19, at approximately 8pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 1400 block of Nathan Ln., reporting an unknown subject in the backyard of the residence.  While officers responded to the call, the 911 dispatcher stayed on the line with the resident.  Before officers arrived on scene the subject, later identified as 31 year old Ventura resident Kevin Pinto, had left and had reportedly entered the backyard of a neighboring residence.  When officers arrived on scene, Pinto was still in the backyard and taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, officers found that Pinto was displaying signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.  He had previously been on the beach and gone into the ocean, and was suffering from hypothermia.

Ventura City Fire personnel responded and treated Pinto at the scene.

He was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for prowling and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

No one was hurt as a result of this incident.

Felony Assault on a Police Officer Arrest  

On February 20, at approximately 2pm, a Ventura police patrol officer was conducting a traffic stop on Thompson Blvd. just east of Chestnut St. While the police officer was standing near the driver’s side window of the violator’s vehicle, a motorist (later identified as 35 year old Oxnard resident Adam Gilbert Matthews) drove by eastbound on Thompson Blvd. and yelled profanities directed at the officer. The officer continued speaking with the violator while also keeping an eye on Matthews’ vehicle. The officer soon noticed Matthews conduct a U-turn near Ash St. and then accelerate westbound Thompson Blvd. As Matthews accelerated, he swerved into the eastbound lanes of Thompson Blvd. and drove directly towards where the officer was standing. The alert officer noticed Matthews’ vehicle was coming directly towards him and quickly ran to a position of cover out of the roadway and was not injured.

After almost hitting the officer with his vehicle, Matthews steered back into westbound lanes of Thompson Blvd. and was last seen traveling northbound on California St. The officer alerted other patrol officers and broadcasted a description of Matthews’ vehicle, but it was not located.

Ventura Police Detectives conducted follow-up and identified the suspect vehicle as a 2015 Chevy Impala driven by Adam Matthews. On 2/21/17 at about 1800hrs, Matthews was located near his residence in the 3000 Block of Regatta Place in Oxnard and was taken into custody without incident. Detectives served a search warrant at Matthews’ residence and located evidence linking him to the assault.

Matthews was booked at the Ventura County Jail for assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon.

Shooting

On February 22, at approximately 11:45pm, Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to call of multiple shots fired at Motel 6 on Harbor Blvd. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound to one leg and the adult victim with gunshot wounds to both legs.  Both victims (who were Arizona residents) were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Ventura PD Detectives responded and took over the investigation. At this time investigators have been unable to determine what led to the shooting and there is no suspect information.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Matt Cain at 339-4488.

Robbery

On February 24, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Department Dispatch received a call from Skylar Martin’s grandmother who stated 18 year old Ventura resident Skylar Martin was attempting to break down the door of their residence and was threating to harm his grandfather. When officers arrived on scene, Skylar had already fled the area. While officers were conducting the investigation, Skylar called his grandmother and began threating to harm the investigating officer. While officers were attempting to locate Skylar in the surrounding area, they saw him and he fled into the apartment complex at 3700 Dean Dr.

While officers began searching for Skylar, additional victims called 911 from Anacapa Middle School who said a subject had just taken a skateboard from them and then placed the 12 year old victim into a choke hold and threatened an additional student with a weapon.

Officers along with a K9 continued searching the area and located Skylar, who again ran from them. Skylar was taken into custody shortly after with the assistance of the K9. Both Skylar and an officer needed medical attention and both were transported to VCMC for minor injuries. Skylar was identified as the subject who had robbed and choked a 12 year old and threatened a 14 year old.

Skylar was arrested for the above listed charges as well as his active juvenile warrant for Residential Burglary. After being medically cleared, Skylar was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

 

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – Ojai News & Events

Dan Maher will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 to deliver a talk titled “Thinking Like a Mountain Lion: Learning to Live with Wild Neighbors.” Maher is from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the second speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

Recent human-wildlife conflicts in the Santa Monica Mountains highlight definite changes in the way “fringe dwellers” relate to shared space. This talk provides a brief summary of the conflicts mentioned, their historical context, and findings from an ongoing study of related issues.

CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Opera Santa Barbara will present two performances in its series of Free Noontime Concerts at the Ojai Library on the second Thursdays of March and May. Each concert will begin at noon in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

Spend your lunch hour listening to members of the Mosher Studio Artist Program, who will perform a selection of popular opera arias and duets as well as some musical theatre pieces, all accompanied by piano.

