Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The housing crisis just got worse

by Judy Alexandre, Chair Ventura Social Service Task force

As the Thomas fire continues to spread in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, the number of those without a home has also grown. Many of these citizens have insurance, a positive support system, and the backing of the community both public and private. These resources will greatly aid those that have been deeply impacted by the fire. Some do not have the resources; for those who were renting assistance may be more limited. A few of these residents may join the community of those who are already homeless…without a home.

There is and will be difficulty in locating suitable housing within the City of Ventura. High rents, low vacancy compound an already difficult situation. The high rent contributes to the number of people that are experiencing homelessness throughout the state. Wages have been relatively stagnant. To afford the average rent between $1500-$2500 a month requires 2-3 minimum wage jobs for the least expensive apartment. If you have children or a pet (an important love object and companion for many on the street), locating housing is even more difficult. In addition to the monthly rent some landlords are requiring 3 months’ rent up front. Ironically, many of our first responders do not qualify to purchase homes in the city and may not be able to find suitable housing for their families.

The majority of our homeless population would move into housing if housing was available. There is a severe lack of affordable housing (earning $60-$120,000 a year), very affordable and extremely affordable housing. A person on disability or social security ($800-$1200/month income) cannot afford most existing housing. Their entire income is not sufficient for rent. Working one or two minimum wage jobs is not sufficient income. Currently, a few landlords are charging extremely unreasonable rates, because they can. An example is the owner of an old SRO (single room occupancy), hygiene and kitchen facilities at the end of the hall, charging $1200 a month for a 10’x10 or 10’12’ room. Room rentals in private homes may cost $600-$1000 with limited access to other household facilities. Those who are lucky enough to have a housing voucher (may have waited 5-7 years for the voucher) often cannot find a landlord to accept the voucher because they are currently able to charge so much more that what is allowed by governmental standards. We have a housing crisis that just got worse!

We can do better. The City of Ventura needs to actively support the development of very affordable and extremely affordable housing. Implementing interim emergency alternative solutions such as legal camping, expanded safe sleep programs, refurbishing older mobile homes, while permanent housing is developed is necessary. The city can invite low income developers to come build; zoning can be modified to accommodate the need and permits fast tracked for innovative faster built and more efficient forms of housing (container and tiny homes, etc.). We need the will to act. Our seniors, veterans, low income and workforce families deserve better.

Our year round transition to housing shelter needs to be sited and build now. We have identified operators and potential builders if there is a site and if there is housing to transition people from the shelter.

I am so grateful that my house is standing

One of the only garden decorations still standing.

by Adela Trainor

There are neighbors all around me that lost their homes, including Dennis and Claire, my next door neighbors. I don’t really feel guilty, just sorrow for all those that lost their homes, and it will feel very lonely going back. I miss Claire already!

What I really felt badly about was that I had neighbors across the street that didn’t know about the evacuation until they awoke to burning bushes outside their bedroom window!

I am so grateful that my house is standing. I am even more grateful to know that the community I love and talk about so much is everything I thought it to be was so helpful to all—simply wonderful.

Loss of Home can be difficult

by Sheli Ellsworth

Losing a home by fire is not only the destruction of personal possessions, heirlooms and important documents, it is the loss of comfort and safety. Suddenly, small things—once taken for granted—become time-sucking inconveniences. Tweezers, can-openers and medicines can be replaced, but it takes time, energy, lists and attention to the million thoughts fighting for dominance in a too-stressed brain.

According to the American Psychological Association, homeowners can experience shock, anger, depression and hopelessness after a fire. Eventually, acceptance and a focus on the future are followed by a return to safety and security. But how do you get through another day? And what about the one after that?

The APA has some suggestions for dealing with stress after such a devastating loss.

Try to continue your fitness routine. Exercise, yoga, meditation and deep breathing are all proven stress reducers.
Give yourself permission to feel bad: cry, beat a pillow, scream in a closet.
It’s okay to laugh. Even when life sucks, things can be funny. Embrace periods of joy.
Make small decisions when the big ones are out of your control.
Avoid major decisions like changing jobs and getting a divorce.
Lower expectations. You aren’t a superhero. Do what you can. The rest will wait.
Socialize. Spending time with others is one path to recovery.
It is okay to talk about it. Get it out.
Take advantage of community support. It is not a sign of weakness.
Everyday think of something you are grateful for, even the small things.
Avoid drugs and alcohol when your decision-making skills are already taxed.
Sleep and wake as close to your normal cycle as possible.
Don’t skip meals. Eat regular, well-balanced meals. Food tells us we will survive.
Find a routine. Even when nothing is routine, children especially need a certain pattern of behavior. Even simple things like going to school and visiting friends can be soothing.

