As a Ventura resident, I was happy to read the Ventura Breeze article, “First Annual Government and Disability Summit in Ventura,” by Carol Leish and appreciate that it gave enough advance notice for people to get this important 4-day event on their calendars. Also, awareness about disabilities and how they can affect a person from birth, during crucial developing years and throughout their lives is desperately needed. However, it was disconcerting to see the article in the “Senior” section of the newspaper. It is true that some aging people develop disabilities late in life and need help managing them. Yet, disabilities are varied and widespread in all age groups. Young people with disabilities frequently struggle in schools lacking supportive resources. Well-qualified adults with disabilities often have difficulty getting hired due to cultural assumptions and biases about disabled people. Consequently, it seems placing this article in the newspaper intended to engage the general population and not just one age group would have been much more appropriate. Perhaps this oversight is a good example of how important this summit is in bringing awareness to businesses, government agencies and the general population if we want a more humane and just community for all people with disabilities.
Best regards, Mary O. Kerrigan
Ventura
Answer:
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing to share your knowledge and help educate us. Glad we could bring some exposure to the importance of this event, and, of course, you are correct. The article shouldn’t have run in our senior section. We look forward to covering the Summit more as it draws closer to support greater awareness.
With heavy hearts, we acknowledge the passing of Clifton Gore and his girlfriend, Shirley Loyd in a tragic car accident on May 31. We recognize his remarkable 31 years of training and experience in the field of Tai Chi Ch’uan. His contributions to the art and his dedication to teaching have left a lasting impact on his students and the Tai Chi community as a whole. RIP Clifton Gore and Shirley Lloyd.
At 74 years old, Clifton Gore was widely renowned as a highly skilled and experienced teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. With a deep dedication to the practice and mastery of this ancient Chinese martial art, Clifton underwent training in various styles such as Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. This diverse training allowed him to incorporate the unique elements of each style into his teachings and personal practice. With decades of experience and a commitment to refining his skills, he gained immense respect as a patient and effective teacher.
In 1987, Clifton attended his first class, focusing on studying the Yang style long form taught by the Tung family. This particular style consisted of 89 postures. Over the next 11 years, he broadened his training by studying under Jane Golden, a devoted student of Grand Master Kai Ying Tung. During this period, Clifton actively participated in workshops and intensives with the Grand Master. He continued his studies with both Grand Master Kai Ying Tung and Master Chen Wei Tung, the son of Grand Master Tung. Master Chen Wei is recognized internationally as a teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. Clifton frequently traveled with Master Chen Wei, participating in various levels of Tai Chi Ch’uan classes.
In 1998, Clifton relocated to Ojai, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, where he began teaching classes in Ventura County. He was a sought-after and masterful teacher, offering both beginning and advanced classes throughout the county. Over the years, he trained numerous students, helping them develop a strong foundation in Tai Chi Ch’uan. Recognition and respect in the Tai Chi community were an integral part of Clifton’s teaching methodology. He emphasized the importance of combining physical movements with mental focus and breath control to promote overall health and well-being. Clifton’s teaching style involved “watching” as he demonstrated Tai Chi movements, often stating that his students “did not require extensive explanation”. He consistently emphasized to his students the importance of daily practice.
Clifton was also invited to help conduct workshops and seminars internationally, sharing his knowledge and passion for Tai Chi Ch’uan with a broader audience. His teachings were known for their clarity, attention to detail, and his ability to connect with students on a personal level. Whether students were beginners embarking on their Tai Chi Ch’uan journey or experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding, Clifton’s expertise proved invaluable. Many seniors noted his gentle approach, using slow and steady repetitions suitable for their needs.
Under Clifton’s guidance, students, whether beginners or experienced practitioners, developed strength, flexibility, balance, and inner calm through the practice of his Tai Chi Ch’uan teaching. His expertise in multiple styles allowed for versatility in incorporating different techniques and philosophies into his lessons. He excelled at explaining and demonstrating the core principles, emphasizing balance, relaxation, energy flow, and proper body alignment. Clifton possessed a deep understanding of these principles and effectively communicated and applied them throughout his teaching.
Patt Carney, one of Clifton’s students, said “Clift was the most patient teacher I have ever encountered. He was always encouraging and he always seemed to know exactly what his students needed in their stage of learning Tai Chi Ch’uan.”
