Folks:

The horrendous collapse of the condo tower in Miami, with over 150 people missing at this point is a modern tragedy. It is impossible to imagine the pain and suffering of the victims and the terror of those who wait to hear if any more can be found alive in the rubble.

But a tragedy is not an accident, nor an uncaused calamity. Scientists are now starting to claim that sea level rise is the culprit, which in turn is caused by human actions. The whole Florida coast in this area is subject to weakening and sinking from sea water intrusion.

There are sure to be more such reports in the near future. However this is not new news, since Trump’s Mar a Lago is also vulnerable to sea level rise, with the further contributing factor that Trump canceled Obama measures to fight sea level rise along the Florida coast.

Painful ironies never stop these days, and Trump is frequently the off-screen perpetrator.

Bob

Robert Chianese, Ph.D., Emeritus Prof. English, CSU Northridge
Past President Amer Assoc for Advance of Science Pacific Div
Fulbright Senior Specialist, columnist American Scientist magazine

to opinions

Cars on Main and California Streets

Please keep them off as the air is cleaner now and like cities and towns in the rest of the world we now have a great communal space and the merchants I talk to like it also.

Michael Salisbury

Dear Ventura Breeze:

In the June 2-15 2021 issue, page 17, the ‘Tree Town’ inset noted the recent planting of 8 Honey Locust trees, mentioning “Honeylocust canopy trees line Main Street from downtown to Five Points…”.  This is incorrect.  The vast majority of street trees along E. Main Street are Queen Palms (#207) and Jacarandas (#133) according to the 2020 City Tree Master Tree Plan, Appendix B Theme Street Tree Well Replanting (pg24/107).  In fact, Queen Palms represent almost 5% of all Ventura street trees.

Oddly, the popular and attractive Queen Palm is absent from the 2019 City of Ventura Recommended Tree List.

Also strange is that even though Ventura has its own city Fire Department and an Urban Forestry Program, somehow the 2020 City Tree Master Tree Plan incorporates the Ventura County Fire Department Fire Hazard Reduction Program, a document which is ill-suited for determining appropriate trees along urban corridors.

Overall, it seems that the future of Ventura shall be without palms, which is a shame given their instant associate with beaches, sun, and fun, which really is Ventura in a nutshell.

Lucien Belmont

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement
~ Jack Rosenbaum

Dear Sheldon,

Does anyone like gas-powered leaf blowers? From neighborhoods and business complexes, to parks and schools, it’s impossible to escape their raucous presence. They are mega polluters which spew smog forming compounds, such as ozone and carbon monoxide into the air. What’s more, these machines can generate 115 decibels of sound, which can cause hearing loss and psychological stress.  

To improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, homeowners and landscapers should switch to battery electric blowers. They’re zero emission and about half as noisy. There are models that can last up to 45 minutes on a charge, and the batteries are interchangeable with other lawn equipment of the same brand. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have cleaner air and quieter communities? We can. All it takes is ditching the gas blower and going electric.

Kristen Kessler Ventura

Kristen:
But the still “spew smog forming compounds.”

Crawl of our Ocean
By Jeff Russell

Winds that gust a wave goodbye,
Are watchful out to sea,
Misty waters with a sunny slide,
The crawl beneath the tide.

Swells retreat into warm horizons,
Deposit new life on Pacific shores,
They are the access of natures journey,
The sands of a gentle pull home.

Ventura returns a living tide.

Dear Editor:

As a person living with metastatic breast cancer, the June 15 COVID-19 restrictions being lifted makes me rather nervous.  From all outward appearances I look just like everyone else.  With my hair and makeup done, my prosthetics on and my scars covered I could even pass for a healthy person most days.  On the inside are where the real health issues lie.  What healthy people don’t understand are the worries I live with on a daily basis.  I worry about being immunocompromised from treatment, about not knowing who has been vaccinated and who has not, about being in close proximity to others outside of my germ family.  I worry that my lung metastasis could cause a more severe case of COVID-19.

Astra-Zeneca, the manufacturer of the anti-cancer drug I take, has a nurse helpline.  Shortly after the vaccine was authorized for emergency use I called that nurse helpline to inquire about the vaccine and any known side effects or interactions with my treatment.  Their answer, “We have zero information regarding that.”  I asked when they would have that kind of information.  Her answer again, “We have zero information regarding that.”

There are still so many unknowns with this virus, even the drug manufacturers don’t have enough data.  I plan to continue to wear my mask inside and in situations where social distancing isn’t possible until I feel comfortable going without.  I’m thinking I should start a movement for the immunocompromised to wear a special ribbon or something on their mask that lets others know we are wearing masks to express we have a condition which may not be visible on the outside and to respect our personal space.