A Helping Hand

The public can get incident information at https://t.co/F8csSX6ytV or call 465-6650.

Needed items for those affected by fire in Ventura can come to Community Presbyterian Church to pick up clothing, blankets, shoes etc. Requirements are you must be from Ventura or those fire areas off of the 33. We ask to only take what you need. Items will be found in our Fellowship Hall.

If there is a specific need, please call Jeri at 804-2870.

I have 1 double bed sofa bed mattress to give away and 20-25 children’s books (all new). I am also available for whatever families need to get through this difficult time–clean up, hourly childcare of infant- 9 years old, grocery shopping, food prep, etc. Kathy Lewis 701-3321.

Supplies and clothing available for any of the families displaced by the fire –

Ventura Elks Lodge – 2126 Knoll Drive

We have toiletries, cleaning supplies, kitchen item, kids items (clothing, toys, games), pet supplies.

For more information or to donate Monica Merryman 701.8150; Blake Merryman 479.3032 or Elks Lodge 639.0303.

Project Understanding is staying open extended days and times to help those in need. M-F from 9-2 and by appointment. We are taking donations of food, water, toilet tissue, paper plates, household items, we are also looking for shovels, gardening gloves and shovels to distribute to anyone in need.

Project Understanding is located at 2735 Johnson Dr. Suite E.

A Message of Hope: Ventura Botanical Gardens will rise again

“Many plants in the VBG collection have evolved with fire and are adapted to survive fire events.”

by Mary Kay Doubek VBG volunteer

One look at the charred hillside above our still-standing City Hall tells one that Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) did not escape the destruction of the Thomas Fire as it swept through town beginning December 4. Despite extensive damage, VBG and The City of Ventura have already reaffirmed their partnership and commitment to deliver on the vision for the gardens. “There will be new challenges, of course,” said Joe Cahill, Executive Director of VBG, “but the aftermath of this devastating wildfire also presents new opportunities. We remain optimistic that our circumstances also have potential to benefit the long-term development of Ventura Botanical Gardens.”

VBG wasted no time, surveying the damage to the gardens soon after the fire was extinguished. Along with the destruction, Cahill reported that most of the skeletal infrastructure is intact. “Starting in 2012, our volunteers, the Conservation Corp, and the City of Ventura steadily added structural support and stone retaining walls to the planting areas and garden trail over a 30 acre area. That newer work held up well, but we will need to do minor repairs and replacement to make the trail safe again for visitors. For example, an old clay drainage pipe collapsed and caused the section of trail above it to cave in. In another section of trail, a 10-foot-long wooden retaining wall burned. Amazingly, the wooden bridge under construction in the Fynbos garden remains untouched, but on the other hand, several new educational signs and plant specimen labels melted.”

VBG has already engaged contractors to proceed with the repairs. Other plans underway include reseeding of the hillsides adjacent to developed garden areas to protect and mitigate erosion from winter rains. Depending on the availability of financial resources, the gardens will utilize technical products, such as fiber coating, in areas with severe or unstable slopes. These are protective and proactive measures the gardens can put to use, if they can be funded.

As far as vegetation is concerned, the worst devastation occurred in areas were where dead brush had built up since the last major fire in Grant Park in 1970. The garden planting areas fared somewhat better, but it will take months to complete the evaluation of the 700 specimen plant collection from Mediterranean climate regions of the world. However there is good reason to be optimistic. According to Cahill, “Many plants in the VBG collection have evolved with fire and are adapted to survive fire events. The main areas already planted in VBG stand in contrast to the old brush areas of Grant Park. The newly planted areas also survived well because volunteers had cleared dead brush so there was a lack of fuel. And since the fire, VBG has been watering the planting areas. Miraculously, some plants already have new leaf buds forming. Time will tell what the ultimate survival rate is, but we are keeping a positive outlook!”

Joe had more good news about the gardens’ water tanks and old stone walls. “The 10,000 gallon water tanks installed two years ago are intact, affording us a great opportunity to accelerate expansion of our irrigation system, and thus, to plant and restore larger areas of the garden. Also, the fire exposed more historic stone walls that were agricultural terraces, perhaps 50 sections of wall. There are also many remnants of an old trail system in the ravine to the west of the existing trail complete with mortared stone steps, mortared stone walls and switchbacks. These newly discovered features may make it more feasible and cost effective to add new trails, by simply rehabilitating very old trails. VBG is working with Sean Anderson from CSCI ESRM field crew GIS group to map these features so they can be incorporated into future planning.

