CAPS Media’s Thomas Fire Stories project continues to record captivating first-person personal accounts with the public and first responders. This month Kat Merrick, Captain John McNeil and Trevor Quirk add their experiences to the series. On Friday, August 17 Kat Merrick shares a remarkably moving story of her fight to save her Wicked Wire Ranch, which is her personal home and the center of her Totally Local VC grassroots agriculture, art and music support organization. Equally engaging is Kat’s story of virtually overnight launching a massive community outreach program connecting hundreds of Thomas Fire victims with agencies and individuals who wanted to help. The following Friday, August 24, Ventura County Fire Chief John McNeil add his unique perspective to the archive. And on August 31, Trevor Quirk tells his fascinating story of fighting the fire on his ranch, rescuing neighbors all night long and then helping create the Upper Ojai Relief Organization to bring resources and help to victims throughout the isolated community.

A new Thomas Fire Story premieres every Friday evening at 6pm on CAPS Media Channel 6 and streams online at capsmedia.org and on CAPS Radio 104.1PM. Following the premiere every Thomas Fire Story repeats throughout the week and is posted online at capsmedia.org/videos.

The Museum of Ventura County is archiving all of the Thomas Fire Stories interviews along with additional historical artifacts. Selected material will be included in a special exhibit at the end of the year. Portions of the Thomas Fire Story interviews will be included in a comprehensive documentary film also slated to premiere in December.

The start of the new school year is a great time to take a tour of the CAPS Media Center and consider joining the CAPS Media creative community. No prior experience is required and everyone is invited to join. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to become a member as are members of non-profit organizations throughout the county. To learn more about CAPS Media’s extensive television and radio resources and training attend an orientation tour held on the first Thursday of every month. HD videography/camera classes are held on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class is on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes are on the 4th week. Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road.

November elections are only a few months away and CAPS Media will help provide information and resources for voters. This year, for the first time, ballots will include district elections for members of the Ventura City Council and Ventura Unified School Board. For details on the City district elections go to the City of Ventura website for comprehensive information at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1222/District-Based-Elections

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. For more information, go to capsmedia.org or call 805.658.0500.

Catholic Charities
805-643-4784
www.catholiccharitiesla.org

Homeless One Stop Center
Every Tuesday 10am-1pm
3147 Loma Vista

Project Understanding
805-652-1320
www.projectunderstanding.org

Salvation Army
805-648-5032
www.salvationarmy-ventura.org

Turning Point foundation
805-652-0596
www.turningpointfoundation.org

Ventura Social Services Task Force
Homeless Prevention Fund
805-654-7701
www.vhpf.net

Breezy Gledhill

One of my favorite things at the fair this year was the Autism Society Ventura County booth. Besides the amazing people that I met at the booth this year – I’m talking about you Ashley Pope!, this nonprofit organization is mostly made up of individuals with Autism and their families. One in fifty-nine children have Autism, and early intervention can make a huge difference. It’s important to have patience with people that you meet because you do not know their reasons for staying quiet or not making eye contact, for example. Autism Society Ventura County aims to educate our community, so we can then educate others. Just remember to always be kind and exude love first.

I also found out that the Autism Society of VC puts on an annual fundraising event every April called the Aut2Run – a fun 5K and resource fair!

What a super fun way to bring the community together, get in shape and support a wonderful group of people.

Evin Brown-13

Every kid knows, the summer holidays aren’t complete without a visit to the Ventura County Fair. And the fair didn’t disappoint this year! There were so many awesome rides and attractions – there was something for everyone. From farm animals, agricultural exhibits and fine art, to awesome rides, carnival games, and a huge selection of foods and drinks, there was plenty to do for the whole family.

Uncle Leo’s Barn had so many wonderful animals! There were chickens, pigs, cows, goats, and more. Some of my favorites were the pig and its babies, the chickens, and the cows. The art pieces made by the children and seniors were so cool to look at! I really enjoyed how one of the kids drew a picture that looked just like Sponge Bob and Mr. Krabs. I loved looking at the paintings that professional artists had made, too.

