Category Archives: Featured News

Results for Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit Sept. 1 DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint

The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit scheduled a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint for September 1, 2017, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely. DUI can also affect the driver’s insurance policy and since insurance policies differ from person to person finding out how much can your insurance increase with a DUI might be a step worth looking into.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. The Ventura Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. Those who are found to driving under the influence may have to attend the DUI Counseling Center of Illinois and face criminal charges. DUIs are not going to be taken lightly and anyone found driving in a poor state will have the law to deal with.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public. However, those who stopped at these checkpoints for a DWI or DUI check have the right to refuse when asked to take any of the Sobriety tests without consequence. It is still important to note that, if you are still stopped by the police and you have been drinking, you will need to look into getting legal counsel.

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Ventura Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

The checkpoint was conducted at 9:00 p.m. and was located on southbound Victoria Ave south of Ralston Street. The checkpoint concluded at 2:45 a.m. and at the conclusion of the Checkpoint, the final results are as follows:

  • 662 Vehicle were screened through the Checkpoint
  • 32 Field Sobriety Examinations (FST’s) were performed
  • 1 person was arrested for DUI out of the Checkpoint
  • 1 additional person was arrested for DUI during the Saturation Patrol
  • 1 Vehicle was towed for 14601 VC (Suspended Drivers License)
  • 6 Drivers were cited for 12500(a) VC (Driving without a Drivers License)
  • 4 Drivers were cited for miscellaneous violations

More excitement coming to the Harbor!

Two exciting new development projects are underway at Ventura Harbor that will offer Ventura visitors and residents additional opportunities to stay ocean side. The Board of Port Commissioners has approved a proposal from H. Parker Hospitality that will bring two new hotels to Ventura.

The “Harbor Cove Inn,” was approved for the 2.07-acre site next to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and Harbor Cove Beach, at the end of Spinnaker Drive. Plans call for an upscale 64-room hotel, complete with restaurants, rooftop pool, fitness center, casual patio dining, beach club program, dock which would serve as a launching spot for fun and excursions to the Channel Islands, whale watching, diving, sport fishing and other harbor activities such as a water taxi service.

Expanding on the seaside brand of Ventura Harbor as home of the Channel Islands National Park, the second hotel property will be located at the area between Ventura Harbor Village and Island Packers and is named “Adventure Lodge,”. The Parcel 5 property is about two-thirds of an acre, where H. Parker Hospitality proposes building the hybrid hostel-lodge inclusive of a public pocket park located within the large lawn area that is now the location of many outdoor events.

“We’re thrilled to bring new lodging options to Ventura Harbor and are grateful for the community support we’ve received for these exciting projects,” said Port District General Manager Oscar Peña, who noted that over a dozen speakers supported the projects at the Port District meeting on May 24. H. Parker Hospitality owns and operates several other popular hotels in California including the Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara.

Port District commissioners say both sites are valuable but have been underused. Their proximity to Ventura Harbor Village, the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, Island Packers and beautiful Harbor Cove Beach make the sites ideal for hotels, Peña said.

Before any construction can begin, the developer must win approval from the Ventura City Council and the California Coastal Commission, among other steps which means the project is many years away from starting construction.

In memoriam John Cressy

John Cressy with his dogs Baron, Dog and Whiddle near the mouth of “the raging Ventura River,” as John joked on Facebook.

The Ventura Breeze would like to honor the memory of John Cressy, who died recently after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer of the esophagus.

Cressy was a longtime friend of the Breeze. He spent his last 17 years as part of the team at Whisenhunt Communications. A consummate professional, Cressy insisted on continuing to work even as he grew weak from the disease and the battery of treatments he underwent to fight it. He was still sending us press releases the week before he died, on Sunday, Aug. 6.

“The last few years when he was battling cancer, John was simply amazing,” said Stan Whisenhunt, owner of Ventura-based Whisenhunt Communications. “He wanted to keep working and he did that right up to the end.”

Cressy was born June 16, 1953, in Hayward, California, the middle of nine children. He graduated high school in 1971 and in 1975 earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Humboldt State University. After working a year at Alameda Glass and Paint, he returned to Humboldt and in 1978 earned a degree in journalism.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Cressy spent the next 22 years in newspaper journalism, primarily as a sports writer and editor, for the Arcata Union, the Santa Maria Times and the Ventura Star-Free Press. Starting as a sportswriter, Cressy went on to become a popular sports columnist at the Star-Free Press and in 1987, he was promoted to sports editor by then-managing editor Whisenhunt.

Cressy went on to work at the Ventura County Star and the Santa Barbara News-Press before leaving journalism in 2000, when he returned to work for Whisenhunt, who’d left journalism in the early ’90s to create his public relations firm.

In addition to his work as a writer and photographer for Whisenhunt, Cressy also taught writing skills at workshops for Custom Training. His personal passions revolved around his family and his love of sports and sports trivia. He also loved photography, hiking, the beach, classic movies and classic rock.

He died peacefully on Aug. 6 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; stepchildren Laura and Darren Mills; sisters Susan Verhees; Ann Zammattio (Duilio) of Italy; Peggy Figueira (Ray); brothers Danny, Steve, Bob and Brian Cressy (Rosalee); brothers-in-law Pat Williams and David Kimbrough; mother-in-law Suzanne Kimbrough and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his faithful maltipoo Whiddle, who was at his side when he died, and his catnapping companions Rascal and Oscar Eddie.

