CELEBRATIONS AND SAFETY

Americans sport the red, white and blue in summer at parks, beaches, and ball games.  Keep festivities fun and safe.

Notice the increase of DUI arrests in the last two years of the Fourth of July weekend:  for 2022, the California Highway Patrol made 998 DUI arrests on the Fourth of July weekend.  In 2023, ABC10 News in Sacramento reported 1,224 DUI arrests were made in California that weekend.
I am puzzled with the stats. Why can’t drinkers learn to remain sober if driving?  A drunken driver hit me when I was 16 in 1992.  After 30-plus years I can walk okay, but my hearing is damaged, and I have a deep tone to my voice.  My life changed personally, physically, and socially.

Taking Ventura Freeway to and from a gathering? Think before you drink. People will drink, but it is illegal if you drive drunk.  Don’t take chances: have a sober driver transport you if you had one too many. Save lives and your reputation: Don’t drive drunk.

Lori Martin
Tracy, California

Dear Editor,

As a Ventura resident, I was happy to read the Ventura Breeze article, “First Annual Government and Disability Summit in Ventura,” by Carol Leish and appreciate that it gave enough advance notice for people to get this important 4-day event on their calendars.  Also, awareness about disabilities and how they can affect a person from birth, during crucial developing years and throughout their lives is desperately needed.  However, it was disconcerting to see the article in the “Senior” section of the newspaper.  It is true that some aging people develop disabilities late in life and need help managing them.  Yet, disabilities are varied and widespread in all age groups.  Young people with disabilities frequently struggle in schools lacking supportive resources.  Well-qualified adults with disabilities often have difficulty getting hired due to cultural assumptions and biases about disabled people.  Consequently, it seems placing this article in the newspaper intended to engage the general population and not just one age group would have been much more appropriate.  Perhaps this oversight is a good example of how important this summit is in bringing awareness to businesses, government agencies and the general population if we want a more humane and just community for all people with disabilities.

Best regards, Mary O. Kerrigan
Ventura

Answer:

Hi Mary,

Thanks for writing to share your knowledge and help educate us. Glad we could bring some exposure to the importance of this event, and, of course, you are correct. The article shouldn’t have run in our senior section. We look forward to covering the Summit more as it draws closer to support greater awareness.

Editor

Sheldon,

Well, a belated congratulations! I’m glad you have found capable hands to pass the torch to. We so appreciate all you have done with the Breeze and for the community. You have been a great support to CAPS and KPPQ for these many years.

Elizabeth Rodeno
KPPQ 104.1FM Radio Station Manager
CAPS Project Manager

Breeze:

As a relatively new Venturan (I moved here in 2017, weeks before the Thomas Fire!), I’ve really enjoyed the Breeze as a way to understand my new home,  learn about what’s going on and to connect to the community here. Although sad to see Sheldon go, I’m very happy for him and sure his retirement is well deserved.
Thank you so much for your service to our community!  I look forward to continue picking up The Breeze downtown, where I live.

Best,
Ed Terpening
EdTerpening.com

Sheldon:

Congratulations, Sheldon. Glad to know that The Breeze will continue—and that you will still be involved to some extent. Your experience and connections will assure the continued success of the enterprise.

Lots to be proud of—I don’t think there has ever been a Ventura publication quite like your newspaper.  Here’s to many more years of success!

Mike Tracy

Oh Sheldon! Thank you for letting me know and Congratulations on your retirement!  Although it sounds like you will still be very busy!

I want to thank you for being so dedicated to telling the story of Ventura and weathering all the good and bad times.  You are right the Breeze is loved by so many in our community so thank you for all you have given!

Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications and Public Information Officer (PIO)Ventura Unified School District

Big Hugs, Sheldon

Congratulations on 17 years with VENTURA BREEZE, Sheldon Brown!  You are an amazing person. In the many years you believed in my writings with the rock music scene (local and national).  You let me run through many ideas. I always believed that in a local rock scene; it’s okay to push boundaries and try different areas of writing.

