Ventura City Hall, will open its doors to the community, inviting all art enthusiasts and residents to partake in a two-day celebration of the arts during the ArtWalk event on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 2023.
The event activities at City Hall will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Ventura’s Municipal Art Collection and enjoy captivating live performances by local musicians, dancers, and poets.
OAKtober Wed. October 4 at 10am at Community Park on Kimball. Bring a shovel, rake, water, hat and sunscreen and help plant trees to shade the bike path. More information venturatreealliance.com. Sponsored by Ventura Tree Alliance, California Clean Air Day, City of Ventura and College Area Community Council.
To pass the time while waiting in line for the musical Some Like It Hot at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway Stephanie Wilder brought the Breeze with her.
The inkspots, Ventura County’s only printmaking group present their annual group exhibition “Touched by Ink”. Opening reception is on October 6th during First Friday at 5-8pm at 643 Project Space Ventura Ave.
In addition to their work in the gallery, the inkspots collaborate on an annual folio or book project.
This year the folio will include a limited edition print by each artist and will be offered for sale. There will be a free drawing for the inkspos 2023 Folio at the Opening Reception at 7pm.
Gallery will be open each Saturday in October 1-4pm with a different printmaking demo each Saturday, including; collagraphs, monoprinting, linocut and photopolymer etchings.
Or by appointment email [email protected]
by Darin Schindler Ventura Police Chief
As September unfolds, so does National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of emergency planning and readiness. Ventura’s history bears witness to volatile wildfires and floods, making this month’s focus on preparedness all the more pertinent.
In our unwavering commitment to your safety and well-being, I am pleased to share that we’ve launched the Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey, a valuable opportunity for residents to actively shape how we respond to and recover from life-threatening emergencies.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, and now as your Police Chief, I am acutely aware of the pivotal and critical role that effective emergency planning plays in preserving lives and minimizing the impact of crises. In collaboration with the City’s Emergency Services Manager, Mack Douglass, and our dedicated team of police officers and firefighters, we recognize the importance of nurturing a community that is well-informed and empowered to take decisive action during times of distress.
The Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey is a powerful tool that gives you a direct voice in refining Ventura’s evacuation plans, allocating essential resources, and guiding future educational initiatives. By participating in this 10-minute survey, available in both English and Spanish, you become a critical contributor to a more resilient Ventura. Your insights will provide us with valuable information to bolster existing evacuation strategies, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that our emergency plans are comprehensive and practical.
As we contemplate the ever-changing landscape of emergencies, your feedback will be instrumental in shaping our approach. The survey delves into critical aspects of evacuation preparedness, including your familiarity with evacuation routes, knowledge of emergency shelters, preferred transportation, favored communication methods for alerts and information, and overall readiness. Your responses will help us tailor our efforts to suit the needs and preferences of our diverse community.
It’s important to understand that emergency preparedness is not the sole responsibility of first responders; it’s a collaborative effort that demands active participation from each community member. Efficient evacuation routes are the backbone of a successful life-saving response. By participating in this survey, you also initiate essential conversations about preparedness with your family, further equipping yourselves to navigate challenges efficiently.
Your input will enable Ventura’s first responders to execute their duties precisely and confidently. In times of crisis, every second counts, ultimately saving lives and further protecting our community.
To access the Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey and learn more about this crucial initiative, please visit our website at CityofVentura.ca.gov/OES.
Remember – If we can predict it, we can prepare for it and respond better! Your participation is an investment in our shared safety, and we are grateful to serve a community that shares our commitment to preparedness.
Your voice matters in building a more resilient Ventura. Together, let’s ensure that our emergency preparedness is not just a plan on paper but a living testament to our collective commitment to each other’s safety.
Burglary and Vehicle Tampering Arrest
On Sept. 16, at 10:44am, a City of Ventura Employee was in their city vehicle when the suspect, Jonathan Martinez opened their vehicle door and claimed to be a city worker. Martinez was wearing a fluorescent City of Ventura work vest and the city employee did not recognize Martinez as a coworker.
