Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Ojai News & Events

Ojai residents,

As members of the Ojai community, we are all understandably concerned about the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As Mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like to share actions taken by the City of Ojai, but also share actions that residents can and should take to keep each other, and our community, safe.

This situation is unprecedented, we must be calm and reasonable. This is a public health crisis, and the lead agency for our area is the Ventura County Public Health Department. The Ventura County Public Health Department is the best, most authoritative source for information about this issue. The City has been in regular contact with the Ventura County Public Health Department, and many other partners, to help coordinate as needed.

On Friday, March 13, the City Council declared a local emergency, to provide more flexibility and allow the City to react quickly to needs. The City has postponed or cancelled several community events, and in line with the latest guidelines, discourage people from attending public meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people. The City is taking steps to help residents participate in public meetings by allowing email comments to our City Clerk’s Office.

The City has also begun to reach out to our business community, looking for ways to help enable curbside pickup and delivery, and providing additional hand washing stations throughout the City. The City is also keeping public restrooms open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help ensure our vulnerable populations are able to wash their hands as needed. Our goal is to “flatten the curve” by reducing social interactions and reducing the opportunities for community transmission of the virus. The City may continue to implement measures, such as closing City Hall, to reduce the possibility of community transmission of the virus. We will provide electronic or other means to obtain services if we do so.

Most importantly, I’m asking you all to remain calm, support each other, and encourage best practices. Your personal behavior matters, and you can help reduce the spread of this disease by following county, state and federal advice about increased personal hygiene and reduced in-person contact. Work from home if you can. Practice social distancing by avoiding large groups and staying 6 feet away from others. Please share this information with your friends and family to help them stay safe and healthy.

In order to avoid misinformation, please refer to official sites for accurate information:

Lastly, to receive the latest notices from the City of Ojai, please sign up for the City’s email list. Please click on the COVID-19 Information Signup button on the City’s webpage, under quick links.

Mayor John F. Johnston
City of Ojai

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Events

NOTE: You must verify if any of these are being held. Do not just show up, just assume they are all cancelled.

by Ana Baker

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

Living with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes Classes
1st Tuesday of the Month (April 7), from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets first 2 Monday nights of the month 7:30 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Swing, line dance, waltz, Latin and more. First dance lessons are free 6:40 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 and www.poinsettiadancers.org for more information.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.  There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.
Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312
2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Men are you retired and routine-tired? Ventura Retired Men suggest you visit a Social Lunch Meeting on the first or third Tuesday each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Stop in, say hello, have a sip at the bar if you like, they will buy you lunch, and you can sample the hospitality as they go through activities and hear the speaker of the day. Bob Likins can tell you more at 805-587-1233.

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.

Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit recreational organization. The club’s purpose is to promote bicycling for recreation, health, sport and transportation. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of March, April, May, September, October and November. Museum of Ventura County, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a refreshment social and the presentation begins at 7p.m. The March meeting will feature an informative heart health presentation by a professional from Community Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit www.cibike.org or contact [email protected].

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

We find ourselves in uncharted territory as the Covid-19 pandemic hits home. Many venues initially didn’t take Governor Newsom’s Stay-Home Order too seriously, but once the Ventura County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Levin, issued our own local emergency order, each venue, one by one, closed their doors and posted on social media they would not be open for business until allowed to do so; and as much as we all would like to think live music is an essential service, alas, by definition, it brings people together in too close proximity to remain safe.

This extraordinary event is disrupting our normal routine and we’re scrambling to figure out how best to endure and stay safe.

Forever the optimist, I still feel for our community; I feel for the musicians who lost all their gigs; I feel for Sheldon Brown, publisher of the Ventura Breeze, as his advertisers have fallen short of covering the cost of production, yet he’s doing everything he can to keep the Breeze alive; I feel for all the small business owners forced to close their doors (hopefully just temporarily); I feel for the grocery workers who have to constantly restock (and deal with cranky customers) as certain people feel compelled to overbuy; I feel for first responders forever on standby, ready to serve; I feel for parents with children unexpectedly at home due to school closures; and I feel for those scared and worried about this pandemic because that is in their nature to do so. The only comfort and advice I can offer is to ask those who are in anguish to take a step back, and really try to realize worrying doesn’t help anyone (especially you and your family), it only adds to the problem. If you can get to that point, then figure out what you can do to better the situation; seriously, do something, anything!