Calling all photographers: share images of the Ojai Valley! The Ojai Valley Museum and the Ojai Art Center Photography Branch are jointly promoting a photo contest, in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the transformation from Nordhoff to Ojai, and the 50th anniversary of the museum. Photographers of all ages are encouraged to submit photo that highlight the diversity of life in the valley, especially the people, places and events that make the valley a special place to live and visit. There is also a historic category for vintage images take by you or a family member.

There are seven categories, each with a $100 first prize. Up to seven images in each category will be exhibited at the Ojai Valley Museum. Photographs will be added to the permanent collection of the museum.

Categories include people, youth, places, nature, events, architecture and historic.

Images should be submitted online at OjaiACPhoto.org/ojai-photo-contest.html.  Or see link and flyer on the museum’s website, OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

Photo contest winners will be announced Saturday, April 8th at the free Centennial Jubilee Picnic in Libbey Park, from 10am-2pm.

Ventura County Library’s READ Adult Literacy Program is proud to announce a new program location opening March 1st at the Ojai Library. The READ program provides free help with reading and writing for English speaking adults. Tutors will be available for free one-to-one tutoring from 5pm to 7:30 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. New students are always welcome.

The READ program is also looking for adult volunteers who would like to help other adults improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required and the training is free. At the conclusion of training, tutors will meet one-to-one with an English speaking adult learner for a few hours each week.

The READ program has tutoring sites throughout Ventura County. For additional information visit the library’s website: www.vencolibrary.org/read or call the READ office at 805-677-7160.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Channel Islands National Park Celebrates 37th Anniversary

Channel Islands National Park invites the public to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the park’s establishment at an event on March 5, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the visitor center in Ventura Harbor. This free event will feature film showings, family-friendly activities, ranger-led talks, dock tours, and a special junior ranger program.

Throughout the day, segments from the 2016 documentary, West of the West: Tales from California’s Channel Islands, will be shown. Produced by Sam Tyler and written and directed by Peter Seaman and Brent Sumner, the documentary provides an in-depth look into intriguing stories of island inhabitants and history.

The short film, Offshore, created by Compass Coalition Films and featuring professional surfer Mary Osborne, will also be shown throughout the day, highlighting the many recreational opportunities available within the park.

At 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, a park ranger will discuss marine adaptations and ocean stewardship at the center’s marine life exhibit, which features species found in the prolific waters that surround the Channel Islands.

Dock tours will be available for the public to have an up-close look at the National Park Service (NPS) vessels. Biologists with the park’s kelp forest monitoring team will demonstrate the long-term monitoring techniques they use to better understand the health of the marine environment.

During the event, biologists and rangers will provide opportunities for children to learn about different careers in the NPS. Children’s activities will be available throughout the day, including a button-maker station and fox origami. A junior ranger station will allow children to complete activity booklets and a NPS career scavenger hunt, and earn a special junior ranger prize.

About Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park, America’s 40th national park, was established by Congress on March 5, 1980. The park is made up of five islands — Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara — and the  waters within one nautical mile of each island. The park bridges two major biogeographical provinces within 250,000 acres of land and sea, protecting a rich array of natural and cultural resources. The park offers the public with unparalleled opportunities for solitude, tranquility, wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, and education.

Speaking of Ventura County presents “California vs. the Nation: Gov. Brown’s Democratic California Competes with President Trump’s Republican Federal Government”

by Cal Lutheran professor Herbert E. Gooch III, Ph.D.

On Wednesday, March 8, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, the Museum presents a thought-provoking and powerful talk that outlines the inevitable ideology clash between the largest state in the union, known for its progressive politics, and a rapidly-acting national chief executive whose orders run afoul of local laws and philosophies.  It’s “Goliath vs. Goliath” once each side asserts their power.  This talk is part of the museum’s “Speaking of Ventura County” speaker series, which brings current events and historical topics to its audience.  Admission is free for members, $7 per person for non-members.

In this talk, Dr. Gooch explains the current struggles between California and the nation. defining the differences in political composition and public policy issues as Gov. Brown’s Democrat California contends with President Trump’s Republican Federal government – speculating on the potential impact specifically on Ventura County.

Dr. Herbert Gooch is Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. He formerly served as Director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and Assistant Provost for Graduate Studies at Cal Lutheran. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley in History, he holds a M.B.A in Management and both masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science from U.C.L.A. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide. He has been at Cal Lutheran since 1987 and lives in Newbury Park with his wife and son who attends Cal Lutheran. His interests include politics, film and travel.

In one day flat they  produced a remarkable music video

Guitarist Laurence Juber, Harmony Project young musicians and Jordan Laby at the sleek blue bus. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Lennon Bus has provided hundreds of thousands of students and educators with opportunities to tour the bus and get hands on experience with the equipment found on board.  Tours give students an overview of what really goes on in a recording or video production facility and are led by the Lennon staff.  Visitors learn about the history of the Bus, and are introduced to the various production skills needed to produce projects on the bus.

