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25 Holiday Safety Tips

by Joel Justice, VCCCD Chief of Police

As the Chief of Police for the Ventura County Community College District, I would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. I also want to share some safety tips, since crime generally increases during the holiday season. It is a time when people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. People are often in a rush buying gifts, decorating their homes, visiting friends or traveling. There is a big increase in the amount of people that are out shopping at the malls and grocery stores, packing the parking lots and waiting in lines at ATM machines.

With many stores extending hours late into the night, people head to the stores after work. At closing time, you see them walking around not paying attention to their surroundings. All of the holiday hurrying, stressing and shopping, tends to cause people to let their guards down. Inattention during the holidays gives thieves the opportunity to become less visible, making it easier for them to move through big crowds of rushed and distracted people without being noticed. Shoplifting, pickpocketing, robbery and theft from cars all increase during this time of year.

Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season and they take full advantage of it. They thrive on the fact that the police and stores’ loss prevention staffs have their hands full with amateur thieves who they arrest for shoplifting. Professional thieves are busy breaking into cars in the parking lots to steal gifts, mobile phones and electronics or robbing people or burglarizing their homes.

How to Reduce the Chances of becoming a Victim
The following tips can help you reduce your chances of being victimized this holiday season.

If you’re outside and feel you’re in danger, head right back into the store and call for help.
Try to shop during the day; if you do shop at night, do not do it alone.
If you are alone, ask a security guard to walk you to your car.
Park in a well-lit area rather than a dark desolate part of the parking lot.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Consider bringing a security travel pouch instead. If you must carry a purse, do not swing it on your arm; clutch it and keep it close to your body.
Always carry your driver’s license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Recognize when you are rushed, distracted and stressed out, and be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
If you discover that a credit card is missing, notify the credit card company as soon as possible.
Don’t assume that you misplaced it and will find it later.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if you are approached.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you, including working in teams, with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Remember to lock your car. Keep all valuables at home, but if you have any in your car, keep them out of view.
If you put packages in your car and intend on going back to the mall, move your car to a different parking lot. Thieves will watch you and when you lock your car and leave, they will break in or steal your car.
Leave lights on in your house.
If you have an alarm, use it.
Never leave burning candles unattended and blow them out when you go to sleep.
Keep candles out of reach of children and away from your Christmas tree.
Check and clean your fireplace at least once a year.
Watch for drunk drivers; DUI collisions also increase this time of year.

Lastly, be aware of who is on the road this time of year. Drunk driving increases tremendously with all the holiday parties. Being struck by a driver under the influence can forever change you and your families holiday season. If you see someone driving impaired, call 9-1- 1 immediately. Always remember, “See something, Say something.”

I hope you find these tips helpful and remember to remain extra diligent during the holiday season. Have a healthy, safe and memorable time.

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – Opinion/Editorial

Foto: “Being a judge at the Halloween dog costume competition at the Harbor was very difficult because they were all soooo cute (photos in next issue)”

I want to thank all of the candidates that ran for the Ventura City Council and Ventura School Board. Wanting to serve in these positions is based upon making a contribution to Ventura and certainly not motivated by the small “salaries” that they receive. The election results were too late for this issue but can be seen at www.venturabreeze.com.

Thank goodness the elections are over, hopefully the country can get back to “normal”.

Based upon a recent survey taken in Los Angeles County this is the breakdown of their homeless population.

Mentally ill 30%

Substance abuse 23%

Experienced domestic violence 18%

Physically disabled 17%

Unknown 12%

For those of you who think that the homeless are just a bunch of bums that don’t want to work consider the situations that have led to them to homelessness.

I certainly agree that Ventura has a homeless problem but complaining about it really won’t solve the problem. What is needed is some type of housing even if as basic as a well maintained tent city with portable toilets. Refugee camps in Europe are providing this for the immigrant displaced. We should be able to at least provide this.

I am especially concerned about the mentally ill homeless population. Many of them are too ill to understand what help is available for them or are too paranoid to accept any help at all.

