Question: What is this excavation? Is it part of the Botanical Gardens?
Chuck Goodman
Answer: This is a City project to excavate the debris basin within Grant Park to increase capacity in anticipation of rain and debris flow from the Thomas Fire which it recently did. The City’s contractor is Shaw Contracting.
Do you have a question? Send it to [email protected].
On Sat., Feb. 10 four local authors will be speaking about writing and will be presenting their new works. From 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the E.P. Foster Public Library in Downtown Ventura.
Featured Authors:
James Francis Gray
A contributing writer for the Ventura Breeze he is a published writer with four books to date, Kali is Your Code Name, Gumshoe, Tales Told and his latest, Audrey’s Journal. Check out his web site www.jamesfgray.com for more complete information about his books and to view book video trailers.
Sheila Lowe
Like her fictional character, Claudia Rose, Sheila Lowe is a real-life forensic handwriting examiner who testifies in court cases. The mother of a tattoo artist and a former rock star, she lives in Ventura with Lexie the Very Bad Cat. She also writes nonfiction about handwriting analysis. Visit: Sheilalowe.com and Claudiaroseseries.com
Mike Kennedy
His inspiration for the Mark Springfield series comes from many years of working with different technologies. His ability to weave real life events with fictional characters will leave you wondering if his stories are more non-fiction than fiction.
Maryann Ridini Spencer
Award-Winning Screenwriter, Author, TV/Film Producer, Lifestyle Journalist, & PR/Marketing Consultant, will be discussing her new novel Lady in the Window (SelectBooks, 2017), as well as upcoming works. In Lady in the Window.
The City Center is now a successful transitional living community in Ventura. First opened in 2010, The City Center gives homeless men, women and children a safe place to live while getting their lives stabilized.
During the Holiday Home Improvement day in December, several local businesses, organizations and volunteers spent the day painting, cleaning, repairing, planting and decorating The City Center, which currently has 65 people living there, including 37 children.
The City Center, a nonprofit, provides housing, counseling, and support services to homeless community members with a goal of transitioning towards self-sufficiency within one year. Jim Duran, Executive Director of The City Center, says, “Like many coastal communities throughout California, Ventura struggles with homelessness and vagrancy issues. Here in town we have a successful program that’s gaining momentum thanks to support from local businesses, churches, organizations and community members.” In 2016, nine formerly homeless families graduated from The City Center moving into independence and full employment.
The 2017 County of Ventura Homeless Count identified 1,152 homeless persons countywide, of those, 301 persons are in the city of Ventura — notably fewer than the 701 individuals counted in 2012.
Community members are encouraged to help support the individuals and families at The City Center by donating online at www.thecitycenter.org.
by Randal Beeman
Growing up in hurricane country in South Florida, Kat Merrick learned from her parents that the best response to a natural disaster is to immediately get to work helping others. Naturally, when the Thomas Fire broke out in Santa Paula Merrick was on the phone offering assistance to her extensive network of friends in the Ventura County farming and ranching community. Within minutes her attention focused closer to home as she noticed a glowing red hue through the skylight. In short time the fast racing fire engulfed her ranch property in the hills above Ventura. Merrick lost her house, the three rental units on her property, her crops, and the teaching garden that she planned to use as part of the popular local agricultural education program, totallylocalvc.com.
Typical of Merrick’s community values, she immediately went to work helping her tenants find housing, organizing food relief programs, the Local Love/805Strong project, and persuading corporate sponsors to provide assistance to both fire victims and those impacted by the mudslide in Montecito. Ironically, Merrick had a water tank on the property, which soon melted and spilled its contents down the wrong side of the hill. Realizing she and her boyfriend were helpless to fight the blaze, they alerted their tenants and gathered their dogs as other neighbors fought to save their homes and livestock. Soon they found themselves in a line of traffic on Ventura Avenue, witnessing disturbing scenes of “screaming chaos” in the city.