The research is now showing that the vaccinated immunocompromised may not be as protected from the virus and may not develop antibodies.  So if you see me out in my mask with a ribbon tied to it, it will be your social cue to give me some space.  For now my mask will continue to be my security blanket and hopefully a reminder to others, especially to those who are healthy, that not all disabilities are visible.  As Germany Kent says, “Be kind.  We never know what people are going through.  Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.”

Be well,
Marissa Holzer

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
~ Mother Teresa

A response from a thank you sent to a donor. Printed with her approval.

You are very welcome.  I have been enjoying “The Breeze” for years. 

You always list the Audubon Field trips and other community events.  Actually, you are the reason that I became a birder.  Newly married, I moved up here from Culver City to be with my husband, saw the listing of the lectures and field trips welcoming beginners and said to John, “This sounds like an interesting lecture.  Let’s go!”  John, “I’ve been a VAS member for 17 years.”  Estelle, “great!  You can teach me all of the birds!!!”  So, we both started from scratch knowing only mallards and blue jays which are really scrub jays and years later now are “Beginning Intermediate” birders.  John Connor is my husband and he also sent money. 

I also love the Harbor Police section.

Thank you again.
Estelle Ichino

Mystery of Ventura’s Tide

The pull of our tide will invite you in,
In hopes of experiencing a Ventura memory.

View the Dawn in search of Pacific treasure,
Hinting to her, you are a swell of mystery.

She’s a secret pier that prolongs your stay,
Inviting your attention to liquid sunsets.

We are ocean waters of scenic moments,
A delightful way to discover California.

by Jeff Russell

It is important to keep an open mind, but not so open that your brains fall out.
~ Stephen A. Kallis

To the Editor:

 Mr. Editor, I must take issue to your statement found within the Opinion/Editorial section of your recent issue (May 5) under the sub-part “Georgia’s new sweeping elections law”.

 In part you wrote: “No person shall solicit votes in any manner or by any means or method, nor shall any person distribute or display any campaign material, nor shall any person give, offer to give, or participate in the giving of any money or gifts, including, but not limited to, food and drink, to an elector,”.

 I have been a native resident of California since 1943; with only a short vacation of 10-years in East Texas.  From all that time it has been an election violation in California to have any voting campaigning or solicitations within several hundred feet of a polling place.  The offer of food or drink would come under the same law if any campaign material (buttons, badges) were worn by the person offering food or water.

 From watching, reading, and listening to various news reporting organizations it appears the state of Georgia is trying very hard to get in line with California. California, which has led the way in National issues for decades.

 Michael Gordon

Michael: Just to clarity I just quoted Georgia law I didn’t write it.

Are you an amateur cartoonist? Send your cartoon to [email protected].

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
~Mae West

Editor,

I think that Governor Newsom has done a great job dealing with the pandemic and with the expansion of voting rights, among other things, but his latest call to re-open the state seems suspect at best.  I am hoping that he is doing this in response to the advice of scientists, though I have read nothing to indicate this.

Instead, I read about the circus the GOP is putting together in a doomed effort to recall him.
I hope he knows that the clowns running this circus will never succeed and I hope that his call to re-open the state is not a knee jerk reaction to it.  I know everyone is hurting because of the pandemic but I think it is still too early to get back to normal simply because there is no “normal” anymore and we may never be able to get back to our lives as they were.  A world-wide, killer, pandemic will do that.  Especially now that we are grasping the fact that it can change and mutate into deadlier forms making our current efforts a moot point.

The old adage, “Money is the root of all evil” comes to mind when I read about states opening up while the pandemic rages on.

When politicians go ahead with re-openings anyway, another adage comes to mind, one that I hope everyone understands and appreciates before it is too late.

That adage is, “You can’t take it with you!”.

Regards,
John Darling

Breeze:

Just read your article on the flu(covid shots) you need to check your facts first , the covid shot has not been approved by the FDA , because it was considered a state of emergency that the shot needed to get out as soon as possible , You as a news paper needs to check your facts as you spread the news.

Michele Bruns

Note: This was not an article or the opinion of the Breeze. An opinion from a reader.

Sheldon:

I just wanted to thank you for your kind words and a very appreciated book review.  It was very therapeutic to write this book and I am so humbled by you and other people I respect being so supportive.  We have a lot of talented people in our community and a lot of very interesting stories. I’m thankful that you are part of my life journey Sheldon.

Thank you Doug Halter

Dear Sheldon:

Is it possible to get severe withdrawal symptoms from not getting to read The Breeze for a really long time? Well, you can.

