What’s a voter to do?
by Sheli Ellsworth

Environmentalist Winthrop Staples has also studied the SOAR/Measure F issue. Staples feels that, in general, the open space issues are really a bi-product of over population. The idea of an ever-expanding economy dependent upon immigration and the misconception of infinite resources is always going to be a problem. “Ecosystems have maximum carrying capacities for all species that if exceeded inevitably cause environmental degradation.”

Staples says that our leaders use inconsistent race-card distractions to promote what is essentially alchemy by asserting that, “‘Population is not the problem, inequality of global wealth distribution or the overconsumption of developed nations is the problem.’” But, according to Staples, “An ecological footprint for the population of the world to live politically correct lifestyles would require the resources of many earths to support . . . .Well-intended environmentalists have been involved in the development and promotion of many of these (oxymoron of sustainable growth) as a way to lessen the destruction of what remains of nature.”

Both measures have wording to possibly slow down population growth, however, both “contain provisions that are potential Trojan Horses that could ram environment and quality of life destroying growth down our citizens’ throats, and lead to more mass Exoduses of Californians to not yet totally bulldozed areas in the rest of the country. Again it is highly questionable that anything like ‘smart growth’ is possible in the long term,” says Staples. “However, the early expiration date on proposition F in 2036 as opposed to the SOAR date of 2050 offers agricultural land less long term protection from development into housing projects or malls and commercial buildings.”

According to Staples, “Measure F  does the most environmental damage in the USA to continue to enable the least effective means of producing vegetables and fruits in a nation that has plenty of water in most of the rest of the country  . . . . Hip, politically correct environmentalist literature is full of admonitions to grow and consume locally and rational discussion of the evils of burning immense amounts of diesel fuel in trucks to move produce thousands of miles that can be grown locally.”

Local farmer, Phil McGrath of the McGrath Family Farm agrees that salting is an agricultural problem right now, but it is due to the lack of rain, which would normally keep the mineral in balance. McGrath says that he suffers right along with everyone when the cost of water goes up and that he gets no reduction in the cost of water for farm usage. “Our water costs have gone up by four times in the last 5-10 years.” McGrath says that “change is inevitable and unavoidable” and that SOAR’s extension may sound like a good idea but that farmers need flexibility which SOAR does not offer them. “ The year 2050 is too far out to predict. “Farming is driven by demand. We need to be able to adapt to it.” McGrath wants consumers to know that eating seasonal foods is a good way to reduce the effects of food production on the environment and considering crops like cannabis could make a huge difference in the county’s agricultural survival. McGrath also feels that over population underscores many of the problems associated with food production, and he points out that the Farm Bureau does not support SOAR. “SOAR was confusing to voters 20 years ago and is confusing now. We all want to protect the land but SUSTAIN VC also protects the county’s farmers.”

Hi Sheldon,

I recently noticed that my trash bill went up and I inquired about it.  Harrison Rubbish told me that the city is now charging them $15.61 a barrel for recycle goods, both yard wastes and cans/plastics and bottles.  So the city is now charging us to separate for Harrison to make money on both yard and recycled wastes?  I would love to know who’s really charging who and for what?  What is the city doing with the money?

Sincerely, Cindy Rowland Wilson

Hi Sheldon, thanks for forwarding this concern from Cindy. This is the explanation and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any clarification.

On September 1, commercial rates for those businesses using a 96-gallon recycling barrel (residential type) increased from the previous price of $3 per month (or no charge in many cases), to $15.61 per month. Since the implementation of Assembly Bill 341, (Mandatory Commercial Recycling) in 2012, the City of Ventura and E.J. Harrison have made a concerted effort to establish recycling for every business as required by the new law. However, the previous Franchise Agreement (effective from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2016) did not provide specific rates for the recycling barrels being provided by E.J. Harrison in order to comply with the new mandatory recycling law. Essentially, E.J. Harrison was absorbing the cost of providing these recycling services without any compensation because our rate schedule did not include this particular rate. As with all recycling services, although the value of the recyclables collected provides some cost reduction in the service, there are still significant costs associated with the collection and processing of recyclables.

During the negotiations of the new Franchise Agreement (effective Sept. 1, 2016) this was recognized as a deficiency in the rate schedule. In order to provide Harrison with appropriate compensation for this service, the City agreed to a commercial barrel recycling rate of $15.61. While the new cost is higher than what businesses were paying for recycling services before the new franchise agreement, it is less expensive than trash collection and more accurately reflects the true cost of collecting and processing recyclables.

Joe Yahner
City of Ventura
Environmental Sustainability Office
(805) 652-4558

by Richard Lieberman

October 24^th 2007 the first issue of the Ventura Breeze made its debut on the Ventura scene. Today we take a look back and offer a compilation of articles from the past nine years. With 240 issues under our belt, we have lived up to our original philosophy of being the only truly local newspaper in the City of Ventura. We have as promised in our first issue continued to focus on neighborhood news, local government, events, business news, and remain committed to providing our readers with the most up-to-date news and information that is of concern to our readers.

