Category Archives: Featured News

Vol. 15, No. 14 – Apr 6 – Apr 19, 2022 – Opinion/Editorial

∙ I’m very sad to write that this will be the last issue for our Senior Account Executive Breezy Gledhill. As some of you know, she has been dealing with cancer for the last two years. At the Breeze luncheon, held last summer, she announced that she was free and clear of cancer, and we all clapped, shrieked with happiness, and cried a little.

But, the cancer has roared back and attacked her liver. She has been getting chemo with the hope that it reduces enough to be removed. She feels that right now the best thing for her well-being is to concentrate on her health and future.

For the last 11+ years, without her amazing contributions, the Breeze would not exist. She will always remain a part of the Breeze family and a lifelong friend. I have always considered her to be my “adopted” daughter and wish her nothing but the very best as she carries on with her life. She has been a delight to work with and her spirit and optimism during her struggle is an inspiration.

∙ Very exciting (at least for now) that live performances are back in Ventura, and I attended two of them recently.

The Rubicon presented Joe Spano and JoBeth Williams in the Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of The Gin Game by D.L. Coburn and directed by Jenny Sullivan. The Rubican will have a full season of events and productions.

I also attended the first event at the new Ventura Music Hall, the former Discovery Ventura on Thompson. Truthfully, I didn’t attend to hear the music because I listen to jazz and classical music, but I wanted to check it out.

The décor is simple, which is okay because the wood high-truss ceiling is amazing and is all that it takes to make it a great space. It has a small stand-up bar and casual dining area that is above the dance floor. It is now serving salads, burgers, sandwiches and such but this could change as they see what is being consumed by patrons. There were also some tables set up on the dance floor (or should I say standing floor as most were standing and not dancing). I think it will be successful.

∙ Despite the slight overall reduction in Part I Crime, violent crime in Ventura saw a significant increase of 15.24% in 2021, with 50 more offenses reported than in the previous year. Aggravated assaults increased 16.92%, with 34 more assaults being reported. Sexual assaults had a significant increase of 35.48% having 11 more incidents then last year. Robberies increased by 7.45%. Seven more than the year prior. The only decrease in violent crimes was homicides in which we had none compared to two the year prior.

Hopefully this year will see a decrease, but we should feel good there were no homicides the entire year.

∙ The City of Ventura voters approved a ballot measure for the taxation of cannabis in the City of Ventura in November of 2020. City Council approved a Regulatory Ordinance on February 24, 2021, allowing certain types of commercial cannabis businesses to operate in the City of Ventura with a cannabis business permit.

The Application Period 1 for commercial cannabis business permits closed on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Application Period 1 will only allow applications for commercial cannabis business permits in the non-Coastal Zone (up to 3 retail and 10 industrial-type permits may be awarded). The window for Application Period 2 is pending a final decision from the CA Coastal Commission. This will not happen until late 2022.

There have been 24 applicants – 23 for retail storefronts and only one for distribution (manufacturing or testing). A tough approval process to select only 3 out of 23 applications. It will be nice when we finally have them in business. Let’s keep the money in Ventura.

∙ The Ventura City Council has approved funding for two more firefighters to add improvements to the fire department. Fire Chief David Endaya stated the two positions are lateral transfers. They are anticipated to begin training in early May.

Former Thousand Oaks mayor and former Los Angeles Fire Department deputy fire chief Andy Fox, and Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College District trustee, presented a five-year strategic plan to the council with Chief Endaya. Fox and McKay were hired by the city as consultants to work on the strategic plan.

The nearly 50-page plan addresses long-term goals for the fire department, including personnel, capital improvements and ways to increase response times. As part of the five-year plan, the city hopes to build a new fire station No. 7.

∙ Ventura has approved a final version of the City Council District Map. The map was officially adopted at the City Council Meeting on March 21, 2022 and can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Redistricting.

Due to the new changes in district boundaries, some residents who previously voted in the District 2, 3, and 7 elections will now have the chance to vote again in 2022 as members of District’s 1, 4, 5, and 6. Some residents who were scheduled to vote this year in the District 1, 4, 5, and 6 elections have now been designated within District 2, 3, and 7 boundaries and will not vote until the 2024 election.

