• As detailed in a recent issue of the Breeze, there has been great controversy over the potential opening of a strip club on Market St. Even though millions (it seemed like) of citizens showed up at a City Council meeting in opposition to the club, they could not stop it from opening because it is an allowed use at the proposed location. The City Council reversed its staff recommendation to not allow the club, so it still might be opening once a business license is obtained and the necessary remodeling is completed.

The only recourse the City could take was to pass an ordinance that sets the conditions under which the club can operate. You can read it at www.cityofventura.net/meeting/city-council-meeting-335 (Item no. 3). It is 48 pages long but most of the document just shows the legal justification for the ordinance. Some of the text is pretty amusing because it had to be rather descriptive.

If the business owner feels that the conditions of the ordinance are too restrictive (for instance, if it allowed the club to open only one hour per day), he could still sue the City for denying him his legal right to run the business if conditions are overly restrictive. He still might sue the City, anyway, for other law violations where he thinks the City may have overstepped during this process.

If the club does opens, I have an idea. Since it would be located very close to the DMV, and people hate sitting there waiting for their numbers to be called, they could just be given (if they chose) buzzers like restaurants provide and go to the strip club until they are buzzed.

Joe’s Crab Shack has been closed for a future development.

• Joe’s Crab Shack (located on Sanjon) has closed after 12 years of operation. The next closest location is in Redondo Beach.

The property was purchased by developers (oh no, the dreaded D word). The group hopes to develop the entire “triangle site,” as it is referred to. There have been previous attempts to develop this property. The current proposal calls for around 235 luxury apartments. The planning is in its very early stages, and because of the many City and Coastal Commission approvals required, it would take many years before development would occur.

There are those that are for the preservation of historical structures and  think that the restaurant is an important building in Ventura’s history. They believe that the building would qualify as being “exceptionally significant.” A writer for the Star recently wrote a comment suggesting that the design was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.

From my perspective, there isn’t anything significant about this non-descript, poorly designed building, and I see no problem with it being demolished. I’m sure Wright would turn over in his grave at the mere suggestion that this building was influenced by him, as he is argued by many to be history’s greatest architect. Certainly, as a retired architect he gets my vote.

By the way, I think that the proposed apartment design is very bad also and hope that it is rejected by the Design Review Committee. I’ll include an image of it in the next issue.

This is a great piece of property with wonderful ocean views. It should be enjoyed by more than just the homeless living on it. It’s unfortunate that the City doesn’t have the means to acquire it, as it would make an exceptional park.

• I find this to be somewhat amusing, but it makes sense when you think about it. On September 23, the Ventura Police Motor Unit conducted a “Court sting operation” to cite individuals leaving the facility driving after having their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked. In addition, another “stakeout” was looking to catch repeat DUI offender probationers who also had suspended or revoked driver’s licenses.

As a result of these operations, two drivers were cited for driving with suspended licenses while leaving court. An additional two drivers were cited for driving with suspended licenses, two more were cited for driving without a license, five others were cited for miscellaneous traffic violations, and four vehicles were impounded.

These operations were run as part of a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) which is a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness efforts.  The grant aids the city’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods.

• Regent Properties is planning a large hillside development. It is in a very early planning stage. The Breeze has included some guest columns regarding this controversial project.

Their plan includes the donation of approximately 720 acres to the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy.

The two parties have entered into an agreement that would result in Regent’s donation of the acreage to the Conservancy. This would create public open space and trails for all of us to enjoy this amazing hillside property.

The “La Viera” project proposes to develop 40 of the 215 acre residential zoned parcel of the site for 55 luxury homes.

We will include additional articles regarding this project in future issues.

• I’m picking on e-cigarettes again. Seen in a recent LA Times: “For teens and young adults, e-cigarettes could be a gateway drug toward smoking traditional cigarettes, according to a new paper published by JAMA Pediatrics.” The study revealed that young nonsmokers who showed no interest in smoking were more likely to take up the habit if they used electronic cigarettes.

• I like to check and validate odd things (what a surprise). The caffeine in a 16 oz. bottle of Coke is 48 mg, in a 2 oz. energy drink it’s 200 mg, and a 16 oz. cup of coffee contains 333 mg. Therefore, per ounce, energy drinks contain much higher concentrations than the other drinks, but a cup of coffee is almost double that of an energy drink. So, why pay the premium for energy drinks (their energy is derived from caffeine), when you can drink coffee at a fraction of the cost (and you can make it yourself)?