Recently the bus was at Sheridan Way Elementary School and Cabrillo Middle School working with students who are part of the Harmony Group which was formed five years ago by Jordan Laby, and his late wife Sandra.

The Harmony Group, working with the New West Symphony—includes students who were provided with musical instruments and music tuition.

Gabe Smith (Lennon Bus), Brian Vincik (Securematics), Laurence Juber (Lead Guitarist for Paul McCartney’s Wings)

On the bus, Grammy winning guitarist Laurence Juber , from Los Angeles came to coach the youngsters. In one day flat they  produced a remarkable music video featuring the young Harmony students who attend several Ventura schools.  Their video was premiered at Harmony Group’s Feb. 12 fundraiser at the Marriott Ventura Beach..

Ivor Davis (writer of The Beatles And Me On Tour) told the Breeze “John Lennon has been dead for 36 years—but his irrepressible spirit lives on in Ventura County  in the shape of a   $6 million bus—the best mobile recording studio in the world. The John Lennon Educational Bus—a living legacy to the late Beatles life– came to Ventura as part of its mission as Yoko Ono puts it,  ‘to give young people a chance to express themselves through music, video and broadcast productions.’ The original purpose in getting the bus to come to Ventura, was to publicize the Laby’s  magnificent efforts in launching the Harmony Group here. But alas, Sandra didn’t live long enough to see it herself.”

Retired Ventura County Superior Court judge kills girlfriend and himself

Herbert Curtis was appointed to the Superior Court in 1998.

On Feb. 5, at 11PM, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the 5500 block of Dorsey St. reporting that her neighbors were involved in a very loud and contentious verbal domestic argument.

When officers arrived on the scene they attempted to make contact with the individuals inside the residence. When they heard multiple gunshots they moved to a safer location and set up a perimeter around the residence.

In the residence was former Ventura County Superior Court Judge Herbert Curtis III, 69, and Patricia Payne, 54. Herbert Curtis was the nephew of boxing promoter Don King and was Ventura County Superior Court’s first black judge.

Hostage negotiators made contact by phone with Curtis, who indicated he was armed with a gun, but he refused to surrender. Payne’s condition was not known at this time. Ventura SWAT officers were notified and arrived a short time later.

Negotiations continued for about two hours until the SWAT team deployed a listening device into the residence and heard Payne indicating she had been shot. When additional gunshots were heard, SWAT team members immediately entered the residence to try to rescue Payne.

As they made entry, Curtis shot and killed himself. Payne was brought to a waiting ambulance and was transported to VCMC for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds where she later died.

Ventura Police Commander Sam Arroyo said police had been called to the residence several times previously and that Payne had been arrested for misdemeanor public intoxication and other infractions. She was scheduled to be arraigned on March 17.

At the time of his death, Curtis was a partner at the Oxnard law firm of Gutierrez, Curtis and Gutierrez.

 

Rodie Award Breast Fest

Suz Montgomery told the story of Rodie the Wonder Dog at the monthly “Breast Fest”.

by John Hankins

A local cancer survivors’ group has literally gone to the dogs – and cats – in honoring the animals who give their ‘owners’ emotional support during the life-threatening disease.

It happened during Ribbons of Life’s monthly “Breast Fest” gathering at Mimi’s Café in Ventura, and was inspired by a dog named Rodie, said Ribbons Founder Lisa Barreto, a three-time “survivor-thriver.” Check out this advocacy and support foundation at: www.ribbonsventura.org

Rodie, a Bichon-Frise, “diagnosed my cancer and never left my side throughout every chemo and every radiation treatment,” said Suz Montgomery, noting that his name came from Auguste Rodin as he liked to create “sculptures” in the back yard.

Rodie knew Suz had cancer by licking her arm where the lymph nodes were packed with cancer cells. “He showed me what love and support animals can be.”

This first annual “Rodie Award” featured a dozen cancer survivors (out of the over 30 attending) who told the stories of their own animals during the Feb. 11 event. Each one received a special card with the pet’s picture and the owners’ comments, designed by graphic artist Karen Brown, a past president of Ribbons. They included:

~ “Rocky and Lulu (Cockapoo and Shih Tzu) work as a support team. The two would guard over Bob and me, alternating between bedrooms while I recovered from surgery and chemotherapy … they share our journey.”

~ “Oz, the good dog (Yellow Lab), lived to please. He was enormous therapy as he joined Bill and my journey.”

