Sheldon:

Contrary to The Star, Yes, You are doing “something right”!  Lots right !  Congratulations and Thanks for doing a great job and valued service to our community

I must admit to shedding a tear or two in reading about your goodbye to Scamp  So sad

Thanks again

Mike Merewether
Ventura

Sheldon

So sorry to see Scamp has passed on. He was Ventura’s mascot. I feel like he belonged to all of us. We will all miss him.

Cheryl Heitmann

Hello Sheldon

I read your column about losing Scamp. Again my heartfelt condolences

Suggest to Diane:

Look online at one of the local shelters for a middle aged hairy something for you and Diane. I highly suggest getting another dog.

Although Scamp will Always be in your hearts, there is room for more, you’ll see. And there’s a homeless dog out there who will love you just as much as Scamp did!

Mindy Benezra

Dear Sheldon & Diane:

Our hearts go out to you on your loss of Professor Scamp. He was a great dog and we enjoyed his wise words in every edition. He had a wonderful life and made the world a better place.

It is hard to deal with it the passing of a doggy child but comfort is in knowing you were the very best parents. All of our hearts felt sympathy.

Marilyn, Gary and Belle Rudolph (Scampclub Aug.,2015)

Belle:
His words will continue. Read my article.
Sheldon

Dear Sheldon and family,

I am saddened to read about Scamp’s passing; it is always a difficult task to let someone go on to their next journey alone. I feel sure you all provided the best support you could in arriving at the final decision.

Michael Gordon

Sheldon & Diane:

Honoring all that you both gave to Scamp and all that he gave to you. My heart hugs your hearts.

Patty Jenkins

You practice and you get better. It’s very simple.
~ Philip Glass

Breeze:

This is what people see as they enter Ventura on Amtrak. It is real disgraceful. Isn’t there any way to get rid of it?

William Green

William: 

Yes there is but very complicated. First it is on Amtrak property so can’t be done without there okay and security people on hand. Second city graffiti folks cannot paint private property. The only way is getting the address of the building (s) and reporting to the city. They will inform the owner to remove it and if not done in a certain time the city (with Amtrak assistance) can remove it.

 Breeze

Council members,

I was amazed at the post by VREG regarding water bill payment outsourcing for letter opening proposed at a City Finance Department meeting, without a reduction offset in cost savings. The outsource will cost the City $29,600 per year and will double that when the billing period is doubled.

“Minuscule”, as stated by the staff member to the question of cost savings, is not $29,600, let alone double that. That is derived by the number(s). If there is no reduction of cost elsewhere, then the increase is 100% of the new expenditure. The Finance Department was not able to answer a fifth grade math word problem!

The real question is how deep within staff, and how high within the decision making body of the City does incompetence go? And do we really want to know, it is too depressing!

John Whitman-Ventura

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
~ Josh Billings

Hi Sheldon:

I just sent Breezy our Ventura Friends of the Library Ad for your May 10th issue.  The Friends are using this ad to express a heartfelt thank you to Supervisor Steve Bennett and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors for their approval of the new east side Hill Road Library in Ventura.  We are very grateful for their support of our libraries and especially for restoring east side library services to Ventura.

I am quoting Dr. Seuss in our ad: “You can find magic wherever you look.  Sit back and relax.  All you need is a book.”  And we have Supervisor Bennett and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to thank for bringing the magic of libraries back to the east side of Ventura at last! There are many exciting things planned for this new

In addition, if one of these days (this is the day) you could mention The Ventura Friends of the Library are raising money for furnishings and other items for this new location it would be great.  Donations can be made at: https://squareup.com/store/VenturaFOL or P.O. Box 403, Ventura CA 93002.

Regards,
Marianne Coffey
Vice President
Ventura Friends of the Library

Ooops again. In a  recent front page NAWBO article outlining outstanding local business women of Ventura County Heidi Whitcomb, owner and CEO of Ventura Rental Party Center, Inc. was awarded the  NAWBO “Woman Business Owner of the Year 2017” and was not mentioned in the article.