During this time of social distancing, I’ve seen so many resourceful and creative solutions for remaining connected especially using social media, but I’ll be honest, Facebook can be potentially soul damaging when people constantly vent angry political-blaming posts, but I want you to remember that you have the power to “hide” those posts, even “unfollow” and “delete” friends and in extreme situations, “block” individuals who chronically share mind-numbing snarky remarks, false information and diatribe. What’s left are pictures of pets, children running amok, creative suggestions to try at home, groups forming to support each other (one is a bartering group here in Ventura) and of course all our beautiful musicians providing live online concerts using social media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, even Cadenza.tv).

I was concerned for a day, maybe two, on how to move forward with supporting Ventura’s music scene on my website VenturaRocks.com, but once I saw musicians and singer/songwriters inviting fans to view their home concerts, I knew I could help promote and list those events instead of venue calendars. And because I’m also a website designer, I created a page where you can view that video after the performance is over on the VenturaRocks Artist page. And just so you know, many of the performers also provide a way to make a donation, a tip jar if you will, so you can help these artists who lost all their gigs for the time being.

I’ll be honest (with a Cheshire smile), it’s a little mini vacation for me not having to research where all the live music is and compiling a calendar (both for the Breeze and VenturaRocks.com). Here’s a little insight on where I get my information: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, messenger, text messages, phone calls and venue websites, not to mention the occasional flyer I’ll spot walking around town. What makes it even more challenging is the fact that people will not always list an event in a timely manner, so I have to research several times a week instead of only once, and even then, I can miss a gig by someone who posted the morning of the show. So yeah, I’m decompressing and enjoying cleaning out the junk drawer(s), and spending time with my senior pups.

Gratefully, the Stay Home Order allows us to go to the grocery store and pharmacy, even to a restaurant for take-out or drive-thru, which brings up another point. While we are at home, we can still support local restaurants who are providing delivery services, many of them without delivery fees. For a list of FAQs on what is allowed, go to vcemergency.com/staywellvc.

As I follow the guidelines of social distancing, I’m loving my community uplifting each other and voicing words of support as I walk my senior dogs down at Pierpont Beach, albeit, at least from a distance of six feet or more. I’m seeing people out enjoying the fresh air, walking their own dogs, biking, jogging and letting their kids out for some much-needed space, which after all, Ventura’s space is one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Please keep in mind, we will get through this quicker if we all adhere to the guidelines here and now.

#TogetherAtHome #StayVenturaStrong #StirCrazy #SupportYourLocalMusican #TheVenturaBreezeRocks #WeCanDoThis #VenturaWillRockAgain

Finally, my sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Jim Salzer as the community grieves at his passing. He was an icon here in town and his impact on the music scene as a concert promoter and record and video store owner will be felt for a very long time.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected]. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Monday 3-2

 7:23am, received dispatch to a vegetation fire near Riverhaven off E Harbor Blvd. Officers responded and assisted VFD with traffic control on Harbor. The fire was eventually extinguished and mopped up by Ventura fire personnel.

5:08pm, received several reports of a water rescue, kite surfer in distress near the Ventura Pier. Officers responded, pulled the kiter and equipment from the water, then safely escorting the victim to the shore without incident.

Tuesday 3-3

 11:45am, received a request for a safety escort from the captain of a disabled sailboat using the emergency tiller to navigate to the boatyard for haul out. The vessel was safely escorted to their destination, the Ventura Boatyard.

Wednes 3-4

 11:17am, dispatched to a medical, broken leg in the Riverhaven homeless camp. Officers responded and assisted VFD and AMR with the call.

Thursday 3-5

 11:20am, dispatched to water rescue at Marina Park, 3 swimmers in distress. Officers responded with multiple units and were able to determine all 3 victims were accounted for safely on the beach after escaping a rip current nearby.

Friday 3-6

 11:45pm, received a report of several transients loitering on the back patio of a local restaurant. Officers advised they would investigate and for the R/P to contact Ventura PD as well. Upon arrival in the area, an illuminated light bar / spotlight convinced the group to leave the area. No violations were observed.