Out of all the roller coasters there, I would recommend the Olympic Bobsled as a great ride to start with. It was a lot of fun to speed up and down and jolt around the corners at a breathtaking speed and immediately feel energized and exhilarated. When you get off you just want to get back on again and again. I also really enjoyed going on the Ferris wheel – you could see the whole city from up there! At the end of the fair, I went on the Fast Trax ride and then visited the Gems and Minerals exhibit, which was very interesting to look at. I was also very happy and surprised to see an old diving suit helmet at the Agriculture Hall! Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at the fair this year and I’m already looking forward to the next. I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Jill Forman

The county of Ventura wants to do the best for the environment. So says the knowledgeable and enthusiastic young woman at the Public Works booth, in the Ag building.

Earth levees, important for channeling water, are easily undermined by rodents. Traditionally, they have been controlled by rodenticides, also known as poisons. The problem is, the dead animals can be eaten by other critters who then ingest the poison; this includes hawks, coyotes, owls, foxes, pretty much any carnivore you can think of.

The county is doing a pilot program on one creek using raptors (hawks and owls) instead to control the rodents. They are installing perches and putting up owl boxes, to encourage these birds to live and hunt in the area of the levees. This has been effective, equal to or better than using rodenticides. They will be expanding to other areas.

Bernie Goldstein

What I love  about the Ventura County Fair is watching interaction of people,  big or small in a variety  of sizes ,shapes and dress,  hungry  people waiting patiently by the food vendors, Kids having their faces painted while proud parents are watching close by; the bubble blowing machines filling  bubbles into the crowds, the circus barkers , the pig race contests, the colorful rides and the hobby contests. I enjoy the wonderful display of photos and spend time and love the hobby contests.   I have a special fascination with the 4 H animal auction and marvel at the talents of the auctioneers.  I enjoy watching the facial expressions & excitement of the kids & others enjoying the attention grabbing rides & games, the people with huge oversized  stuffed animal prizes won at the dart throwing  or bean bag concession.   I’m thrilled and enjoy too, the golden hour when the sun hides behind the edge of the sea , and the sky produces awesome colors. This is when the glittering & vivid colorful lights at the fairgrounds really come to life.

I enjoy photographing what I see at the fair

Michael Gordon

My favorite things at the Fair are the children and their parent interacting.
Watching the children cheer for their favorite piglet race around the sawdust track, the elation with parent in hand as their pig wins the race; and the comfort the parent provides when the piglet comes in last.

The children, with parent in tow, tossing the ping pong ball over milk bottles, holding their breath as the ball bounces from rim to rim, hands over mouth as if the slightest squeal would cause the ball to bounce onto the ground. Taking a deep breath trying the suck the ball down into the bottle. The joy and wonderment as the child cuddles with the newly won Teddy Bear, with parent in tow.

Shirley Lorraine

Attending the Ventura County Fair has been a tradition for me for over 50 years. My favorite things are seeing the hand-made entries in the Home Arts Building, the collections in the Gem and Mineral Building and the creativity in the Youth Building. The personal entries are what bring me back year after year.

Jill Forman

The county of Ventura wants to do the best for the environment. So says the knowledgeable and enthusiastic young woman at the Public Works booth, in the Ag building.

Earth levees, important for channeling water, are easily undermined by rodents. Traditionally, they have been controlled by rodenticides, also known as poisons. The problem is, the dead animals can be eaten by other critters who then ingest the poison; this includes hawks, coyotes, owls, foxes, pretty much any carnivore you can think of.

The county is doing a pilot program on one creek using raptors (hawks and owls) instead to control the rodents. They are installing perches and putting up owl boxes, to encourage these birds to live and hunt in the area of the levees. This has been effective, equal to or better than using rodenticides. They will be expanding to other areas.

Michael Gordon

My favorite things at the Fair are the children and their parent interacting.

Watching the children cheer for their favorite piglet race around the sawdust track, the elation with parent in hand as their pig wins the race; and the comfort the parent provides when the piglet comes in last.