Every ten years, cities with by-district elections must use new census data to review and, if necessary, redraw district lines to reflect local population changes. District elections alternate every two years, with councilmembers serving four-year terms. This year, Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 will be up for election on November 8, 2022. Elections for Districts 2, 3, and 7 will take place in 2024.

Once the boundaries are updated on the interactive map, residents will be able to determine which district they reside in by typing in their address into the City’s website.

Your city council members are:

Sofia Rubalcava: Mayor – District 1
[email protected]

Joe Schroeder: Deputy Mayor – District 7
[email protected]

Lorrie Brown: Councilmember – District 6
[email protected]

Jim Friedman: Councilmember – District 5
[email protected]

Doug Halter: Councilmember – District 2
[email protected]

Mike Johnson: Councilmember – District 3
[email protected]

Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios: Councilmember – District 4.
[email protected]

They would love to hear from you.

∙ My wife, Diane, and I binge-watched How the Universe Works even though we have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. Maybe they make it up talking about stuff that is millions and millions of light years (light travels at 186,000 miles per second) away as if they know. Depressing, they said that in 4-5 million years our universe will run into another universe, and it will be the end of our universe. So, no reason to over plan for the future.

∙ Port Hueneme residents will have an opportunity to show their support or opposition for changing the name of their city during public meetings. At an upcoming online meeting, city staff will give a presentation on the benefits and drawbacks of changing the city’s name and the associated costs. I have a great idea – we should change Ventura into San Buenaventura. It sounds much fancier.

Ventura Police and Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) helping out people with mental illness

Part 1 of 2
by Carol Leish, MA

Chief of Police Darin Schindler of Ventura Police Department said, “In my three plus decades in law enforcement, I’ve seen the evolution of mental health responses come full circle. Years ago, the police department was called out to assist mobile crisis teams when they needed help because someone was uncooperative after being placed on a 72-hour hold. Usually, we would standby to make sure no one got injured and they were able to safely transport the patient to a facility.”

“Over time that model slowly began to change; we were getting more calls to assist, and it seemed like a transition began with law enforcement being expected to be more directly involved and hands on. Fast forward to today and the police department has become the de facto first responders to many of these types of calls. Now we are the ones calling Ventura County Behavioral Health to ask for their assistance.”

Police Chief Schindler continued by saying, “We have trained the majority (close to 90%) of our officers in Crisis Intervention Training. More often than not, we are the first responders to situations when someone is suffering a mental health crisis, often when there is no underlying criminal component. We receive a dozen or so calls every day concerning mental health situations.

“When we receive a call regarding a potentially suicidal person, persons dealing with a mental health crisis, or calls about disturbances that involve someone experiencing a mental health episode of some sort, we also contact Ventura County Behavioral Health and ask for their assistance. In the last few years, especially with the social justice movement, there has been somewhat of a shift in the thinking the public questioning why aren’t Behavioral Health responders the first to respond.”

Sara Sanchez, LMFT, Division Chief for Access & Outreach Services at VCBH said, “The Crisis Team will respond with the police depending on the situation. It would be ideal to have a joint response, but the limiting factor is that the Crisis Team is county wide. This makes it responsible for responding to things in Fillmore to Simi, and everything in-between. The Crisis Team when fully staffed is at 28 people. They work every day of the year/24 hours a day. Currently there are 16 on staff. We are actively recruiting for more people to be on staff. The staff includes Registered Nurses, Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage Family Therapists and Psychiatric Technicians.”

John Schipper, Ph.D., Division Chief for Adult Services for Ventura County Behavioral Health said, “There are two types of interventions that we do with the police. One is responding to crisis calls in the moment, such as, if someone is suicidal. The other type of call, which is not an emergency call, involves trying to engage people who may be homeless and struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. The RISE (Rapid Integrated Support & Engagement) Team partners with police and makes rounds throughout the county to engage people in treatment before a crisis arises.”