Rosa Lee Measures, one of VBG’s founders has offered these words of hope to all, “With heavy heart, I mourn the losses of so many homes and precious keepsakes, of our dear friends. Grateful their lives were spared, as homes can be rebuilt.”

I fully believe that many of our precious plants will be resurrected, and maybe stronger out of the ashes. Hopefully, rejuvenating the Ventura Botanical Gardens will be therapeutic, and further reunite our community. “It is important to remember that fire is a natural process in California and in other Mediterranean climate regions of the world. It may look devastating, but periodic fire rejuvenates the landscape. Almost always there are spectacular spring wildflowers in the years following a fire and there will be other silver linings for VBG as we continue to develop the garden with support from the community.” said Joe Cahill, executive director of VBG.

The gardens and trail will remain closed while repairs are underway. Please respect the “No trespassing” warnings and wait for the public announcement that VBG is once again safe for visitors. Also, be on the lookout for VBG announcements for additional volunteer days so that the public can help with the recovery effort.

It was odd for her to call that late

by Barbara Brown

On Monday around ten, my neighbor Lauren called. It was odd for her to call that late… her voice was tense. She relayed news from her husband Tom Lanski, a Ventura County Fire Captain— the fire in Wheeler Canyon was moving toward Ondulando and she should, precautionarily, pack.

Alerting our neighbors, we moved from house to house knocking and shouting as the horizon changed from amber to brilliant red. Then we heard the evacuation announcement and as quickly as possible, we left.

Driving across town to our son’s house, we watched the fire parallel us through the city. It was terrifying to see how swiftly it moved, and how high the flames were. When we curved the 33, the Avenue hillside was ablaze. Seeing that, I had a bad feeling about the botanical Gardens.

Soon after arriving at my son’s house, the flames breached his hillside and we had to leave. I began to call hotels; they were booked. It was hard to breathe in the smoke, it was dark and everywhere there were flames.

Finally, friends offered to let us crash in their room at the Crowne—a huge relief. We arrived smoky, disheveled and in shock.

One of our retired firefighter friends, Tom Retan, who was listening to dispatch, began texting updates. That was comforting. He was with us remotely hour by painful hour.

From our hotel window, we could only see the east side of the city and not much of it. We looked for a better vantage point and finally found a city-facing window in a stairwell. In horror, I watched the Gardens burn. My heart broke. This city jewel was torched. I didn’t sleep that night.

Finally, in the morning, I called Lauren; in tears she spoke, “we’ve lost our home”. My heart dropped, she’d gotten us out, but she’d lost everything. I cannot describe how that felt.

News was spotty on Tuesday; I focused on the Gardens. Then, I saw a text. Susan and Greg’s home had survived (our friends at the Crowne). I texted, “Could you check ours?” and heard nothing for a long, long time. As the minutes dragged on, anxiety crept in. Then the phone rang. As his own voice broke, our friend Mark explained our home was gone.

My heart actually hurt… it still does… when I think about it.

The first days after learning our home had fallen were surreal. We handled it well enough; friends and family were so supportive. The realization that we had nothing but four boxes of photos and our pajamas was bizarre, but we had each other and citywide, there were no fire casualties. That was a miracle.

Wednesday, we hiked to see our home or, what was left of it. Standing with my husband, son and daughter-in-law, viewing the ash and debris, a sense of profound and irreparable loss set in—the deep and painful realization that our lives had forever changed.
We’re still not out of it; the song “Vagabond Blues” keeps running through my head, but we’ve reconnected with our neighbors and they are alive and well.

I have to say, we are so lucky to be a part of a community that comes together in crisis. So many homes were lost. The next two years are going to be difficult, but we’re optimistic, we love this city and we’re planning to rebuild. We’re deeply grateful for the support of friends and family, the commitment of our community leaders and lastly, the first responders who worked so hard to save homes in desperately dangerous conditions, despite their own profound losses.

Thomas Fire incident community meeting at Buena High School

Over one thousand attended the public meeting.
by Richard Lieberman

Saturday, Dec. 9 a public meeting to discuss the on-going Thomas Fire was held at Buena High School auditorium. The meeting was called to alert residents of the latest developments of the Thomas Fire. Following the meeting the cafeteria was utilized to present several city, county, private and other public agencies, each working from tables set-up in the cafeteria to provide vital information about services available to affected residents.

Matt Lavere Deputy Mayor began the meeting with comments about the situation as of Dec. 9^th. “This is the worst natural disaster in the 170-year history of our city”, said Lavere. He also commented about three Ventura restaurants where patrons gave a standing ovation to first responders dining at these restaurants.

Steve Bennett, County Supervisor 1^st district was next up and said “I am truly humbled as I watch the progress of firefighters and other first responders” He added “We will continue to fight this disaster and we will get answers on how the fires started and progressed so quickly.”