I’m also concerned about the number of the mentally ill people who are being killed by police officers. Mentally ill lives matter also and perhaps even more so than other populations. Because they don’t always understand their situations and have little control over it.

Police departments and policymakers around the country are grappling with how to bolster training for police officers on mental health issues. This is because of a string of high-profile fatal incidents involving suspects believed to be in the throes of mental breakdowns.

It’s absurd how long it is taking to complete the California Street Bridge Pedestrian Project.

“The California Street Bridge enhancement project includes replacing the existing low-height pedestrian railing along the bridge with a six-foot high 250-foot long decorative railing, adding eight decorative pedestrian lighting fixtures, and resurfacing the sidewalk area to create a safer environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists crossing the bridge and will help visually distinguish the California Street off-ramp as the entry to our historic downtown.”

On September 12, 1949, the Ventura City Council passed Resolution No. 3191 creating the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. On December 1, 1949, the first regular meeting of the Housing Authority was held. The City of Ventura provided desk space, and clerical help with the City Clerk acting as treasurer of the Authority. On July 1, 1950 a secretary was employed and the Housing Authority had its first full-time paid employee.

Recently, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving issuance by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura of tax-exempt obligations not to exceed $15,000,000. This is to

assist Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation ( CEDC) in the new

construction of 22 apartments located at 1031, 1019, 1007, 995 and 1013 Los

Angeles Avenue.

A yet-to-be-formed California limited partnership will be the owner of the

development, with the general partner including a CEDC affiliate and a tax credit

investor limited partner.

I’m really not sure whose money this is and don’t completely understand the process, but doing the simple math that amounts to $681,000 per unit. For that kind of money (2) 3-bedroom homes could be purchased in that area which would provide 6 bedrooms. Living in private homes would also provide privacy (a backyard), the pride of living in a home (which some of the residents will never get to do) and interaction with neighbors and their families.

What am I missing?

Could millions of connected devices like cameras, thermostats, DVDs, home surveillance cameras, kids’ toys and the increasing amount of internet household devices and appliances (13 in the average home already) bring the Internet (and the world) to its knees. Is cyberwar coming?

Recently huge cyberattacks crippled a major internet firm that sends information to many popular websites across the United States (did you lose your Netflix connection and have nothing to do)? The hacker group that is claiming responsibility for this has stated that this was just practice and that their eventual target is Russia in retaliation for what appears to be Russian hacking in the United States.

Nice to see what was called the Sonderman-Ring project by the Harbor moving along (and only after about 10-years and the death of one of the partners).

Development is in their 3rd plan-check review submittal with Building and Safety, and is nearing a final building permit approval. It will include 300 residential units, 21,000 square feet of commercial space, 107 boating slips, a 2.44 acre waterfront park and a public promenade extending 1,650 linear feet. The project will include 2, 2-story parking garages.

It will be nice if the commercial space includes a mini-mart so that the residents of the mobile home park across the street could just walk to get some of their groceries and staples.

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – 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.

Neighborhood Drug Sales Investigation/Arrest

Over the last several weeks the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit has been conducting an investigation into the sale of narcotics on the 1400 block of Mead Ave. in the city of Ventura. On November 10, at approximately 8:30am, detectives served a search warrant at the involved residence.

During the service of the search warrant detectives located methamphetamine, paraphernalia indicative of the sales of narcotics, and approximately 1 ½ pounds of marijuana. There were also 17 firearms recovered in the residence. The suspects, 54 year old Ventura resident Roy Wilson, 58 year old Ventura resident David Cribbs, and 63 year old Santa Paula resident Juarez were arrested for various weapons and drug related charges. Cribbs was also arrested for California Health and Safety Code 11366 (maintaining a place for unlawfully selling narcotics).

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On November 12, at approximately 11pm, VPD patrol officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of E Main St re: a report of a disturbance involving a male and female.

Officers arrived and contacted the victim who said he was visiting a female acquaintance and that during an argument she had stabbed him with a knife.

The officers confirmed that the victim had sustained injuries to his torso and head and requested medical personnel to respond.