“In the past couple of years with the pandemic,” according to Dr. Schipper, “things were affected. First, it inhibited our (VCBH’s) ability to ride with police. We have started to see a recent easing of restrictions and more of an ability to meet in person. However, part of what the Crisis Team does is assessments of people in the ER of hospitals who may be suicidal, or a danger to others, Zoom helped out by making the process more efficient by eliminating the driving distances throughout Ventura County. The need for treatment, which both the Ventura County Behavioral Health and the various police and sheriff stations throughout Ventura County have been providing has been helping out people with mental illness.”

Part 2 : “Ventura Police and Ventura County training will be in the next issue.

Winners of the 2022 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Photos by Richard Lieberman

The winning entries of the County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade have been announced. The parade was held on Saturday, March 12.

Judges for the parade were Matt LaVere, Ventura County Supervisor;

Nina Kobayashi, Mechanics Bank; Celina Zacarias, California State University Channel Islands; James Lockwood, Ventura County Fairgrounds; Connie Stahl, Elk’s Lodge #1430.

There were 83 parade entries. The parade theme was “One World, One

Air, We All Share.” A salute to our environment.

The parade was presented by Ventura Elk’s #1430 and the Grand Marshal was parade co-chair Nan Drake of Harrison Industries.

The winners :

Color Guard: Oxnard High School Air Force Junior ROTC

Bands

High School Band: Buena High School Marching Band
Junior High School Band: Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band
Adult Band: Pacific Coast Highlanders Pipe Band
Families: The McGrath Family Equestrian: Camarillo White Horses

Clubs and Organizations

Adult: Ventura Nite Riders/Simi Valley Fallout Riders
Youth: Ventura High School Cheerleaders
Non-Profit: Ventura Chamber of Commerce

Vehicles

Antique: Ventura County Model “A” Ford Club
Classic Cars prior to 1950s: Gary Cooper- Light Green Machine
Classic Cars 1950s or later: Ventura Hot Rodders Men’s Breakfast
Special Interest Auto: Ventura County Corvette Club
Tractors: Topa Topa Fly Wheelers
Individual Vehicle: Ding Masters Fire Truck: J.W. Enterprises
Commercial: Pizza Man Dan’s

Media (tie)

Lazer Broadcasting
Novelty: Surf Rodeo
Walking Entries: Unique Diamonds Competitive Cheerleaders
Most Irish: Claddagh School of Irish Dance
Environmental Green Theme: Agromin
Restaurants and Pubs: O’Leary’s Tavern
Government Agencies: Assembly member Steve Bennett
Mayor’s Trophy: Oxnard High School Marching Swarm
Best in Parade (Arnold Hubbard Perpetual Trophy): Claddagh School of Irish Dance
Mayor’s Trophy: Oxnard High School Marching Swarm
Best in Parade (Arnold Hubbard Perpetual Trophy): Claddagh School of Irish Dance

Policing during the Covid crisis

Schindler stepped into the office of Chief of Police the same month Covid hit. Photos by Patricia Schallert

by Sheli Ellsworth

Ventura Police Department (VPD) Chief Ken Corney officially retired in December 2019 after 33 years on the force but stayed in office for a couple of months so a nationwide search for a new chief could be conducted, and ultimately so his successor, Darin Schindler, could complete his open projects. Schindler stepped into the office of Chief of Police the same month Covid hit. “All of a sudden everything was locked down. We were patrolling parks and beaches,” Schindler explained. “People were calling in about their neighbors who were violating the no-congregating order by having get togethers, and not social distancing, against the health order.

Schindler says his own wish list went out the window. Promotions were delayed when Covid health protocols became a priority. “We had flex schedules for investigators, some administrators worked from home. Dispatchers spread out into the far corners of the room.” About a third of the 250-person police force came down with the virus, but none were hospitalized and there were no deaths. “While many employees were exposed on-duty, most of the positive infections were believed to have been contracted during off-duty time. Regardless, quarantines were occurring due to potential exposures to co-workers and investigators had to put cases on hold and perform patrol duties.”

“After a few months, about the time of the George Floyd killing, we began to put together a new, updated VPD Strategic Plan for moving forward. Even though Ventura PD has enjoyed a positive and strong relationship with the community for several years, there was increased social unrest across the country in regard to policing. It was a stressful time for the community and police officers everywhere. I sat down with my command staff, and we spoke about using the calls for justice as an opportunity to strengthen our police/community partnership even more.” Chief Schindler said.