Heidi Whitcomb is a second-generation owner of Ventura Rental Party Center Inc. who has been at the helm of the business since the mid 1980’s.  She has designed and coordinated thousands of events from intimate family gatherings to corporate. A firm believer in community involvement she has provided services for  the Ojai Music Festival, Community Memorial Health Systems events, Casa Pacifica Food & Wine Festival along with various other non-profit, corporate and private events.

In this photo, from our last issue, showing  the Women of the Year, as chosen by 19th District State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson the second from the left is Kim Stephenson (A last year winner) and not Kim Evans that we said it was who was a winner this  year. Our apology to the correct Kim who is always a winner.

Wherever the crowd goes, run the other direction. They’re always wrong.
~ Charles Bukowski

To publisher

So sorry he (Scamp) is not well. Dad may have a title, but everyone knows who the real mascot of The Breeze is.

My dogs have loved meeting Scamp at various Breeze sponsored events through the years.

We are here for whatever you may need.  Sending good wishes .

Pschuman

HI Sheldon,

I read the Breeze today about poor Scamp.  I am so sorry.  Pets just don’t live long enough.  I am very sad for you, Diane, and Scamp.  I think even Savana will miss him.

I agree with you about the golf courses.  If we want the city to take a hit on a golf course for the benefit and draw of tourists, okay.  But we don’t need two of them.  I would like to see some of the land for one of them used as a park, and some used as a tiny house enclave for the homeless (with social services all in one place), or for veterans, or both.  I would like to see a nice bike path.  I would like to see Ventura become more friendly to RVers by having a place they could park overnight (self-contained aka boon docking) for a minimal fee, like $10 or so.  In the summer there are few options for RVers.  The beach ones are quickly filled, and the Ventura RV resort charges an outrageous $65-105 per night.  The city does not allow RVers to park anywhere in the city overnight.  We are losing this tourist biz.  If we had a reasonable place to just park overnight, we could send the trolley round there and take those tourists to where they can spend some money.

That’s my suggestion list.
Anyway, back to Scamp.  I hope this sorrowful time is not too terrible.
Alison Carlson

Alison

Thanks for your kind words about Scamp, are tough times for us. See his article for an update.

To the Editor:

The article written by “City Staff” regarding Local Home –Based Businesses is absolutely correct. “The economy gets a boost because more money spent at a local business stays in the local area. Local dollars are re-spent as payroll, goods and services……and even as donations to community charities”. Further, the article notes the multiplier effect of local dollars spent. This is the very same factual economic concept that I have written about several times, including in the Breeze, with regard to Vacation Rentals. Vacation Rentals are a negative to our economy because the owners, for the greater extent, and their booking agents reside not in Ventura but elsewhere. Some are out of the State. There is not a possibility that a vacationer, here for a week can out spend a full time resident living in that same residential home. This article points to the hypocrisy of our City Council and staff. They have ignored the beneficial economic benefit to businesses in Ventura by not allowing vacation rentals. Instead they prefer to collect a 10% “bed tax” going directly to the City coffers, and not supporting businesses for a better economy. The taxes they do collect are at the cost to neighbors living next to these quasi-hotels. What arrogance! I believe that we have had enough. It is time to change the form of government in Ventura, starting with an elected mayor. We also need to query each person running for council on there position on vacation rentals, or any other economic fallacy, and vote accordingly.

John Whitman

Ventura, Ca

Sheldon,

There was a time that I agreed with you concerning historical buildings, but after open debates with others, I have changed my mind. Here is my reasoning.

The reason to preserve Ventura’s history is to make sure that future visitors and citizens are given a glimpse into our past way of life.

Here’s an example. Ventura at one time had so many horse hitching posts and wagon street rings that most thought nothing of removing them. There were plenty. As the years went on, we are now down to a few. Now the city puts some value on them as historical. Why ? The reason is not that they are beautiful , but because they are a historical utility item from our past way of life. They are rare now.

Just as rare are barns and carriage houses within the city limits. They were once plentiful,  but now very rare in our unique city. They are historic because they are rare.

Buildings considered for historical status should not need to be beautiful or build by noted architects. Being a rare glimpse of Ventura’s true past should be part of the consideration process. Rare is the key word.