The children, with parent in tow, tossing the ping pong ball over milk bottles, holding their breath as the ball bounces from rim to rim, hands over mouth as if the slightest squeal would cause the ball to bounce onto the ground. Taking a deep breath trying the suck the ball down into the bottle. The joy and wonderment as the child cuddles with the newly won Teddy Bear, with parent in tow.

These are just a few of my favorite things at the fair.

Bernie Goldstein

What I love about the Ventura County Fair is watching interaction of people, big or small in a variety of sizes ,shapes and dress, hungry people waiting patiently by the food vendors, Kids having their faces painted while proud parents are watching close by; the bubble blowing machines filling bubbles into the crowds, the circus barkers , the pig race contests, the colorful rides and the hobby contests. I enjoy the wonderful display of photos and spend time and love the hobby contests. I have a special fascination with the 4 H animal auction and marvel at the talents of the auctioneers. I enjoy watching the facial expressions & excitement of the kids & others enjoying the attention grabbing rides & games, the people with huge oversized stuffed animal prizes won at the dart throwing or bean bag concession. I’m thrilled and enjoy too, the golden hour when the sun hides behind the edge of the sea , and the sky produces awesome colors. This is when the glittering & vivid colorful lights at the fairgrounds really come to life.

I enjoy photographing what I see at the fair.

by Venturans for Efficient & Responsible Government (VREG)

When it comes to real estate, Ventura’s City Council is, at best, inconsistent. At worst, they are reckless with our money. Their latest decision costs taxpayers over $1,000,000.

On June 16th, the Council accepted the city staff’s recommendations for the Harbor Church. Like some other real estate recommendations, it loses money.

Nothing About This Deal Adds Up

The city paid church officials $2,300,000 to buy the Harbor Church property in 2016. City Hall and Harbor Church agreed the value of both the land and the church building was $1.6 million. The actual sales price included an additional $700,000 to pay the Church to move. By any measure, Ventura overpaid for the property.

City staff proposes to demolish the church, subdivide the property and sell the lots. Total cost to the taxpayers to clear the lot will be $2,670,000.

Purchase Harbor Church Building $1,600,000

Moving Expense $700,000

Demolish Church Building $350,000

Remove Hazardous Material $20,000

Total $2,670,000

The city staff enthusiastically reported the value of the property on which the Harbor Church sits increased by 66% since 2016. They believe we can get four lots on the existing site. They estimate each lot will sell for between $250,000 and $375,000.

The arithmetic didn’t add up from the beginning. A staff report lists the property and building appraisal at $1,350,000 in July 2017. A year earlier, the city paid $1,600,000 for the church and the lot—$250,000 more than the appraised value. This transaction lost money from the very start and doesn’t begin to realize the gains from the purported 66% increase in land value.

Something Else Doesn’t Add Up Either

The city staff used an optimistically over-valued selling price for the lots.

We pulled data from a local title company for homes sold in zip code 93003 for the past two years. What we discovered was shocking.

According to the data, lots on Harbor Church’s corner should sell for between $215,000 and $233,000. The market values the lots are well below the $250,000 to $375,000 the city staff believes they’re worth.

A More Realistic Calculation Of The Transaction

Using this realistic data from the title company and giving the city the higher anticipated value, the sale of the property would actually look something like this:

• Sell Four Lots ($233,000 each) $932,000
• Lease Payments From Harbor
• Church For 12 months $36,000
• Realtor’s Fee (6%) ($55,920)
• Total Revenue $912,080
• Total Costs (from above) ($2,670,000)
• Total Loss on Transaction ($1,757,920)

Is The City Looking Out For Your Money In These Real Estate Transactions?

The City Council’s inconsistent real estate decisions should concern citizens. It causes taxpayers to doubt their financial acumen. The Council trusted the city staff again, with the same disastrous, money-losing results. One wonders whether they are good custodians of our tax money.

VREG’s Conclusions

We believe the city should get out of the real estate business. The litany of poor decisions grows—the WAV Building, Brooks Institute lease, 505 Poli and the Harbor Church property.