There will be a memorial for Clifton Gore and Shirley Loyd on Friday, June 28th at 5:30 pm, Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park, 1215 Anchors Way Dr. Clubhouse at the MH entrance.
As a community member, have you ever wondered what’s happening in Ventura and how can you stay informed on hot topics or upcoming projects? The City of Ventura is proud to launch a new podcast series designed to connect residents, businesses, and community members to important conversations with City staff and community leaders.
Ventura Voices offers a convenient, on-the-go way for people to stay informed about the latest developments, projects, and initiatives. Each month, the City will release new episodes tackling a different topic that impacts Ventura, such as housing, homelessness, water, golf, parking, roads, and more. Listeners can find the latest episodes on Spotify or watch the podcast video version on the City’s YouTube channel.
“Topics of interest become clearer through meaningful conversations. We know that the work the City does impacts people, and we want to dive deeper into complex projects, programs, and services,” said Heather Sumagaysay, City Communications Manager and podcast co-host. “Ventura Voices aims to provide direct access to City leaders and subject matter experts who can talk about the initiatives shaping Ventura’s future as well
as help people understand the municipal decision-making process.”
The first episode features an interview with City Manager Bill Ayub. Ayub shares his journey from law enforcement to city management, emphasizing the importance of leadership in uplifting communities and motivating employees. During the conversation, Ayub delves into the City Council’s goal-setting process, addressing how the City explores financial opportunities, tenant protections, homelessness, sustainability, enhancing public services, VenturaWaterPure, and more.
The Ventura Voices podcast is accessible on any mobile device, tablet, or computer and is another way to learn more about our programs and services from the people who
deliver them.
Stay tuned for new monthly episodes and conversations with City staff and community leaders. To learn more, listen to featured episodes, or suggest ideas for future podcasts, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaVoices.
Ventura County Library invites kids, teens and adults to register for the Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat at vencolibrary.beanstack.org.
All may record their reading with opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Youth may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their personal collection when signing up, a special sustainable prize for completing 500 minutes of reading and another free book for completing 1000 minutes.
Saving Wildlife International is the featured performer this summer, showcasing a commitment to wildlife conservation, which ties in with the Summer Reading theme. Saving Wildlife International brings its unique live animal presentation to
Avenue Library on Saturday, June 15, 11 am to noon
Saticoy Library on Saturday, June 15, 2 to 3 pm
E.P. Foster Library on Tuesday, June 18, 11am to noon
Hill Road Library on Tuesday, June 18, 3 to 4 pm
Next up – Science Heroes reveal secrets of chemical reactions, the transfer of energy, physical explosions, and more, in the course of an “Adventure of the Lost Treasure”.
Experiment with adventure! Help act out a story about a lost treasure deep within the jungle.
E.P. Foster Library: Tuesday, June 25, 11 am to noon
Saticoy Library: Tuesday, June 25, 3 to 4 pm
Avenue Library: Wednesday, June 26, 3 to 4 pm
Hill Road Library: Thursday, June 27, 3 to 4 pm
Then learn all about bees with Ventura Bee Rescue
Avenue Library: Monday, July 1, 1:00 pm
Saticoy Library: Monday, July 1, 4:00 pm
E.P. Foster Library: Thursday, July 11, 11:00 am
Hill Road Library: Thursday, July 11, 3:00 pm
E.P. Foster Library invites teens 13 to17 years old to Become Summer Teen Volunteers!
Whether you’re passionate about helping others, looking to build your resume, or just want to stay busy during the break, the library has opportunities for you!
What You’ll Do: Assist with children’s library events and programs. Gain leadership skills.
Requirements: Teens aged 13-17 who are enthusiastic, reliable, and eager to make a difference. Be able to commit and complete 14 hours of service between June 26-August 16. Stop by the library and pick up a volunteer application. Contact: [email protected]
Students in 3rd to 6th grade can dive into the world of coding in E.P. Foster’s 6 session summer Coding Dojo. Learn the basics of coding, create your own games and explore the world of technology.
Registration required, space is limited. Coder Dojo runs 6 sessions June 26 – July 31, Wednesdays @ 3:30 – 5 pm
E.P. Foster Library also offers a new book club recommended for 3rd – 6th graders.