I stopped driving several years ago, so I was incapable of picking up The Ventura Breeze. What a deadly experience. I discovered that I loved reading The Breeze, and without the car, I couldn’t pick up The Breeze at the local market. I couldn’t pick up lots of things, but the thing I miss most was your paper. The Breeze was a great fit for me for years. It was the right size, published material that I liked reading about. Was published by a man who loved dogs. The Breeze had all kinds of things I enjoyed looking at and reading about, and best of all, The Breeze was generous to me, publishing some of my articles. I enjoyed the paper for it’s contents and for the variety of information about Ventura and all the neat places that surround me.

You know what happens with withdrawal? Of course, you do. I have been suffering from Breeze withdrawal. Fortunately, I was able to pick up an edition of the Breeze recently, and discovered how much and how deep was my withdrawal. One look at The Breeze and one affectionate run through, and I realized how much trouble I was in. Without the Breeze, I was on the verge of a serious series of bad withdrawal. I have pulled through this almost deadly experience. I know I need some heavy doses of Breeze deliveries and reading the paper good and thorough. I need The Breeze reorientation and relaxation recovery cure. The current edition has me close to being cured. The rest of the treatment is now up to me to be sure I don’t suffer another major withdrawal experience. Believe me. This will not happen again.

Thanks Sheldon. Best regards and Best wishes for all of us.
Es Cole and Manny

Sheldon

I must take issue with one of your comments about Asian Hate in New York.

“Ignorant people say, “They should go back to where they came from.” We all came from somewhere else except Native Americans. So, using this approach, all of us, except Native Americans, would need to go back to where our ancestors came from. Mine from Russia and Romania.”

Ignorant people say… Not only are they ignorant, they are historically clueless. Many thousands of ethnic Asian folks were born, raised, and dies right here in America, since the 1840s. Those decedents are natural American citizens. They can’t ‘go back to where they came from. They are here!

So, using this approach, all of us, except Native Americans…
Even our “Native Americans” came from somewhere else. There is very strong genetic evidence that the original Native Americans migrated from Mongolia, up to Siberia, across the Bearing Sea Ice Bridge, into Alaska, down into America, South to Mexico, and perhaps into South America.

Your ancestors came from Russia and Romania; mine came from Scotland, Germany, and Native American (New York). North America was a grand grazing land for the Dinosaurs.

Just my few cents worth,

Michael Gordon

Michael:
So its sounds as if no one should live her.

The great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used to failing.
~ Albert Schweitzer

To Be or Not to Be . . .Vaccinated

There is a lot of information and disinformation about COVID-19 vaccinations. Here are the facts you need to know.

1. Safety – All the vaccines approved by the FDA are safe and effective. It doesn’t matter if you receive the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J or another FDA approved vaccine. They can all save your life and keep you out of the hospital. It is important to follow the protocol for the vaccine you receive. Getting one dose when you should get two may mean your immunity does not last for long.

2. Cost – The vaccine is free for everyone who wants it. The federal government is covering the costs under the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, your vaccine will be paid for by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid); if you have commercial insurance, you will not have any out-of-pocket costs; if you don’t have insurance, your vaccine is still covered and the providers get reimbursed through the Provider Relief Fund, a pool of money the government distributed to support healthcare workers and hospitals.

3. Where – The Public Health Department and some of the national pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger/Safeway) are offering vaccinations. In Ventura County, the easiest way to get an appointment for your first dose is through https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal. Schedule your second dose is through https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/registration-d2/

Meanwhile, until the pandemic is controlled, wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and continue to follow the CDC Guidelines.

Patricia Butler Ventura

Breeze:
What happened to the cartoons by Bill Green, I thoroughly enjoyed them?
Chuck Moore

Chuck:
Because of a completely mis-understood cartoon that he did for us he no longer writes for us. He moved to Las Vegas and we have lost contact with him. We miss him because he was very intelligent and a pleasure to be with.

Editor:

The Ventura City Council will simply let the City Manager do whatever if people (sheepels) don’t care enough to participate in the process.  With City Hall closed to the Public, and City employees WFH, the public is further closed off from the process of local government participation.  Government employees are becoming super elitists.  Very little to no meaningful public attendance to live meetings in a year.  Many people do not know how to interact with Council meetings as many do not know how to use WebEx.  We don’t even know how to properly object to the Water Bill increases with Prop 218.  The City bought out the Breeze (with Ad buys) which was the last remaining independent source of local, independent, and objective news.

