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Your tax dollars at work: City of Ventura replaces aging sewer line on Front Street

by City staff

Most of us probably don’t think about what happens after we flush the toilet or wash something down the sink drain. “It” just goes away, somewhere – out of sight, out of mind.

In our community, that sewage (wastewater) is managed by Ventura Water which provides treatment services to more than 113,000 residents. Ventura Water also performs wastewater collection and treatment for McGrath State Beach Park and the North Coast Communities.

Ventura’s residences and businesses generate about 8 to 9 million gallons of wastewater per day, which is carried by more than 300 miles of sewer mains and 14 lift stations to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility. This facility is a tertiary treatment plant, located in the Ventura Harbor area near the mouth of the Santa Clara River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean.

Currently, following a three-step treatment process at the facility, most of the highly treated and disinfected wastewater is discharged into the estuary after flowing through a series of wildlife ponds with a retention time of about four days. A small percentage is made available as recycled water for two golf courses and landscape irrigation in the Harbor and Olivas Drive areas. In 2016, with the addition of a recycled water mobile reuse program, this valuable resource was further maximized for other beneficial uses such as residential landscape irrigation and construction site dust control mitigation measures.

Municipal sewer line systems are critical to public safety and environmental protection. These systems collect and transport sewage to the treatment facility.

As you would imagine, wastewater contains harmful constituents that can become a public health hazard and/or environmental problem if the raw sewage is not safely conveyed and treated. Efficient, updated sewage system infrastructure is essential to providing durable, reliable wastewater treatment and service for our community.

As a 150+ year-old city, Ventura’s infrastructure has some very outdated sewer systems where replacement isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. So, if a sewer line breaks or need of repair, it might be a good idea to at least try and replace it as soon as possible. Thankfully there are companies out there (such as Sewer Pipe Repair – No-Dig Pipe Lining – Zurn Plumbing) that can help. Recently, the City of Ventura’s Public Works Construction division completed the Front Street sewer line replacement project between Ash Street and Ann Street. This project replaced sewer pipes that were originally constructed in segments — with the earliest segments constructed in 1927 and the most recent completed in 1978. The City replaced approximately 1,500 linear feet of 8-inch diameter sewer pipes with new, wider capacity 15-inch sewer pipes. Throughout the construction period, nearby businesses continued to receive sewer service and remained open for their customers. (Thank you to the businesses and customers for their patience and understanding during this important construction work!)

You never really appreciate the City’s most important, yet unseen, infrastructure even though you use it daily. To support current and anticipated growth, the City will continue to make improvements to meet these needs and preserve the vitality of our community for generations to come!

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – City classes

City of Ventura Barranca Vista Imagination Center classes.  Check out hundreds more on our web-site

Call  658-4726 or 654-7553 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Classes and events held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Helping your Reactive Dog  18 years-Adult
2/4        Sa         10 am-12 pm     $20       #7698
Find out why your dog whines, barks or lunges at other animals or people and learn ways to help it become less reactive. Please leave your dog at home. Seminar led by Registered Veterinary Technician/Certified Professional Dog Trainer Shannon Coyner. Class held at 3521 Arundel Circle #B.

Courage in the Kitchen  16 year-adult
2/7 & 2/21         Tu        6-8 pm              $80+$20 monthly supply fee       #8052
Get processed foods out of the pantry and learn to cook with fresh, seasonal and budget-friendly ingredients. We’ll meet to study recipes, learn new techniques and create meals that include vegan and vegetarian options. For view each month’s menus visit www.chefjudy.net. The $20 supply fee is due to instructor at first class.

Carpinteria Seal Rookery Hike  18 years-adult
2/10      F          9:10 am-2:45 pm                        $40+$20 materials fee    #8222
Meet at Harbor Blvd train station with $22 for your RT ticket. On our Coastal Vista Trail hike we’ll make plein air sketches of new Harbor Seal pups from above and break for a self-paid lunch before our train returns.

LEGO® Minecraft Engineering FUNdamentals  5-10 years
2/11      Sa         10 am-12 pm                 $30       #7702
Build a motorized walking Creeper, terrifying Ghasts and motorized Minecarts! Please register by the Wednesday before class.

Meditate on Paper  18 years-adult
2/12      Su         11 am-3 pm                   $49       #7684
Cut through the mental chatter that blocks your understanding using proven longhand writing techniques to gain insights and problem solve. Everything you write is private but we will discuss the experience of the processes.

