Ventura has a new electricity provider how will this affect my service?

Customers can choose the level of renewable energy generation and rate option.

XResidents in the city of Ventura and 31 other communities in Southern California will begin to receive electricity service from Clean Power Alliance starting in February 2019. Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is the new locally operated and controlled electricity provider in Southern California. The benefits of CPA include local management and control of energy sources, stable and competitive electricity rates, and clean renewable energy content.

The CPA was formed through a partnership between public agencies throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties and will provide more choices to communities seeking an alternative to the traditional investor-owned utility model. By promoting the use of clean renewable power, the City is supporting the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As our new electricity provider, CPA will purchase clean power on behalf of its customers and Southern California Edison (SCE) will deliver it. SCE will continue to deliver electricity through its transmission lines, read your electric meter, send monthly bills, and provide other services.

All electricity customers in the city of Ventura will automatically be enrolled in the 100% Green Power option with CPA. State law requires that customers be automatically enrolled in the default rate selected by each city.

This option provides the largest environmental benefit and means that CPA will be buying renewable energy (e.g. wind and solar) to meet the demands of its customers. The 100% Green Power option has a 7-9% cost premium over the 2019 SCE standard rates. CPA customers can also choose the 50% Clean Power, a 0-1% cost savings compared to SCE standard rates, and 36% Lean Power, a 1-2% savings compared to SCE standard rates.

Customers can choose the level of renewable energy generation and rate option, or opt out and remain with SCE, at any time (visit the CPA website at cleanpoweralliance.org for details). To better understand what your bill could look like with different CPA and SCE rate options, use the bill comparison calculator on their website—be sure to have your SCE bill handy so you have your current rate and electricity usage.

Customers currently enrolled in CARE, FERA, Medical Baseline, Level Pay, and Summer Discount Program will automatically be enrolled in the 100% Green Power rate and will continue to receive the same discount. CPA service for non-residential customers is scheduled to begin in May 2019.

To learn more, change your rate option, or opt out of the program, please visit cleanpoweralliance.org or call 888-585-3788.

Note: The Jan. 30 issue of the Breeze will have further details about the program.

Millions face cut in SNAP Food Assistance if government shutdown continues

by Dottie Rosenbaum

If the partial government shutdown that began in late December continues into February, there may not be sufficient appropriations for food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide full benefits for that month. And if the shutdown continues into March, little or no benefits likely will be paid in that month. As a result, millions of low-income households — including millions of poor children, parents, elderly people, and people with disabilities — could have their basic food assistance cut back substantially in February and then virtually eliminated altogether starting in March if the shutdown continues. The President stated several days ago that the shutdown could go on for months or even years.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may rule, however, that the only appropriation available for SNAP after January is the program’s $3 billion “contingency reserve,” which was made available through the fiscal year 2018 appropriations act. But SNAP benefits currently amount to about $4.8 billion a month, so the $3 billion reserve cannot fully fund February benefits.

The guidance that USDA has issued so far during the shutdown makes clear that “[eligible households will still receive monthly . . . SNAP benefits for January.” But by mid-January, states typically would begin sending the necessary data regarding households’ February SNAP benefits to the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) contractors that they use. This information shows how much in SNAP benefits to load on to each eligible household’s EBT card, which households then swipe at the store to redeem their SNAP benefits.

SNAP provides food assistance averaging about $125 per person, and about $245 per household, per month to more than 38 million individuals in more than 19 million households. SNAP is heavily focused on the poor: 92 percent of benefits go to households with cash incomes at or below the poverty line, and 56 percent go to households at or below half of the poverty line (about $10,390 for a family of three in 2019). Families with the greatest need receive the largest benefits. Close to 70 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children; nearly a third are in households with seniors or people with disabilities.

Those USDA officials and others in the Administration who are able to work during the shutdown are apparently assessing their options and developing a plan for how to proceed. It isn’t clear when USDA will notify states and EBT contractors about the steps it is requiring them to take to reduce February benefits. For now, participants and others who may wish to apply should continue operating as though the shutdown were not in effect.

What will happen in coming weeks with respect to SNAP thus is cause for very substantial concern. If the shutdown continues and USDA determines it does not have the authority to extend SNAP in the absence of congressional action, many low-income households would be at risk of serious hunger and hardship. Emergency food assistance providers such as food banks and food pantries, as well as other local community service providers, would likely see dramatic increases in demand as families and individuals scrambled to fill the hole in their monthly food budgets. In addition, the more than 250,000 supermarkets, grocery stores, and other retailers that participate in SNAP would see a substantial drop in SNAP redemptions, which in many cases constitute a significant share of their sales.