The Top Hat may not be beautiful, but it is a rare downtown example of what our city looked like. Once gone , future visitors and citizens will not have a true historic view of our historical downtown area. So many great examples of our past are lost to short sighted business people and council members.

Change is inevitable and should be done carefully. We only have one historical downtown area. Historical areas draw tourist who bring in tourist dollars. Leave the Top Hat downtown.

Condominiums are usually never charming nor historical yet.

Mike Art

Great paper:

Just a thought City Council is wondering what to do with the 1/2c sales tax. Drive the city streets and what to do with the money will come to y’all.

Some potholes are tire eaters. Of course the money will probably go to increased salaries and perks for the bureaucrats. But it would be a nice idea to put a little down on the streets.

Charlie Hillman

Charlie

Street repair is one of the things being considered for the use of the additional money. An oversite committee is being formed to watch over the City Council’s use of the money perhaps you should apply for a position on the committee.

As far as increased salaries for City Council members that won’t happen so they will just need to be happy with the $600 they get now per month (or around $5.00 per hour for the time that they spend on city and other committee matters).

A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is strong enough to take everything you have.
~ Thomas Jefferson

Breeze

Tourism is the best thing that can happen to Ventura! It creates jobs, gives us all more fun restaurants and places to visit, and helps fuel progress. Rather than complain about it (overcrowding, homeless) , the most productive thing to do is get involved, show up to City Council and public planning meetings, and ensure it is good, well thought out growth that benefits everyone.

Thanks

Eric Rosenberg from Old Town

Dear Editor,

Yesterday, Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Main Street was lined with parade watchers, and the parade entries were lined up as far as the eye could see.  The parade progressed on a very slow procession toward the Judges Reviewing Stand; most of the time the parade was at a standstill while the entertaining entries stopped at Chestnut Street to perform for the Judges.

When the Judges Reviewing Stand was located at California Street the entertaining entries could perform while crossing California Street.  California Street seems to be much more level and wider; thereby allowing the entertainers to slow, but continue up Main Street.

The officials who approve the parade route, timing, and location of reviewing stands should take all this into consideration during the approval process, and offer solutions to avert avoidable delays.  Keep the parades moving in an orderly fashion.

Michael Gordon

PS Google Earth shows the following widths:
California St.  85 feet wide.
Chestnut St.    68 feet wide.

Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.
~ Leonardo Da Vinci

Dear Sheldon,

I would like to first say that the City of Ventura has done a fantastic job of trimming up the landscape along Seaward Ave. west of Ocean, near the train bridge. It is so much better to look at and for the pedestrians…now there is more available sidewalk.

It’s just wonderful, until you get to the chain-link fence section on the westbound side. It is a real mess full of palm branches and dead limbs, etc.. Who is responsible for upkeep of that area ? The landscaping appears to have all been planted at the same time along the street.

Thanks!

Christi Cunningham in Ventura

Hi Breeze:

Please make sure that if you covered the Trump Support/Anti-Trump Protest today (we didn’t), you state in your article that the Pro Trump contingent were from out of the area; specifically from L.A. and Orange County. The anti-Trump contingent, of which I was one, were made up of Venturans.

As an participant/observer of the protest, I thought you’d like to write up my observations or quote them.  In most cases the people there were polite and willing to just make their stance known. However, you had about 6 male ProTrump supporters who mingled with the anti-Trump contingent trying to get them to talk with them just so they could talk over their opinions. Listening was not their strong point. There were a couple of anti-Trump supporters that became belligerent in response. But most of the observed push came from the Pro Trump group from L.A. or Orange County. It was also obvious that those Pro Trump supporters intermingling had media equipment so they could then post their admittedly, one sided views on the web or twitter. Most of these were young college age students enjoying their use of media.

One other oddity that struck me, as cars drove by, I found that the Trump supporters often honked their horns in support. While the anti-Trump supporters just gave a thumbs up. Interesting.