Scamp’s cousin Dolce Vita wishes you a happy Jewish New Year 5776 and Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jewish people starting at sundown on Sept. 22 .

I received this email from Elizabeth Kirmo.

“Dear Sheldon,

Sending you this note just in case you haven’t heard what’s happening (proposed not happening yet) at 4721 Market Street, Ventura.   Hala Enterprises LLC, has applied to the planning commission to open a full nude “gentleman’s club“.   Everyone I have talked to is shocked and outraged that this has been kept a secret.  I’ve come to understand after talking to persons at the planning commission that no announcement was required since they did not apply for a liquor license.

Well, now the information is out and citizens have a right to know.  Hala’s request has been temporarily denied by the planning commission but they have appealed the ruling.   A formal appeal meeting has been set in front of the planning commission for some time in mid to late October.

With your contacts in the city and as a paper known to fight for the rights of Ventura citizens, I hope The Breeze can help inform the people of our lovely city of something that could potentially change their quality of life without ever being aware of it.

I’m sure the business owners on Market Street and surrounding area who are aware of what’s happening would be glad to talk to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.”

I understand your concern but this is much more complicated than you would assume. First of all, their application was not denied by the planning commission, as it has not yet gone to them.

In August the City rejected an application by Agassi Halajyan to open a strip club with nude performers at 4721 Market St. Community Development Director Jeff Lambert rejected the proposal because the proposed site is within 500 feet of ABC Auto Care, whose owner said he runs an automotive training facility for high school students.

You, and other citizens were not informed because in most cases the City is not required to inform residents of proposed projects. If they were going to sell liquor (they aren’t) they would need to get an ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) license that would require notification of a limited amount of adjacent property owners.

Or, if someone is requesting a variance from an existing code, neighbors need to be notified. For instance if your  neighbor was requesting permission to reduce their required front yard from 20’ to 10’ you would be notified and could attend hearings. But because, under current code, this use is allowed (and they are not requesting any code deviations)notification is not required.

Jeff Lambert’s reason for rejecting the application is being questioned by the applicant. Halajyan has appealed the decision, claiming that ABC Auto Care does not have a  business license to operate as a school and has not been performing as such. Lambert said that he  planned to look at auto facility more closely to determine if it is indeed a school.

If Lambert maintains his position to disallow the use, Agassi Halajyan will certainly appeal the decision to the Planning Commission. If they uphold Lambert’s decision, Halajyan would then appeal to the City Council. If the Council agreed with the ruling, Halajyan would likely sue the City.

Courts have ruled uniformly that adult businesses cannot be prohibited as they are protected by First Amendment speech. The courts cannot decide cases because they “might” find the use in bad taste. Halajyan would probably win his case if he decides to take his argument to court.

Resident’s concerns, regarding adult businesses have caught the attention of the City Council. During the City Council meeting on September 14, the Council voted unanimously to adopt an urgency ordinance amendment to the San Buenaventura Municipal Code.

This amendment added licensing provisions, operational regulations, and permitting provisions for performers and non-performers of adult-oriented businesses. The ordinance was enhanced to reduce and/or preclude undesirable secondary effects including, but not limited to, increased crime, blighting influences in the community, decrease in property values, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The urgency ordinance is effective immediately; the regular ordinance, which was introduced on the same evening, will be heard by the City Council for a second reading on September 21, 2015. The City last updated its adult business provisions in 1994.

Six months ago Donald Trump was sitting around with some friends (probably drinking) and said “Guys I have this hilarious idea I’m going to run for president and be completely outrageous. Good for a few good laughs and free publicity.” I think CNN and Fox are secretly paying him to boost their ratings.

Livability.com has selected Ventura as the 23^rd most livable city (still pretty good). Go to www.venturabreeze.com to read the whole story.

A little about -“Why Ventura, CA is Top 100 Best Place to Live”

Warm weather, beaches, and a vibrant arts scene make Ventura an easy sell

“With near-perfect weather, ocean and mountain views, a thriving arts community, and endless recreation, dining, and entertainment options, there really isn’t much not to like about Ventura, California.”

I want to congratulate the Masons of California for placing a cornerstone during an ancient ceremony held at Community Memorial Hospital. This ceremony is part of the new construction of the hospital that is still about a year away from completion. I know that it looks closer than that but there is a huge amount of mechanical lines and equipment to still be installed.

