Category Archives: Featured News

Media gather for good news

Channel Island foxes are no longer endangered. Photos by Richard Lieberman
(for more photos visit www.venturabreeze.com)

by Sheli Ellsworth

On a pristine Southern California morning, August 11, blue skies and calm waters welcomed dozens of invited guests to the Channel Islands National Park to celebrate.

Joining the press conference were members of the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservatory and the media. What was the big event? An endangered species, once numbering as low as 70, is now back in full force. The Channel Island fox population was officially removed from the endangered species list and in record time.

The Channel Island foxes are the only carnivore unique to California. Their decline was chronicled in the 2011 T. C. Boyle novel, When the Killing’s Done. First the black rats came, then the non-native feral pigs and finally the golden eagles that preyed on the baby pigs and the foxes. The subspecies of fox on Santa Catalina, decimated by an outbreak of canine distemper, remains threatened.

Removing the invasive species became a controversial issue. In 2001 and 2002, the National Park Service poisoned Anacapa Island’s non-native black rats. In March of 2004, four of the Channel Islands’ subspecies were placed on the federal endangered species list. Then the park service and other government agencies collaborated with the Nature Conservancy to eradicate (shoot) the feral pigs, relocate the golden eagles and reintroduce the native bald eagles wiped-out by the use of DDT. The agencies spent $20 million donated by public and private sources on the environmental project. Through captive breeding and rearing, native foxes number in the thousands as of 2015. There are 700 on San Miguel; 1,200 on Santa Rosa and 2,100 on Santa Cruz.

A National Park Service boat ferried the group to Prisoner’s Harbor on Santa Cruz Island to observe the routine health checks that insure the population’s survival and to hear welcoming speeches. Collar monitoring for some foxes and vaccines for canine distemper will continue.

Smaller than a housecat, the reddish foxes that eat certain plants, deer mice, crickets, grasshoppers and ground nesting birds may be descendants of the gray fox that was brought to the islands by man about 6,000 years ago. The 4-5 pound foxes inhabit six of the eight Channel Islands and live up to 15 years. They mate in the spring and usually have litters that number from 1-5.

The three species of Channel Island fox are in a list of 37 species removed from the endangered species list since the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973. California currently has 119 animals on the endangered species list according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website.

Channel Island foxes

Chamber supports raising of sales tax

Chamber CEO Stephanie Caldwell supports the Board’s decision.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce Board voted to support the City of Ventura’s proposed ½ cent sales tax increase during their Board Meeting on August 17. The 24-member board represents the Chamber’s 680 members who employ more than 25,000 employees.

“We felt it was prudent to support the City and support the modest tax increase that will allow critical funds to be collected for future operations,” states Stephanie Caldwell, the Chamber’s President and CEO, in a letter delivered to Mayor Erik Nasarenko, Ventura City Council and to all Ventura Chamber members. “The Chamber believes public safety is integral to our prosperity as a community, which means funding additional police officers, restoring the gang unit, and continuing to provide for the homeless task force. Additionally, it is important to secure long-term funding for Fire Station 4 which serves businesses and residents on the East End of Ventura.”

“The Chamber is committed to business growth, job creation, and new capital investments in the City,” says Caldwell. “With this in mind, the Chamber will continue to work with the City to improve our development process so that those willing to invest in Ventura have a smoother, faster, more welcoming experience. A smart approach to development creates jobs and generates tax revenue to support the City services we all care so much about.”

In particular, the Chamber intends to engage with the City on creating three revenue opportunities:

Focus Area 1. Expanding the Ventura Auto Center and attracting destination retail.

Housing solutions. Addressing the low vacancy rate and limited, high-cost housing.

Continued access. Increased opportunities for the Chamber to engage with City leaders and elected officials to enhance transparency and allow for continuous process improvement.

“The Chamber expects the City to faithfully steward these potential additional resources pursuant to its expressed plan for their use, regardless the individuals entrusted with the leadership of our City,” Caldwell adds. “The Chamber, which has been advocating for Ventura for nearly 100 years, will stay engaged with the City to ensure that the City spends any new tax revenues in the manner proposed.”

2016 Fair closed with record numbers of attendees in all categories

2016 Ventura County Fair closes with brilliance. Photo by John Ferritto

The Ventura County Fair’s Board of Directors, management, and staff are proud to report that the 2016 Fair was a success. Celebrating the finest from throughout Ventura County, the 141st edition closed with record numbers in all categories. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” during the 12-day run, August 3 through August 14.