George Amandola

The website to obtain the water bill protest is www.VenturaWaterRates.net which has a rate protest form.
To contact city council members:
Rubalcava, Sofia Mayor – District 1 [email protected]
Schroeder, Joe Deputy Mayor – District 7 [email protected]
Brown, Lorrie Councilmember – District 6 [email protected]
Friedman, Jim Councilmember – District 5 [email protected]
Halter, Doug Councilmember – District 2 [email protected]
Johnson, Mike Councilmember – District 3 [email protected]
Sanchez-Palacios, Jeannette Councilmember – District 4 [email protected]

ARE YOU AN AMATEUR CARTOONIST? SEND YOUR CARTOON TO
[email protected]

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.
~ George Bernard Shaw

Breeze:

In regards to former Mayor Sandy Smith’s March 10th comments about the shortage of water from ground water wells and Lake Casitas, he forgot to mention the many new housing units currently being built in our city. I’m in support of higher rates because of the great service the water company does with limited resources. Also,thanks to the past and present city council members for getting us closer to being like our neighbor city of LA.

Thanks
Breeze Supporter
Chris Reinhart

Breeze:

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Responsibility to vaccinate is individual. Revolving questions to vaccinate or not keeps us stuck in perpetual indecision mode. Such as, will I get sick, will it be effective and for how long, why the need to wear a mask and stay six feet away after vaccinating are on the minds of most. The array of theories highjack’s common sense, creates confusion and fear, leaving us wondering what’s right for us individually and collectively.

Yes, our world has been turned on its ear, for one year! We’ve been living on the edges of survival for longer than anticipated, weathering the fallout from the great pause and pandemic storms of 2020. Even the freedom to hug, gather in crowds, eat indoors, come and go mask less may seem light years away.

The tipping point is in tow and a reality for 2021. History has shown the herd mentality can tip the scales and level out our normal. Learning, changing, growing starts with suiting up, showing up and opening up to new thinking and doing. This allows our perspective to reshape and fill the holes of ignorance with knowledge, understanding and ultimately compassion.

We can no longer afford to ignore the decline even extinction of plant and animal life on earth! Our personal and world views are seen from the vistas and peaks of our minds. We trek our way by way of braving the elementals, environmentally and emotionally then with new eyes watch them transfer change into and onto our everyday life. We are moving towards a new dawning of humanitarianism and by shaking hands with regenerative action, renewal shall surely follow.

Karen Leslie

Opinion:

We appear to be in a rush to vaccinate school employees and teachers to facilitate reopening in the very near future. But I recently learned that schools will close for the summer (late May or June), putting students further behind and directing vaccines to school employees who might not have needed the vax right away given impending summer closures. Given all the other adjustments made during the pandemic how about adopting a year round school schedule for the next year so students can catch up. 

Theresa Stevens Ojai

ARE YOU AN AMATEUR CARTOONIST? SEND YOUR CARTOON TO [email protected]

The only way to combat criminals is by not voting for them.
~ Dayton Allen

Breeze:

I live at the WAV.  I park on the street, usually two blocks away.  I am handicapped and if these constructions continue, there will be no where to park for us that live in the area.
This Samet construction consists of 19 units. 17 will be two bedroom.  They will have 17 parking spaces for the building while taking away 16 spaces that are existing.  Please help us to bring awareness to the parking situation in this area.

Samet Apartments-19 units 4 stories that is replacing the car wash at the corner of Garden and Santa Clara Streets. The developer is asking the City to give away 16 angled parking spaces along Garden so they can build a larger project. Some residents of the WAV are now being charged to park at their own building and some are forced to park in unsafe areas nearby. As it is now, it is very challenging to find parking in the area for the existing businesses and restaurants. Additionally there is a proposed remodel of an existing apartment complex nearby that is adding units and decreasing the number of parking spaces, clearly adding to the already frustrating and nerve-racking parking situation. Furthermore, developers are asking to exceed the 15% 4th floor density by 12%. Please send your concerns to [email protected] or [email protected] and specify Samet Apartments Project-11836.

Thanking you in advance, Laurel Huggins

Laurel:

While I certainly sympathize with your concerns (which are warranted) this problem really started with the completely inadequate parking on site for the WAV residents when it was built. I was involved very early on with the WAV (part of the groups that interviewed the initial artist residents) and was concerned about many of the problems that I saw in the design including the parking. When I inquired about the inadequate parking provided I was told this was done on purpose to force residents to use public transportation and bicycles. This, of course never happened because we are a car culture, so the problem has existed since the WAV was constructed.

Sheldon

Dear Publisher Brown 

Believe it or not, we had 125 people registered for our meeting last month, in which candidates for the City Council seat for District 4 took part in a panel!!