When there was music news that I could blend in with local news together, we covered lots of ground. Featuring some high profile rock interviews. My favorite one was ROB HALFORD.

We featured Rob Halford in the Ventura Breeze back in 2010. Rob’s band had just won their first Grammy after 30 years of recording music and was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. And as of this writing, they are currently on tour supporting their 19th studio album.

In addition, Rob Halford is also featured on a duet with Dolly Parton on her new rock album.  Wonderful track called, “Bygones.”

Thank you for giving me the opportunity, Ventura Breeze, to interview him in July 2010.  And, thanks for the hard work you put in, Sheldon. And hugs to Pam @Venturarocks.com for keeping our scene going in marketing, radio and publishing.

Big hugs, Sheldon. Thank you for being you and everything you have done in every way!

Michael Kohli (aka DJ KOHLI ROCKS)

Sheldon,

I see that you are retiring from your position and want to say thanks for all the time and effort you have devoted to promoting what is a valuable news resource for Venturans.  Having been retired for over ten years now, I can highly recommend it!  And, I’m sure you, as I have, will find others ways to support our beloved Ventura.

Thanks
Russell Richardson

Insanity

Since when do politicians, judges and now Justices of the Supreme Court make medical decisions regarding abortion care? It was bad enough when the above outlawed abortions for rape and incest victims, as well as for a woman’s personal decision!

Now, the above (mostly men), and none with medical degrees are arguing about how much bleeding should a woman endure, or how septic and how high a fever before a woman can get needed medical care.  Or, require a woman to carry a non-viable, or dead fetus that may prevent future pregnancies!

Women are suffering in hospital parking lots waiting to bleed more or become more septic before doctors can save their lives!

How evil and how dare these politicians and judges treat women so cruelly!

Have we become a Third World Country or are we really The United States of America where all people are supposed to have freedoms over their medical decisions.

Judith A. Beay, RN

Opinion

By Ivor Davis (Rambunctious Old Geezer)

As a 45-year resident of Ventura– I would like to go on a short rant.

My moan is about our Post Office Service—specifically what has happened to the once proud customer service at the main post office in downtown Ventura on Santa Clara.

They used to be an icon of good, efficient service. But now it has become yet another ordeal in life.

In my opinion—it has deteriorated beyond belief.

Today in the year 2024–should you happen to take package to mail—expect a wait in line for up to 30 minutes!

I am not, (repeat not,) complaining about PO Veterans like James and Bill, who still valiantly toils behind the counter as he has for many decades. Singlehandedly he does a brilliant job—but he has little help. I mean, who wants to admire those outstanding wall murals for half an hour for what was once a simple in and out purchase of stamps, or mail parcels?

When I checked, here’s what I was told: All the delivery persons have been moved to Oxnard Post Office so that today the cavernous sorting area in the back of the post office, is empty–now a ghost warehouse!

As a result of that move, the Post office—without a thought for its warm body clients– has severely cut back on its counter staff. This is the sorriest state of affairs I have ever seen in my 40 plus years of using that once dominant downtown post office.

Today, for example a couple came in to purchase a money order and spent 15 minutes at the counter, paying for their very large cashier’s check with one-dollar bills.

A patient client finally shouted, “Pleeeze—send in the cavalry!”

So: Can someone in the postal service—particularly Postmaster General Louise DeJoy–please inform me how we can bring some joy back to the Ventura postal system. And whether the good old efficient days of a visit to the post office will ever come back?

Sheldon:

We loved the alien sending his vacation picture from Marina Park! Thank him for showing us what’s in that fortress-thing. Did you translate the Breeze into Marspeak for him?

Jill Forman

Jill: We tried to translate it into Marspeak but Word didn’t have that option. Hopefully when he returned home they have that ability. Would you like to deliver there if they want to start reading every issue?

At last came the golden month of the wild folk– honey-sweet May, when the birds come back, and the flowers come out, and the air is full of the sunrise scents and songs of the dawning year.
~ Samuel Scoville Jr., Wild Folk

“How Long?”

Wiliiam Gohlke

Tom Watson, eight-time golf major champion said,  “A great golf course both frees and challenges a golfer’s mind.”