The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County, this was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits and baking contests. Fairgoers were greeted with an abundance of new attractions, which included Star Child Stilt Circus, who delighted young and old as they strolled through the Fair. Adding to the attraction were exciting new carnival rides, including the Flipper and the F-80. Tasty new food offerings like Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly and Birthday Cake Crepes pleased the taste for summer treats.

Total Attendance for 2016 was a record 332,262; up 4.5% from 2015’s attendance of 318,113. The previous record Fair attendance was set in 2013 with 329,061 Fair visitors.

“We go all out to bring Ventura County a better Fair every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid. “For us the focus is not about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. We are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that will create cherished memories”

As is the case every year, overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of the sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2016 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2017 Fair.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events. Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, weddings and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.

The Ventura County Fair entertained thousands of guests and employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. With annual attendance of over 300,000 visitors to the Fair, the communities throughout Ventura County share in the economic vitality derived from the Ventura County Fair. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers. While agriculture is the heart of the Fair, it’s the diverse entertainment that typically draws Fairgoers through the gates. Known for free top name concerts, we take pride in the overall dynamics and diversity of the entertainment, the esthetics and cleanliness of the grounds, as well as the vast educational and innovative exhibits that are showcased throughout the Fair each year.

Rey Fire has consumed 30,000 acres and is 30% contained as of Aug 23

The North Pacific Forestry crew from Salem, Oregon stopped in Oak View for lunch Monday before heading back out to monitor and report on the progress of the fire as it travels east through the Los Padres National Forest toward Ventura County. The plume from the fire can be seen just above their heads in the center of the picture.

ReyFire-Oakview-Aug22-130p — View from Oak View

The Rey Fire, located just north of Santa Barbara, has consumed approximately 30,000 acres and is 30% contained as of August 23 per the incident report on InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4971/.

Currently there are 1,428 personnel assigned to the fire comprised of 42 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 51 engines, 21 dozers, 29 water tenders, 6 air tankers, and 2 VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers).

The fire started Thursday, August 18th, at approximately 3:15pm, near the White Rock Day Use Picnic Area in the Los Padres National Forest. The cause is currently under investigation.

The estimated containment date is Wednesday, August 31st, and Level Four Fire restrictions remain in effect for the Los Padres National Forest.

For more information about the Rey Fire:
Call (805) 364-2738
Large animal evacuation (805) 681-4332.
Email [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/lospadresnationalforest/
Twitter: @lospadresnf sbcfireinfo@eliasonmike

Brooks Institute Announces Closure After 70 Years

Soon there will be many unfinished offices in Ventura to lease.

by Richard Lieberman

Brooks Institute a visual and media arts school announced on August 12, it plans to shut down operations. The school has cancelled its fall semester and will cease all operations by October 31^st according to a letter sent to Brooks students.

The letter authored by Transition Officer Kristen Howard states, “Changes in economic regulatory conditions in recent years have had a significant, prolonged, negative impact on instruction, we have attempted to mitigate the problem through contraction, strategic planning and innovation, but with only limited success. Because we do not expect the adverse conditions to change in the foreseeable future, our only responsible course of action is to proceed to closure.”

The school also has announced it will continue to offer administrative student services, and support which will include transition services through October 31^st.

According to Kristen Howard, “We are working to identify other schools that may be able to take current on transfer, or to assist with a teach-out, so those who have not graduated as of Brooks’ closure will have the opportunity to complete their program or one similar to it. We will provide additional details regarding any transfer or teach-out opportunities as soon as such details become available. “

The school was originally founded as the Brooks Institute of Photography in 1945 by Earnest Brooks Sr. The original core curriculum was developed around economics, public speaking, and business management. Brooks Sr., turned over the operation of the school to his son Ernest Brooks II, who added portraiture, underwater and scientific photography, and motion picture production.

In 1999 the Brooks Institute of Photography was sold to Career Education Corporation (CEC). CEC expanded the school which included acquisition of an 8-acre site former movie production studio in Ventura in 2002, later becoming the Ventura Campus for consolidating the entire school. In 2011 Brooks Institute moved its programs and offices to the new Ventura Campus. In 2014 it moved to the Cota Street campus in Downtown Santa Barbara, before its final move to the Ventura Campus.