Officers then contacted the female suspect, identified as 59 year old Ventura resident Susan Martinez, inside the residence and took her into custody without incident.

The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Martinez was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, a felony, and later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 339-4488, 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.

Residential Burglary Arrest

Over the last several weeks there has been a series of residential burglaries in the area north of Telegraph Rd. and east of Victoria Ave. During the course of the investigation, Street Crimes Detectives identified 43 year old Ventura resident Shannon Salas and 42 year old Ventura resident Joseph Grizzaffi as potential suspects. Salas and Grizzaffi were arrested in an unrelated burglary in Santa Barbara County, and during the arrest additional evidence linking the two of them to the Ventura burglaries was recovered.

On November 16, at 12:30pm, Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Salas and Grizzaffi. Salas was later located on the 6600 block of Telephone Rd. and taken into custody. Salas was booked into the Ventura County Jail. A search of his residence yielded additional stolen property and narcotics. Also contacted in the residence was 24 year old Simi Valley resident Cristopher Delapp, and he was booked for an outstanding felony warrant and possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales. Grizzaffi is still in custody in Santa Barbara County Jail.

Possession of Stolen Property Arrest

On November 17, at approximately 2pm, a VPD patrol officer observed a vehicle make an unsafe lane change in the 1100 block of Johnson Dr. The officer conducted a traffic stop and was informed by the dispatch center that the license plate on this vehicle did not match the make and model and was listed as a stolen plate.

Additional VPD patrol officers responded to assist and a high risk stop was initiated since the vehicle had three occupants and the circumstances surrounding why a stolen license plate was attached were not known.

Once the occupants were removed from the vehicle the investigating officers determined that the driver, 30 year old Camarillo resident Danielle Giovanello, was the owner of the vehicle and had intentionally switched the rear plate with one from someone else’s vehicle in an attempt to conceal the fact that her vehicle’s registration had expired several months ago. Giovanello was also driving on a suspended driver’s license.

A passenger in the vehicle, 26 year old Ventura vagrant Kody Lott, was found to be in possession of pepper spray which is unlawful for him to carry as a convicted felon. A third passenger in the vehicle was interviewed and released.

Giovanello was arrested for possession of stolen property and driving on a suspended license, both misdemeanor charges. Lott was arrested for felon in possession of pepper spray also a misdemeanor. Both were transported to the Ventura County Main Jail for booking.

Giovanello’s vehicle was impounded

Residential Burglary

On November 18, at approximately 11:30am, officers responded to a residential burglary where the victim was getting marijuana stolen from his home. The victim had video surveillance cameras and identified one of his neighbors as the suspect. On two separate occasions the suspect is seen jumping the victim’s fence and going into his garage. During both incidences the victim’s medicinal marijuana was stolen.

Officers contacted the suspect and identified him as 25 year old Jonathan Ward. Ward admitted to taking 5 grams of marijuana during the burglaries. Ward was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for Burglary.

Train vs. Vehicle

On November 20, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center was notified by Union Pacific Railroad dispatch regarding a vehicle being struck by an Amtrak train on the railroad tracks near Garden St. and the Ventura County Fair Grounds. Officers and Ventura City Fire personnel arrived on scene and found an unoccupied compact vehicle wedged underneath the front of the train. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 27 year old Ventura resident Arcelia Delgadillo, and a male passenger were standing nearby and found to be uninjured.

According to the train conductor the southbound train was approaching the Amtrak Station and was travelling at approximately 15-20 mph, when the vehicle was spotted on the tracks. All emergency attempts were made to stop the train, but the train did not stop in time and struck the vehicle.

It was determined Delgadillo was intoxicated and unintentionally drove onto the railroad tracks, causing her vehicle to become high centered on the tracks. She and the male passenger had exited the vehicle approximately 3 minutes before the collision with the train. When the train struck the vehicle, it possibly caused an electrical shortage which electrified the vehicle and railroad tracks. Due to the rain, this caused an extreme hazard to emergency personnel.