The City of Ventura is fortunate to have two such golf courses (Buenaventura and Olivas Links) that not only provide recreation but are revenue generating assets.

Unfortunately, Buenaventura suffered severe damage in 2023 from flooding during the winter rainstorms. At present, it appears to be on track to being repaired as only a nine-hole course. However, nine holes will impact revenue by 75% according to the City’s own Golf Administrative Report dated 2017.

Olivas Links was redesigned by Forrest Richardson and reopened in 2007. It was immediately recognized as one of the “Top Ten Municipal Courses” by Golfweek. The city directed Mr. Richardson to make the course a “destination venue for golfers,” not only county residents, but for non-resident golfers. According to 2022-2023 Parks and Recreation data the course has admirably accomplished this goal with 30% of rounds played by non-residents who pay higher green fees than residents. Unfortunately, Olivas is not able to realize its full revenue potential due to unsightly dilapidated temporary trailers that are 17 years old.

Harry Vardon, a six-time British Open Champion golfer said, “More matches are lost through carelessness at the beginning than any other cause.”

This is certainly true when we become aware of how much money has been expended to rent these trailers. That amount is approximately 3 million dollars according to a reliable source. If a decent clubhouse and cart storage structure had originally been built, both structures would now be paid off and additional revenue generated from food and merchandise sales.

How long before our current Ventura Mayor and City Council members recognize the need to improve this infrastructure? This investment will not only enhance revenue lost to Buenaventura downsizing but will maintain the course as a “destination venue for golfers.” The National Golf Foundation indicates that 26 million people play golf in the United States. Most importantly, our junior golfers and future golfers of tomorrow have expanded by 40%. Golf is growing and Olivas requires first class infrastructure facilities.

Dear Sheldon,

I’m writing on behalf of everyone working at New Art City Theatre – the Advisory Board, the volunteers, the artists, and Kirby and myself – to thank you for the article about our upcoming Festival ’24! We’re grateful for the shout out, especially since Festival ’24 is FREE! We hope to be an addition to the already rich cultural scene, but we can’t achieve that goal unless folks know what we’re doing.

You do incredible work in our community. You keep people abreast of what’s happening (and what isn’t). The Breeze is vitally important to all of us in our beautiful town, and you’re providing such a wonderful service to the residents of Ventura.  So thank you, again.

Warmly,

Bev Ward
Co-Founder/Co-Producing Artistic Director
New Art City Theatre

Opinion:

Maybe at one time the Albinger Archaeological Museum (On Main across from the County Museum) was something to see and explore. But now it is just a large wasted space. Perhaps a good location for a much needed downtown parking structure.

William Bray

Breeze:

The employees at Olivas Links do an outstanding job, but faced with these antiquated trailers their efforts are marginalized.

William Gohlke

AN OPINION
by Veterans for Responsible and Efficient Government Editors

The evidence continues to mount, proving a problem exists with Ventura Water, the Water Commission and VenturaWaterPure.

In 2019, the Carollo Report presented several options to Ventura to VenturaWaterPure, many of which were less expensive. However, the Ventura Water Department convinced the City Council to ignore the report’s options.

A September 12, 2019 report titled Ventura Water Supply Projects and Alternatives shows estimated project costs of another $320 million plus annual operating expenses of $29.Million for VenturaWaterPure. Yet, the Carollo Report presented options costing a mere $50 million for the project and operating costs of only $3.9 Million.

Now after five more years of operating without any severe limitations, more damning evidence surfaced this month when Water Commissioner George Amandola resigned from the commission. Mr. Amandola cited various problems he saw within Ventura Water, the Water Commission, and the City Council. Critical points in the resignation letter are a stultified, bureaucratic, autocratic Ventura Water Department. He lacks confidence in the project management and financial planning for VenturaWaterPure. He also felt that Ventura Water had neutered the Water Commission and prevented it from doing its duty.

These are not frivolous accusations made by an outsider. These are observations made by an insider, capable of seeing the entire landscape of what’s happening with VenturaWaterPure.

