Main Street Moves – Keep Downtown Streets Open or Closed

by Patricia Shallert

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.

More information about MainStreet moves can be found on the city site https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves

CAPS Media Congratulates Sheldon and Summer Activities

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 receives grant to turn donated land into permanently affordable housing

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.

Ventura Breeze founder recognized with city proclamation

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.”

City Proclamation signed by Mayor Joe Schroeder.

 

The California Fire Foundation helps Californians prepare for wildfires, supports fire victims and honors firefighters for May Wildfire Preparedness Month

Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin.

To mark May Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire Foundation (www.cafirefoundation.org), the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, is helping Californians prepare for fire season, supporting fire victims, and honoring fallen firefighters across California.

To help Californians stay ready for a wildfire at any time, the California Fire Foundation has just relaunched its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness program in multiple languages. The program aims to help Californians prepare their homes with defensible space, make a 5-minute evacuation plan, pre-pack essentials, and print a master checklist to ensure all family members are ready for an emergency.

While it has been a rainy winter in California, that does not necessarily mean fewer wildfires. The California Fire Foundation responds in real-time during any fire or disaster emergency to fund and offer Disaster Relief cards to support survivors. The Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of wildfires and natural disasters throughout California with a $250 gift card that allows survivors to purchase necessities. In 2023, the Foundation helped over 7,700 Californians by distributing DISASTER RELIEF CARDS worth over $595,000.

“Our typical wildfire season used to be July to October, but Californians need to stay prepared year-round,” said Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. “Community preparedness and raising funds are critical to our mission to support both residents and our firefighters and their families.”

In addition, to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for the California Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion project in Sacramento, since the wall has no more space to list the names of our fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to benefit the Memorial Expansion. These memorial coins will be numbered 1-10,000 and available to honor any member of the fire service, past or present. You can select at checkout if you want your coin planted on-site at the Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento or saved as a keepsake. To preserve the memories of fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation also recently launched its Oral History Project to gather stories from families, friends, and colleagues.

Residents and businesses can PREPARE for fire season, SUPPORT victims, and HONOR California firefighters by:

      • Prepare your home with Defensible Space (Link)
      • Make a 5 Minute Plan (Link)
      • Pre-Pack Essentials (Link)
      • Print your Preparedness Checklist (Link)
  • SUPPORTING victims of California fires by helping to fund DISASTER RELIEF CARDS which provides fire victims $250 cash cards to buy necessities immediately after a fire or natural disaster..
  • HONORING firefighters with a new limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to help expand the California Firefighters Memorial.
  • SHARING stories of fallen firefighters across California to help their legacy live on through the California Fire Foundation’s new Oral History Project. To share your story, leave a voicemail of your favorite memory at 916-883-3580.

Learn how to prepare for Fire Season & Natural Disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org. Learn more about the Memorial Wall Expansion and how to support at CAFireFoundation.org.

Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times
and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne
Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 5/29: Big Adventure Duo
Sat 6/1: Colette Lovejoy Band
Wed 6/5: Déjà vu Too

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9; Sundays
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm );

Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Sat 6/1: Epitome of Dreams
Sun 6/2: Ken Devoe
Fri 6/7: Teresa Russell
Sat 6/8: Guy & Dave
Sun 6/9: Billy Mac and Friends

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Fri 5/31: Inertia

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 5/29: Edgar Thatcher
Fri 5/31: Britney & the B Sides

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 5/31: Lil Bit of Everything
Sat 6/1: Crosscut Band
Fri 6/7: Strummed Down
Sat 6/8: Channel Groove

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: The Cousins
Sat 6/1: Emando & the Nandos
Fri 6/7: The Flux Capacitors
Sat 6/8: Ultimate Poison

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Thurs 5/30: Jess Bush, Tod Weider
Fri 5/31: Dent May, Sedona
Sat 6/1: Six Organs of Admittance
Fri 6/7: The Mazarines
Sat 6/8: Hard Rooster, Brother Earl

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 6/1: Mark Masson
Sat 6/8: Electrik Love In

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 5/2: Clear Sky Trio
Fri 6/7: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sun 6/9: Terrell Edwards

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Tommy Drunkard & the

Remedy
Sat 6/1: Vanise Terry Band
Fri 6/7: Led Tasso
Sat 6/8: Neon Blond
Sun 6/9: Nocturnal Drifters, Hard Rooster