Returning to her ranch was a disconsolate moment, as even deeply rooted oak trees on her property were torched by the conflagration. Like so many families in Ventura, Merrick looked at what had been her “little sanctuary” and asked herself “where do we start?” One of her tenants had only been on the property for two days. She and her boyfriend have found a small place to rent while they endeavor to rebuild their rentals first, then the one story home that had been the site on numerous gatherings and happy hours with friends and neighbors.
As so many locals report, the process of starting over is going to take years. Scraping the lot of toxic ash was an early priority, as will be restoring ground cover on the denuded, vulnerable hillsides. Merrick found, as have others, that the insurance company was helpful at the onset of the crisis but whether that cooperation will continue is a tenuous proposition. An example: the housing crisis in Ventura County is being exacerbated by the Thomas Fire, and there appears to be some push back from insurers in regards to the cost of renting while properties are being rebuilt. Merrick was quick to praise the County of Ventura for fast tracking the permit process.
Merrick noted that the impact of the fire on the local agricultural community – lost crops, dead or injured stock, and a lack of grazing land – will impact this essential industry for years. Her voice teamed with energy as she spoke of the tenacity of local farmers, ranchers, and farm workers, Merrick embodies the time honored saying: “lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way.” Though her cherished home on the range was taken by the Thomas Fire, Merrick is well on the way to doing what she loves best, ensuring that “future chefs will get their hands in the dirt” as Ventura County rebuilds its agricultural base.
People still need to get to work, and appointments, in Santa Barbara. And Amtrak is one of the only ways to get there (also by Island Packer’s boats). This large crowd all managed to fit in the Amtrak train with most of them needing to stand.
The local Sierra Club’s annual Wilderness Basics Course promises adventure, friendships, confidence, beauty, weather, inspiration, knowledge, tasty food and hardy health.
It’s all about the Club’s ethic of showing people the forests, open spaces, mountains and rivers in a safe and comfortable manner, and you don’t have to be a member.
Now in its 9th year, the program runs from Feb. 7 to March 28 with conditioning hikes, car camp and backpacks in prime locations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
The course is geared to a wide variety of experiences, ranging from novice to knowledgeable, out-of-shape to out-of- sight. It’s for everybody, from teens to seniors, singles, couples and family members.
Classes are Wednesday nights at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Outings are during weekends.
Early bird prices are available until Jan. 24 and the funds are used to cover expenses. Last year some extra funds were donated to the nine Search and Rescue teams in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
All the detail you need or to sign up is at:
http://www.lospadreswbc.org
[email protected]
www.Facebook.com/lospadresWBC
805 524-7170
The Ventura County Climate Hub invites the public to a panel discussion about localizing sources of energy for our region. Topics will include the progress for cities joining Los Angeles Community Choice Energy, the challenge from the CPUC that may delay participation, So Cal Edison’s plans for a 4th power line into our region, and the status of a grant application by Ventura County to fund accelerated residential energy efficiency. The implications of the upcoming So Cal Edison Request for Proposals for regional energy generation and storage will be explored, along with the feasibility and funding of an independent analysis of the power grid for the Moorpark-Goleta region.
Ventura County Climate Hub is a grassroots, non-partisan local affiliate of 350.org with 26 local partner organizations and hundreds of people engaged in the full spectrum of ways to reverse climate change. Partner organizations like CFROG and World Business Academy report on their actions and campaigns.
Thursday, January 11, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St, rear parking lot to Fellowship Hall.
Ventura County residential and commercial taxpayers can do more to develop renewable energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create local jobs and stimulate our economy. The California Public Utilities Commission is proposing to seriously delay the development of those opportunities. We will discuss in particular the CAISO analysis of the 4th power line proposed by SoCal Edison and the need for an independent analysis that explores the potential to localize generation in the Moorpark-Goleta region of the grid. We will learn more about the potential for 100% localized Distributed Energy Generation with solar and other sources from rooftops, parking lots and battery storage. A limiting factor for localization of the regional grid is the willingness of commercial property owners to support and participate in projects. The potential for more generous feed-in tariffs under Los Angeles Community Choice Energy is of great importance in motivating property owners to invest
Due to the fire, there were fewer boats participating in this year’s Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights. However, it still produced a host of wonderfully decorated boats. and winners for their spectacular, decorated boats.
