Tully Clifford, Public Works Director, City of Ventura

Q. What is the City of Ventura doing to prepare our community for heavy rain after the Thomas Fire?

A The City of Ventura Public Works Department, along with Police, Fire, Parks, and the County Watershed Protection District have taken emergency preparedness measures to prepare for potential fire debris flow in an effort to protect our community. Ventura Public Works crews have been, and continue to be, out in the community inspecting and cleaning catch basins to ensure debris basins and flood channels are clear in the event of a heavy rainfall.

Routine maintenance is critical to keeping our local waterways flowing properly. Inspection and cleaning of catch basins, storm drains, pipes and channels is performed continuously throughout the year. Large basins get an annual inspection to reduce flood risk for the downstream community. Debris, such as vegetation, sediment and boulders that could plug the outlets, is removed by hand crews or heavy equipment to ensure that functionality is maintained.

As an added measure of protection, Ventura Public Works is using innovative modeling technology to generate maps that identify potential locations of debris flow in a given area. This tool is being used citywide and the City will continue to monitor the burn area as it can take 3-5 years for vegetation to significantly recover, and about ten years to fully recover.

Residents may have noticed that more than 1,200 feet of K-rail (temporary concrete barriers) was installed along Foothill Road and Cedar Street. These precautionary measures were put in place to keep light rain flow and small amounts of mud off the streets until the soil is stabilized and vegetation is reestablished.

Properties near a burn area remain at increased risk for flooding, erosion, and debris flows for 1-3 years following a wildfire. To protect your private property, seek the advice of a professional who can advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce risk. The City also encourages you to talk to your neighbors who may not be aware of potential hazards.

You can also protect your property with sandbags, plastic sheeting, jute netting, and wattles. The City provides sand and bags to residents at the Ventura Public Works Maintenance Yard, 336 Sanjon Yard. Community members are asked to bring their own shovels and take only what they need. Residents can visit www.vcemergency.com to view an interactive map and better understand the hazards they face.

The City of Ventura has also established evacuation maps to assist residents subject to debris flow to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. The maps can be viewed on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

We encourage the public to stay informed through official sources:

• Register for VC Alert (www.vcalert.org) to receive emergency notifications
• Visit www.vcemergency.com to stay informed during an emergency
• In the event of major incident or disaster, call the City of Ventura Disaster Hotline at 805-477-3711.

by Burris DeBenning

Pyrotechnics, the big kahuna of the Fourth of July Fair and Fireworks event at Ventura College, is a costly and risky affair. A few years ago, several people were injured when fireworks went awry at the July 4th Simi Valley show. Parades, food and beverage festivals and concerts pose degrees of risk.

Both the City and event planners agree to require insurance to cover potential injuries suffered by the public, volunteers and other participants. But just how much insurance is necessary and when are the rules overkill? This is a dilemma that has faced Ventura event planners for a while and does not appear resolved.

Last April, local clubs, businesses and civic groups urged City Council to rethink the levels of liability it requires for property damage and personal liability. According to several organization representatives, the cost of purchasing what the City demands is prohibitive.

To Vincent Giammanco, the promoter of the California Beer Festival hosted by many cities, Ventura asks for the “impossible.” Ellyn Dembowski, Rotary Club president, told the Breeze that the City has an “extreme fear of terrorist dangers at every event that are a serious financial burden for non-profits.” She said, “last year the City was supposed to give us a report on its progress on fixing insurance but hasn’t yet,” and went on to say that the City could lose its beloved fireworks show at the college because of the expensive insurance.

The City begs to differ, however, claiming that its insurance requirements are fair and normal given the kinds of dangerous activities at certain events and the real risks to the public, ranging from fireworks snafus to slipping on a sidewalk curb. The Breeze reached out to Assistant City Manager Elizabeth Foushee who said “we have seen throughout the country that accidents do happen related to festivals, parades and street fairs.” Public agencies typically ask event providers to have an additional insured endorsement to the general liability policy to ensure that the agency has added liability protection should incidents occur. “It is important to understand that without a special events policy with the endorsement, the City takes on risks and any claims that may arise,” said Foushee. Miss Foushee also stressed that the City never wants non-profits to cancel their events, but mandates certain liability policies so these events, where crowds are unpredictable, and alcohol is served, are thoroughly safe.

Councilmember Jim Monahan, a longstanding member of the Elks Lodge that puts on the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, told the Breeze that the Elks have no intention of cancelling or moving this huge Ventura tradition. “The insurance amounts may be a little excessive,” Monahan said, “but it is up to the Council to decide, and right now things are fine.” He said that City Risk Management follows the insurance ordinances passed several years ago, which are in line with the City Attorney’s directions as well.

Measure O funding is helping to maintain the aging infrastructure, and other essential services in our 150 year old city. Public Works crews recently completed sidewalk repairs on Chestnut and Oaks Streets, and Ottawa Street and Mohawk Avenue with Measure O funding.

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

Freezer Meals 18 years – adult
2/25 Su 2:00-4:00pm $40 + $20 supply fee #10499
Save time and money with these seven meals. You will learn to prepare and put in the freezer for later; Instructor will provide grocery list before your workshop so you will have all your supplies the day of class. Instructor is Alison Oatman. Recipes and freezer bags are provided.

Friday Zumba Fitness Party! 16 years- adult
2/23-3/30 F 6:15-7:15pm $40 + $7 drop-in fee #10608
Join us Friday nights for a Zumba dance fitness party. At BVC. Certified Zumba Instructor Linda Skene.

Yoga for Life 16 yo – adult
2/20-3/20 Tu 5:10-6:10pm $65 #10164
Non-intimidating poses and breathing reduce stress, strengthen the back, improve balance and leave you feeling great. Bring towel, mat and dress comfortably. Instructor is Mary Lincoln.

Saturday Acrylic Painting 15 years- adult
3/3 Sa 11:30am-3:00pm $55 + $10 supply fee #10532
Create your own masterpiece as you learn to paint freely and blend colors with ease. By the end of this workshop, you will have a 16×20 completed acrylic canvas (ready to hang) of the photo or picture of your choice. No sketching or art experience needed. All levels welcome. Bring a non-perishable lunch to enjoy in the park. Instructor is Laura Brooks.

PiYo Live! 18 years – adult
2/26-3/26 M 7:00-8:00pm $40 or $76 #10629
PiYo combines the muscle-sculpting, core firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility advantages of yoga. We crank up the speed to deliver a true fat-burning, low-impact workout that leaves your body looking long, lean and incredibly defined. Bring yoga mat and water. Instructor is PiYo certified Francine Gomez.

Pet First Aid & CPR 18 years – adult
3/3 Sa 9am-1pm $20 #10522
In an emergency knowing pet first aid can save your pet’s life. In this class, you will learn first aid for wounds, heat stroke, broken bones and much more. You will also learn how to perform CPR on a variety of animals. 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.

Group Meditation and Mindful Living adult
3/1-4/5 Th 7-8pm $63 #10507
Learning and practicing silent meditation is easiest when together in a group where energies converge for this single purpose, followed by mindful living tips. In this six-week class, you will be taught a method for mind-body health, be guided in and out of a 15-25 minute silent meditation or use the silent method of your choice and be provided with tips for developing or deepening mindful living in your daily life. Beginners, past students and meditators are welcome. We sit in chairs but you are welcome to bring your mat if that’s your preference. Instructor is Kimberly Wulfert, Ph.D Psychologist.