New Olivas Adobe “docent” board officers sworn in

Being installed by Marie Lakin (on the right) are Mary Thompson, Chuck Albert and Marsha Brumana

On Thursday, January 10, the new Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters (referred to as docents) board officers were sworn in by Marie Lakin, City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Commissioner at Mimi’s Café at the Pacific View Mall.

Attending the swearing-in ceremony dinner were other docents and invited guests.

Marie Lakin made the following comments at the swearing in.

“Since 1847 the Olivas Adobe has been Ventura’s living room and center of the city’s social and cultural life as it grew from Chumash village, to a Mission-era Spanish and Mexican settlement. The Olivas Adobe is California’s only remaining Monterey Style adobe from the Gold Rush era built by a Mexican family who provided much of our city’s social life.”

“The docents and board members perform a most valuable service of not only protecting the historic Olivas Adobe, but also keeping relevant by planning and staffing its many activities year-round. The docents are chiefly responsible for keeping alive the rancho’s many seasons of history and celebrate the skills, traditions and heritage that belong to Ventura’s—and America’s—many peoples. The Board of the Olivas Adobe Historic Interpreters oversee the docent operations and ensures that they run smoothly and successfully.”

“Thanks to the OAHI docents, the Olivas Adobe continues its long tradition of hospitality today by hosting a full calendar of diverse cultural events for all ages. It is now my pleasure to swear in the new board’s elected officers President Chuck Albert, Vice President Mary Thompson, Secretary Marsha Brumana and Treasurer Joanne Abing.”

“Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.”

“I promise to conduct myself with dignity and decorum when representing the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and the City of Ventura. “

“I swear to uphold the By-Laws of the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and to do my job as an elected officer to the best of my ability. “

“Now, it is my pleasure to present to you the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters elected and installed officers for 2019. Thank you, everyone for attending tonight’s Olivas Adobe swearing in ceremony and congratulations, new board members!”

The Perfect Firestorm

Friends of CAPS Media,

In late December CAPS Media premiered The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story, a documentary film based on the first-person stories of fire fighters, first responders and members of the public impacted by the Thomas Fire. The film features very personal memories of an extraordinary community coming together to support, survive and recover during and after the tragedy.

I want to thank Ventura City Fire and Police, Ventura County Fire, Sheriffs, Office of Emergency Services and other agencies, the Museum of Ventura County and the extraordinary citizens of Ventura county who shared their very personal stories.

I also want to thank everyone who attended screenings of the film at the Museum of Ventura County in December. Producing the documentary was an honor and a privilege for all of us at CAPS Media and the overwhelmingly positive response is deeply appreciated.

The film is airing and streaming on CAPS Media Channel 6. Days and times are posted at http://capsmedia.org/channel-6/

The Perfect Firestorm is a tribute to the entire community of heroes who, in the face of a devastating crisis responded with astonishing calm and then opened their hearts, hands, and homes to rescue neighbors and strangers, and together begin rebuilding lives.

Thank you all,

Patrick Davidson Executive Director CAPS Media

805.658.0500

Ventura Land Trust to host volunteer community gardening day on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Day of Service”

Ventura Land Trust volunteers celebrate their success after a 2018 Ocean Friendly Garden work day.

On Monday, January 21, Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host a volunteer community gardening event at their ocean friendly garden in Ventura. VLT invites volunteers of all ages to join them from 9 a.m. – 12 noon to plant native plants on property owned and managed by VLT near the “Welcome to Ventura” sign along the Ventura-Ojai bike path.

“On the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service holiday, we will honor his legacy through volunteerism and community service,” said Kate Furlong, VLT Conservation Director.

Ventura Land Trust has teamed up with the Ventura County Chapter of Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Gardens team to re-landscape and reinvigorate the garden near the entrance to their Willoughby Preserve. This event is one of thousands happening across the country on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Volunteers should meet VLT staff at 9 a.m. next to the informational kiosk at the Main St. Bridge near downtown Ventura. For more information and to RSVP, go to: www.venturalandtrust.org/events.

About Ventura Land Trust:

Ventura Land Trust (formerly Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.

VCAAA, Alzheimer’s Association challenge local businesses to become dementia friendly

Dementia Friendly Ventura County is designed to help educate the public.