“It’s Election Time!” headlined our first issue, “with plenty of candidates to choose from.” The candidates then were Deputy Mayor Christy Weir, Council member Bill Fulton seeking re-lection. The incumbents were joined by challengers Lou Cunningham, Mike Gibson, Doug Halter, Jerry Martin, Brian Lee Rencher and Carroll Dean Williams. Several issues faced voters that year including the addition of a Walmart on Victoria Avenue, the building heights of development in midtown, and generating more economic activity for the city. The school Board race was on as well and the candidates then were, incumbents Barbara Fitzgerald, and Debbie Golden. Challengers included Monique Dollone, Lupe Hekelnkaemper, David Norrdin, and Carroll Dean Williams.

Wednesday, October 8^th  2008 debuted our second anniversary issue that featured important issues of concern to Ventura residents. “Is the devil really coming to Ventura?” was the headline and story by John Arthur Ingram outlining some Venturan’s opposition to the proposed Walmart that was slated to replace the K-Mart at the Victoria Avenue location. Will Rogers’ America was playing at the Rubicon, The city council approved a water and sewer rate increase and Professor Scamps column made its first debut.

October 7^th, 2009 and our third anniversary edition premiered. Headlining the issue was a story from the Ventura Police Department. “A few words from the VPD about graffiti” VPD suggested residents immediately remove graffiti as soon as it occurs it is the best prevention against future incidents. Over the course of twelve months a juvenile admitted to vandalizing city property over 100 times costing the city $20,000 to repair the damaged areas. Another article headlined “Local Pastor accused of bilking church member” Solid Rock Christian Center’s   pastor Alonzo “Lonnie” McCowan and his wife Kimberly were arrested for allegedly deceiving Leo Gilmond, 86 to signing over the deed to his Ventura home.

October 6^th 2010 our fourth anniversary issue made it to the newsstands. Headlining the issue was a story by Rebecca Wicks titled “The hillsides were alive with the sound of music” Presented by the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy and featuring Emily Lou Harris, Colbie Caillat, the Gin Blossoms and WPA.

October 19^th 2010 saw our fifth anniversary issue hit the streets. Measure H was on the ballot and called for a limited tax to be used only for specific educational purposes. Looking to raise $4.5 million annually. Bill Fulton was Mayor, and the Kinetic Sculpture race returned to Ventura Harbor.

October 31^st 2012  our sixth anniversary The Breeze series “Faces of Ventura “featuring portraits of local Venturans by artist Johanna Spinks continued with a portrait of Karyl Lynn Burns Artistic Director of the Rubicon Theatre.

October 16^th 2013 the seventh anniversary issue was published. Among the headlines then were, “Community Intervention Court’s first success” A story outlining the first successful graduation from the program which was deigned to deal with and work with people habitually charged with specific municipal infractions. Another story reported on the 30^th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s iconic album “Thriller” A world record attempt was to be made worldwide with thousands of dancing Zombies across the globe. In Ventura, scores of dancing un-dead will perform at Ventura Harbor.

October 15^th 2014 edition our eighth year had headlines about the Assistance League of Ventura County underlining the Leagues three goals “Every single child deserves to be safe, happy and looking forward to a bright future” City and school leaders were urging voters support Measures D and E calling for city and school board elections on even-numbered years.

October 14^th, 2015 the ninth anniversary of the Breeze was upon us and our headlines in this issue concerned the Ventura Music Festival announcing its 2016 season, the Kinetic Sculpture Race returning to Ventura Harbor, then Mayor Cheryl Heitmann would hold an informal chit-chat event held at the Ventura Townehouse on telegraph rd., The Pierpont Racquet Club celebrated 38 years in the Racquet Sports and Fitness industry , and publisher Sheldon Brown in an editorial explained the pros and cons of approving a proposed 55 luxury executive home project.

Heading into our tenth year we thank our readers, our staff, our advertisers and readers for their continued support and interest. Here at the Breeze look forward to remaining your local newspaper and the source for local Ventura news.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27 the Leo Robbins Sailing Center presented a food-truck fare with afternoon sailing (with very little help from the wind) at the Land & Sea Food Truck Feast that took  place from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Sailing Center in Marina Park.

The Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center is a national award-winning sailing and kayaking school.

Turning Point Counseling, headquartered in Orange County, has opened one of its 24 satellite offices in Ventura.  Pastor Jim Duran and The River Community Church has partnered with Turning Point Counseling to provide space for local resident, Barbara Suggs, M.A., MFT Intern, who provides services to the community in both Spanish and English under the supervision of Turning Point Counseling personnel.

While working at The Kingdom Center (now the City Center) on the start-up team and as mentor coordinator, she felt the need to return to school and pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology through Azusa Pacific University.  Early this year she became affiliated with Turning Point Counseling, having the desire to work both within the churches and the community at large.

Barbara works with individuals, couples, and families, to bring hope and healing to the hurting, especially in the areas of relationships, communication, anxiety and depression, grief and loss. She has office hours available at The River Church office, 859 E. Santa Clara, afternoons and evenings by appointment. She can be reached at 800-998-6329, Ext. 321 and leaving a message. Your call will be returned within one business day. An affordable sliding scale fee is available.

This is not the well- known local Turning Point Foundation of Ventura.