Saturday 3-7

 9:00am, monitoring State Parks requal / tryout swim in Rescue Boat 19 near San Pedro street. While observing the swim, a Scarab style speed boat operated dangerously close to the candidates and lifeguards, then headed to the pier and dangerously buzzed surfers in the surfline. Due to the speed the vessel can and will attain, officers unable to make contact at this time.

12:15pm, contacting the skipper of the Scarab in the main channel of the Harbor. Issued the final warning for dangerous and negligent operation. All the while, the deckhand, passengers were screaming obscenities and showing utter disrespect for officers attempting to teach them prudent operation of their vessel and the hope that they don’t injure themselves or worse, others.

8:30pm, received a dispatch to ill person in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD and AMR with a terminal patient.

Sunday 3-8

 8:00am, Oxnard College Lifeguard Academy at the Ventura Port District.

9:00am, Beach Hazard Assessment: beautiful conditions, 2-4ft Northwest/South swells combination. Calm conditions, beautiful beach day.

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Mailbox

Dear Editor:

The national news on TV is, finally, presenting a picture of Trump, that I have been grousing about for months. Of course, who he is, what he is, has been evident to everyone, ever since he took office. He is not a me-too. He is a me-only. 

The worst person in the world to have charge of a country. A country, especially, a Democracy where, everyone, feels somewhat responsible for everyone else. 

With the most, disinterested, and, disgusting, president at the helm.

I know a lot more people actually voted for that person, than are willing to admit at this time. Shame on all of them. His character was no secret. Not at any time.

Can’t wait for this term ending, and the people, once again, have a chance to right a terrible wrong. 

Sincerely, E. Cole, Ventura

Dear Community Caregivers – what I call the other front line responders

The public recognizes the sacrifices made by doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters and other emergency response personnel across the country for which we are all grateful and owe a huge debt of gratitude, however there are millions of Americans risking their lives in grocery stores, gas stations, post offices, banks, laundromats and the like (most without proper protection) who we need to send out our biggest heartfelt gratitude as they are risking their lives every single day for the basic needs of every American. Please be sure to thank them for their sacrifice! #ThankYouCommunityCaregivers

Cindy Summers

Dear America,

It is time for you to stop and take a breath.  No matter who you are, where you are, or what situation you are in, it is time to stop for a moment to look around you then ask yourself: Is this my country?  Is this how I want it to be?  Is this how we proud Americans were raised?
You see people fighting over toilet paper in the grocery store, not helping those in need, distrusting everyone because they “might” have COVID-19.  Now ask yourself again: Is this my country?

My presumption is that the vast majority of us would say no, this is not my country.  They would go on to say they are ashamed of America at this moment.  It is this vast majority that needs to step up now and show our children and our world what kind of people we really are.

No doubt, COVID-19 is scary but that is only because of all the unknowns that surround it.  Where did it come from, how is it circulated, will I survive this pandemic?  Right now there are no answers to any of these questions but I have faith in our scientists, our doctors, and the rest of our dedicated health professionals.  I know they will find an answer and when they do all of these fears will disappear.

But what will be left is the question.

The answer to that depends on how we act now.  If we continue as is, America will be changed for the worst but if we act like kind, rational, caring individuals, we will come out of this better and stronger than ever before.

Pray for this if you will and work for it no matter what.  Remember, you are America, you can be the greatest country on Earth once more and the time to start earning that designation again is today.  Tomorrow may be too late.

Regards,
John Darling

Breeze:

Like most Venturans I am totally amazed at the panic buying I see taking place, particularly toilet paper. As an English person born at the end of WW 2 I was used to privations, ration cards and many realistic apects of post war Europe, As a child I played on bomb sites and was warned “not to touch or pick up anything metal or round”  –  my toilet was an outside privvy with torn up strips of newspaper for toilet paper.

As the pandemic gets more serious I imagine I may have to tear up my latest edition of the Breeze and use it for toilet paper. With that in mind I have a request for you – could you please print future editions of the Breeze on softer more gentle paper please.

Sincerely yours

Paul Whitehead

Paul: Our current paper is the softest that we can print on. Sorry if it scratches you.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Canceled

It was with great disappointment that we had to cancel the Ventura Elks Club’s 32nd County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day, planned for Saturday, March 14, due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

We are truly sorry to have disappointed all the young families and the young at heart who come out every year, for the past 32 years, to cheer on and take part in this big, iconic holiday parade on Main Street in downtown Ventura.