Meanwhile, the project’s costs mount. Today, they are half a billion dollars, and it is reasonable to believe they will go even higher. With no ceiling on cost increases, Ventura Water ratepayers bear the burden. Soon, the project’s costs will triple the price of water.

What more evidence does the City Council need to finally admit that there are problems with the Water Department and the Water Commission? How long will the city hide its head in the sand before taking action?

City staff often uses the Consent Decree as an obstacle in addressing Ventura’s water problems. This Consent Decree addresses two issues. Part one is cleaning up the estuary. Extracting the wastewater from the estuary is being accomplished.

Part two is developing a practical use for extracted water. Ventura Water has named this Ventura WaterPure. However, nowhere does it say that Ventura WaterPure must be a stand-alone facility. There are also exceptions to allow for an extension of the timeline of the Consent Decree. Conditions to extend providing proper reuse of the extracted water are financial feasibility and proof that there is a sincere effort to comply with the Consent Decree. Ventura can meet both of these standards. An extension is reasonable and justified.

The major cost factor is that Ventura believes it must have a separate, stand-alone facility to treat the extracted water. While nobody says Ventura WaterPure needs to stop, it simply needs to be processed differently.

Oxnard has an underutilized recycling facility. Ventura Water has refused to consider this option, which would cost Ventura over $200 million.

To solve this issue, the City of Ventura must reconsider all options, including treating the wastewater in Oxnard. The city must issue an up-to-date formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to the City of Oxnard and United Water. Oxnard’s and United’s responses must come directly from them (not via a Ventura Water Department Consultant) and be on their letterhead.

If Ventura partners with other agencies, it must demand documentation for those alternatives. Please do not rely on Ventura Water or its consultants’ estimates and projections. Additionally, Ventura must have a cash flow projection that includes timelines, operating, maintenance, and taxpayer fee schedules.

It’s time for the 2024 Ventura City Council to meet its fiduciary duty. The council must force Ventura Water to provide reliable alternatives to VenturaWaterPure. We now know the “cost to go it alone” exceeds the $200 million Ventura Water projected in 2019. Collaborating with other water agencies may be less costly.

Contact your City Council and demand:

Get a new Request for Proposal (RFP) from the City of Oxnard and United Water.

Have Ventura Water produce a cash flow projection analysis.

Install a new Water Commission with the authority to manage this process and make decisions in the rate payer’s best interest.

In our last issue we neglected to give photo credit for this photo of Greg Rents it was taken by stephenadamsphoto.com.

Dear Sheldon and Richard

Thank you so much for the coverage of the Skyline entrance wall refurbishment. It was a really great project and I appreciate the recognition. It’s always wonderful when neighbors see a problem and work together to fix it.

I would be remiss not to recognize Jim and Kathy Ackerman, and Alison Bryant, all of whom played significant roles in the success of this project.

Jim Ackerman was the project manager. Without his leadership and enthusiasm, this project would never have come to fruition. He cares about our community and has volunteered much of his time to keeping Ventura safe and beautiful. Alison and Kathy did a great deal of work with fundraising and speaking to our neighbors. Without their help, we wouldn’t have received the donations needed to get the project done.

And lastly, I want to thank all of the neighbors who donated to make this happen. It’s amazing what we can do together.

Barbara Brown
Chair, College Area Community Council

Hello Sheldon,

Thank you so much for including the post article and pictures in The Breeze. The committee was very excited to see it!!
Again, thank you so much.

Debbie Gohlke
Soroptimist International of Oxnard

Sheldon,

In your latest issue you write, “We now have an official state bat – the Pallid bat – and an official state mushroom – the Golden Chanterelle”.
Good for the Mushroom. Ventura used to have a Mushroom Farm next door to Olivas Adobe. Maybe it is time for the City of Ventura to designate the Mushroom Farm a Historical Landmark.

Michael Gordon

Michael: Only if we also have a Ventura bat.

Sheldon

We applaud your position on Hamas. Many writers forget there was a cease fire in place on October 6th. The attack of October 7th breached that peace.

Robert Myman