At the subsequent Boaters Award Brunch held on Sunday, December 17, awardees offered a portion of their winnings to the victims of the Thomas Fire. We consider them to all be winners for participating. Many of the boaters’ friends who lost their homes are now sleeping in their boats. Photos by Michael Gordon.
by Jennifer Tipton
It came without warning, on Monday, December 4th, late into the evening, sudden panic shattered our sleepy little seaside town, we’ve seen many tragedies across the country, but never here…not in our hometown!
That’s not entirely true, on March 12, 1928 the man-made St. Francis Dam in Northern Los Angeles County burst and sent a night long torrent of water, mud and debris racing down the Santa Clara River to the ocean destroying homes in Piru, Bardsdale, Fillmore, Santa Paula and Saticoy, killing more than 450 people. Victims of this disaster were swept away with the debris; some bodies were never recovered.
In Ventura, we live with the threat of tsunamis, earthquakes and the inconvenience of those pesky Santa Ana winds all the time, but on the night of December 4th, those “pesky” winds turned savage and fueled the worst fire our city has ever seen.
And now, the worst wildfire on record in California, as of December 28th 281,893 acres had burned (that’s an area larger than New York City) and surpasses the Cedar Fire in 2003 that consumed 273,000 acres. The official list dates back to 1932, prior records are less reliable, but some say the 1889 Santiago Canyon Fire scorched 300,000 acres!
Originating in the hills in Santa Paula fueled by ferocious winds, the Thomas Fire has consumed much of our hillsides and many of our homes. As of December 28th, there is 91% containment and crews are expected to continue working 24/7 into January.
But … we will recover, and we will rebuild because
We Are Ventura!
by Rebecca Wicks
Looking back through 2017, the year was marked by news events common to others. There were new developments, openings, closings, fresh faces making their entrance onto our City’s scene, and recognized faces bowing out. All were eclipsed by the biggest headline of the year – the Thomas Fire. Follows are some of the top stories from the pages of the Ventura Breeze in 2017:
1. The Thomas Fire. While occurring at the tail end of the year, the fire that raged through Ventura the night of Dec. 4th, has had undoubtedly the largest impact on Venturans in 2017. In addition to the more than 500 families that lost their homes, hundreds more remain displaced and unable to move back into their homes as they sit uninhabitable. Many of the homes that still stand are riddled with fire and smoke damage, and in need of repainting, extensive cleaning and removal and replacement of insulation.
The lasting effects of the fire will inevitably stretch into 2018 and beyond as the City works to rebuild. Even those who have experienced no physical loss will be affected as there will continue to be public time and money spent on how the City recovers physically and economically. Questions loom around everything from rebuilding ordinances to protecting against mudslides this winter.
2. Faces Exit and Enter. In March, the Ventura Unified School District voted to fire Superintendent Michael Babb who held the job for only 20 months. Babb was previously superintendent of the Mesa Union School District and was principal of E.P. Foster Elementary School for five years. In July, the Board announced the hiring of David C. Creswell, as the new school superintendent with a salary of $222,000 per year. Creswell previously served as associate superintendent of the Fontana Unified School District and assistant superintendent of the Cucamonga School District.
Also in July, City Manager Mark Watkins announced his retirement effective December 28, 2017. Dan Paranick was named interim city manager. The year’s City Council election featured 10 candidates for three seats, which included incumbents Christy Weir and Cheryl Heitmann. Council member Carl Morehouse did not seek re-election. Both incumbents held their seats and a new face to the council, Matt LeVere was added to the group.
3. The Museum of Ventura County. In January, the Museum re-opened its doors after having been closed for four months for renovations. The celebration was not long-lived as the Museum continued to struggle financially. In July, the City Council voted to give the museum $125,000 dependent on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approving additional funding and set other conditions. The Council specified funding could last up to five years, assuming the museum meets specific benchmarks and the City has the money. The Museum was charged with showing how it will one day support itself, start assessing a collection of 181,000 documents and artifacts, begin the process of developing an $8 million endowment and look at ways to turn its programs and offerings to be more appealing to all age groups who will visit often.