Nature & Wildlife Photography  16 years-adult
2/18     Sa         8-11 am & 1-3 pm        $100    #8196
Hone such photo-craft techniques as composition rules, field tactics and how your camera looks at light as you make great wildlife images. Meet at the 1400 Spinnaker Drive wildlife ponds. After lunch on your own go to BVC (7050 E Ralston St) to edit and process your images.

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

1-06 2:15pm, received a report of a boating accident in Ventura West marina.  After a brief investigation it was determined that no damage was sustained in the minor collision that occurred.  All parties were satisfied.

 
1-07 2:45pm, while on patrol, officers observed a vehicle blocking the roadway on spinnaker drive near angler court.  An elderly individual was lost; officers assisted the person with their destination.

 
        1-09 9:36am, received a report of an individual pepper spraying someone in the restrooms near 1559 Spinnaker drive.  A few Port District employees inadvertently entered the restroom and were overcome by the effects of the pepper spray.  Ventura PD and Fire were summoned and a brief investigation ensued.  No injuries were sustained and the incident is under investigation.

 

1-14     12:47pm, received a distress call from a vessel in the harbor near Ventura West marina.  Officers responded and found a 52 foot sailboat safely anchored and no longer in distress.  Tow Boat-US assisted the vessel.

2:22pm, received a dispatch to a medical.  Officers responded and assisted Ventura fire and AMR with a 71 year old female complaining of various conditions.  She was eventually transported to local hospital.

9:30pm, received a report of a transient male complaining of stomach pain near the fuel pier in the village.  Officers responded and repeatedly offered assistance to an elderly male hunched over and moaning.  The male refused help, said he would seek help in the morning.

 

1-15     12:15pm, officers assisted the Greek restaurant with their Greek Orthodox blessing ceremony in the South Basin of the harbor by lifeguarding the swimmers attempting to capture the cross in the water.

7:05pm, received a request to secure to the Districts longdock from the captain of a disabled 41ft sailboat en route to Long beach.  Towboat U.S. towed the vessel from the shipping lanes and to the dock.  The vessel was hauled out the next day by the boatyard.

 

1-16     4:02pm, during shift change, received a dispatch to a water rescue at Harbor Cove beach.  Officers responded by land and by sea to search for the distressed swimmer.  After searching the area of Harbor Cove to the Santa Clara river mouth, officers determined the rescue was actually at Marina Park on the North-side of the harbor.  The R/P, a fisherman on the North jetty was unsure where he was while reporting the incident.  The victims were caught in a rip current and eventually swam ashore.  Harbor patrol is still in possession of the paddles and the kayak, still searching for the owner.

 

 

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 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.

Vehicle Burglary and Arrest 

On January 21, at approximately 2am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of vandalism to a vehicle parked to the rear of Bombay Bar and Grill, 143 S. California St.  The vehicle’s owner was an employee of the bar and was able to view video surveillance footage of the parking lot.  On the video, the employee saw the suspect and later identified as the suspect, 22 year old Oxnard resident Robert Camacho, breaking the driver’s window of his vehicle and entering inside.  He then realized that Camacho was standing in front of the bar waiting to be picked up by an UBER service.  With the assistance of the bar’s security, Camacho was detained and held until officers arrived.

During the investigation, officers learned that Camacho shattered the window of the victim’s vehicle and stole property from inside.  He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for burglary.

Attempted Robbery

On January 22, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible robbery that had just occurred at the Meta Market, 1194 Meta St. The victim clerk reported the suspect had fled from the business.

During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect entered the business and approached the victim clerk, who was working behind the counter.  The suspect had an item of clothing covering his arm and simulated that he was armed with a weapon, although no actual weapon was seen.  He demanded money from the clerk.  The victim clerk came out from behind the counter, at which time the suspect struck him in the head with an unknown type object.  The suspect then fled the business without obtaining any money and was last seen running southbound on Hemlock St.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The victim was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel for a minor head injury and released.

Attempted Residential Burglary and Prowling Arrest

On January 23, at approximately 12:15pm, the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 1300 block of Swansea Ave., reporting that someone was attempting to enter his residence through a rear door.  The first arriving officers detained the suspect, later identified as 47 year old vagrant Frank Mendoza, as he was leaving from the side yard of the residence.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was home alone, when Mendoza began knocking on the front door.  The victim did not answer the door.  A short time later, he heard a noise coming from the back of the residence and saw Mendoza attempting to open a rear sliding door.  Mendoza was still not aware the victim was home.  The victim called the police and remained on the phone while officers responded.

Mendoza was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for attempted residential burglary and prowling.

