Five hundred people live within a quarter mile of the plant.

by Richard Lieberman

The Westside Clean Air Coalition, CFROG, Food and Water Watch, Cause, and members of the West Ventura Community protested at a community forum with a stated goal of disrupting a Southern California Gas Company public forum. Designed to expand public awareness on the company’s proposed modernization and expansion of the Ventura Compressor Station located at 1555 N. Olive Street in Ventura.

Southern California Gas Company sponsored a public forum on Thursday, March 31, at the Crowne Plaza which is one of six proposed public forums the company will host from March 29 through April 2.

Concerns over air quality, climate change, and safety of local neighborhoods including the 91-year-old school E.P Foster Elementary School located directly across the street from the facility.

Protestors, among other things, want an independent Environmental Impact Report normally conducted by a government entity.

Five hundred people live within a quarter mile of the plant with another 4,750 live within one half mile. Close enough to be affected by a gas leak or in the worst case an explosion at the plant. Pipeline explosions have happened in the past. The San Bruno pipeline explosion occurred September 10, 2010, and first responders and SoCal Gas crews took over an hour to identify the event as a gas pipeline explosion. Eight people were killed because of the explosion. The natural gas compressor has been operating at the site since 1923, before homes and the elementary school were built in the area.

The compressor facility distributes natural gas for heat, hot water, and other uses to over a quarter million homes, businesses and industries in Ventura and the central coast. Southern California Gas wants to replace three gas compressors built in the 1980’s with four new more modern compressors. The company also wants to rebuild an old warehouse and office building that are already set for demolition.

Tomas Morales Rebecchi spokesperson for the group said “We are speaking up about a polluter in our neighborhood on our Westside across the street from a school. it poses a pollution danger to us through air pollution, but also a physical danger too through explosions and other horrible things that could go wrong. So, we are here to protect our air and to protect our children from the dangers of the gas compressor.”

On the day of the forum the United States Transportation Department issued a new rule for all companies with high pressure pipelines to install emergency shutoff valves that quickly shutoff oil or natural gas pipelines when a leak or rupture is detected.

Southern California Gas responded to the protestors with assurances of safety and careful operation of the gas facility. “SoCal Gas safely maintains it’s natural gas system by collaboratively working with multiple regulatory agencies with oversight of our operations.” Stated Marissa Girolamo. Addressing the call for an Environmental Impact Report Girolamo said, “whether and Environmental Impact Report is required for a project depends on the type of permits required. For this project an EIR is not being undertaken because the project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).”

“We understand that the community has concerns regarding facility safety. The facility is safe and equipped with a series of systems that protect our employees and the neighboring community. All these systems are routinely checked and verified for proper operations.” She added.

SoCal Gas literature states that Methane detection sensors are installed in the compressor building to closely monitor methane leaks. . The station is also equipped with an emergency shutdown system that is deigned to isolate the station from all energy sources when triggered, including when methane leaks are detected inside the compressor station. “This equipment is intended to provide additional transparency and the data will be made available to the public.” Concluded Girolamo

Each of these officers went above and beyond the call of duty.

The actions of Officers Jack Ortega, Ashley Hetzel, Tristan Cullum, and Karl Reyes were recognized by the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County (POAVC) at the Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony for outstanding acts of bravery, courage, and compassionate service to the City of Ventura.

“Each of these officers has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to our community,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They run toward danger, they place the safety of others above their own, and they make a difference every single day. We are honored by their selfless dedication to Ventura.”

Such was the case for Officer Jack Ortega who received a Medal of Valor for swiftly and effectively bringing a vehicle pursuit of an armed suspect to a close with no police officer or civilian injuries.

After a lengthy vehicle pursuit on city streets and a tire deflation, the suspect came to a stop directly across from a busy shopping center and residential area where residents were in significant danger. The suspect fled; Officer Ortega immediately gave chase. The suspect then produced a handgun and fired towards Officer Ortega. Ortega returned fire and struck the suspect, stopping any further threat to the public.

“That night, Officer Ortega demonstrated what he had displayed his entire career; sound judgement, unwavering good decision making, and an ability to remain calm under pressure,” said Commander Sarah Heard, the Watch Commander on duty that evening. “Officer Ortega certainly deserves to be commended for keeping with the highest standards of the Ventura Police Department and for acting with extraordinary bravery in a life-threatening situation.”

Officer Ashley Hetzel, and her trainee Officer Tristan Cullum, were both awarded a Medal of Merit for applying a life-saving tourniquet on a stabbing victim during a rapidly changing, life-threatening incident. Officers Hetzel and Cullum responded to a call of a stabbing, and upon arrival, located a woman actively bleeding out from her wounds, with an armed suspect still inside the residence. Officer Hetzel quickly evaluated the situation, instructed her trainee to hold coverage on the front door, and had to make a choice to cover the first-floor patio door or attend to the victim who was quickly losing consciousness.

Officer Hetzel chose to attempt to save the victim’s life by applying a tourniquet which emergency room staff stated unequivocally saved the victim’s life. The suspect was taken into custody and no one else was injured.

“During this incident, officers made the conscious decision to place themselves in harm’s way to save a life,” said Chief Schindler. “The actions of Officers Hetzel and Cullum that night were an outstanding act of service, requiring extreme bravery and devotion to duty.”