Ventura City Fire personnel remained on scene and monitored the removal of the vehicle from the railroad tracks. The train was delayed at the scene for approximately two hours while the investigation was being completed.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Delgadillo was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for driving under the influence of alcohol.

None of the 60 passengers on the train were injured.

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – Professor Scamp PhD

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) received an outstanding achievement award sponsored by Destination Marketing Association of the West in their Best Idea Program. VVCB invited six dogs to visit Ventura as part of a familiarization trip targeting dogs who have become Instagram celebrities. Maybe I should become an Instagram celebrity but I don’t know how. Can you help me?

• Jardo, a Boise Police Department K-9, was shot along with two Boise officers while confronting an armed suspect recently.

Jardo was taken to a vet where the veterinarian who performed surgery on him “is hopeful he will be OK,” Boise police report.

Corporal Kevin Holtry and fellow members of the Special Operations Unit were searching for a dangerous felon when Holtry was shot multiple times. His condition continues to slightly improve day by day at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. Fellow officer Cpl. Chris Davis and police K9 Jardo are now recovering at home.

• I’m happy to report that a dog park has been approved by the Fillmore City Council to be located at Two Rivers Park.

The park was approved by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Manuel Minjares absent .

It can proceed because the city recently received $1 million in fees from developers to improve Two Rivers Park. Over $40,000 of that will go toward the dog park.

scamp2x — At the Halloween dog contest held at the Harbor the Best in Show was Beans from West Hills “Pup in a jail bird costume”. Over 75 dogs participated in the competition. My boss was a judge and I sat next to him giving my opinion as to which was the best. I, of course chose a Shih Tzu but was over ruled.

Like most dog parks the park will have a fenced area reserved for small dogs and another area for dogs of any size with play equipment, drinking fountains, trees, benches, and dog waste bags.

I’ve found that most of us small dogs prefer to play in the “any size area” to show that we can take care of ourselves and chase the bigger dogs around to show them who is boss.

• Paw’s Corner by my friend Sam Mazzotta (Actually I don’t know him but I’m sure that we would be friends if he met me)

Dear Paw’s Corner:

I’m in a dilemma. I’ve had my dog for about five years. “Shera” stays with me in my apartment, and there have been no problems until now. Now, a new owner has bought the house and told me I cannot have a pet: I must either get rid of Shera or move out. What can I do? — Desperate in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Dear Desperate:

I feel for you, and I hope I can give you some useful advice in this limited space. My first tip is to act fast, and the sooner the better. I recommend immediately contacting your state’s legal services or aid resource, if there is one, to discuss the problem. You also could find free or low-cost legal advice through the state’s bar association or perhaps at a local university. Your local library can be a great resource, too — you can get online for free, and the librarians can be very helpful.

Renters have fairly extensive rights in most states. A new landlord usually cannot simply walk in and demand you get rid of your pet. The existing lease typically cannot be changed suddenly, either. And even if you don’t have a signed lease the landlord typically must still give reasonable notice of a change in the terms. If you don’t have a lease he will be able to remove you by following your state’s legal procedures.

You also might try offering your landlord a non-refundable pet deposit. These are sometimes required in rentals that accept pets.

• Paws for Reading at Foster Library
12/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 12 – 1pm
Read aloud to a registered service dog (sign-up required).

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – Opinion/Editorial

• Congratulations to Christy Weir and Cheryl Heitmann for being elected to another term on the City Council and to Matt LaVere (who received the most votes) for being elected to the Council for the first time. They are all good choices, and should serve us well.

And, kudos also go to School Board winner’s Sabrina Rodriquez and either Jackie Moran or Don Wood (you fill it in) for the second seat. The latest count shows only 12 votes separating them. Perhaps they could each serve half of the term.

Speaking of local elections, I was a little surprised that the tax increase passed and hope that the citizen’s oversight committee which will be formed to recommend uses for the money will do what is best for Ventura. We should all act as an oversight committee for the oversight committee and keep our eyes on their decisions.