The Ventura Police Department updates their goals and strategies every few years to keep pace with the changing needs of the community. Schindler’s 2020-2023 Plan states that the VPD Mission is: To protect, serve, and problem solve with our community. The VPD Vision: Great people, providing exceptional service. VPD Values: Excellence, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Transparency.

Schindler has six major goals.

1) Crime Control: Improve response times to calls for service, achieve a crime clearance rate that is better than the national average, and achieve a reduction in aggravated assaults and robberies. Some of the strategies include expanding forensic examination and crime scene processing capabilities, reinstituting gang prevention and intervention programs, and increasing crime prevention messaging across social media platforms.

2) Team Development: Attain 100% compliance with Police Officer Standards and Training requirements, staffing retention, and aligning sworn demographics with those of the community. The department has already incorporated mental health resiliency into its wellness program and has begun to develop a teen explorer program with representation from each of the City’s seven districts.

3) Active Partnerships: Increase community outreach and input into police operations, decrease community complaints related to vagrancy, and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders. As part of this goal, each City district now has a police commander assigned to oversee it and the department has staffed an enhanced patrol presence during peak hours in its public areas.

4) Safe neighborhoods: Increase collaboration efforts within neighborhoods, reduce fatal and injury traffic collisions, and reduce auto thefts, burglaries, and larcenies in neighborhoods. The department is moving back to an in-person neighborhood watch model, has increased gun violence prevention and response training, and increasing its Volunteers in Policing program.

5) Efficiency and Accountability: Increase Department transparency, track and reduce personnel complaints, and attain a 100% “within department policy” for all use of force incidents. In 2021, the Department was an early implementer of the Racial and Identity Profiling Act, and has increased training in topics like tactical communication, ethical decision making, implicit bias, racial profiling, and cultural diversity.

Schindler has also noticed an uptick in Ventura’s homeless since Covid. Homelessness tends to be transitory by nature and quite often surrounding communities will experience shared issues and responses in relation. “When we come in contact with individuals that are homeless our officers will talk to them to get a little bit of their stories, and find out if they are open to resources or other types of assistance,” said Schindler. Many of the homeless in Ventura come for the mild climate, the secluded river bottoms, county assistance, food banks and shelters. With the county jail located in Ventura, inmates are released onto the streets driving the numbers even higher.

The Chief said there are different reasons for homelessness and a one size fits all approach doesn’t work. Some people are temporarily down on their luck. A lost job or medical expenses that wiped out their savings can create homelessness that needs a hand up. “These people are usually receptive to help until they are back on their feet.”

There is another group, the ones Assembly Bill 109 (Prison overcrowding) released—a lot of “non-violent offenders.” These homeless people are more hardened and more likely to commit crime, even from other homeless people, sell drugs and are more likely to attack others. “They rarely want or benefit from services. We may lock them up one day and see them out the next. They are usually habitual offenders.”

The third tier and the largest population is made up of people with mental health and/or addiction issues. “We always begin by offering assistance, but we can’t force anyone to accept help. It is not illegal to be homeless or mentally ill. Even those individuals who get counseling and medication may choose not to take it. It is the saddest group of homeless. Over the years, we have seen an increasing correlation with the need for behavioral health intervention amongst this population. Often times, our officers will receive calls for service on the same individuals several times a day. When we do transport someone to Behavioral Health for assistance, more often than not, the facility is at full capacity and we must wait for an opening.”

The Chief would like to see Ventura County take a more collaborative approach to help with the homeless problem. “We need more resources, especially in the areas of mental health treatment and addiction intervention. Homelessness may never go away, but if we can help some unhoused individuals, maybe they can eventually help out others.” The cost to society is momentous. “When we clean up a homeless encampment it is not unusual for us to haul away tons of debris. Sometimes officers locate stolen property amongst the debris.

Schindler indicated that his job today is much more about policing and problem solving than it is about “law enforcement”. He stresses community service and responsiveness as one of his department’s top priorities. “We want to hear from the community, they are our partners in this journey.”