Mark Watkins, City Manager was next to speak and he was blunt and to the point “This fire is still active, and will take a long time to get it under control”, he said.

Next speaker David Endaya, Fire Chief City of Ventura, said “Our department was able to evacuate 27,000 people in less than an hour.” He also added “This fire came through the city faster than any we have ever seen.”

Other speakers representing emergency services in the city were CAL Fire, City of Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney, Dr. Levin, Public Health Medical Director, Chris Stephens, Director of Resource Management Agency, and Terri Ynez, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health.

Informational table representatives included: Ventura County Recorder’s Office, Red Cross, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Consumer Rights and Protection, Ventura Unified School District, Ventura County Tax Assessor, Ventura County Human Services Agency, Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, City of Ventura Community Development, Ventura City Fire, Ventura Water, Ventura Police Department, United States Post Office, and the Department of Insurance.

While at the gathering we were able to talk with a Sacramento Fire Fighter here as a member of Cal Fire Response Team, his journey to Ventura was typical of out of area firefighters responding to the disaster. “Each night we are here we sleep at different locations, the first night I slept in my car no other lodging was available” he said. One night I slept in my sleeping bag on the ground,” he added. Sacramento area responders numbered about one hundred, which included 4 engine companies. These out of area fire fighters are working 24 hour shifts (24 hours on and 24 hours off), and sometimes , because of the severity of the fires they will work 36 to 48 hour shifts.

Here at the Breeze we welcome the generosity and commitment of fire service personnel from all over the Western United States. Thank you all.

Another such meeting was held at Buena High on Dec.16.

Cabrillo’s fire response: Supporting our residents and neighbors

by Margarita H. de Escontrias, Chief Executive Officer

The Thomas Fire has spread quickly across Ventura County.

Our Property Management Department, including our maintenance technicians, have been involved with evacuations and safety checks on our affordable housing communities. Those in property management may want to consider using something like this integrated workplace management system to help schedule important maintenance activities as well as assist in other areas like asset management, finances, and accounting. This can benefit commercial tenants and property managers and residential property managers. We will remain on “HIGH ALERT” to assist. Our residents to ensure their health and safety, which continues to be our highest priority.

Many of our county’s residents will need our support and resources. United Way of Ventura County, working with the Office of Emergency Services and many other organizations, will designate a disaster relief fund. Cabrillo will be working closely with United Way to determine how best to support an emergency response to our neighbors.

In the interim, you can make a donation to the United Way relief effort by sending a check to Cabrillo. Please make it payable to United Way and we will ensure they receive your donations. Please note, “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo.

As we are all painfully aware, the fires have affected us all. Like you, I hope and pray that personal injuries and loss of life is minimal. We have successfully relocated our residents at three of our properties and will continue to monitor three other properties, two of which include many of our seniors who are confined to wheel chairs.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp, 702 County Square Dr, Ventura, CA 93003

Downtown Ventura’s new Candy Cane Forest winter tradition

In spite of threatening fire and awful air Downtown Ventura is starting a new winter tradition the Candy Cane Forest in Ventura’s Plaza Park. Fresh cut trees were sponsored and decorated by local businesses, nonprofits, and families around Ventura for the holidays. This completely free, family-friendly, all-faiths festival will last until January 2nd. Sadly, due to the fires many of the planned events have been cancelled but you can still enjoy the beautifully decorated trees. For more information visit holidaysattheplaza.com.

“A Rising Up” by writer with heart, Karen Leslie

There is a blanketed hush of humbleness that is spreading like wild fire, soothing away the raw edges of destruction in the residents of Ventura County. It is a thankfulness that goes beyond monetary things. A united force and breath of relief are now threaded in the tapestry of our lives. From lovingly handmade signs of thank you’s for the firemen and peace officers posted throughout our community to an underlying knowing we are not alone.

A song of hope and fortitude is the storyline in the life of a survivor. A kind of common denominator, that we made it through one of the most devastating fires in California history. The flames gobbled up land and homes yet our spirit of rebuilding and lives are not burned out but alive and kicking! With strength and courage as dust rags, we are cleaning off the dust of despair.

We are rising out of the ashes like phoenixes and a new rhythm and movement is taking place! The bonds of consciousness are lifting us up in sheer determination. A new crop of co-creation is watering the seeds of human potential with love. A new lush undergrowth of humanity is germinating and Heart-full-y our existence is being activated and ignited to live life like it matters.

With clarity, we are fanning the flames of oneness and understanding that each of us has the opportunity and choice to surf and ride the energy waves back home to our authentic ourselves.

Love is our lifeline!

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