Officers arrived and located Martinez in the back parking lot of City Hall. Martinez was found wearing a city work vest and in possession of a large ring of keys. Martinez is on active parole and his parole agent was contacted. Martinez was arrested for vehicle tampering and a parole violation.
A few hours later, a city worker located a broken window to a supply closet at City Hall. Officers were able to verify that the property Martinez was found in possession of at the time of his arrest, was taken from the supply closet. The interior supply closet door was locked and prevented Martinez from accessing any additional rooms inside City Hall. Martinez was arrested for the burglary and booked at the Ventura County Jail.
Negligent Discharge of a Firearm and Vehicle Pursuit
On Sept.16, at 1:29pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received several 911 calls reporting a large fight with approximately 100 people at the intersection of Main St. and Oak Street. As officers were responding, an additional caller saw a Hispanic male with a bandana covering his face had a handgun tucked in his waistband. The caller reported the Hispanic male with the gun was seen entering a silver Toyota sedan that was now driving southbound out of the area.
While officer were searching the area, an officer reported hearing a single gunshot around Palm St. and Santa Clara Street. Officers saw a silver sedan fleeing the area on Thompson Blvd. and believed the vehicle to be involved.
Ventura PD Officers were alerted to a vehicle crash around Channel Islands Blvd. and Harbor Blvd. in the City of Oxnard. We responded to that area and the vehicle involved in the collision was the same vehicle that fled from our officers. Ventura PD assisted Oxnard PD with a search of the driver and occupants that fled from the vehicle. Ventura Police K9 Deco began a track from the vehicle. Jose Manuel Herrera (37 yrs.) Oxnard resident was arrested.
Possession of a Firearm Arrest
On Sept.17, at 8am, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Harrison Ave. for several subjects trespassing and intimidating a resident in the area. Officers could not locate the suspects and the caller was reluctant to identify the suspects involved.
While investigating this crime, officers spoke with several intoxicated males in the front yard to a nearby house. These same individuals were contacted by VPD officers at 0139 hours after a report of a large fight in the street and reports of several gunshots being heard at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and Olive Street.
Officers advised the drunk males to stay in their home due to their level of intoxication. Minutes later, officers saw Edwin Castro stumbling down Olive St. with Josue Garcia and detained Castro for being drunk in public. While the arresting officer was searching Castro, he located an unloaded handgun in his pocket.
During the arrest of Castro, Garcia interfered with the arrest and was quickly subdued by the arresting officers. No one was injured during the arrest.
Castro was arrested for possession of a concealed firearm and drunk in public. Garcia was arrested for interfering with an arrest. Both were booked at the Ventura County Jail.
Note: From a previous Ventura Breeze
by Carol Leish
“River Haven started during the El Nino in 2006,” according to, Suki Sir, Marketing and Fund Development Manager at Turning Point Foundation. “Thus, during the El Nino, we approached the City of Ventura in March, 2006. Contracts were signed in September, and the program started in October. The former director, Clyde Reynolds, was very instrumental in approaching the city, and in negotiating the contract to secure the land for River Haven.”
“Clients/residents of River Haven receive case management services that follow up with service plan goals and their well-being,” according to, Joe Dawson, Program & Facilities Manager at Turning Point Foundation. “Case management takes a team approach by offering and connecting clients/residents with supportive services that offer follow-up care. And, the case manager and the treating agencies maintain communication to promote and create action plans for clients that will help them to become more successful and to maintain service connections obtained.”
Dawson also focused on the types of services that are offered to clients/residents of River Haven by saying, “Connected services consist of: Ventura County Behavioral Health; Whole person care program; ADP (Alcohol & Drug program; Health Care Agency/ One Stop; and, the Human Service Agency.”
“We aim for clients/residents to be at River Haven for up to two years at the most,” according to, Sir. “But some residents get permanent housing within 6 months, and others take longer than two years.”
Turning Point Foundation’s website is: www.turningpointfoundation.org, which describes the latest news and events. Please sign up for the newsletter to become more informed.