Brooks had been experiencing problems with declining student enrollment, accreditation and serious financial losses since CEC had taken over. Last year Brooks was acquired by Gphomestay which specializes in finding housing for students studying abroad.

The final decision to close was made last Wednesday, just one day after Brooks president Edward Clift was ousted. Additionally, a majority of Brooks Board of Directors members resigned last week.

City of Ventura officials, property owners, and downtown business owners had been anticipating the completion of Brooks move to 6 locations within the city. The school was in process of renovating the new locations and occupation of the sites was nearing, however late in July construction was halted.

Mark Watkins, Ventura City Manager commented “obviously on behalf of the city we were very disappointed on their decision to close we got word last week like everybody else so, everybody at the city was disappointed. Brooks has been a long time partner with the city, and we were looking forward to the opportunity for them moving downtown and bring to the community opportunities and we were disappointed. We haven’t heard back specifically from Brooks since their decision to close. They weren’t keeping us posted on their decision making process. That being said we do have a lease agreement with them for the space and it has many obligations that they must meet including rental amounts and also amounts for tenant improvements We put them on notice as soon as we heard that we fully expect them to meet all of their lease obligations. We fully expect them to meet all their obligations they have with the city.” Added Watkins.

Brooks currently owes the city more than $70,000 in back rent. They also have not paid a security deposit on the building behind city hall. That lease was executed last February.

Brooks had already begun renovations on the site and it will take substantial city resources in order to make the space rentable and once again available for lease.

Donna Granata, Founder/Executive Director of Focus on the Masters, who had to relocate to a different floor behind city hall told the Breeze, “The closing of Brooks Institute is heartbreaking on so many levels. The biggest catastrophe in all of this is the effect it will have on the faculty and the students. This event will reverberate for many years to come, not only in the hundreds of lives directly associated with the campus, but at a great cost to our community. Brooks decision to move the campus to downtown Ventura was a great idea in theory, but was so poorly executed without proper planning, financial viability and a lack of transparency. What was supposed to be an economic boon for the city of Ventura, became a financial disaster for all involved.”

Christy Weir, Councilmember, Ventura “We are extremely disappointed in the closing of Brooks. Their proposed move to downtown Ventura was highly anticipated to be an economic and cultural generator. Downtown property owners who were partnering with Brooks to create an urban campus will be impacted by their sudden closing. It is fortunate that we have a thriving, desirable downtown and we look forward to continuing to attract a variety of new and exciting long-term tenants in the future”

Marlyss Auster, Executive Director Ventura Visitor & Convention Bureau “I am so sad about the Brooks news, on so many levels. The excitement of having all the Brookies downtown in an urban campus our team embraced and celebrated. We remained hopeful when the construction was stalled, now the devastating news is all just sinking in.”

Cheryl Heitmann, Councilmember commented “I met a young Brooks student today who told me he had only one semester left before graduation. And I think that is part of the disappointment I feel about Brooks closing. To make this decision so close to the start of classes seems so unfair to their students. Of course, it is a loss for our downtown. I think the vision of a downtown campus had real merit, especially for an arts school. “

The school has indicated that this week students will receive more information on the school’s closure, including Brooks’ obligations to their students. The school is opening a transition office to meet individually with each of the 350 current students to help them with the next steps in their education goals.

Help for students is also available from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education which can offer information on similar programs, information on federal loan forgiveness, and the tuition recovery program. The recovery program will reimburse students if their school closes before they have graduated.

Carl Morehouse will not be seeking re-election

Ventura to get at least one new councilmember.

“I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election this Fall. I am honored, humbled and grateful for the confidence voters have had in my ability to help guide this amazing city we call home since I was first elected in 1999. However, seventeen years is a long time and I wish to take a break. I am now the second longest serving Council Member behind Jim Monahan; not a record I imagined when I started this rewarding adventure. I have enjoyed my tenure on the City Council but, at this point, I am looking forward to spending time traveling with my wife and addressing other priorities that are on our “bucket list”.