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louise May Alcott

~ In this issue, we have Unsung Hero portrait number 3 in our current series. I want to thank Sam, the owner of the Rhumb Line restaurant, for being such a gracious host at the luncheon and our waitress Heather for taking such good care of us. Wonderful food and the best view in Ventura watching the boats go by day or night.

~ Five portraits from The Face of Ventura series by Johanna Spinks, are currently on display at the Museum of Ventura County’s current exhibit of portraits. See our Ventura Art Scene section for more details.

~ The Saturday night concert series at Ventura’s coolest summer outdoor night club, the historic Olivas Adobe, concludes on September 5 with Lisa Haley & the Zydekats. It’s too late to get tickets for this sold out event but be sure to attend a concert next year to hear great bands, enjoy a big dance floor, BYO dining, and gourmet food and coffee trucks along with full beverage service. The City’s Music Under The Stars concerts are growing in popularity. It’s a great, intimate, venue and a fun way to spend 8 Saturday nights each Summer.
Talking about concert series, it seems that the proposed concert series planned above City Hall may not be happening soon. I haven’t been able to get a good answer from anyone at the City regarding this, but there doesn’t appear to be positive movement.

~ It is absurd these days that 55-year old people are considered to be seniors in many programs. That was fine when the average life age was 65. It seems that today to be considered a senior the age should be at least 65. Anyone who is 55 and considers themselves to be a senior better get out and get some physical and mental exercise. What would I be considered to be, a dinosaur?

~ Recently, San Buenaventura was selected by a magazine as the best city in America to live and now “Ventura County” has been selected as the absolute most desirable place to live in America. This selection was made by the Washington Post looking at over 3,000 counties.Friends of the Library and TAG won 1st place in the County Fair Parade for Novelty Entry. And the Bookworm won a trophy.
Friends of the Library and TAG won 1st place in the County Fair Parade for Novelty Entry. And the Bookworm won a trophy.

Furthermore, in their rankings of the best counties in the continental US all of the top 10 ranked counties are in California.Humboldt was second and Santa Barbara third.
The index that they used to make their selections combines “six measures of climate, topography, and water area that reflect environmental qualities most people prefer.” Those qualities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, include mild, sunny winters, temperate summers, low humidity, topographic variation, and access to a body of water (not one word about reading the Ventura Breeze).

~ I have always felt that “vaping” was just another excuse to smoke. Now there is bad and good news about vaping. Although smoking by teens has been dropping, the bad news is that teens using e-cigarettes are far more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes than their peers. The good news is when they realize how stupid it is to smoke they can go to vaping as a way to stop smoking.
I’m sure that I will hear from some readers (I hope), who say that vaping is much less hazardous than tobacco, but it is too early to make such a claim until much more research is done. All we know is that companies similar to Vapeboss are heavily investing in research to ensure their products are ‘healthier’ than traditional tobacco cigarettes. So, maybe don’t throwaway your vape pen stand just yet.

~ In a June, 2014 issue of the Breeze, an article stated that the “Harbor Community Church has filed a lawsuit against the City of Ventura signaling the start of the next round in the fight over the church’s controversial homeless program. The program, which provides meals, showers and religious worship to a primarily homeless population has been accused of being the source of a significant uprising in criminal activity in a once quiet residential neighborhood, was reopened again by the church after the
lawsuit was filed.”
The article said, “Last month, the City’s Planning Commission denied the church a conditional-use permit citing the program, called Operation Embrace, was not appropriate for its location next to an elementary school, park and day care facility.”
At the time, temporary City Attorney Juli Scott reported Harbor Church pastor Sam Gallucci sent her an email stating he was going to consult with church elders to decide whether the church would sue. The following day, the church filed a lawsuit and restarted its services.
Scott said the City was disappointed with the lawsuit and had hoped the church would be willing to work with the City to find a collaborative approach to providing their services in a way that would be less impactful on the neighborhood. She pointed to other organizations that provide services for the homeless who had worked with the City including the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Project Understanding.
The suit argued the church’s First Amendment freedom of religion rights have been violated and also cites the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
After all attempts at mediation have failed, this on-going disagreement continues. Harbor Community Church is seeking an injunction so it may reopen Operation Embrace until a final decision is reached by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals who will hear their case.
Neighbors have complained that the program drew a homeless population that was not compatible with the residential neighborhood, especially with a school and park located very near the church.
I have to agree with the neighbors and the city. I think that the allowed uses of structures should be based on proper zoning and the nature of the surrounding neighborhoods.
A church could claim that because of their “freedom of religion rights” they can provide any services that they think this right gives them. There are some wonderful programs that serve the homeless in Ventura, but they are located in appropriate locations.