We are deeply thankful for every one of the parade sponsors and participants who were ready to go on, right up till the last minute; they make this remarkable community event possible every year.

To those who paid to take part in this year’s parade, know that while we will not be returning funds this year, you are prepaid for next year. We will see you all then!!

Thank you as always for your wonderful ongoing support. Visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com for additional parade information.

Nan Drake, Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan
Co-chairs, County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee

CORRECTION:

In our last issue there was a wrong date for Saturday April 12 it is April 11.Ventura Botanical Gardens is announcing two photography tours, both Saturday mornings on March 28 and April 11.

This is a world of action, and not for moping and groaning in.
~ Charles Dickens

City of Ventura declares local health emergency in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Police Officers are prepared to respond as needed.

It is with careful thought and planning that the City has declared a local Health Emergency in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The declaration allows critical services and operations to continue while reinforcing best practices identified by the CDC and County Health Officials.

This declaration does not relate to any illness within City limits, it is simply a tool to enable the City to coordinate an effective response and allow for access to state and federal funds.

Based on recent recommendations from the State and local health officials, we want to provide you with the following updates connected with City services.

Emergency Services

  • Police and Fire services continue uninterrupted. Police Officers and Fire Fighters are prepared to respond as needed.

Food Services

  • Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is providing drive-up and walk-up meal service for children ages 1-18 at six locations throughout the District. More information can be found on VUSD’s website at: www.venturausd.org.
  • Congregate and home delivered meal services offered through the Ventura Avenue Adult Center will be modified to ensure social distancing practices are followed. More information regarding these modifications will be provided early next week.
  • The City will also be engaging with our local community partners on how to address the needs of those most vulnerable in our community.

Business Interruptions

Regarding the current guidance from Governor Newsom and the CDC, Mayor Matt LaVere said, “The severity of the impacts to our everyday lives due to the coronavirus is felt by all. These measures reduce potential spreading and help protect our City’s most vulnerable residents. We will be working with all of our community partners to figure out how to best provide the services our residents depend on.”

Social distancing practices are being implemented at City facilities that remain open. Community members seeking City services are encouraged to use email, online, or telephone methods to communicate their need for services.

For the latest updates on impacts to City of Ventura services and facilities, please visit: www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

For the latest updates on the situation in Ventura County, please visit www.vcemergency.com.

VC Women’s Day Festival

Festival committee members, representatives of Link, Incorporated and Vision 2020 promote awareness of the women’s suffrage movement in history.

by Amy Brown

The recent VC Women’s Day Festival, held on International Women’s Day, was a celebration of women’s social, political and economic contributions in Ventura County and the world, according to Junemarie Justus, founder of The Acorn Project, a local organization working to effect social change. “Hopefully this event will continue to foster dialogue between generations, and help shape the future that we all envision,” said Justus. The festival drew a huge crowd, and was held at the Museum of Ventura County and Mission Park, and featured speakers, a VC Women in Business and Leadership Showcase, film, art, musical performances, food and local brews, and yoga—all set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown.

Some of the festival’s speakers were presented in breakout Power Sessions, scheduled throughout the day, on topics ranging from “Speaking Up for Change” “Breaking Barriers” and “Leading While Female”. Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga presented on the latter, which is also the title of her latest book, to a large audience. Arriaga was Ventura Unified School District’s first female school superintendent, a role in which she served for 14 years, and currently is an Associate Dean at California Lutheran University. Arriaga spoke about her 40 years as an educator, and the inequities faced during her career, from being evaluated on the way she dressed to being told to ‘act more like a man’ in order to succeed.

2020 is the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in the U.S., and the event featured exhibits sharing the diversity in the trajectory of women’s suffrage movement. VC Women’s Day Festival committee member Shanté Morgan and a team of representatives from the Channels Island Chapter of The Links, Incorporated had an exhibit table with literature about the history of African American suffragists and their important contributions and challenges in working to get women the right to vote. “What I hope came out of the festival was a sense of pride in what we have achieved and purpose in what we need to do next,” said Morgan. “I also hope we were able to exchange information and recognize the diversity of the women in the movement—when it started and today.”