“When I think back over my years as your Council Member, I am proud of the things that this community has achieved. Among those are:

The purchase and beginning of both the Community Sports Park on Kimball Avenue, and the more recent start to Kellogg Park on the West Side.
The development of an integrated paving program, wherein we evaluate the conditions of all of our streets in conjunction with the evaluation of our underground utilities, so that when we repave a street, we do it, literally from the underground up, including curbs, gutter and sidewalks and street trees.
That we now have better public noticing of projects with signage at the location of the proposals so that all of the community is aware of them.
We now have public art on utility boxes; a program that I instigated.
We made progress on dealing with plastic bags, although state law has trumped those efforts.
We undertook efforts to restore Surfer’s Point; a project I was proud to help support.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have used my position as Mayor to aid the development of farmworker housing by bringing Kris Kristofferson to perform two benefit concerts.
And, most recently, I am proud of that the fact that the current Council has finally taken a positive step forward to deal with the homeless issue.”

“Perhaps even more than these local achievements was the opportunity to represent Ventura for over 15 years on the regional and statewide level. I have been honored to be President of the Channel Counties Division of the League of California Cities (Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties), which lead to the opportunity to serve on the state Board of Directors of the League for three years – a body looking out for city interests versus State and Federal laws. It also afforded me the opportunity to serve for 11 years on the League’s Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy Committee (which reviews pending legislation affecting cities’ Planning concerns), including chairing that important committee in 2012.”

“I have also had the honor of serving as Ventura’s representative on the Ventura County Transportation Commission for 9 years, and the Gold Coast Transit agency for 5 years, including chairing that body as it legally transformed into a District in 2014. These bodies are crucial to good transportation planning and transit opportunities in Ventura County. “

“Additionally, I have had the pleasure of serving for the past 9 years on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) (which oversees annexations by cities and district formations), including chairing that body this year. And I have served as the city’s representative to the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) for 15 years, including as chair in 2007.”

“Finally, and most honorific, my Council seat afforded me the opportunity to serve as President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) during 2014 – a seat never held previously by a Venturan in SCAG’s 50 years of existence — after having been on that body for 15 years, including chairing one of their important policy committees. This body is the largest transportation planning agency in the U.S., representing 39,000 square miles of Southern California, six counties, 190 cities and 18 million people. This truly was an honor.”

“And in all of those capacities, I have been proud to represent Ventura and to protect our interests as both a charter city and in a regional context. For all of that, I feel a bit guilty pulling the plug because it takes a great deal of time to build those relationships and earn the respect of my peers, many of who I know in those organizations who are still begging me to stay.”

“There are many things still to be done. Most regrettably, I’m sad that we did not make better progress on capping the freeway. But, as that is a long term project, I am committed to remain active however I can to take the next steps in that direction. And the continuing refinement of our growth/no growth issues, including development standards and process refinement will proceed, although this will deprive me of a vote on that issue. I’m also saddened that we couldn’t have found a more sensitive way to deal with medical marijuana issues than simply criminalizing everyone. But state law may soon define that for us as well.”

“But that being said, I will be taking a slight break from politics for a while to refresh myself and enjoy quality time with my wife. This doesn’t mean I’m going away, or becoming any less interested in politics or Ventura’s future, but it does mean that I will have far fewer staff reports to read every week, and more freedom in my schedule to actually travel and not worry about missing meetings.”

Again, thank you all who have endorsed me and voted for me in the past. I will still be with you on those causes that are important to this city, just not right out in front. It has truly been both an honor and a privilege to serve both as your Mayor and as a Councilmember. Peace.

Carl E. Morehouse, AICP

Andrews resigns from Ventura County Republican Central Committee

“I am herewith resigning from my position as a member of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee. Over the last number of years I have found the failure of leadership of the Republican Party to be tremendously disappointing. The de facto elevation of Donald Trump to the titular leadership of the National Republican Party as a consequence of his selection as the Party Presidential nominee is an abomination. In the process the Republican Party leadership has subscribed to the embrace of a philosophy of fear, anger, cynicism, meanness, and ignorance instead of statesmanship and honor. I cannot be a part of this betrayal of the fundamental principles of the traditional Republican Party — limited government, fiscal responsibility, individual liberties, civil rights, fundamental moral values, and responsible patriotism.”

Neal Andrews

Philanthropist Howard Boroughs will always be remembered

Gary Best was Howard’s CAREGIVERS Volunteer companion and “best friend”.

Just a few weeks shy of his 103rd birthday former biochemist, Howard Boroughs passed away.

Howard Boroughs, came to Ventura in 1979 with his beloved wife Evelyn and their canine companion, Daisy. Thanks to their generosity, we have The Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Library at Ventura College and the dog park at Camino Real Park that allows canines and their human companions to romp unleashed. And many other things in our community.