Logic will get you from A to Z, imagination will get you everywhere.
~ Albert Einstein

In a recent article, I stated “…and speaking of the bible, I thought it was pretty impressive launching a paper while in my seventies, but Noah built a 40 foot boat, with 3 levels when he was 630 years old. And without power tools. What a show-off.” There was a typo, any 630-year old could build a forty foot boat, but Noah built a 400 foot boat. I assume that giraffes were on the supper open deck. And some people would think some dinosaurs as well. I’m really sad to see Ann Deal and her firm, Fashion Forms, moving to Austin. Ventura lost employees, taxes and one of the very large contributors to our local arts and culture scene. She will be missed. Luckily, we still have some wonderful contributors living here.

Another great reason to live in Ventura is that, within 30 minutes, camping is available at several locations, and these sites are right on the water. We just spent 3-days camping (if that what it is called when in an RV) at Emma Woods, which is about 5-10 minutes from Ventura. Ventura is indeed a great place to live.

How’s this for some tech support? My HP printer was not working properly, and after about 30-minutes on the phone with their tech person, he told me my printer was history and I needed to buy a new one (he also gave me prices for new units). So I unplug it for the night, so I can buy a new one the next day. The next morning I plugged it back in, out of curiosity, and it worked just fine andhas continued to work ever since.

I think that our TV mentality has taken over the Republican Party. What other explanation is there for Donald Trump to be the leading candidate except that some people think that politics is now a reality TV show. I heard one supporter say, “I don’t believe in anything that he is saying but I would vote for him for having the courage to say it.” Great criteria for voting for our president. His first proclamation as president might be, “We are building the Great Wall of America.”

My home water usage was down 21% from last year’s same billing period. I think that is about as good as my wife and I (and Scamp) can do. How are you doing with your reduction?

If your water has had the smell and taste of alfalfa, it is coming from Lake Casitas. The water is safe to drink, but I can’t imagine anyone drinking it. Maybe it would add a new taste to pasta. This is a yearly occurrence as algae blooms when the weather warms up. Officials assure us that the water is treated and meets all requirements to be drinking water. You can call them if you have questions or concerns at 649-2251.

I am very proud of the Ventura City Council’s recent action to defer approval of a proposed city grading ordinance. Although well intended, the ordinance sets the conditions for when a grading permit is required, but goes much too far. The ordinance would require residents to be notified within a 300 foot radius of any proposed grading, which is fine. The Council is in general agreement with the proposed ordinance but, as was pointed out by a few speakers, it would have too large an impact on smaller properties and minor grading projects. For instance, if passed, it would have required a grading permit and soil reports for any retaining wall project over 3-foot high, which could add thousands of dollars, and added time, to minor residential projects. A few years ago, a homeowner did extensive grading without securing any permits, which, of course, upset his neighbors. It was not very clear with the existing ordinances if a permit was required, which was the catalyst for a new ordinance to clearly define when a permit is required. The Council requested staff to take a closer look at the ordinance and bring it back for re-review at a future date. Staff will receive more input and recommendations from contractors, building associations and the public.

The homeless issue remains a huge problem in Ventura. Solutions are usually very expensive and not affordable by smaller cities. Los Angeles City and County are combining to expand homeless outreach teams on Skid Row with the hope of reducing the homeless population there by 25%. Between city and county, funds of about $400,000 are available to get the program started. The new program will include mental health, medical, and substance abuse professionals. It is estimated that about one-third of the homeless are mentally ill.

The LA County Board of Supervisors has also approved the building of a state-of-the art jail focused on housing the mentally ill and providing mental health treatment. Mentally ill represent about 20% of the inmate population. Locally, there will not be a inter shelter available that will serve the homeless. The Army National Guard Armory, run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, will not be available because the Society has decided that their time and money should be spent on other more permanent solutions. Without the their support, the armory is too expensive to use.