The Graphic NovelGuild explores exciting stories with amazing artwork and a creative activity related to the story. Space is limited. Sign up at the 2nd floor desk and pick up a copy of the first read! Meeting Dates: June 25, July 23 & August 27 @ 4 – 5 pm
For questions about what’s happening at any of the library branches, call (805) 626-READ.
And, when you visit E.P. Foster Library, please stop by 2nd Look Books, Ventura Friends of the Librarybookstore on the first floor forbeach books, jigsaw puzzles and more summer reading for kids!
Our next large book sale will be on July 13, 10 am to 3 pm in front of the Vons at Telegraph and Victoria!
Scientific diver Geoff Shester films red gorgonian corals and California golden gorgonian coral off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana, courtesy Jason Heaton.
Oceana and Blancpain Successfully Complete First of Three Ocean Expeditions in California’s Channel Islands
Research Supports Need for Additional Protections of Ocean Biodiversity
Oceana successfully completed its first of three ocean research expeditions in partnership with prestigious Swiss watchmaker Blancpain around the Channel Islands. From April 29 through May 3, aboard the 62-foot diving vessel, “Peace”, the expedition team explored and documented the biodiversity that makes these waters globally important. The expedition is in furtherance of Oceana’s campaigns to restore ocean abundance by addressing set gillnet fishing gear that is harmful to a suite of ocean life, and Blancpain’s commitment to ocean exploration and conservation.
“Our expedition showcases the incredible diversity of marine life surrounding the Channel Islands, bolstering the area’s reputation as the “Galapagos of North America,” said expedition leader Dr. Geoff Shester, Oceana’s California campaign director and senior scientist. “The beautiful habitats and special places we documented deserve additional protections from harmful gillnets — an indiscriminate fishing method which is still allowed in state waters around these amazing islands.”
Blancpain and Oceana first began their partnership in 2020 ahead of Project Alacranes, an expedition initiated to explore the depths of two areas in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in research that served as the basis for the Mexican government to enact the largest Natural Protected Area in the region. The success of this expedition led to the natural decision to continue the partnership between Oceana and Blancpain, as preparations to explore the Channel Islands were underway.
Over the five-day expedition, the team successfully accomplished the following:
Conducted visual scuba diving surveys to quantify and identify fish and invertebrate species and habitats — including gorgonian corals and kelp forests — at nine locations providing a glimpse into the biodiversity at risk. Oceana divers counted 830 fish, 1,837 mobile invertebrates (e.g., crabs, sea stars, lobsters), 1,156 large seaweeds (e.g. giant kelp), and 136 large gorgonian corals on 14 transects.
Collected water samples at 18 sites (nine shallow water samples collected via scuba and nine deep water samples collected via a Niskin bottle) for environmental (e)DNA analysis. The samples will be analyzed in a lab for DNA sequencing, which will allow us to identify virtually all ocean life (all plants, animals, and fungi) inhabiting and traversing these waters. By analyzing the DNA “footprint” left behind in the water column, they will get a comprehensive view of the area’s biodiversity at a range of depths.
Used state-of-the-art low-light cameras to capture high-resolution images and videos of unique, rare, and unusual species and habitats in need of protection.
Demonstrated the use of a compact Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Geneinno to document cold water corals at 100 feet depth off Santa Barbara Island.
Captured 360-degree video footage at all nine scuba diving locations to provide an interactive, immersive experience of being in the middle of a giant kelp forest. Some examples of the 360-degree footage can be viewed here. [Tips: on a desktop PC, use the mouse to pan and look around. On a mobile device, either use your finger to pan and look around or directly point the device to where you want to look. For a full 360 immersive experience, use VR goggles or download the Google Cardboard app from the Apple Store or Android Play Store or use Google carboard glasses to navigate as if immersed in the water seeing the environment firsthand].
Collected water samples at mid-water depths (from 60 meters/196 feet to over 100 meters/328 feet) to detect and quantify potential microplastics in the water column.
Piloted and successfully demonstrated that a hybrid underwater vehicle FUSION — an underwater robot manufactured by Strategic Robotic Systems used to support Department of Defense missions globally — can produce high resolution side-scan sonar maps of rocky reefs and identify precise GPS locations of lost fishing gear. The expedition demonstrated the promise of this technology to provide meaningful intelligence for ocean conservation.