Learn more about the VPD three-year Strategic Plan, and download a copy in English or Spanish, online at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/VPDStrategicPlan.

New Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters’ executives sworn in

On Wednesday, March 2, the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters (O.A.H.I) assembled for the first time in 2022. The gathering in the Olivas Adobe exhibit hall was a time for some much-needed fellowship with old friends and some important COVID delayed business. The installation of the 2022 Board of Directors executive committee officiated by Deputy Mayor Joe Schroeder was number one on the agenda for this volunteer group. Sworn into service were Mary Thompson – President, Bob Sandler – Vice President, Lisa McGuirk-Secretary and Joanne Abing-Treasurer. Officers serve a one-year term.

Mary Thompson stated “I would like to thank Joe Schroeder, our city councilman, for doing us the honor of swearing us in. It’s always a pleasure to have Publisher Sheldon Brown with us also.”

“I came to the Olivas for the first time with my 4th grade class from Arnaz Elementary School in Oak View. My sister was married at the Adobe in 1977. I have been a docent for many years and am honored to be your president. I am looking forward to serving as president and keeping the history of the Olivas Adobe alive.”

A full spring season was planned to begin with, March 13 from 11am -3 pm, when the Olivas grounds and building are open for tours, an al fresco gift shop and a new exhibit in the small adobe by artists Laura Jean Jespersen and Lisa Mahony featuring paintings of local flora and landscapes. Two additional spring events are planned for the second Sundays in April and May.

Interesting in gardening, event planning or local history? a volunteer open house is planned for 1 pm on March 13 in the exhibit hall- 4200 Olivas Park Drive. Come see how this volunteer group is keeping the Rancho Period of California alive. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.

The wonderful Music Under the Stars music concerts will be returning to the Adobe once again. Watch for more information in a future issue of the Ventura Breeze.

The City of Ventura Parks & Recreation Department who manages and maintains the Olivas Adobe Historical Park is happy to see the OAHI volunteers meeting in person again. “Even though it’s only been a couple of months since they presented the Holiday Candlelight tours- this is a living site that takes you back to an era with costumed volunteers sharing history about the gardens, the two story Rancho home and the family who lived in it, artists talking about their work and inspiration garnered from painting on site-this place is intended for visitors to experience in person.” says Ventura Cultural Supervisor, Kathryn Dippong Lawson

The Olivas Adobe historic site features the restored two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas. Built in 1847, this Monterey-style adobe home, Historical Landmark No. 115 from the Rancho-era, celebrates Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage through docent-led weekend tours, educational outreach programs for school groups, and community events.

The docents and board members perform a most valuable service of not only protecting the historic Olivas Adobe, but also keeping relevant by planning and staffing its many activities year-round. The docents are chiefly responsible for keeping alive the rancho’s many seasons of history and celebrate the skills, traditions and heritage that belong to Ventura’s many peoples.

The Board of the Olivas Adobe Historic Interpreters oversee the docent operations and ensures that they run smoothly and successfully. Thanks to the OAHI docents, the Olivas Adobe continues its long tradition of hospitality by hosting a full calendar of diverse cultural events for all ages. And very exciting the wonderful Adobe Music Under The Stars will return this year. Watch for more information in a future issue of the Breeze.

Joe Schroeder stated “It is now my pleasure to swear in the new board’s elected officers. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I promise to conduct myself with dignity and decorum when representing the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and the City of Ventura. “

“I swear to uphold the By-Laws of the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and to do my job as an elected officer to the best of my ability. “

“It is my pleasure to present to you the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters elected and installed officers for 2022. Thank you, everyone for attending tonight’s Olivas Adobe swearing in ceremony and congratulations to the new board members.”

Soroptimist International of Oxnard and Ventura holds 15th Annual Human Trafficking Symposium

by Richard Lieberman

To raise community awareness of human trafficking and sexual slavery Soroptimist International held a public meeting at the Museum of Ventura County Saturday March 5. One goal of the group is to raise community awareness that human trafficking is not just a global problem, but a local one.