Thanks for your time,

Joanne Fields, Venturan

Editor,

I see that somebody’s proposing a new law allowing cyclists to roll through stop signs, saying that fewer cyclists will get killed if they don’t have to spend as much time on the road. Sorry, but I can’t see how rolling thought stop signs ever kept anybody from getting killed. I think you’ll have the opposite results more often than not. It’s like allowing them to take the entire lane in traffic. You don’t even have to swerve to take out several of them, they’re right there in front of you.

I really see these laws as an attack on sportsmanship, making it far too easy to run over them. The next thing you know they’ll be requiring those spandex cycling outfits they like to wear to have a target on the back.

But then the current administration is trying their damnedest to defund Planned Parenthood, so maybe this is somebody’s idea of population control.

Truly we live in interesting times.

Alfred J. Lewis

Ventura

Breeze:

I just have to say that we love the way the Breeze is going. You have created a wonderful bi-weekly local newspaper and we hope it becomes essential reading for all of Ventura!

Shane from Ojai Concert Series

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful after all.
~ Michelangelo

Dear Sheldon

There is so much in your Opinion piece that I hardly know where to start. I guess your equivalency between your middle school wandering, off the path, toward stupid that was never perpetrated and only involved two teachers in a simple context of “exercising boredom” and the perpetration by two equally stupid youngsters that “exercised racism” in the context of Black Lives Matter and an alarming hate movement nationwide is most disturbing.

I certainly am not asking that these kids be prosecuted for a hate crime and, to my knowledge, they have not. But in this staid and peaceful community, largely white I might add, most of us are shocked and more than annoyed by the images celebrating the lynching of several African American men.

My granddaughters attend Buena and although they didn’t know the boys they were tearful when they saw the images and discussed it with friends.  Apropos of the hurt that can be inflicted, my one Hispanic granddaughter is the VP of the Black Student Union and she felt a wave of nausea about the whole thing.

The comment regarding the “maturating brain” seems, in your context, to rely entirely on biology which is about half the story.  Since the act carried out by the boys is a multiplicity worse than a torn up blackmail letter, I am hopeful that there will not be a grandmother around to soothe them very much in the punishment that will and should be applied.  That is the compliment of biology that will help in maturing their brains.

In friendly critique,

Karen Helen Szatkowski

Please read my response to this in my column on page 5. This is very important stuff.
Sheldon

Breeze:

Thank you so much for your recent article with the picture of my painting and the notice that Buenaventura Art Assoc. was having a donation request during the month.  Our back mirror is just full of hearts from people who have donated.  I know we would not have had such a good response without your helpful column.  We at BAA all thank you, Mr. Brown and “The Breeze” for helping make this so special.

Karen Wu

Hi Sheldon,

Just picked up my copy of the Breeze at the Ojai Library. I prefer the paper version to read through … accompanied by my early morning coffee. Thanks so much for including Guy Webster even in the Ojai News!  And also thanks for keeping your publication so healthy with lots to read. As the local Ventura paper (VC Star)gets smaller and smaller I rely on publications like yours for news and events – Kudos!

Warm Regards,

Myrna Cambianica Education Chair:
Ojai Photography Club

Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, it depends on how we feel towards what we have.
We can be happy with little and miserable with much.
~ W.D. Hoard

In our last issue we had a GUEST COLUMN regarding Buddy Nation credited to Debra Reeves. Even though Debra is very involved with Buddy Nation this article was written by Cappi Patterson (now they are both famous).

Sheldon @ Ventura Breeze

In response to the guy who took offence with substitution of the word “Dog” for “God” he obviously doesn’t know what dogs mean to people who love them like family!

I think the attached*expresses what God “for those who are religious” would have felt as well!

Sincerely one of your many readers

* Photo of God’s finger touching the paw of a dog with caption “I’ve turned my own name around and have called you Dog, my friend.”

Editor:

The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, saved my life. I had health insurance. I needed brain surgery. My health insurance company kept delaying approvals for necessary MRI and CT scans to find out what was wrong. Because they refused to pay for the CT scan that was needed to confirm a diagnosis, I had to pay for one of them out of pocket. They assigned an RN to my case to reduce costs. But, because of public pressure, when the Affordable Care Act was being drafted, my surgery was eventually approved by the insurance company in 2009.