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 5/29: Doug Webb Quartet
Thurs 5/30: Mitch Forman Trio
Fri 5/31: Lorenzo Ferrero Quartet
Sat 6/1: Richiman & Groove Nice
(2p); Tony Ybarra (8p)
Wed 6/5: RJ Mischo Blues Showcase
Thurs 6/6: Michael O’Neill Trio
Fri 6/7: Kaisa’s Machine
Sat 6/8: Barrelhouse Wailters

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 5/31: Ventu Park Band
Fri 6/7: Heart and Soul
Sat 6/8: Vinyl Gypsies

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Man Like Devin & the
Relatives
Sun 6/2: Judah Armington Lo-Fi Jazz
Session
Thurs 6/6: Indica Roots
Fri 6/7: Ellis Bryant
Sat 6/8: Jacob Marquez & the Good
Vibes
Sun 6/9: OnePeople, Heavy Rotation,
Singular Nature

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main St., Ventura
Music 1-4 pm
Sundays: In Stone

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: The Brandon Ragan Project
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Maldita Vecindad
Sun 6/9: Sky Ferreira

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 5/29: Robert Van
Fri 5/31: Lisa Ritner Trio
Thurs 6/6: Michael Falcone Sinatra
tribute

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sat 6/1: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 6/2: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 6/7: Joe Delia
Sat 6/8: Brittney & the B Sides
Sun 6/9: Smokey & Friends
Tues 6/11: Bobby Campbell

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: EyeCandy, VTB, Scientists &
Saboteurs
Sat 6/1: Typical Whimsy, NoSilence,
Stellar Ruins
Mon 6/3: Cancer Christ, Stronger
than Machines

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Rainee Blake, Chloe Kat
Sun 6/9: The Listening Room

Ojai Blues Fest
Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai
Fri 5/31: RJ Mischo, Deb Ryder
Sat 6/1: Crooked Eye Tommy, Mark
Sells, Red Headed Stepchild, Blues
Bullet, Dianne Miller
Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Thurs 5/30: Larry & Joe
Fri 5/31: Ahoy!

Ojai Pub
914 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 5/29: Sam Kulchin
Fri 5/31: Grief & Sorrow
Sat 6/1: Beckett McDowell
Wed 6/5: Beau Red
Fri 6/7: Corey Highberg
Sat 6/8: Talitha Gabrielle

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 5/31: Anna May
Sat 6/1: Josephoenix
Fri 6/7: Kyle Swan

Onyx
2390 Las Posas, Rd., Camarillo
Sat 6/1: Steve and Sally Williams
Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Rd., Ventura
Sun 6/2: Old-Time Country
Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 5/31: Jakob Mesina
Sat 6/1: Operation 90s
Sun 6/2: Jake McClelland
Fri 6/7: Heathers on Fire
Sat 6/8: High Revival
Sun 6/9: Katie Shorey

Rubicon Theatre
1006 E. Main St., Ventura
Thurs 5/30: Marley’s Ghost
Sun 6/2: Amanda McBroom
Tues 6/4: Trevor and Sylvie
Thurs 6/6: Forever Motown
Fri 6/7: Forever Motown
Sat 6/8: Forever Motown
Sun 6/9: Forever Motown

Sam’s Place
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 5/31: D.on Darox and the Melody
Joe Bakers
Santa Paula Theater Center
125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula
Sat 6/1: TD Lind and the Aviators

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 6/1: The Renegades
Sun 6/2: Runout Groove
Sat 6/8: Holger’s Heroes
Sun 6/9: The Brandon Ragan Project
Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 5/30: The Heavy Hitters
Fri 5/31: Guy Martin Band, Jayden
Secor Band
Sun 6/2: 80’s Invasion
Sun 6/9: Caliente 805

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered
Expectations
Wed 5/29: Tribal Me
Sat 6/1: All-a-Blur, Sick Boy, Bird
Brain, Low Rider Bicycle
Wed 6/5: The Jelly Jam Band

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 5/31: The Dogg Pound
Sat 6/8: Eras Show (2p); Cordoba,
Dawn Patrol, Dead Seet (8:30p)
Sun 6/9: Whitey Morgan and the 78s

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 3
pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 5/30: Milo Sledge
Fri 5/31: George & Michael
Sat 6/1: Joseph Eid
Sun 6/2: Medicine Hat
Thurs 6/6: Joel Martin’s Greatful

Zone
Fri 6/7: Otis Hayes & the Knights
Sat 6/8: Brittney & Ben
Sun 6/9: Frank Barjas & Joe
Hamilton

First Annual Government and Disability Summit in Ventura

by Carol Leish, MA

Ventura County will host the first annual Government and Disability Summit from Sept. 24-27, 2024. This conference presents a unique opportunity for representatives from various levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and companies from across California to increase their involvement in building bridges and breaking barriers in the realm of disability awareness. This is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible community for people with disabilities or issues related to disabilities.

Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, says, “As a lifelong Ventura County resident with a disability, it makes me so proud to lead this effort to create change within the state!”

Attendees will engage in collaborative dialogues with diverse stakeholders to co-create a more inclusive future for communities throughout California. Topics covered will include emergency preparedness, transportation, voting, accessibility, and technology. The summit will also address health, recreation, employment, and collaboration. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities to share their experiences and educate others, championing accessibility at the government level.

Anderson explained that sponsors of this groundbreaking event will gain brand exposure while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible California. “The deadline to become a sponsor is Aug. 23; however, the earlier the better to get all of the sponsorship benefits!”

To register for the event or join the email list, visit www.govdisabilitysummit.org or contact Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, at [email protected].

A Surprise Peek Aboard the Congrio

The boat’s name “Congrio” translates to a Chilean fish. Photos by Nella Nelson

by Nella Nelson

Meet the most incredibly disguised boat in our marina, the Congrio. How is it disguised? What you see on the outside is not what you see on the inside. But that’s not all. The highly engineered process of building this vessel is a story in itself. Owner and designer, Eric Bradley and his wife, Patty, began their project in 2016.

Owner and designer, Eric Bradley.

The couple hired a naval architect in Florida to draw up the plans of their unique design. From the ground up, the Congrio was then built by Gulf Stream Ship Building in Florida, in the style of a steel navy vessel. From the stern, it also resembles a fishing trawler. The purpose of this design, as Bradley explained, is that “we didn’t want to get picked on while traveling through foreign countries.” The couple, both being master-licensed, journeyed through several national and international waters.

The boat’s name “Congrio” (a Chilean fish) is visible above “Valparaiso” which would make one assume it is a fishing vessel from Chile, yet a Valparaiso exists as a hailing port in Florida. But that is not the only trick of perception. Once you step inside, the cozy charm of a home welcomes you in. Besides hiring a home cabinet builder rather than a boat one, Eric and Patty Bradley created their own hands-on interior, complete with curtains and couches. A custom kitchen is fitted with an induction cook top, convection oven, stone countertops, three refrigerators, three freezers, as well as two heads. Bradley used AutoCAD and his engineering background to create the Congrio’s entire inside space. He and Patty then installed moldings and handled most of the work with their own tools.

Congria’s wheelhouse.

Most impressive to all visitors aboard the Congrio is its immaculate engine room.
“I started the design with this engine,” said Bradley, “then created the accessible walk-around space.” He included six fuel tanks and transfer pumps for the filters, which polish the fuel. Included is a boiler for instant hot water as well as air handlers. The fuel capacity can hold 3,100 gallons and the boat can make  a round trip to Hawaii without refueling. Congrio’s range is 4,500 miles. Both heating and air conditioning keep the boat comfortable, as well as straight rather than spiral stairs. “This makes for better passage and bigger rooms,” Bradley added.

The Congrio’s home is currently in Portside Ventura Harbor as Patty passed away one year ago and it was her wish to dock it there in the place she called home and where their daughter resides. Bradley and his family members are enjoying their beautiful Ventura days complete with fishing, barbecuing and taking in the beauty of our coast.

Ventura Skate Jam Ramp fabricated by local Buena High School Students

Skate Jam ramp will transform into community art piece once X Games have ended.

In an exciting collaboration with Visit Ventura, students from Buena High School are building a skate ramp for the Ventura Skate Jam, a free all-ages community event to celebrate X Games Ventura on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

This ramp, commissioned by Visit Ventura, designed by Buena High School’s Cabinet Millwork Technologies Capstone class and painted by Buena Art students, will later transform into a community art display after the X Games. “Working with local student talent to help celebrate the X Games coming to Ventura stemmed from the overwhelming success and electric energy of last year’s Skate Jam,” according to Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura. “Involving local students in the project where they can have a lasting legacy in X Games Ventura 2024 is what the games are all about.” “It’s been awesome to see the students build something of this caliber that professional skateboarders could potentially skate on,” said Visit Ventura Director of Marketing and Buena High School alumni Mike Laan, who led the project with Communications & PR Manager Julie Madsen.