I was surprised at the large quantity of yes votes for term limits, which I highly endorsed.

The loser of the Presidential election received more votes (nearly 1.5 million) than the winner of the election. In 1787, the Founding Fathers created what is now called the Electoral College (even the name is stupid) to appease the Southern slave states so that they would sign the new Constitution.

The United States Electoral College is the body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Citizens of the United States do not directly elect them – instead they choose “electors”, who usually pledge to vote for particular candidates (even though they do not need to).

It is almost impossible to change it. So, finally after all these years the South has won the civil war.

• Several restaurants have new owners (not the actual buildings); the Watermark will become the Limon y Sal when it re-opens and the Shanghai Beer Garden is now the Rumfish y Vino (confusing ain’t it). The Rhumb Line has not changed its name yet, but I’m sure it will have a new name shortly.

I wish all of the new owners the very best, it is a tough, time-intensive business. Be sure to check out all of them – let’s support our local businesses.

• Some folks have been surprised when they’ve gone grocery shopping and were charged 10-15 cents if they used the market’s plastic bags. Grocers in Ventura County and throughout California have started charging shoppers for reusable bags as part of the recently passed Proposition 67.

The measure bans single-use plastic bags in California’s grocery stores. Many of the plastic bags have handles and are reusable.

• New research finds that teens who regularly “vape” e-cigarettes are more likely to become frequent and heavy cigarette smokers. I have always assumed this was going to be the outcome, and it turns out that I am correct.

A survey of students at 10 Los Angeles County public schools found that teens who vape frequently are more than twice as likely to start smoking. The study was published Nov. 8 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

• Steve’s Hardware (located at 1199 E. Thompson) sells PVC pipe by the foot. Also, they are very knowledgeable and will help you with all of your plumbing needs. Tell them that I sent you in, and they will give me a hug.

• The Vatican has issued new rules to determine whether healings qualify as miracles for sainthood. A panel of medical experts scrutinize potential miracles. A potential miracle can no longer be considered if it fails to pass before the board of medical experts three times. So if you think that you have a miracle, you will need to bring a note from your doctor.

• From the LA Times, in part, “…months after outrage over the 6 month sentence for sexual assault given to former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner.” Why is it relevant that he was a Stanford swimmer? Would they write “former Stanford cello player” or former Stanford chess player”? What is the importance of him being an athlete?

• Word of the day (or this year actually): Gentrification – The buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighborhoods by upper-or middle-income families or individuals, thus improving property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses.

• It is that time of the year when communities need to find shelter for the homeless. If you think that being homeless is a “life choice” by some, try sleeping outside during the cold winter and when it’s raining.

The Ventura National Guard Armory that has been used in previous years is not available. The Oxnard National Guard Armory that alternates with Ventura is available.

Family Promise is a national movement in which churches rotate providing overnight lodging. On Nov. 3 they announced that two churches are now committed to the program — North Oxnard United Methodist Church and Temple Beth Torah in Ventura and that several more have expressed interest.

Family Promise represents a national movement that believes family homelessness can be addressed in our own communities. Churches trade-off providing overnight lodging, with host sites rotating weekly. The housing is temporary. Nationwide, families stay in the program an average of 63 days.

• Now that the state marijuana initiative Proposition 64 has passed it will be up to each city as to how they want to deal with the legalization of the use of marijuana. In the past the Ventura City Council has made it clear that they do not want medical dispensaries in Ventura.

The state measure allows people who are 21 and older to grow up to six plants indoors and use marijuana recreationally but will give local municipalities control of outdoor growing, sales, distribution and other aspects of the use of marijuana.

Police Chief Ken Corney, President of the California Police Chiefs Association has stated that in Colorado, which has allowed recreational use since 2012 marijuana-related emergency room visits and Poison Control Center calls have increased since marijuana use became legal.

Drug-related school suspensions and expulsions have also climbed, Corney stated.

Cannabis-related products that target youths will no longer be available because the state law is banning products shaped like animals and fruit and other products that appeal specifically to the young.