Strong-Arm Robbery Arrest

On January 25, at 11:15am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the victim, stating that while he was asleep inside of his vehicle, the suspect had removed his bicycle that was strapped to the back of his vehicle. When the victim woke and confronted the suspect, the suspect brandished a knife and threatened to kill the victim.  The victim fearing for his safety locked himself inside his vehicle and watched as the suspect rode away on the bicycle.

Officers checked the area, and found a person matching the description of the suspect a short distance away.  The suspect was in possession of a bicycle matching the description of the stolen bicycle.  The victim positively identified 55 year old Ventura resident Arthur Navarro as the suspect, and the bicycle as the one taken from him.

Navarro was arrested for 211 PC, Robbery, found to be in possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia and booked at Ventura County Jail without incident for both charges.

Vandalism                     

On January 28, at 11pm the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of 4 juveniles wearing dark colored clothing that had just broken a window to a parked vehicle on Solano St. As officers arrived on scene, they discovered additional victims in the area. Security footage showed 4 juveniles on skateboards south on Imperial Ave. one of the juveniles stopped and used his skateboard to strike a parked vehicle, causing damage. As the juveniles continued skateboarding in the area, one of them picked up rocks and used the rocks to smash the windows to several parked cars. Officers located 5 vehicles with damage in the area.

The suspects were possibly leaving a house party in the area of Imperial Ave and Calaveras St.

Several juveniles were contacted in the area and cited for curfew violations. One juvenile was arrested for possession of brass knuckles. The subjects who vandalized the vehicles were not located.

Anyone with information about this crime or if you are an unreported victim please contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Commercial Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Narcotics

On January 29, at 3:38am  the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the alarm company that covers Paradise Chevrolet. Security video surveillance showed a subject on the property cutting open boxes. Officers arrived on scene and began searching the property. The suspect, Cesar Herrera, 31 vagrant saw the officers and fled, jumping over a wall to try to get away. After a short foot pursuit, Herrera was taken into custody.

During the investigation it was discovered Herrera had entered the garage areas of the dealership and had stolen keys for the vehicles. Herrera also had methamphetamine on his person as well as burglary tools. Herrera was booked at the Ventura County Jail without incident for the above charges.

 

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – Movie Review

Hidden Figures
by Manuel Reynoso 4 palm trees out of 4

Directed by Theodore Melfi, and adapted to screenplay by Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, And Kevin Costner. Based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly.

The spectacle of the space race has been celebrated time and time again over the decades. NASA’s triumph against the big bad soviets is no stranger to media portrayal. However, despite all the coverage, all the national pride, and all the high school lectures, three black women remain largely uncelebrated in the eyes of the general public.

Hidden figures is a biopic that brings to light the pivotal roles of three black women during the early days of NASA. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson are just some of the many brilliant minds working at NASA. But battling against the ills of social injustice, struggle to find their talents recognized in NASA.

With Hidden Figures being Theodore Melfi’s second major directorial debut, Melfi does not take many risks in this film. Hidden Figures follows the same major story beats of any other Hollywood film of its type and doesn’t seek to stand out much from that crowd. However, that in no way detracts from this films ability to celebrate the lives of these amazing women. Hidden Figures is not a masterpiece of cinema; it’s strength lies in the intrinsic beauty of the story being told.

The screenplay adapted by Melfi and Allison Schroeder is where this film derives its power. Each of these women’s triumphs have so much build up, so much adversity to break past, that once we see each of these women’s victories, the payoff is liberating. Lots of care went to insure each women gets their struggles seen, both internal and external.  By the third act we do longer just wish to see them succeed but we need to see them succeed.

While it’s clear the power of the film was born in the writing, Hidden figure phenomenal acting is what brought it life. Octavia Spencer and Taraji P. Henson were the driving force behind this film. Working with such an empowering screenplay, the actresses succeed at bringing out the struggles and successes of each of these ladies.

It was no coincidence this film was released while tensions run high in the US, however it is times like this we have to remind ourselves we all took part in the triumphs of this country. Hidden figures is a celebration, a dedication, and most of all a reminder of the strength of black women everywhere. I did not merely hope for their victories, but I needed them. I cannot recommend this film enough based solely on the power of the story itself. All the while the strength of the acting left me yearning to see them all succeed.