“Some of the needs for supporting River Haven are on the list, which is at: http://turningpointfoundation.org/donate/,” according to, Sir. “Do realized that River Haven gets very little government support. Thus, online donations are very much appreciated.” And, that, according to the website, “$525 Feeds 25 people per month.” Also included on the list of needs on the website, which can be downloaded, are: “Heavy blankets; bath towels; washcloths; canned food; and, books & board games.”
Through support and housing both Turning Point Foundation and River Haven have given people the opportunity and the tools to start truly living happier and healthier lives. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, all that matters is the future and what you want to do with your future.
Photo by Michael Gordon
A Chamber ribbon cutting was held at Elite Window Tinting 1520 Goodyear Ave Ste B. Elite provides window tinting for automotive, residential and commercial buildings. 805-469-8468.
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Saturday 8/26 |
9-5pm, officers attending Police and Fire expo at their headquarters. |
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Sunday 8/27 |
8:16am, dispatched to 2 missing single outrigger canoes. The pair disappeared in a heavy fog bank. Officers searched in the Fireboat, found the pair in harbor.
2:40pm, dispatched to a kayak in distress near the #2 buoy. Officers responded in Fireboat, found kayak not distressed, advised skipper of small craft advisory. |
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Monday 8/28 |
8:51am, received report of an audible alarm sounding on a vessel in Portside marina. Officers responded, found nothing suspicious, contacted owner to secure |
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Tuesday 8/29 |
6:03am, observed weather service issued Small Craft Advisory, raised pennant.
7:35pm, received report of a vessel accident in the keys between two electric boats, one was moored. Officers responded and investigated the incident. No major damage or injuries reported or observed. |
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Thursday 8/31 |
3:05pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, officers removing hazards to navigation, large logs, branches and even trees. All items towed to the L/R for removal. |
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Friday 9/1 |
4:00pm, dispatched to back pain in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR assisted a 75 y/o female to the ambulance.
5:03pm, observed then reported a domestic dispute to PD in a vehicle near 1567 Spinnaker Dr. An aggressive female was eventually arrested after investigation. |
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Saturday 9/2 |
10:15am, contacted a boat club skipper for speeding in the main channel of the harbor, issued verbal warning for the violation. |
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Monday 9/4 |
10-6pm, beaches and village were very crowded, the ocean was very dangerous with large South Swell, fortunately nothing major occurred during the holiday.
4:20pm, while on patrol observed State Parks executing an ocean rescue, officers assisted with transporting the inexperienced surfer to Harbor Cove uninjured. |
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Wednes 9/6 |
9:39am, received multiple complaints regarding the owner of the sailboat at the L/R dock. Officers reminded the individual of his temporary permission to dock, inquiring of his progress gathering safety equipment so USCG will let him leave. |
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Thursday 9/7 |
10:02pm, officers working with Ventura PD to assist an individual living in his RV near the village and trying to find options for parking his vehicle. |
| Saturday 9/9 | 2:13pm, dispatched to an ocean rescue, capsized kayak 8 miles offshore. Officers responded in Fireboat with multiple agencies. Dewatered the kayak for VC sheriff so they could transport it to the owner in CI harbor who was pulled from the water by VC sheriff helicopter. |
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Sunday 9/10 |
10:35am, received a complaint from a female transient that other transients are stealing her personal items. Advised her of the procedure to file a report with local law enforcement for lost or stolen property.
3:41pm, observed fuel odor near the village commercial docks. Officers found a source, one of the purse seiners. After investigation, the captain believed the contaminants came from their tender and were able to mitigate and clean up. |
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Monday 9/11 |
6:20am, once again, Small Craft Advisory issued, raised warning pennant.
9:50am, dispatched to fall in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to the call. The patient was uninjured, lift assist only. 4:18pm, dispatched to difficulty breathing in the riverbottom, homeless camp. Officers responded with VFD into the bamboo south of Surfers Knoll. The patient was transported to AMR ambulance in the Surfers Knoll lot. 11:55pm, heard a loud explosion, receiving multiple calls inquiring about it. After investigation, US coast guard called it was a event from Vanderberg. |
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Tuesday 9/12 |
11:47am, dispatched to 76 y/o female with chest pain in Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR and assisted the patient who was eventually transported to local hospital for further treatment. |