At the very least, the city should seek advice from licensed realtors and experts whenever making a real estate decision.

Large financial decisions deserve scrutiny. It’s best to proceed with caution and with thought. It’s too easy for city staff to recommend spending taxpayer money on losing projects. We urge the City Council to approach each real estate transaction with skepticism. Treat the money as if it was coming out of their own pockets.

by Karen Leslie, writer with heart

Adventure, meeting people from all walks of life, thrilling experiences, weaves a tapestry of memories that last a lifetime and when held in the mind and heart, become priceless beyond monetary value.

From Oklahoma, Sedona to California, Richard Keller and Elaine Keller, enthusiastic spirited travelers, humanitarians and dream catchers walked the-red-path as generous souls. From a one room school house to collectible cars, these land rovers and skydiving enthusiast, engineered their way across the country, leaving their footprints and love onto the world. These lives well lived in a century with all its spurts of growth, from the dust bowl to route 66, solo flights and with outstanding achievements, these second half of lifers left no cliff hangers!

The first 21 years of Richard Keller’s life was spent on a farm in the 20^th century which modestly boasted kerosene wick lights, a wood coal burning heater, rain water pumped by hand out of a cistern and a two stall wood out-house. The one room wood structure school house was 2 miles away. Richard shares, “To get to school I walked, took a horse and buggy or rode a horse. There were no sports or special classes only three basic academic fields; Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Grades 9-11, I drove a $10.00 model-T and in 12^th grade drove a 6 cylinder rumble seat Chevrolet Roaster and tractor gasoline was .05/gal.”

A world away, a half Cherokee Indian girl, born on a reservation in Oklahoma, Elaine’s life path was of a different nature. She shares, “As a child I would lie on my back in the grass and watch the clouds change, the birds soar and dive in an ethereal ballet. We lived totally off the land, hung out in the wild and medicine was made up of berries, roots and leaves. My mother and grandmother made clothes out of beautifully patterned sugar and flour sacks. I had a wonderful childhood!” While Elaine made her first solo flight in a Piper Cub at 17, companion to Jane Russell, member US Power and Sail Squadron’s and first female Squadron and District Commander, fearlessly skydiving on her 70^thbirthday, little did she know her adventures and achievements would lead to Richard, “Her Miracle Man!”

In 1938 Richard migrated from Oklahoma on a Harley Davidson down route 66 to San Jacinto. Richard shares, “At the California border I needed to prove a destination and sufficient money to obtain a card permitting me to be in California. 1939 I was employed at Lockheed as design engineer when hourly wage was $.45. A USAAF-2^nd L.T. B-25 pilot, I trained for the proposed invasion of Japan then attended Chounard Art Institute.” The next rung on the ladder of Richard’s life was in 1953 at William R. Whitaker Corp, Hollywood, California where he designed 24 volt actuators to operate aircraft valves on the Apollo. After 45 years widowed from first wife Lupe Peinado, Richard met Elaine and love graced his path again. Richard retired in 1982 from ABEX Corps, Oxnard. Years later Richard and Elaine married in 1995 in Sedona, Arizona. Residing in Ventura in their 23rd year of marriage, these love birds continue to look to the future! Elaine shares, “I look forward to zip lining the Grand Canyon on my 100^th birthday!” Richard, humanitarian quotes, “On the ladder of life, I have climbed a number of feet up, by having successful accomplishments, beautiful memories of my contacts with human beings, fortunate to find love again and my many years of employment that was enjoyable, motivating and most important creative.” Longevity be your!

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) is pleased to announce that it is currently applying for accreditation and invites the public to comment as part of the application process. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. “The accreditation program is one way to show that Ventura Land Trust strives to meet the highest possible standards and operates in highly professional way,” said Derek Poultney, VLT Executive Director. “Accreditation is important because it ensures that VLT will always utilize the policies, procedures and practices to protect our conservation lands in perpetuity.”

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Ventura Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to [email protected].

Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A public comment period is now open and comments on Ventura Land Trust’s application will be most useful if received by Friday, August 24.

The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.