Finally, Detective Karl Reyes was honored as the Ventura Police Department’s Investigator of the Year. Detective Reyes is assigned as a Street Crimes Detective and is part of the Ventura County Auto-Theft Task Force (VenCATT). From January through November 2021, Reyes investigated nearly 300 cases, assisted with and made over 50 arrests, and sent nearly 20 arrest warrants to the District Attorney’s Office. On top of local cases, he also spent significant time assisting other County agencies in recovering stolen vehicles and arresting car thieves.

“Beyond his investigative attributes, Detective Reyes is the epitome of a fantastic team member. His candor and humbleness are appreciated, and his leadership presence is respected and trusted,” said CHP Sergeant and supervisor of the VenCATT, Matt Marien. “The Ventura Police Department is fortunate to call Detective Reyes one of their own.”

Every year, the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County honors acts of bravery, heroism, and service by law enforcement personnel and community members. These exemplary individuals receive recognition at the annual ceremony and were presented with their medals by the sheriff or respective chief of police.

Johnson to the rescue.

The Westside Community Council wants the citizens of Ventura to recognize the important work Council Member Mike Johnson does on behalf of all Ventura residents.

Months ago a Westside resident complained to the city code enforcement about trash being piled up behind a home. However, nothing was done.

WCC complained to the council about the lack of attention but still to no avail.

When Council Member Johnson was nearby for an event WCC members brought him to see the trash heap.

Johnson took action, arranged for a dumpster, and started the clean-up task himself.

The mission of The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is to “preserve, protect and enhance surface water resources within Ventura County. Photos by Patricia Schallert

by Patricia Schallert

The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is a collaborative effort by ten cities, the County of Ventura and the Watershed Protection District. The “Every Litter Bit Matters Campaign” kickoff presentation on Feb.22, 2022, at Marina Park in Ventura emphasized the Ventura cities and county’s efforts to protect Ventura County’s Watersheds and to reinforce the importance of putting trash and recyclable items in proper bins to prevent litter of waterways. This program encourages all County residents to be involved in local community clean up programs which will reduce pollutants in the storm drains and watershed.

Ventura County’s Community for clean watersheds “Every Littler Bit Matters” campaign was developed to educate area residents on the harm caused when trash and other contaminants are left in our environment, which are eventually washed or blown through storm drains to the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers, Malibu and Calleguas Creeks and the streams and estuaries making the way eventually to the Pacific Ocean.

Representatives from each of the ten cities pledged to continue to work cooperatively to improve stormwater quality throughout Ventura County. This joint effort assures consistency and efficiency in stormwater programs county wide and is guided by formal implementation agreements.

The speakers were:

• City of Ventura: Sofia Rubalcava, Mayor
• County of Ventura: Matt LaVere, Supervisor of District 1
• City of Thousand Oaks: Claudia Bill-de la Pena, Councilmember
• City of Ojai: Betsy Stix, Mayor
• City of Port Hueneme: Laura Hernandez, Councilmember
• Ventura Land Trust: Leslie Velez, Development Director

Watershed encompasses all lands that drain to a common waterbody such as a lake, river, estuary, lagoon or ocean when rain falls or snow melts. As runoff flows downhill, it picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, pesticides, oils, pet or animal waste and dirt sediment that travels into the storm drain systems and eventually to the ocean.

Pollutants are a primary concern to the environment and are preventable. Litter needs to be put into proper bins. Chemicals can end up in rivers, creeks and the ocean through wind, sprinkler runoff or rain. Pet poop has harmful bacteria that can also end up in rivers creeks and the ocean.

The City of Ventura prides itself in presenting its five miles of beautiful coastline though measures aimed at reducing litter and pollution.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban was adopted in 2020 to eliminate the used of stylophone food and beverage containers which are a prevalent form of litter. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/EPSban.

The Safe and Clean initiative was developed to maintain clean public spaces and ensures that illegal dumping and waste in streets are removed promptly and properly. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/SafeAndClean

Sofia Rubalcava stated “The Countywide Community for a Clean Watershed program was established to help residents understand how to respect and protect our watersheds and provides information on how simple changes in our daily lives can bring water quality benefits countywide.”

“The “Every Litter Bit Matters” Campaign aims at controlling the preventable pollutants that accumulate throughout our communities that can damage our waterways and impact public and watershed health. Simple changes, such picking up litter in and around our homes and businesses, can make a big difference in keeping our watersheds vibrant and healthy for generations to come.”

Matt LaVere, District 1 Supervisor, Ventura County (and former Ventura city council member)

stated “Being a second generation in Ventura County one of the primary reasons I became Supervisor was the preservation of the environment.”

“ Collaborative partnerships are so important to accomplish the task at hand.”

Leslie Velez went on to say “Since 2003, Ventura Land Trust has conserved and stewarded open spaces in Ventura County. Ventura Land Trust protects over 3,800 acres of land in the Ventura hillsides, Ventura River, and coastal estuary. We recognize the importance of the Ventura County Community for a Clean Watershed and look forward to a continued partnership with the organization.”

For more information and resources on how to be involved, please visit wwwcleanwatershed.org or www.vcstormwater.org

One thing that will change from previous years will be the St. Pat parade route. Still running along Main Street, the 2022 parade will begin at Lincoln Drive and run west to Fir Street.
The judges’ reviewing stand will be at Main and Ash streets.