Many of the presentations were interactive, including one put on by Girls On Board, a community of women empowering women of all ages through skateboarding. Mel McElhose shared that the organization tries to create a welcome space for girls and women in the mostly male dominated local skateboarding community. “If you are a beginner or a woman, it’s almost like you have two things working against you at the skate parks,” said McElhose. Members of Girls On Board gave a hands-on demonstration of skateboarding techniques, including an interactive class on the lawn so participants could try it themselves, on skateboard decks with no wheels.

Deya Terrafranca, Research Library & Archives Director at the museum also expressed appreciation for the inclusiveness and success of the event. “The most meaningful thing for me was the diversity of the crowd. It wasn’t just women, it was everyone,” said Terrafranca. “I was truly touched by a grandfather touring the galleries with his teenage granddaughter. Imagine that—a teenager going to a women’s day event with her grandpa on a Saturday. Everyone was there to celebrate the achievements and value of women in our society.”

Gene Haas Foundation donates $250,000 to Ventura College Foundation to support advanced manufacturing program

Jordan Whitfield, Haas Automation, Kurt Zierhut, Haas Automation, Peter Zierhut, Haas Automation, John Clark, Ventura College lead faculty, Manufacturing Technology, Dr. Kim Hoffmans, Ventura College president and Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director at the check donation.

The Gene Haas Foundation has made a $250,000 grant award to the Ventura College Foundation to support the Advanced Manufacturing program at Ventura College. These funds will be used to relocate the current manufacturing lab to the college’s Applied Science Center and renovate the new location into a modern manufacturing facility designed to promote manufacturing occupations and enhance student workforce manufacturing skills.

Once renovations are completed, the lab will be renamed the Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing Lab. Ventura College plans to offer manufacturing courses in the lab’s new home starting in fall 2020.

In addition, Oxnard-based Haas Automation Inc., one of the world’s largest machine tool builders, will entrust the manufacturing program with a Haas ST-10 Series lathe. “The Manufacturing Technology Department offers the opportunity for students to excel by providing training in both lecture and laboratory settings. With the addition of the Haas lathe, students will now increase their hands-on experience with industry quality machinery, greatly improving their readiness for the workforce,” says John Clark, lead faculty with Ventura College’s Manufacturing Technology Department.

“Haas Automation and the Gene Haas Foundation are happy to help technical education excel throughout Ventura County,” says Kurt Zierhut, Gene Haas Foundation executive manager.

An undergraduate curriculum is available for students interested in working toward the completion of proficiency awards in CNC Operation and Manufacturing Applications. Students can also take transferable classes for university credit and general interest courses for returning students looking for skills improvement.

“Industry-education partnerships such as Haas Automation and Ventura College are critically important. There are over 800 manufacturers in Ventura County. Many have unfilled positions because of the difficulty in finding skilled workers,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Ventura College’s expanded program will help close the skills gap by providing local manufacturers with workers who have the capability to do what’s needed on day one of a new job. The program will attract more students who seek a career in a stimulating high-tech environment while earning a very good living wage.”

For information about the program, go to www.venturacollege.edu. For more on the Ventura College Foundation, go to www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org or call 805-289-6461.

Become a guest on Our Ventura TV

Joining Sheldon Brown, Publisher of The Ventura Breeze (holding the first and latest Ventura Breeze) on the set are the show’s production team Juan Macera, Robin Sanford, Michelle Hoover, Christine Mary Bellestero and Host Sandra Siepak.

Our Ventura TV is an award-winning weekly talk show series broadcast on Ventura cable channel 6 TV and also published on the OurVentura.com website and social media networks. The series has been on the air for over a decade and as of last December over 1000 productions have been created, all available on OurVentura.com.

Anyone who contributes to the theme of “People doing good things in Ventura County” and the surrounding area is eligible to be on the show.

There are no fees for nonprofit or noncommercial messages. However, for commercial messages, there are standard production fees. Visit SkyworksMarketing.com (sponsor of Our Ventura TV) for more information.

Our Ventura TV programs are broadcast on Ventura cable channel 6 on Sundays at 2:00 pm, Tuesdays at 9:00 pm and Saturdays at noon, as well as additional floating times. Every week there is a new show and each program is broadcast at least three times per week (often 5 times per week).

George Alger, producer of Our Ventura TV states: “We welcome anyone who is contributing to the community to become a guest and tell part of their story.”