“The ramp is gnarly — we can’t wait to see all their hard work showcased at the Skate Jam.” Mr. Scott Manninen, Woodshop Teacher at Buena High School, expressed his enthusiasm about the project. “I was thrilled when Visit Ventura asked if our students would be interested in designing a skateboard ramp for the Ventura Skate Jam,” Manninen said.

The ramp will be showcased downtown before being moved to the Fairgrounds for the X Games. Manninen collaborated with a team of eight students, some experienced skaters, to design and refine the ramp. Tickets to the X Games will be given to the students involved. One main feature was split in two to become the bow and stern of a boat, turning the ramp into a boat sculpture complete with a bench for photos. The team started with sketches, built a model, proposed a budget, and involved Ms. Nicole Rapattoni and her art class to finalize the design.

Mason Carter, a key student in the project who designed the quarter pipe curve, shared his excitement. “I grew up skating; it’s super cool to be a part of something that beginners and insane skaters will use. It gives me chills to think that a pro may skate something I helped build.” The project provided valuable lessons beyond skating. Logan Torres, aspiring to be an engineer, found it a great introduction to his future field. John Maida highlighted the teamwork and problem-solving involved, stating, “We learned that some tasks are very difficult, and we had to be precise. We needed to find creative ways to solve issues as they came up and fix them together as a team.”

For more information about community events and X Games Ventura, please reach out to Julie Madsen, Visit Ventura Communications & PR Manager at [email protected].

Ventura Port District receives $200,000 grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The Ventura Port District (District) Board of Port Commissioners (Board) announced that a funding agreement has been signed with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to receive a grant of $200,000 for the improvements of restrooms and shower facilities at Harbor Cove Beach, Surfers Knoll Beach, and the District’s public launch ramp.

This grant is the second awarded to the District by NFWF under the “Refugio Beach Oil Spill Settlement: South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program” (Program), the first of which was a grant of $93,301 provided in 2022. Those funds were fully expended to improve beach accessibility, install three new light poles for Harbor Cove Beach parking lot, and the purchase of public safety communications equipment.

The District competed for the second grant, and was successful in securing $200,000 from the Program for projects to compensate the public for loss of use and enjoyment of public beaches, parks, and other public or natural resources in Ventura County. The Program is administered by NFWF with oversight by state natural resource Trustee agencies for the oil spill near Refugio State Beach in 2015 – the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California State Lands Commission, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Regents of the University of California.

The District’s application was supported by key community leaders, including Congressman Salud Carbajal, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, State Senator Monique Limón, and County Supervisor Matt LaVere.

Congressman Carbajal offered comment on the grant award: “Ventura’s harbor and nearby beaches are a perfect place for Central Coast families to enjoy our little slice of paradise, and with public facility improvements from this grant, we can ensure these areas are ready to serve the thousands of Ventura residents and others who enjoy our port district for years to come. Joining my colleagues in pushing for the approval of this funding was a no-brainer – I know how many will benefit from these facilities after a morning at Surfer’s Knoll or a weekend at Harbor Cove Beach – and I’m proud to have been a part of bringing this important funding to Ventura.”
Letters of support were also received from Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau and Los Angeles Volleyball Academy.

District General Manager Brian Pendleton stated, “We really could not have been so successful with our grant pursuits without the continued support of our elected representatives. We are so very grateful that they are invested in ongoing improvements in Ventura Harbor.”
Planning has already begun for the exterior improvements at both Harbor Cove and Surfers Knoll beaches, which will include regrading the pavement (to meet ADA accessibility requirements), installation of new shower units, and repair work to some of the adjacent hardscape. In addition, the restrooms at both beach lots as well as at the District’s public launch ramp, will receive interior improvements and new exterior doors.

Board Chair, Michael Blumenberg stated, “These enhancements will improve the aesthetics, functionality, and accessibility for these public facilities. I’m very proud of the continued improvements the District has been able to implement in Ventura Harbor, especially as they relate to improving accessibility and an equitable experience for all.”
The District anticipates completing these improvements by the end of 2024.
The Ventura Port District is an independent special district of the City of Ventura and is the owner and operator of the Ventura Harbor. The Ventura Port District is committed to providing a safe harbor that is an inviting inclusive seaside destination, with exceptional facilities for fishers, boaters, residents, and visitors.

For more information on the Ventura Port District, Ventura Harbor amenities, and its programs visit VenturaHarbor.com.