The groups plan to utilize the imagery and scientific information gathered in support of protecting ocean biodiversity by reducing entanglement of ocean animals—including whales, sea lions, sharks, and other fish — in set gillnet fishing gear. These fishing nets used to target California halibut and white seabass can be 20 football fields long and are known for their high bycatch rates and adverse wildlife impacts. Despite action by California voters more than 30 years ago, set gillnets are still allowed in federal waters (3-200 miles from shore) off Southern California’s mainland, offshore banks, and in state waters around California’s Channel Islands. Oceana is urging the California Fish and Game Commission and the state legislature to continue working to reduce bycatch in the set gillnet fishery.
To learn more about ocean biodiversity at risk from set gillnets visit www.oceana.org/KeepCAOceansThriving
Sand dollars off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana/Danny Ocampo.
First place winner, Briar Bauman (#3 battles it out with 3rd Place Finisher, Jared Mees). Photo by Joseph Seemeyer
by Joe Seemeyer
On Saturday, May 11th, the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, founded and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), continued with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.
For those not familiar with the Ventura Raceway, the Raceway is a 1/5-mile, clay oval racetrack located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. On a weekly basis the track is home to many types of dirt track racecars including motorcycles, wingless sprint cars, midgets, dwarf cars, stock cars, modifieds, sport compacts, and karts. The track is owned and operated by Jim Naylor.
Second place finisher Dallas Daniels (#32). Photo by Joseph Seemeyer
The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing.
The Progressive American Flat Track season continued with the contenders from the Mission AFT SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championships. The Mission AFT SuperTwins is the pinnacle of dirt track motorcycle racing globally and the professional ranks were formalized in 1954. Riders in this class represents elite teams and skilled athletes who compete at every round of the competition. Each will race on custom-built, twin-cylinder motorcycles generating 90+horsepower race bar-to-bar at speeds in excess of 140 mph.
Starting off the nail-biting excitement of the Mission AFT SuperTwins race, a red flag flew due to a terrifying incident that saw Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) carom off the wall and crash back into the pack. Also included in this incident were Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Big Red Super Twins/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp), who completed a full forward flip in the air after contacting the downed Lewis and his machine. Fortunately, all four returned to their feet with Lowe managing to return for the restart (AFT).
Just as quickly as the first red flag was a second flag because of a spill by Ventura, CA hometown hero Kayl Kolkman (No. 98 Yamaha MT-07), who would return for the subsequent restart.
Finally, a third red flag was narrowly avoided when Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) bounced back up from a crash and immediately remounted, allowing the race to continue and at last (AFT).
Fox interviewing Jared Mees (#1). Finishing on the podium in third place was reigning Mission SuperTwins king Jared Mees. Phoro by Joseph Seemeyer
In the end, Twenty-nine-year-old Californian and two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke), who was never challenged on his way to a 4.613-second margin of victory who claimed his first Mission AFT SuperTwins win of the year and his first podium of any kind.
Following Briar Bauman in second was title hopeful and Estenson Racing Yamaha superstar, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) who had pushed his way up from fifth place.
Finishing on the podium in third place was reigning Mission SuperTwins king Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), from Sebastian, FL.
Completing the Mission AFT SuperTwins top five was Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) in fourth and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) in fifth (AFT).
“The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class is geared for cultivating young dirt track talent as riders hone their skills enroute to the AFT Twins ranks. Up-and-coming athletes make their mark aboard production-based 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles offering upwards of 60 horsepower. Racing at speeds faster than 115 mph, the stars of tomorrow battle it out on motorcycles produced by Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha and Zaeta.”
The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles podium consisted of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) in first, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) in second, followed by Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) in third (AFT).
The next Flat Track Motorcycle event at the Ventura Speedway is on September 7th. Motorcycle riders and non-riders are encouraged to attend the event. The Progressive American Flat Track race is a phenomenal event for all age groups.
For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit www.americanflattrack.com, or on Facebook, X and check them out on Instagram (AFT).
During the Ventura City Council meeting on May 21, 2024, the City Council and community members discussed the future of Main Street Moves (MSM), an initiative that involved closing portions of Main Street and California Street to vehicular traffic. The Temporary Business Expansion Special Event Permit, which allowed for the closure, is set to expire soon, so the City Council introduced an agenda item to extend the closure by seven months. This would provide enough time for staff to conduct a thorough study of long-term options and present their recommendations to the Council. The Council acknowledged the importance of considering community feedback and have been carefully evaluating the potential impacts before making a decision.