Featured speakers included Dr. Lowell Smith, National Extreme Terrorism Consulting and Gang Enforcement and Opal Singleton Hendershot CEO & Founder of “Million Kids.”

Smith is the former Department Chair for La Sierra University’s Criminal Justice Department. He is a retired Deputy Probation Officer and a widely known expert on white supremacist gangs, white nationalism, sovereign citizens, and anti-government movements.

Another featured speaker Opal Singleton Hendershot, CEO and Founder of “Million Kids” dedicated to keeping kids safe from predators. A leading voice for combating human trafficking, social media exploitation and the impact of advanced technologies on child sex crimes.

Sherriff “Bill” Ayub also gave a brief talk to the crowd emphasizing the importance of realizing that sex trafficking occurs on the local level, and for all of us to be aware of the signs that indicate human trafficking is occurring right here in Ventura County.

The presentations covered subjects related to keeping kids safe from predators, to identify and combat human trafficking, and how to identify signs of technology and video game addiction. White supremacy and extremism were also discussed. “One of the most crucial factors is how accessible a young person is to a pedophile is the amount of time they spend on the internet and their willing ness to take chances when talking to individuals they have never met,” said Opal Hendershot.

Dr. Lowell Smith in his presentation talked about white supremacy and its ever-increasing activities in California. “There’s been a major recruiting effort in the white supremacy, white nationalist movement over the past few years in California’” he said. Smith also added “California with its increasingly diverse population and left-of center politics, has become a breeding ground for hate groups.”

An awareness march was scheduled to begin at the museum and walk downtown streets to arose awareness was canceled due to weather conditions.

New council district map waiting for final approval

The Ventura City Council has unanimously approved the revised district map of its seven council districts. The Monday vote was a first reading of the ordinance, the final vote to formally adopt the map will be at the March 21 council meeting.

“The redistricting process is something that’s done every ten years and impacts how residents elect their city council members. The primary goal when developing election districts is to draw lines that respect neighborhoods, history, and geographical elements,” said Interim City Clerk Tracy Oehler.

Some of the biggest changes were based upon population increases in Districts 5 and 6 and decreases in Districts 4 and 7.

Mayor Sofia Rubalcava’s District 1 contains the city’s biggest Latino district at 60%. The new map will not change this district.

Spokeswoman Heather Sumagaysay said with the new district maps, some residents will realize they will vote for a council member of a different district. “When the maps are finalized, residents can go to the city’s website and type in their address to determine what district they are in”, Sumagaysay said.

There are 7 members of the Ventura City Council. Starting with the 2018 Election, four (4) Councilmembers were elected by Districts with the remaining three (3) Councilmembers elected by Districts in 2020. While elected by Districts, each member represents the interests of the City as a whole and serve for a term of four years. At the same time, the Council is reorganized and one of its members is selected to be Mayor. The Mayor serves a term of 2 years.

Council members are:
Sofia Rubalcava Mayor – District 1, Joe Schroeder Deputy Mayor – District 7,
Lorrie Brown Councilmember – District 6, Jim Friedman Councilmember – District 5,
Doug Halter Councilmember – District 2, Mike Johnson Councilmember – District 3,
Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios Councilmember – District 4

After a 2-year hiatus, beloved community event returns on March 12

Parade entries are now being accepted for the Ventura Elks Club’s 2022 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, along Main Street in midtown Ventura. Among the county’s most popular annual community events, the parade was dark in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, but it returns in full force this year, along a new and improved Main Street route, running downhill from Lincoln Drive to Fir Street.

Entry to join in the parade is easy: Prospective entrants can simply go to the parade website and follow the basic steps to submit their forms and pay via PayPal. Entry deadline is Thursday, March 3; only the first 100 entries will be accepted.

Leading the parade as its grand marshal will be Nan Drake, longtime co-chair of the parade committee (along with Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan). Drake is the governmental affairs and public relations director for E.J. Harrison & Sons, a sponsor of the annual parade since its first year, in 1987. She’s proud of her work, she said, “because every day at Harrison, we improve the environment by recycling with the help of all of the residents and businesses in their service areas.” The parade theme is “One World, One Air, We All Share”

The 2020 Irish Belle will once again take part in the parade lineup and don’t forget our famous giant dirigible pig. Many entries that were on board in 2020 have confirmed for this year — so please join us for the fun and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, when everyone is Irish.