Here are a few of the upcoming shows that will be broadcast on Ventura Channel 6 in the coming weeks (as well as posted on the OurVentura.com website).

* MB Hanrahan will interview Rachael Watkins about the Ventura County Family Justice Center.

* Monique Nowlin will speak with Kiran Sahota and Peter Schreiner about the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department.

* Sandra Siepak will talk with Sheldon Brown, founder and publisher-editor of the Ventura Breeze.

* Monique Nowlin will speak with Toni Olson about the Advisory Council of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.

* Sandra Siepak will interview Amy Towner about the Health Care Foundation of Ventura County.

* Multi-Talented Poet, LaVette Cherie, will join us in the studio for a performance of some of her work, accompanied by Grammy-winning guitarist, Bob Tucker.

Much of the Our Ventura TV series is recorded at CAPS Media Center, right next to Ventura College. However, for more information about the Our Ventura TV programs, visit OurVentura.com, since Our Ventura TV is a wholly independent TV series produced for the Ventura County community at the CAPS Media Center facility and CAPS Media staff are not our employees.

The show’s director, Michelle Hoover, notes that “Our friendly production team will help you enjoy your visit.” Assistant Director, Robin Sanford, will often greet you first, before returning to the control room to help Michelle manage the cameras and audio. Floor Manager, Christine Mary Ballestero, will help to get the microphones placed on your clothing and get you seated properly at the table. Juan Mancera will position each of the cameras and refine the lighting to present you well.

To be scheduled as a guest on Our Ventura TV for a 15-minute segment, visit OurVentura.com and click “Contact.” Keep in mind that we are often scheduled many weeks in advance.

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 – Police Reports

Prowling Arrest

On March 15, at 8:16am, , the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 of a prowler in the backyard of a residence in the 800 block of Murdoch Ln. The subject, later identified as Edgar Suarez (Ventura resident born 5-12-1997), was being physically detained by the homeowner. When officers arrived and attempted to take custody of Suarez, he resisted officers. After a brief struggled, he was taken into custody and later arrested for prowling and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

At approximately 2000 hrs, officers responded to a call of a prowler seen in the backyard of a residence in the 1000 block of Partridge Dr., which is within a block of the call on Murdoch Ln.

Officers conducted further investigation and determined Suarez was the same suspect and arrested for an additional charge of aggravated trespassing for attempting to enter the residence on Partridge Dr.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Commercial Burglary and Conspiracy Arrest

On Monday, March 2, employees of Ventura High School discovered that the school had been burglarized and over $9,000 of computer equipment had been stolen including 37 laptop computers. Ventura Police Department Patrol, CSI, and Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.

Detectives, with help from Ventura High staff, identified one of the suspects, Yovanna Vaca Yovanna (DOB 8/30/2000) , from surveillance video that was captured during the commission of the crime. Detectives began investigating the suspect and were able to identify the additional suspect as the boyfriend of Vaca. On 3/11/20 Street Crimes Detectives served a search warrant in the 300 block of Cedar St at the home of the male suspect, Brayan De La Paz. ( 2-7-2000 Ventura Resident)

During the execution of the search warrant detectives were able to recover all 37 laptop computers at the residence. Both suspects were arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. The computers were returned to Ventura High School for their intended educational purposes.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On March 21, ay 6;04pm , the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance in stopping a vehicle that was being driven by a wanted subject, later identified as Anthony Mosqueda (DOB: 03/19/89, Ventura Resident). Mosqueda had a felony warrant for evading arrest in a vehicle. A Ventura police officer saw the vehicle near Seaward Ave. and Harbor Blvd., and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Mosqueda failed to pullover and a brief vehicle pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued traveling on Harbor Blvd., but was discontinued by the officer when he lost sight of the vehicle. Additional officers responded and located the vehicle abandoned in 1000 block of Cove St. After a search of the area, Mosqueda was found walking with a child and two females on Harbor Blvd. He was taken into custody without incident.

Mosqueda was arrested for felony evading arrest, felony child endangerment for having his child in the vehicle, false information to a police officer and the felony warrant. The two female passengers were released from the scene. A second male passenger had fled from the vehicle and was not located after a search of the area. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Mosqueda has prior convictions for felony evading arrest, resisting arrest, and possession of a stolen vehicle.