There have been concerns raised by property and business owners about the possibility of a permanent closure for Main Street Moves. To address these concerns, the MSM staff plans to hold discussions with property owner representatives and conduct a survey to gather current opinions. The results of the survey will be presented to the City Council in a timely manner, ensuring that the perspectives of property and business owners are taken into account during the decision-making process.
To provide some background, in April 2022, the City Council instructed the staff to explore long-term options for Main Street Moves. To facilitate this process, a Temporary Business Expansion Special Event Permit was granted, allowing for the closure of six blocks of Main Street and one block of South California Street. Significant progress has been made since then, and the staff has regularly updated the Council on the advancements in the MSM initiative. Notably, the City Council unanimously approved Citywide Sidewalk Design Guidelines and Standards, highlighting the ongoing progress.
Since the existing permit expires at the end of June, the City Council needs to take action to extend the closure before then if they wish to maintain the current status quo. The staff believes there is sufficient evidence to support the closure, considering the street has been closed for four years already. The proposed temporary closure would continue the existing situation.
In the previous MSM Ad Hoc Committee meeting on May 6, 2024, the importance of understanding the long-term commitment of property owners to the closure was emphasized. Previous attempts to gather feedback through surveys showed limited responses from them. However, business owners showed a higher response rate, with a clear majority advocating for a full closure. To achieve a higher overall response rate, the staff, in collaboration with Downtown Ventura Partners, will develop a survey for property and business owners. The individual responses will be kept confidential to protect participants and ensure the validity of the results. The staff intends to consult with property owner representatives and promptly present the survey findings to the City Council.
If the Council decides to extend the closure until the end of 2024, the staff will facilitate a smooth transition from the Downtown Ventura Organization permit to the City for all business expansion participants. This transition will involve a review of sidewalks to ensure compliance with the requirements of the business expansion area and readiness for the summer season. The requirements will largely remain the same, with only two differences: the addition of a Workers Compensation Waiver of Subrogation for insurance and the discontinuation of the $250 fee collected by the Downtown Ventura Organization. Regarding the California Environment Quality Act process, (CEQA) the staff plans to issue a Notice of Preparation in early June, followed by the release of the Draft Environment Impact Report (EIR) in the fall and the Final EIR before the end of the year.
A lawsuit was filed on March 11 by a group called Open Main Street alleging city leaders violated California’s Pedestrian Mall Law which governs permanent street closures. The lawsuit also claims the city’s actions have caused economic damage to the property owners. The plaintiffs are seeking the immediate reopening of Main and California streets according to the lawsuit.
Everyone at CAPS Media joins in congratulating and thanking Sheldon Brown for creating and publishing the Ventura Breeze for nearly two decades. The legendary, ever present and always smiling Sheldon, has been entertaining and informing our community with Ventura’s true Hometown Newspaper since October 24, 2007. “Neither snow (in Ventura … surf) nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays Sheldon and his loyal Breeze crew from completion of their appointed rounds.” Week after week, month after month, year after year, weathering economic hardships, pandemics and more, Sheldon has inspired and guided a dedicated crew of family members, friends, reporters, photographers, and other supporters to keep the presses and online publications rolling. “Sheldon – best wishes on your retirement from a true labor of love. We are certain the Breeze is in very capable hands, but we are equally certain there is only one Sheldon Brown.”
Additional kudos go out to CAPS producers for winning awards from the Alliance for Community Media. ACM recognized CAPS/KPPQ DJ Nadine Piche for “Ventura Vibe! Pride Ventura County 2023” as the Best of Community Events – Activism/Rallies Community Radio Program of the year. And high school students in the CAPS/ECTV program were honored for “Best of Informational Talk Show Series” with the team’s in-depth and engaging interview with Ventura County DA, Erik Nasarenko, hosted by Shayan Barati, recorded by an all-ECTV crew guided by their mentor Phil Taggart.
At this year’s WAVE Awards, Taggart’s “Arts in Exile” crew won a WAVE Award for Outstanding News/Documentary/Magazine Show – Community Production. WAVE, the Western Access Video Excellence, is a national network of TV and radio stations whose mission is to promote free speech and greater civic engagement through community media.