The City Council will be dealing with their concerns and those of the police department at future city council meetings. Including the delivery of medical marijuana to Ventura.

Ventura City Attorney Diaz will be giving the Council the “legal” directions that they can take. We certainly don’t want more law suits to be filed against Ventura.

Mayor hosted Mayor’s Arts Awards reception at the Museum

Erik Nasarenko, Geraldine (Dina) Pielaet, Kaylie Pendleton, Dr. KuanFen Liu, Mark & Janet Goldenson, Jim Rice and Jodi Farrell at the 2016 Mayor’s Arts Awards. Photo by Noel Ulriksen

Mayor Erik Nasarenko hosted the seven recipients of the twelfth annual Mayor’s Arts Awards at a reception on November 3 at the Museum of Ventura County. The event drew a standing room only crowd of over 200 and featured food, wine and music.

The recipients were:

Mark & Janet Goldenson – Arts Patrons
Dr. KuanFen Liu – Artist in the Community
Geraldine (Dina) Pielaet – Creative Entrepreneur
Jodi Farrell – Arts Educator
Jim Rice – Arts Leader
Kaylie Pendleton – Student Artist

“I am delighted to host the Mayor’s Arts Awards which have honored arts leaders, patrons, educators and emerging and community artists dedicated to nurturing our city’s lively arts community and cultural life since 2005. “

“On behalf of the City of Ventura and the City Council, I thank you for joining me tonight as we recognize the impressive accomplishments of seven outstanding honorees singled out for this twelfth annual celebration. “

“These annual awards are an important tradition for everyone who loves the arts and Ventura,” said the Mayor. “They cultivate a greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts to the public at large and are one small way to say ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ to all participants in our creative community – for their contributions, their dedication and their passion to serve our city through the arts.”

Local rally held in support of Dakota Access Pipeline protests

More than six months after the establishment of Sacred Stone Camp at Standing Rock Reservation, protesters are continuing to resist the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The oil pipeline was originally routed through Bismarck, North Dakota—a city that is over 90 percent white—but was rerouted through sacred Sioux land when Bismarck residents complained that it might contaminate their drinking water. This rally was held on Nov. 15 across from city hall.

Ventura County Food Forward Branch Out Event brings community together

Rick Namhais, Executive Director, Carol Goldstein, Board Member, Ally Gialketsis, Ventura Branch Coordinator, Jill Sarick Santos Ventura Branch Manager and Emily Parker Fundraising Manager at ‘friend-raising’ event.

Food Forward has been connecting those most vulnerable to food insecurity in our community with abundant fresh produce gleaned from farms, orchards, backyards and farmers markets since 2012 in Ventura County. They hosted their first community ‘friend-raising’ event on Sunday, November 13th at Ventura Spirits.

Nearly 100 friends and supporters of Food Forward were in attendance: local farmers, foodies and others interested in promoting more sustainable agricultural. Everyone enjoyed delicious food from Sespe Pizza, hand-crafted distilled beverages from Ventura Spirits, refreshing local wines from Paradise Pantry and locally brewed beer from Topa Topa Brewery.

Executive Director, Rick Nahmias shared the story of how Food Forward started with a few volunteers from Craigslist and a friend’s orange tree. 25 million pounds later, the organization is serving over 350 hunger relief agencies and has over 7,000 volunteers throughout Southern California.

Food Forward hosts regular “Backyard Harvests” and also gleans at the Thousand Oaks and Ventura farmers markets every week. Volunteers commit to about an hour and a half and can easily provide over 120 servings of fresh fruit or produce to someone in need in our community.

To learn more about Food Forward and to sign-up to volunteer, visit www.foodforward.org.

City of Ventura Photo Contest winners announced

Winner Tammy Sims

A reception and exhibit for the City of Ventura Photo Contest will be held on Dec. 5 at 5:30pm at a special reception at City Hall, 501 Poli St.

The City of Ventura invites the public and all participants in the 11th annual photography contest to attend. The Mayor will award certificates to contest winners in the Council Chambers at 6pm.