~ “Zoey (Beagle mix) is youthful and wise and has a gentleness about her that makes me calm and content. She is my constant companion, my healer, my wonder pup and my best friend.”

~ “Mr. R (Chocolate Lab) is a loyal and loving companion. He is always happy to see Dave and I, even happier when we are ready for a walk.”

~  Guigui (Blue Russian cat): With beauty, grace and a slight tease, a velvet coat and infinite gaze, I know your Majestic reign has only brought comfort and joy to our humble kingdom.”

~ “Wubbies (Tuxedo cat) is a gentle giant and a cutie who likes to exercise her sandpaper tongue. She is there for me as I go through my journey. Thank you my special friend.”

~ “Angie (Pomeranian) was Cindy and Steve’s guardian angel before they met her in 1999. She gave them so much comfort … they are together in Heaven now.”

Apply now for Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee

“We need to make sure that the City Council is spending this money wisely”

Residents of the city of Ventura are encouraged to apply for volunteer positions on the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Committee’s responsibilities include review of the projected revenues and recommended expenditures for the funds generated by Measure O and to make recommendations to the City Council as part of the City’s budget process.  After a review of the independent audit, the Committee shall provide findings to the City Council.

The seven members of the Committee are restricted to residents and registered voters of the city of Ventura at the time of their appointment and during their term of office.  Members may not be an elected official or employee of the City of Ventura, or a dependent of either an elected official or employee.

The terms of members first appointed to the committee shall be staggered. Four members will serve a 1-year term and three members will serve 3-year terms. Succeeding members shall be appointed for terms of 4 years.  Committee members will be required to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) disclosing all reportable interests held at the time of appointment, and are required to attend ethics training every two years.

Ventura voters approved Measure O—a half-cent sales tax increase for 25-years—in November 2016. This new local funding mechanism is estimated to generate $10.8 million a year.

The new sales tax rate is effective beginning on April 1, 2017 (essential purchases like groceries and medicine are exempt). Voters approved the sales tax measure with strict accountability requirements–annual independent financial audits, a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to ensure all funds are properly spent and public review of expenditures.

Applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/involved/advisory or from the City Clerk’s Office, Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Room 204. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017, and may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to the City Clerk’s Office at  641-1046, by mail to the City Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 99, Ventura, CA 93002, or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

For more information call the City Clerk’s Office at  658-4787.

Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times).

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith is conceived and directed by Joe Brancato of Penguin Rep, and written by Angelo Parra. Set in 1937 in Memphis, Bessie and her musicians have been turned away from performing at a “Whites-Only” theatre, then finding a hospitable gin joint where Bessie recounts her incredible journey from an impoverished childhood in Chattanooga, to her fortuitous rise as a show-stopping singer. Laughter, pathos and music all come together to deliver an electric, entertaining and surprisingly touching evening.

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Tragically, Bessie’s career was cut short in a car crash when she was only 43. Her funeral was held in Philadelphia a week later, with over 7,000 mourners paying their respects. In this play the singer recounts her highs and lows in music and love with raucous humor and mirthful regret tinged with an unshakable foreboding.

Braden is joined by musicians Gerard Gibbs on Piano, Anthony Nelson Jr. on Sax and James Hankins on Bass. Gibbs also plays Pickle, who serves as narrator and guide at times, while coaxing Bessie to tell her story.

Bessie Smith opens in Ventura on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a post-show party with cast, crew and local VIPs at NOW Ventura. Low-priced previews are February 22-24. The show runs Wednesdays through Sundays through March 12. For tickets, go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call  667-2900.

 

Ventura County Fair wins top awards

Fair was honored at Convention & Trade Show. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Ventura County Fair was honored at the Western Fairs Association’s Convention & Trade Show, in which roughly 125 fairs from throughout the Western United States attend to gather new ideas, attend seminars and participate in the annual Achievement Awards.

The Achievement Awards recognize the very best efforts that a fair puts forth for its community. This year, Ventura County Fair received 10​ Achievement Awards recognizing everything from the Fair’s advertising to its Social Media Campaign.

“I am proud of our staff’s representation of our Fair and our community at the Western Fairs Association Achievement Awards.” said Barbara Quaid, CEO, Ventura County Fair. “Our awards speak to the quality of our overall marketing efforts and programs.”

At the WFA Achievement awards ceremony, Ventura County Fair collected a total of five 1st place, four 2nd place and one 3rd place awards. The First-Place Awards:

  • Newspaper Ad
  • Sponsorship collaboration
  • Interim Events
  • Guest Services
  • Television Advertisement Series