4. Pot Regulations and the City of Ventura. On January 1, 2018 marijuana became legal to consume and cultivate for Californians over age 21. Like other cities, Ventura is working to determine how it will regulate everything from marijuana store fronts and delivery services to cultivation, taxes, zoning and other related issues. The City held a series of community meetings to offer Venturans input on how it should approach the pending legalization. Since then, the City approved some medical marijuana deliveries from other cities. Currently, a moratorium still stands prohibiting all commercial activity related to marijuana in order to have more time to decide how, or if to regulate it.
5. New Tree Planted at Two Trees. In April, and in honor of Earth Day, a new sapling was planted to replace the eastern-most tree of the duo known locally as “Two Trees.” The previous eastern-most tree had died. The remaining tree is thought to be one of 13 original trees, which resided on the hillside. A number of stories abound as to how the iconic Two Trees came to be just the pair. The tree is a Blue Gum tree, which in their native Australia can live 400-500 years, but here in California are expected to live only 100-200 years. The new tree was donated by Baron Bros. Nursery, and planted by the Rancho San Buenaventura Conservation Trust, which protects the hillsides along with Richard Atmore who has worked the land owned by Lloyd Properties since 1979.
6. Ventura Prioritizes Auto Center Area for Development. In July the City Council approved a General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan amendment, and Sign Agreement within the Auto Center Specific Plan that made the surrounding area significantly more conducive to economic investment. The amendments pave the way to increased economic vitality by improving accessibility, visibility, and circulation in the Ventura Auto Center. Called Focus Area One, the auto center currently employs more than 1,000 workers and is the City’s top revenue generator.
7. Kaiser Opens Its Doors. With a quiet launch Kaiser opened its 57,000-square-foot outpatient complex alongside Highway 101. Marked by unique design, the burgundy building’s façade incorporates a number diagonal stripes of white light. The organization’s website states the building features both an innovative design and patient-centric approach. The site offers optometry, orthopedics, obstetrics-gynecology, cancer infusion, gastroenterology, podiatry, laboratory services and other care.
And, then there is …
8. The Good. The Ventura Harbor Continues to Improve. The Harbor Village beautification project entered its third phase in 2017 with new seating, new planter areas with palm trees, and artwork, including a map of the Channel Islands inlaid as decorative paving. Additional improvements are planned. In addition, two new hotels were approved for development in the area including The Harbor Cove Inn and the Adventure Lodge.
March for Justice a Success. Thousands gathered in downtown Ventura in January for the March for Justice, a protest organized to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington and hundreds of similar marches around the world.
Kellogg Park Construction. Starting as a community driven project to increase park area on the Westside of Ventura, the City and its partners were able to secure $3.5 of the $4.5 of the funds needed to construct the park through grants and donations. The first phase of the 2.41 acre park features community gathering spaces, an amphitheater, playground area, and outdoor exercise equipment.
9. The Bad. Retired Judge Kills Girlfriend and Himself. Former Ventura County Superior Court Judge Herbert Curtis III, 69 shot and killed his girlfriend Patricia Payne, 54 in a domestic dispute. He subsequently killed himself after officials arrived at his home.
Scamp Passes. Publisher Sheldon Brown’s beloved pet Scamp passed this April(just shy of 15). Dubbed Professor Scamp, Ph.D. (pretty happy dog), he was the inspiration for the Breeze’s Pet Pages and Scamp Club, which are focused on celebrating pets in our City as well as finding homes for animals in need.
10. The Bizarre. Celebrating the Life of an Irish Pig. In March, the locally-famous inflatable pig met his end fittingly, on the street in the 2017 County of Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Known as Pig o’ My Heart and Shamhock, the giant green pig appeared in the parade for 26 years, and was remembered in November in a mass community wake complete with public mourners, pall bearers, bagpipes and of course, libations. A new pig is on its way.