Currently CAPS crews are very busy covering graduation ceremonies for Ventura College and all VUSD high schools. The ceremonies are live streamed and then rebroadcast on CAPS channel 15 in the days that follow.
This summer the CAPS Digital Storytelling program is back in action for students ages 10-14 on July 15-19 and July 29-August 2. Guided by CAPS professional videographers and storytellers, the fast paced and engaging creative program features hands-on experiential learning in all aspects of media storytelling including story development, scripting, casting, staging, directing, camera operation, remote and in-studio production, graphic design, editing and more. Each week-long session runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 1:00pm at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road. The $250 fee includes five, 4-hour sessions, a one-year CAPS membership, CAPS Crew Member shirt, graduation certificate and a special Friday film festival for friends and family. Registration is open now at capsmedia.org.
Everyone is invited to visit the CAPS Media Center on the first Monday of each month at 6pm for an informal tour, info on CAPS membership benefits, and an overview of the creative resources including cameras, edit suites and production studio that are available at CAPS. Drop by and discover what CAPS has to offer.
CAPS Media manages and programs cable channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ, and manages the CAPS Media Center, at 65 Day Road, which is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 noon to 8pm. All CAPS programming and schedules can be seen on CAPS’ newly updated website at capsmedia.org.
Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) has been awarded the U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible grant. The nonprofit will receive $25,000 in support of its mission to provide permanently affordable housing opportunities on donated land for those who contribute to the fabric of Ventura County’s economy and community. U.S. Bank created the Community Possible grant with the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to dream, believe, and achieve.
“This grant highlights the impact that private businesses can have on affordable housing,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Land Trust Ventura County. Linda also serves as CEO for Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, her guidance of which has helped to fund and commit to loans totaling $40 million since 2013, paving the way for 1,669 affordable units in Ventura County. “These funds help support Housing Land Trust VC’s mission, ensuring that affordable housing within Ventura County is accessible for all.”
The grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust VC which will advance the organization, positioning it to acquire more land donations that will then become affordable homes. Land donations managed by Housing Land Trust VC have continued in their development including Casa de Carmen at the Oxnard Navigation Center being developed by Community Development Partners and Mercy House, which will provide 55 permanent housing units, 110 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for our community’s homeless population. In Thousand Oaks, a donated parcel will become Hillcrest Homes developed by People’s Self-Help Housing into nearly 80 affordable for-sale townhomes, creating an opportunity for home ownership for our community’s low-income to moderate-income individuals and families. The project is set to begin construction this year.
Housing Land Trust Ventura County is a Community Land Trust that seeks to identify and secure, through donation, undeveloped and surplus land to bring down the costs to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Ventura County. The organization is governed by an 11-member all-volunteer Board of Directors led by Chair Alex Russell, CEO of Homes and Hope, Vice Chair Peter Lyons, Community Development Consultant, Treasurer Marni Brook of Women’s Economic Ventures, and Secretary Tracy McAulay with the County of Ventura. The Board also includes Bertha Garcia with VC Community Development Corporation, Retired City Planner MaryAnn Krause, AICP, Anthony Mireles with Laborer’s International Union Local 585, Maria Navarro of CAUSE, Stratis Perros from City of Simi Valley Environmental Services Department, Architect Mark Petit of Lauterbach & Associates, Architects, and Derrick Wada of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. Visit www.housinglandtrustvc.org to learn more about Housing Land Trust Ventura County and how donated land can help to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.
Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2020 Housing Land Trust VC is helping to facilitate the development of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents of Ventura County by creating and maintaining permanently affordable single-family or multi-family residences through a community land trust. Housing Land Trust VC was created to address one of the County’s most common barriers to affordable housing – the high cost of land. As of September 2023, Housing Land Trust VC has received two parcels of land set to create 135 affordable apartments and homes in Ventura County.
Sheldon Brown (right) with Mayor Joe Schroeder at the May 14 ceremony.
On May 14, the city of San Buenaventura honored Sheldon Brown, publisher emeritus of the Ventura Breeze, with a city proclamation. Signed by Joe Schroeder, mayor of Ventura, the proclamation recognized Brown’s outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements as founder and leader of the Ventura Breeze newspaper. The proclamation also designated May 14 as “Sheldon Brown Day” in recognition of Brown’s “exemplary service, outstanding leadership, and enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