PG 2h07m

 

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – Ventura Music Scene

Bringing on the blues, jazz and more
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The line-up at Squashed Grape is getting hotter and hotter as we get further into 2017.  Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and friends return on Thursday February 2 with his band mPhaka; Bobby West (Wynton Marsalis, R.Kelly, Smokey Robinson) returns on Saturday, February 4; it will be a night of hot jazz with the international jazz manouche and Balkan music band Het Hat Club with Laura Lackey on vocals Wednesday, February 8; and Mark Garson (Bowie) and David Liebman (Miles Davis, Chic Corea) return on Thursday February 9.  If you were there the last time Garson played, then you too were blown away when Garson played “A Space Oddity” on the piano.

Discovery has several noteworthy shows lined up including Shaky Feelin’ on February 3; a Bowie tribute band, The Band that Feel to Earth on the 4th; several local musicians will be on hand to honor the late great reggae artist on Bob Marley day, February 9; the Hubcap Stealers will be there on the 10th; and finally, a Black Sabbath tribute band on Saturday, February 11. Go to the Discovery’s website for tickets and times as they vary.

As you probably know, there’s a wonderful Blues community supporting this genre of music and nobody does a better job at bringing notable Blues artists to town than Hi Hat Entertainment. You’ll want to mark down on your calendar that following dates: Friday, February 3, it’s James Intveld; February 10th, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps; Carl Sonny Leyland’s on Friday, February 17; Alastair Greene & Deanna Bogart on Friday, February 24; and a special show on Sunday, February 26 with Karen Lovely with Lisa Mann & Ben Rice. Get the lowdown at HiHatEntertainment.com. All Hat Hi shows are at the Hong Kong Inn where you’ll find one more concert to add to your calendar, RJ Mischo has a special blues party on Saturday, February 4 with Hashbrown, Fred Kaplan, Rick Reed and Johnny Morgan. All shows start at 8; covers vary.

Topa Topa Brewery launches their open mic night February 1 and thereafter on the first Wednesday of the month. Signups at 6 and it runs 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

The legendary David Nigel Lloyd is reuniting after 30 years with Jonathan Mako Sharkey for a special performance on Saturday, February 11. Nigel Lloyd, one of the pre-eminent Acid Folk performers in the world will hold a songwriting workshop at 6 pm, then he’ll join up with Sharkey (musician and Port Hueneme Councilman) for a concert at the Loft in Camarillo.

And finally, CAPS Media is launching a low-powered FM station here in Ventura and its schedule to launch in mid-February. I’ll be hosting a weekly hour-long program highlighting independent artists including local artists from the area, and artists who have played in town. I’ll let you know when we’re live and on air at 104.1 FM.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial

Happy Valentine from me and artist Jaime Baker.

•  In this issue, (see cover) we have an article about some very exciting new construction projects in the city and there are more happening soon. I think that this is very important for Ventura for several reasons;

These projects are what “we” in the industry (my background) call “type V projects” meaning that they can be of wood frame construction. These type of projects employ workers of all different skills paying from $10 to up to $100 per hour, so they are a boost for our economy.

Also, a city needs to continue to evolve and to bring in new residents. I only wish we could build some executive style homes to provide housing for high wage earners so that they don’t work here, or have businesses here but live somewhere else.

•  At a recent City Council meeting, the council (by a 7-0 vote) decided that the best use of the Harbor Church property is to allow single family homes to be built.

Some residents in the area wanted the building to become a community center (some didn’t) and many spoke at the council meeting. The community center advocates were very disappointed with the council’s decision even though the use of the property as a community center wasn’t even being considered by the council.

There were basically two reasons why the council wants to sell the property to a developer. When the city paid about $2.3 million for the property (in order to avoid going to court) it was with the understanding that action would be taken to quickly recover most of the money spent (complete recovery will not happen).

Also, the cost of converting the building to a community center (requiring lots of handicap upgrades) would be large and would bring traffic and congestion to this residential neighborhood, just as the church did. And would require very expensive upkeep and salaries.

There is also the slight chance that the VUSD might be interested in the property because it is right next to a school.

At this meeting, the Council also approved some startup funds for the proposed Kellogg Park in West Ventura. Not enough for much construction, but it is necessary to start in order to not lose grant money that was awarded to the project.

In the meantime, the Westside has probably what is the most comprehensive and utilized park in Ventura (the Westpark Community Center). In fact, I’m not sure why people say that that the Westside is underserved when Westpark is located there (and a Boys & Girls Club).

•  Did anybody ever think that, in 2017, we would be friends with Russia and enemies with Mexico? Is Canada next and then the rest of the world? If you’re not concerned with what is going on, you should be!