A rare man of honor, heart, humility and humor, Cressy was a truly good person with a remarkable work ethic whose passing has left a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him and worked with him. We’re grateful to have had that privilege, and we’re grateful for all his service to journalism, particularly to us these past 10 years.

Cressy will be remembered by his large and loving family and loyal friends in a private memorial service. Donations may be made in his honor to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Officer Aaron Drake may be called as a witness at her trial

Wendy Di Rodio, a family therapist and author, was killed in 2009.

From a previous Breeze issue: “After a three-year investigation, the Ventura Police Department arrested Gina Drake, 45, for the murder of her aunt Wendy Di Rodio. Di Rodio, 61, was stabbed repeatedly in her room in her home in the Ventura Keys neighborhood on June 3, 2009.”

“Gina Drake is the former wife of VPD veteran Police Officer Aaron Drake, The Drakes were married at the time of the homicide, but Officer Drake had filed for divorce in June, 2009 (about the time of the murder) and they have since been divorced.”

Why is this important now?

In a suicide attempt, VPD patrol officer Aaron Drake, 47, shot himself around 1:30 p.m. on July 28 in the locker room of the Ventura Police Department headquarters located on Dowell Dr. (officer Dowell remains the only Ventura officer killed in the line of duty).

He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center and eventually to Kaiser Permanente hospital in Los Angeles where he is being treated.

Apparently Aaron Drake was very involved with the investigation in to his ex-wife’s case, even wearing a wire in a meeting with her. The investigation is being conducted by the Ventura Police Department and the Ventura County District Attorney Office.

Defense attorneys for Gina Drake, as well as prosecutors, want to call the officer as a witness during pretrial motions and for her future trial.

Activities have been delayed pending the condition of Aaron Drake and his ability to be a witness in the case.

It has not been determined if his involvement with Gina Drake’s pending trial predicated his attempted suicide.

Spencer Makenzie’s 8th annual End of Summer Throw Down

Spencer Makenzie’s 8th annual End of Summer Throw Down took place from Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27. Friday’s activities included live music provided by popular local band Rey Fresco.

Now in its 8th year, the Cornhole Throw Down has continued to grow into a national event, hosting incredibly skilled players of all ages from states across the country. This year’s competition included teams from: Alabama; Arizona; Florida; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Michigan; Nevada; North Carolina; Ohio; Kentucky; Texas and Virginia – and of course, California.

This California-classic multi-day party also featured the eatery’s award-winning food, ice cold drinks and craft beer, and a free concert with rockin’ local bands on Saturday evening, as well as DJs spinning great music throughout the tournament for players and spectators alike.

Spencer Makenzie’s 8th annual End of Summer Throw Down

Ventura Chamber members compete for a great cause

“Hand me a towel”

The Ventura Chamber’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) and Ambassadors recently participated in the 4th annual YPG Challenge – a contest in which members compete to collect donations for local non-profits. This year’s “Pillow Fight” challenge directed thousands of linen donations to temporary and transitional housing organizations and crowned YPG as the winning team.

The Young Professionals Group is comprised of members between the ages of 21- 40 who are interested in creating positive changes in self and the community. As part of their commitment to giving back, the YPG challenge was created to encourage friendly competitions between the chamber members in the name of charity.

“The YPG challenge is a great way to give back to our community and bring people together for some fun competition,” said Shelby Bishop, Chair of the Young Professionals Group. “Events like these spice up the efforts and motivate us to make a difference where we live and work.”

Chamber members surveyed local non-profits and determined the most need was for linens in the form of bedding, pillows, pillowcases and towels. Support from various local hoteliers was crucial in the success of the challenge. DKN hotels, parent company of Ventura’s Pierpont Inn, donated thousands of linens and pillows. Comfort Inn Ventura Beach and Crowne Plaza also donated items to the challenge.

Thousands of linen items were collected and delivered to local non-profits including Turning Point Foundation, The City Center, Project Understanding and Tender Life Maternity Home, Ventura Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Casa Pacifica, Lighthouse for Women and Children, and Family Promise. The linens will be used at these facilities and will be given to families as they exit the programs and transition to permanent housing.

Project understanding announces new leadership

Tom Hilton and Brandy Beesley

Project understanding and its Board of Directors has selected Brandy Beesley as the organization’s new Executive Director. Brandy is a local resident and comes with a wealth of knowledge in the nonprofit sector, as well as years of administrative and business management work.

“I am honored to be part of Project Understanding’s vision and mission as the new Executive Director. I am thankful for the confidence entrusted in me to help build the future of the organization and its impact on our community. Going to work each day knowing you are able to make a positive difference in the lives of so many, is a huge blessing. I look forward to continuing the growth and accomplishments of an organization with 40 years of success.”

Tom Hilton was selected as their new Vice President of Development. Tom comes with years of fundraising experience and will help take the organization’s fundraising efforts to the next level.

Brandy and Tom are sure to provide the organization with remarkable guidance and success, in supporting the mission and growth of Project Understanding, while improving their practices and programs and increasing overall effectiveness.