As Congress moves forward on a path towards repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, it is critical that our nation’s communities retain access to high-quality hospital services we need and deserve. Our hospitals not only provide lifesaving care, but they are also key economic engines, providing jobs and security to the entire community.

I am greatly concerned that legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act could leave in place devastating and historic cuts to my hospital. We need your help to protect access to care and our nation’s local economies.

This means that if legislation is approved that repeals the Affordable Care Act, it is imperative that it either replaces the coverage losses simultaneously or repeals the Medicare and Medicaid hospital reductions embedded in the law, so we ensure our community hospitals have the resources they need to care for American families and communities.

Kathy Miller-Ventura

Hi Sheldon,

I am a huge proponent of private property rights but simply can’t wrap my head around any of the arguments for allowing STVRs to operate in residential districts.

I can’t afford a gardener but believe I am entitled to lawn service whether I can afford it or not. Pygmy goats are the cutest things ever and would keep my weeds at bay, thus improving the aesthetics of the neighborhood. Pygmy goats are quieter and less annoying than the neighbors’ barking dogs.

Pygmy goats need veterinarians, groomers, feed, bedding and whatever else they need to thrive and survive – all services and goods I would never purchase but for the pygmy goats. Thus, I’ll create jobs and bring in revenue for businesses and the city.

To help defray costs, make ends meet, and to keep them from sitting idly by when I can’t use them, from time-to-time I’ll rent the pygmy goats to the neighbors. The children, many of whom would never have an opportunity to interact with pygmy goats, will be thrilled, enlightened and enriched by the experience. My pygmy goats could also provide love, affection and comfort for some of the elderly and lonely among us (which is way more than any STVR could do.)

The only people who would complain are whiny, petty and jealous neighbors who either can’t or didn’t think to buy their own pygmy goats.

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to fully fully appreciate that our city can choose which laws to enforce and which to ignore. I also never dreamed that I could actually keep pygmy goats in my small backyard here at the beach. Fortunately, I guess all I need to do is ask the city to not enforce the zoning codes and issue me a pygmy goat permit. It’s a win-win all around!

Did I mention that I’m a huge proponent of private property rights and that pygmy goats are the cutest things.

Sharon L. Rishel
Pierpont Resident

Talk is cheap, except when  Congress does it
~ Anonymous

Greetings dear amazing Sheldon and the Ventura Breeze!

Wow – you guys helped us get over 50 attendees at our January meeting from your notice in the January 4-17, 2017 edition…that was a beautiful layout!! I hung it up at the meeting for all to see (& the Lexington loved it, too, by the way! 😉

What a great way to start out the new year, by helping at least 10 folks find us for the first time; they were able to learn a lot more about Parkinson’s Disease than they were aware of (most of them were pretty newly diagnosed). I truly meant what I said in the ‘letter’ to you in the Jan 4-17 edition, “we are certainly blessed to have you” to help our Community! 🙂

Yours Truly,
Patty Jenkins

Sheldon,

Just got home after picking up my copy of this week’s Breeze.  I just wanted to tell you that I agree with you on your response to Dan on the Dog/God issue.  I think you expressed the separation of church and state issue well.

Ed Wehan

Sheldon

Mike Kory (letter to editor in Jan.18, 2017 Ventura Breeze)does not speak for the residents of Pierpont. He is a resident of Camarillo, according to his registration with the City of Ventura, and is not a permanent resident of Pierpont as he states. It is immaterial that he has enjoyed vacation homes outside of Ventura, some of which are having backlashes from residents in the places he lists. The position that a periodic vacationer will out spend a permanent resident is preposterous.

Vacationers do not make purchases for family staples such as automobiles, auto services, barber or hair salons, insurance, florists, legal or estate services, veterinarians, medical, churches, or charities, etc. He states that it is a small group who complain about the rentals. That is far from true. It is true that many residents see this as a hopeless situation having battled this issue with the City now for 11 years. It is none of Kory’s business how residents have come to own their homes, as he characterizes “as the lucky ones”.