•  All of Ventura’s water supply comes from either the Ventura River, groundwater and/or Lake Casitas. Even though we are having a nice rainy season (about 15”, which is more than our average) we are not out of the woods yet. The lake is still less than 40% full. The use of recycled water should increase in the future.

The City Council has taken action to consider another water source by authorizing a study to look at design, water flow, and environmental impacts of other sources.

The United Water Conservation District, Casitas Municipal Water District and Calleguas Municipal Water District are considering being part of a regional effort. All of these agencies could be involved in the ability to transfer water between districts in times of high drought. The study will look at the potential benefits for all the agencies involved.

The idea is to store water during rainy seasons, so there is water “in the bank” when needed. New piping would need to be installed to bring some of this additional water to Ventura. Imported water would be much more expensive but could be necessary if the high rains don’t continue for several more years.

•  Ventura’s 2017-18 budget will include millions of dollars of new money from Measure O, the half-cent sales tax voters approved in November. The new rate goes into effect on April 1, and the city will receive its first partial payment in July.

The measure included the formation of a seven-member citizen oversight committee to make “recommendations“ regarding how the money should be spent.

When this committee is formed, we all must be the committee that keeps an eye on the council’s committee.

In my opinion, an important use of this money will be to help our homeless population. City Manager Mark Watkins stated, “The final goal is to expand resources to the homeless population, both by offering more programs to those who want assistance and directing law enforcement resources toward those who don’t follow the rules.”

New Councilmember Matt LaVere will be on the council’s homeless subcommittee and should bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to this ongoing problem.

 

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – A View from House Seats

Clarinda Ross, Sharon Sharth, Erik Odom and Lily Nicksay star in Gulf View Drive, the final play of the acclaimed Nibroc Trilogy.

Gulf View Drivewinds up winning trilogy
by Shirley Lorraine

Two seasons ago Ventura County audiences were introduced to the love story of May and Raleigh, a couple who meet during the early years of WWII in Last Train to Nibroc. Last season See Rock City continued to follow the couple’s adventures and trials through life. The final peek into their lives occurs in Gulf View Drive, opening this weekend at the Rubicon Theatre.

Both previous stagings have garnered numerous accolades and awards, both for technical aspects and acting.  Lily Nicksay and Erik Odom reprise their critically-acclaimed roles as May and Raleigh, adding even more power and depth to the characters.

The roles of May’s mother, sunny Mrs. Gill and Raleigh’s mother, the ever-sour Mrs. Brummett, are also continued by the original actors, Sharon Sharth and Clarinda Ross.  Joining the cast for this installment is Faline England in the role of Raleigh’s sister Treva. England is no stranger to the Rubicon stage and blends in seamlessly with the rest of the cast. All the characterizations are sharp and well defined.

The actors as a whole carry impressive credits on stage, television and screen. An added bonus to this production is that the actors themselves have grown with the performance of each period in their respective characters’ lives. With such familiarity they fully immerse themselves in the roles, highlighting the experience for the audience. We feel as though we know them well.

Katherine Farmer returns to direct the last installment of the story. As with the two previous stagings, Gulf View Drive is filled with familiarity. The audience feels an integral part of the saga of the lives of May and Raleigh.  Working with the same actors throughout has been an extraordinary privilege, according to Farmer.  As well, the play signals the return of the successful and acclaimed technical design team that built and shaped the first two sequences in the trilogy. Subtle lighting and realistic lived-in home design provides a comfortable setting to set the mood.

Author Arlene Hutton has created characters we care about.  Each play stands well alone. However, for those who have seen Last Train to Nibroc or See Rock City, Gulf View Drive provides the audience with a satisfying and well-rounded ending to May and Raleigh’s saga.  As an audience member, when I get caught up in character’s lives, I want to see how they end up.  Gulf View Drive gives that conclusion that neatly brings the story to a close, while still leaving ampleroom for speculation on what could happen next. An audience member near me remarked “I’m not ready for them to go!”  And we aren’t. The story cascades with complications, each one a surprise. Although there is resolution, the story is not done, nor do we want it to be.

Of special note: a free staged reading of Hutton’s new work entitled Three Sisters Bronte will be held on Monday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets may be requested through the Rubicon box office.

Gulf View Drive plays Wednesdays to Sundays through February 12 at the Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St. Matinees: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Evening performances at 8 p.m., except 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, which features a post-show talk back with the cast. Tickets: $50-$55. The box office is open 7 days a week. There is 24-hour ticketing and seat selection online at www.rubicontheatre.org. 667-2900.