Winner John Ferritto-Breeze contributing photographer

The winning photos will be on display in The Bridge Gallery near City Hall’s second floor rear entrance through January, 2017.

Fifty-five photographers entered 214 images – on view at www.cityofventura.net/photocontest – and 297 members of the public cast votes online to select the “People’s Choice” awards. A second set of “Judges’ Choice” winners came from a Community Partnerships team of visual artist professionals.

“The photo contest becomes more popular every year as a great way for residents to express civic pride in our city’s stunning natural landscapes, unique architecture and diverse people, culture and community life,” said Community Partnerships Manager Denise Sindelar. “I invite photographers to enter the 2017 photo contest online between January 1 and October 2, 2017.”

The JC (Judges’ Choice) and PC (People’s Choice) winners in 5 categories for the 2016 contest are:

Category 1 Environment

JC Lysa Urban (tie)
JC Jacqueline Counter (tie)
PC Deirdra Finning

Category 2 Architecture

JC Christopher Meugniot
PC Chuck Gebert

Category 3 Portraits

JC John Ferritto
PC Tom Robinson

Category 4 Community Life

JC Ron Brubaker
PC Chuck Gebert

Category 5 Altered Images

JC & PC Tammy Sims

Ventura — a charter city that is more accessible, transparent and accountable to the citizens it serves

In California, there are two kinds of cities: charter and general law.

by the City of Ventura

The City of Ventura has a long history of civic engagement. Our City Council listens carefully as citizens voice their concerns and suggestions at public meetings, by email or in person. On example is the City Council decision to form a Charter Review Committee after hearing from residents that our City Charter needed updates.

In 2014, an 11-member citizens committee immediately began its work researching areas of the City Charter that may require amending, clarification or modification, including considerations for a directly elected Mayor, term limits, district elections and removing the Ventura Unified School District’s process to elect its Board of Education from our City Charter. In April 2016 the City Council voted to place two Charter Amendments, recommended by the CRC, on the ballot and Ventura residents voted to approve the Measures during the Election this month.

Measure N changes the selection of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from odd numbered years to even numbered years to coincide with the City Council election; replaces Section 506 of the City Charter electing Councilmembers at-large with a process to be established by ordinance in the City’s Municipal Code; and removes the Board of Education election from the City Charter.

Measure Q establishes term limits that a City Councilmember may not serve more than three, four-year terms without a break in service of at least four years. And, in the event the City Council are elected by districts, the term-limits provision will prevent a City Councilmember who serves three terms on the City Council from one district from moving to another district and seeking to run again without a four-year break in service. Term limits start with the 2018 election.

How do these charter amendments affect for our current and newly-elected officials? Mayor Nasarenko and Deputy Mayor Andrews will complete their mayoral roles in 2017 and serve as Councilmembers until 2018. Councilmembers Monahan and Tracy will serve their terms until 2018. Re-elected Councilmembers Heitmann and Weir, and newly-elected Councilmember LaVere, will serve until 2020. In December 2017, a Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be selected to serve a 1 year term to allow the Mayor/Deputy Major selection to start with the 2018 election. The Charter amendments become effective once they are published by the Secretary of State in the State Statutes. It is anticipated this will occur in January 2017.

In California, there are two kinds of cities: charter and general law. Ventura is a charter city, and of California’s 478 cities, 121 are charter cities. The benefit of being a charter city is to have local authority over “municipal affairs”, rather than allowing a state law to govern the same topic. Commonly referred to as the “home-rule”, the League of California Cities explains that the charter city provision of the State Constitution allows charter cities to conduct their own business and control their own affairs.

The City of Ventura’s first charter was approved by the voters in 1931 and by the State Legislature in 193. And because a city charter can only be changed by a vote of the people, it gives citizens control over local issues such as municipal election matters, land use and zoning decisions (with some exceptions) and how a city spends its tax dollars.

With leadership from our City Council and engagement of residents working together, we have “government by the people” and success in shaping our community with all the great attributes that Ventura has to offer.

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