He projects the position of the Coastal Commission as justification to ignore our municipal codes that do not allow STVR commercial businesses in residential zones, by “use” or CUP. The Coastal Act is not in violation by the City for upholding it’s zoning ordinances. The City’s new attempt to justify its bad decision to circumvent zoning codes by reexamining the STVR ordinance is another folly. The City’s decision to take this course in itself is an affront to all residents and citizens of Pierpont.

John Whitman-Ventura

The fact that Mike Kory is a resident of Camarillo has not been verified by the Breeze.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

To editor Sheldon,
You missed the point.  I have only one issue . . . your substitution of the word “Dog” for “God.”  Show some respect for those of us who love our God.  I hope you reprint the initial narrative in concert with this response so that your readers will have the opportunity to view the totality of this exchange.
Dan Scully, SR.

Dan: I certainly do apologize to those whose feelings were hurt by this but not for putting it in the paper. In this god-awful world we live in we need to maintain a sense of humor to not always be depressed even if at the expense of God. Hopefully he understands. And would love to hear from other readers.
Sheldon

Printed from Jan.4 Ventura Breeze

Sheldon,
In your December/January issue, you displayed your “Christmas present . . . a 50 dollar bill bearing your picture and the words “in DOG we TRUST.”  I, and I am sure the majority of folks in Ventura, are deeply offended by your substitution of the word “DOG” for “GOD, our Lord and Savior.  Freedom of expression is a two-way street, so please express your appreciation of same by publishing this letter.
Dan Scully, SR

Dan: So published as requested but I don’t think that the words In God We Trust even belong on our currency. Money is not the proper place to make a religious statement. Nor does Under God belong in our Pledge of Allegiance which was added in 1954 to show the commies that we are a God loving country.
Sheldon

Ventura Breeze Opinions:

I read, with great interest, your Jan. 4-17 article on the Audubon Society’s interest on the Salton Sea’s projected further shrinking, due to further restrictions on Colorado River inflow.

I learned to water ski there in 1959 and always found it a shame that such a “Riviera” type tourist attraction be allowed to wither and nearly die. But, I have always felt that there could be a cheap remedy, by building a pipeline, gravity fed, from the Gulf of California to the Salton, which is below sea level, to fill it back to previous levels. Then the Salton could truly be an inland Sea, with the same salinity as the Pacific. Thus the Salton’s coastal values would rise and it could also become a fisherman’s haven, while eliminating the clouds of toxic dust now emanating from its alkaline coast and making SoCal’s population sick. Why this has never been considered is a mystery to me.

Steven Schlah, Ventura resident

Ventura Breeze:

Ventura is currently re-examining its ordinance (municipal code chapter 6.455) which regulates short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in the city of Ventura, including Pierpont Beach which falls within the Coastal Zone. My family has rented STVRs numerous times in many different vacation spots including Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Monterey, Cayucos, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, Palm Springs, Maui, Oahu, and others. If you have a family with kids, or if you want to vacation with extended family or friends, STVRs are an affordable and convenient alternative to hotels/motels. The access to kitchen facilities, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, garages, and other amenities is ideal for many wanting to take their dream vacation.  In addition, the existence of plentiful STVRs in popular destinations brings tourist dollars to these communities and tax revenues for local governments.

Lately, a small group of homeowners in the Pierpont Beach area have been waging a campaign to have STVRs banned in Ventura, or severely limited. These folks use grossly exaggerated claims of noise, parking violations, and overflowing trash to justify their position, but the truth is that STVRs have no more of these issues than owner-occupied properties or long term rentals. These folks want to limit access to Pierpont Beach to the lucky few who were wealthy enough or fortunate enough to be able to acquire a beach house before the prices started to skyrocket. The California Coastal Commission has stated: “The Coastal Act places a higher priority on the provision of visitor-serving uses, particularly overnight accommodations, over private residential uses because such visitor-serving uses offer a vehicle for the general public to access and recreate within the state’s coastal zone. “

For the record, I own a STVR at Pierpont Beach in addition to being a full-time resident of Pierpont Beach. The majority of Ventura STVR owners also live in Ventura, or within 35 miles of Ventura.

Mike Kory

Any fool can know. The point is to understand.
~ Albert Einstein