Both Oxnard and Ventura are both looking for a new location for a winter shelter. Several locations that have been considered would not work because of zoning laws – even when located in industrial areas. Peter Brown, who is now the homeless coordinator for both Oxnard and Ventura, is actively trying to solve this problem. He is seeking a location and funding, with a possible source for funding being FEMA.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

– George Bernard Shaw

• I am very concerned about what Ventura will look like as a result of people not watering their lawns. I have already seen streets where there are 4-6 homes in a row whose front yards are now dirt and weeds. And shortly, it is likely these residents will be parking cars and trucks on their front lawns as well.
I know that we must save water, but properly maintained grass can be watered per Ventura’s restrictions and still look pretty good (better than dirt).
I think that there are folks who just don’t care what their houses look like and will use this as an excuse to let their landscaping die.
I’m not too sure if residents cutting back 20-30% on water use will make much of a difference anyway, as this amounts to about 3% of the water used in California.
• Hate to see Scott Miller retire (see cover article) as our Harbor Master. He did a great job and always sent us the Harbor blotter information. Look forward to working with the new Harbor Master who will be chosen from current Harbor employees. I like that we’re staying within Ventura’s ranks.
• Ventura will soon have another beer brewery doing business (becoming the brew capital of the world). Topa Topa Brewing Co. will be opening on west Thompson. Stopped in and met one of the owners. The stainless steel equipment is gorgeous. They equipment is made in Brazil and installers came from Brazil as well. After they open, it’s worth going there to just see the facility. That is what I’ll be doing because I don’t drink beer.
• The Breeze had booths at the Family Fest at the Mall, Paint Ventura and at Eco Fest (until the wind tried to blow all of the vendors out to sea). Met a lot of nice people. We will be at the Museum on May 3rd at a boutique event. Event is free and it is free admission Sunday to the Museum. So Stop by to say hi.
•From the LA Times: “The use of electronic cigarettes by high school students tripled from 2013 to 2014 a surprising boom that threatens to wipe out hard won gains in the fight against teen smoking, a new government report says.”
The good news is that 4 people stopped smoking because of e-cigarettes. If you read my column (who doesn’t?) you know that I have been opposed to them from day one (there goes our potential vape advertisers).
The City Council will be adding e-cigarettes to our smoking standards by amending Chapter 8.350 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code, “Smoking Regulations.” This will specify e-cigarettes as prohibited in all areas where smoking is not allowed, and to increase areas where
smoking is not permitted.
This should be adopted by the Council at their meeting on May 11.
• Too bad Sarah Palin isn’t running for president. Russian aircraft have been flying very close to Alaska, and she might be able to see them which would greatly expand her knowledge of U. S. foreign policy.
• Downtown Los Angeles and thirteen other Southern California cities have had their hottest March since record keeping started in 1877. We all know that this is cyclical and in 2153 March will probably be cooler.
• Who would think a species of tiny hands can change the ecology of our Santa Cruz Islands. The Argentine ants are spreading on the island and could cause damage to the natural ecology by eliminating all of the other ant species. Ways to eliminate these ants are being studied (perhaps putting ant-eaters on the Island would help, but how would they determine the good ants from the bad ants? The ones in my kitchen are always bad.
• Even before Governor Jerry Brown ordered mandatory water restrictions, the General Services Agency for the County of Ventura was dramatically reducing the amount of water used at county-maintained facilities and parks.
Less than 6% of the County’s parkland – including the three golf courses – is irrigated. Where irrigation does exist, the grounds are primarily watered with reclaimed or recycled water. This has led to a significant savings of water usage.
• As bothersome as email hackers are, I recently received a message from a dead relative – this was extremely disturbing (unless they have Wi-Fi in heaven).
•The company that recently bought Carrow’s and Coco’s restaurants has closed several of the stores including the Coco’s located on Telegraph. We will continue to place a few papers in the rack located there for the time being for those who are used to grabbing a copy there.
• To the loud applause of those attending a recent City Council meeting, the City Council has approved a long term lease, and the rezoning, for the property that will become the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Contrary to the normal protocol, Mayor Heitmann allowed the audience to go ahead and clap, (she likely couldn’t have stopped them anyway). Hiking the trail at the future site continues to be popular. Just park at the upper lot above City Hall and you’ll see the trail head.
• In another City Council action, the Council directed the finance department to come back to them with information on how much revenue would be generated with a sales tax increase of one-half cent or one-cent . Ventura voters turned down such an increase the last time it was on the ballot.
•The Ventura Unified School district’s headquarters will be renamed (does it have a name now?) in honor of retiring Superintendent Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga. The building will now be the Trudy Tuttle Arriaga Education Service Center, though I’m sure will still be referred to as the school district site. She is retiring after 14-years as Superintendent.
• Before you start feeling badly about oil companies (because gas prices are low again), Royal Dutch Shell has offered to buy BG Group for $70 billion dollars.