For more information on the parade and to enter, visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com.

If you have any entry questions, call parade committee member Aaron Gaston at 805-340-8217 or committee member Dan McGrath at 805-231-2779. For other parade information, contact Faye McDonald at [email protected] or 805-650-0825; or Jim Monahan at 805-340-1356.

Ventura Music Festival returns to Ventura

Photos by Yana Khiyid

On Feb.20, at The Museum of Ventura County Smith Pavilion, the artistic lineup of the 27^th Ventura Music Festival was presented by Nuvi Mehta.

A social was held prior to the presentation featuring wine and folks meeting each other after a long absence because of COVID. It was wonderful to see a gathering sans masks.

“Live events are beginning to return to a semblance of what we love,” stated VMF Executive Director Susan Scott, “so we’re very excited about the artists and seven concerts planned for this summer, and maybe even more excited about unveiling them for a live audience on the 20^th.” She introduced the Festival Board members and Nuvi Mehta.

As to the artist of the 27^th Festival, “they’ve been described as a diverse musical feast,” said Scott, from contemporary world-fusion, to “le jazz hot” for the 21^st century, to an electrifying saxophone sextet that bends all genres and a jazz phenom possessed of a “miraculous voice.”

All concerts will be presented at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Tickets go on sale April, 2022.

Nuvi Mehta(violin) and Bevan Manson (keyboards) entertained at the end of the event with their outstanding musical talent.

The mission of the Ventura Music Festival is to build community through live, world-class music, and create an

environment in which people see and hear themselves reflected in the music. In 1994 the Festival was created creating “an artistically focused music festival in the City’s historic downtown core.” It was called the Chamber Music Festival with Burns Taft as the first artistic director a position now held by Mehta.

Go to venturamusicfestival.org for more information and to purchase tickets in April.

VMF

Players Casino re-opens at a new temporary location at the Ventura County Fairgrounds

A grand reopening ceremony was held.

by Richard Lieberman

Players Casino Ventura is back in business in a new location at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The casino, much like other businesses has suffered from the effects of Covid-19 and shut down permanently last December filing for bankruptcy four months later. Ventura City was faced with the loss of a major tax revenue source. At a recent City Council meeting, the council approved the re-opening of the casino at a new location that will help fill in the cash shortfall from the closure.

Players has been temporarily approved to open at the Derby Club located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, a grand reopening ceremony was held. The decision to open at the Derby Club gives the casino an opportunity to recoup some of its losses and keep the tax revenue stream flowing again.

Attendees at the event included Joe Schroeder Deputy Mayor and Stephanie Caldwell, President of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. A ribbon cutting ceremony led by Patrick Berry was conducted as a crowd of eager gamblers gathered at the front of the casino serenaded by a Mariachi Band on hand to add to the festivities. The crowd was addressed by local and county officials all praising Players second chance at life.

Tax revenue for the city, on average amounted to two million dollars a year leaving a gaping hole in city coffers after the casino closed. The city expected the revenue to continue through the 2021-2022 fiscal year but has drastically reduced the expectations to a fraction of what it was.

The city in approving the reopening and relocation has hopes to make up for at least some of the tax revenue even though the city, because the new location is owned and managed by the state will receive no tax revenue.

The city had depended on a 15% tax stream but will receive a steady flow of income through a program known as PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program. Players has agreed to pay the city a lesser amount, with the agreement running through 2025. The casino has offered, and the city has accepted a reduced amount. The casino will give up 10% of it is operations and the casino will be able to defer 5% of its income until 2027 to make up for relocation costs.

Patrick Berry General Manager said, “I think from our viewpoint right now that the percentage, the 10% and the deferral are what is going to allow us to keep in business.” Berry added “We don’t know what is going to happen, and we hope nothing happens and things just go up from here.”

With the agreement on revenue amounts to the city, Ventura will receive approximately 1.3 million a year according to City Council estimates.

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