I thought you would like to know this, because your calendar listings in the Breeze have helped increase our attendance, which has grown exponentially.

Thank you again for supporting our Community Council, and citizen participation at the grass roots level.

We hope this finds you and all the Breeze staff staying well.

Best Regards,

Norene Charnofsky for the East Ventura Community Council

Sheldon.

I just got a quick read of today’s edition and thought I would give some thought to your section.

cannabis dispensaries in Ventura.

It seems a shame the City Council cannot see the flow of taxable dollars going to Monterey County for growing Pot among the Redwood trees, when it could be generating millions in the fertile soil of Ventura. On the other hand if the County got behind the movement they could change the nickname of Oxnard from Bean town to Weed town.

An interesting observation on the penalty for school foot traffic. What days of the week will that be measured? Who will measure? What time? If on a Wednesday morning 10 kids (ages ???) walk down the street on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the cannabis, does that count?

I have a feeling the City is crusin’ for a brusin’ when this goes to Court.

Presidential Power It can be a problem, especially when we have a Congress like we have had over several years that cannot agree on anything together. When we have a 50-50 split, or near 50-50, and no one can give an inch, we need a leader in the presidency who can take the reigns of authority and steer the ship of government. Right or wrong something has to be done. And if the leader makes a misstep the next president can correct the error.

In case you are wondering about some of the spelling in my replies, I spent 10+ years in NE Texas and acquired some of the local attitudes and phrasings.

Michael Gordon

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
~ Phillip Stanhope

Dear amazing Publisher of the Ventura Breeze:

First may I please thank you Sheldon from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the many folks who found the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group because of your incredible generosity to print our meeting notices since January, 2016! There have also been many times over the years you covered and printed special articles about the Group and our activities to help bring awareness about Parkinson’s Disease to the public, a big thank you again for being such an important part of the “support” in Support Group!

In your November 18, 2020 issue you also printed a deeply appreciated tribute to my husband Robert Jenkins who passed away last November 2 with complications of a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Words can never express how much that tribute meant to me, our families and our Support Group family.

So, it is with a heart full of gratitude for all that you have given the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, our Community and myself that I am writing to announce that I will be taking a sabbatical as the Volunteer Coordinator for now. I can’t imagine having gone thru the journey of Parkinson’s Disease without the support of all of our Group Members and Friends, the many presenters over the years, community support from the Lexington and the City of Ventura and your unwavering support for both Robert and I.

Jennifer Parkinson Iljin of Neuroboxing/Neurocommunity will be keeping our efforts alive and our “Group in the Loop” with upcoming zoom meetings and other amazing programs to help and support all who face the incredible challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease. I still welcome folks to call me if they’d like to get their email address added to the list so they can stay connected if they are not already receiving our emails.

Yours truly,

Patty Jenkins

Hi, Sheldon

I just finished the latest Breeze and laughing my head off about how the lizards started the wild fires! So funny! How do come up with this far out humor? Thanks for keeping us entertained.

Judith Beay

Judith: I sniff a lot of glue. Smoking pot has lost its luster now that it is legal.

Sheldon

Opinions

I too was shocked to find out that Rep.Greene apparently wasn’t aware that the Jewish Satellites were down just prior to & during the wildfires due to escrow negotiations with prospective buyers from a nearby galaxy hoping to join in the space x project becoming partners with Star Link.

Is it possible she is trying to cover up some new found possible evidence linking her distant cousins the “Greene Lizards, family of acting legend Sgt.Stadinkto” to the devastating fires? Let’s hope not, we don’t want any negative influence among our united, legitimately elected ones who are chosen to represent “we, the people.”

Kim Koonce

Correction:
In our last issue we had the article “Humane Society of Ventura County during the Pandemic.” To adopt a pet or to make donations to the Humane Society of Ventura County these are the correct contact information   www.hsvc.org & https://www.hsvc.org/wishlist. 

Don’t worry if you are a kleptomaniac, you can always take something for it.
~ Robert Benchley

Breeze:

Just picked up your newspaper as we left Andreas today. Thoroughly enjoyed the historical piece about the Lagomarsinos and the classic Koch home. A lot of good reporting in a very small space, it covered a lot. Most of us are sick of politics and want to learn more about the history of this wonderful place. Did you know there used to be a bathhouse in Ventura? I don’t know much about it but it was there in the 30s or 40s. The old Pierpont has a great history too.

Patricia Richards Dodds

Patricia:
Thanks for the kind words and now you know more about the bath house.
The Ventura Public Bath house was located at the end of California Street and is now where the parking structure/Aloha Steakhouse resides.

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.
~ Albert Einstein