Behind the Museum of Ventura County is the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden with a 4 foot bronze turtle for the children to play on that Howard commissioned.

Because of their love of dogs, Evelyn and Howard also created an endowment for those in Ventura who breed Guide Dogs for the Blind. Additionally, Howard, a major contributor to the Ventura Music Festival, sponsored the Rising Stars program and is a cornerstone sponsor for The Rubicon Theatre.

After serving in the Navy from 1942 to 1945, Boroughs earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Southern California in 1949 and a doctorate from California Institute of Technology a few years later.

He eventually became director of research at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and retired in 1975.

Having sat on both the Board and Advisory Board of CAREGIVERS (Volunteers Assisting the Elderly), each year Howard has donated scholarships that are given to outstanding student volunteers.

And, when Phase Two of the Museum of Ventura County is finished, the large gallery will be renamed the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Great Hall thanks to his help and participation in making this a reality for Ventura.

When asked about his life while having his portrait painted by Johanna Spinks he stated “I’m a very fortunate man, I’ve traveled and learned, I’ve lived in exotic places from Hawaii, to Costa Rica, to Paris, and now and for many years Ventura has been my home where I am very happy and content. I believe in giving back to my community. Most important, I had the good fortune to spend 66 years married to the woman of my dreams and share our love of people and cultures, art, life-long learning, and literature.”

The Breeze asked him what do you like most about Ventura?

“We had family living in the Valley and wanted to be close to them, but as travelers of the world we still wanted to be near the ocean in a setting more befitting our “eclectic nature.” Ventura seemed (and turned out to be) the ideal place to settle. We quickly grew to love our new home and became active in the community. Also, I find that in Ventura there is more interest in the arts.”

In remembering Howard CAREGIVERS Executive Director Tammy I. Glenn, MBA said

“Howard was a dear part of the family, having worn many hats with us. At 93, he first came to us as a frail senior who wanted someone to call every morning and make sure he was out of bed and on the go. Those calls were so effective, he joined our advisory board and our golf tournament committee for half a dozen years. In 2006, CAREGIVERS introduced him to Volunteer Gary Best who kept a regular eye on Howard week-after-week these last 10 years. Gary was The Volunteer and Howard would say his “best friend!” Definitely a success story for Howard. Howard will be deeply missed.”

A celebration of his life will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the Rubicon Theatre.

Help support local food banks at charity event Sat. Aug 6

Enterprise Truck Rental located at 1144 Arundell Avenue in Ventura is having a great charity event coming up this Saturday, August 6th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm!

All attendees will be able to enter a raffle to win a 40″ Samsung Smart HDTV, a Weber Grill and more! Simply stop by and drop your business card in the raffle bin to be entered. While you’re here, please support our local food banks by bringing canned food if possible, or donate online using these web pages.

www.foodshare.com

www.foodbanksbc.org

For more information call

(805)642-0811

CHDC and Aera helping Ventura to construct Kellogg Park

On March 12, 2016 Kellogg Park held a groundbreaking ceremony attended by dignitaries and well-wishers.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (CHDC), through its Housing Related Parks (HRP) Program, is awarding the City of Ventura a $230,800 grant towards the construction of Kellogg Park, located on Ventura Ave.

Aera Energy LLC is also supporting the development of Kellogg Park by donating $30,000 to help build the park. Aera has been involved in helping Ventura’s Westside neighborhood as an active partner in many other of the community’s projects.

HRP is an innovative California Department of Housing and Community Development program designed to reward local governments with grant funds to create or rehabilitate parks in cities that approve housing for lower-income households and are in compliance with State housing element laws.

The park design calls for two playground areas, one for 2 to 5 year olds and another for 6 to 12 year olds. Other amenities will include outdoor fitness equipment, bike racks, a 0.25-mile walking path with mile markers, an amphitheater, a drought tolerant grassy play area/open space and 1.75 acres of native plantings.

These funds brings the total raised so far for Kellogg Park to $2.2 million. To complete the park $4.3 million is needed and a fundraising campaign is currently underway with donations accepted at www.cityofventura.net/KelloggPark or contact Katrina Maksimuk at 658-4775, [email protected]. Construction is expected to begin in early fall of 2016 with an anticipated completion date of December 2017.

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