A new movement was introduced to Ventura County as the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other partnering agencies rolled out Dementia Friendly Ventura County to provide better service to local residents living with dementia and to their caregivers. Initial efforts are targeting local businesses with a challenge to become Dementia Friendly.

Borne out of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging to address the national and global epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Dementia Friendly Ventura County is designed to help educate the public about having understanding, tolerance, and patience and to advocate for the growing number of older adults with the disease. Current efforts are geared toward having Ventura County businesses complete either an online or in-person Dementia Friendly @Work Training to officially become Dementia Friendly. Businesses that complete the required registration as well as the training will be certified as Dementia Friendly and will receive a sticker and poster to display at their place of business.

Alzheimer’s Disease accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases and currently impacts an estimated 610,000 Californians, a number projected to grow to 840,000 by 2025. The goals of DFVC are to create a county where persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are valued and respected, feel safe, and their caregivers are supported; to educate and inform all entities that serve the public about the unique needs of this population to better serve and support them; and to promote community awareness of the condition and how individuals and businesses can make a positive difference.

For more information, or to register to become a Dementia Friendly business, please visit www.vcaaa.org/dfvc or call (805) 477-7306.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

Troop 111 has performed over 4,500 hours of service

Arroyo Verde Park’s unsung heroes.

Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships would like to thank Boy Scout Troop 111. In its three years of existence, Troop 111 has performed over 4,500 hours of service, much of it in the outdoors. The Los Padres Forest has been the recipient of most of their efforts, however, in the last year, they chose to perform similar work in their local community.

Their work in Ventura began when they assisted in the Arroyo Verde Park trail clean up after the Thomas Fire. With the exposed hillsides came the urgency to protect the park from extreme water flow. This led to their first implementation of water bars, channels that allow for the diversion of rainwater, where “canyonization” of the trails during the rains was a potential threat in the Thomas Fire burn areas.

Troop 111 has implemented or improved 49 water bars in Arroyo Verde Park. They worked with Ventura Land Trust who provided them with specialized trail tools to use during the project. For more information about Troop 111’s activities visit their website. Thank you Troop 111!

Vol. 12, No. 8 – Jan 16 – Jan 29, 2019 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Robbery and Possession of Burglary Tools Arrest

On January 4, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from Vons reporting that the suspect, 30 year old vagrant Patrick Rasmusson, had entered Vons, selected merchandise and walked out without paying. When employees confronted Rasmusson, he pulled out a canister of pepper spray and threatened to spray the employees. Fearing being pepper sprayed, the employees let Rasmusson walk away with the property and called police.

Officers responded and located Rasmusson in the area and took him into custody without incident. During the arrest, officers located the pepper spray and numerous tools that could be used for burglary.

Rasmusson was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery and Possession of Burglary Tools. No one was injured as a result of this incident

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Rasmusson has been arrested for drug charges, prowling and possession of burglary tools.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On January 8, at approximately 10:45am, a Ventura police officer was on patrol and saw a vehicle with an equipment violation in the area of Sherwin Ave. and Ventura Blvd. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver, later identified as 27 year old Oxnard resident Ryean Hanks. As the officer was speaking to Hanks, she indicated that she was wanted and fled from the traffic stop. A vehicle pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued northbound on Sherwin Ave., then eastbound on Crescent St. Hanks then turned on Johnson Dr., and as she attempted to navigate a turn onto eastbound Capri Ave., Hanks lost control of the vehicle and collided into an unoccupied parked vehicle in front of Taco Bell. She fled from the vehicle on foot.

The officer pursued Hanks on foot and caught her after a brief foot pursuit. Hanks fought with the officer and after a brief struggle, she was taken into custody. During a search, officers discovered that Hanks was in possession of a controlled substance.

Both the officer and Hanks sustained minor injuries as a result of the arrest. No one else was injured in this incident.

Hanks was arrested for misdemeanor evading arrest in a vehicle, felony resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and two warrants, an out of county felony and misdemeanor.

Hit and Run, DUI, Battery on a Peace Officer

On January 8, at approximately 6:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a hit and run collision in the area Telephone Rd. and Jasper Ave. in the city of Ventura. The witness told dispatchers that the driver of an SUV hit a tree and was trying to leave the area. After colliding with the tree, the driver of the vehicle, 32 year old David Malijan, made a u-turn and attempted to drive away from the collision. Due to the damage the vehicle sustained from the collision, Malijan stopped his SUV a short distance away and walked away.

The first responding officer found Malijan’s SUV unoccupied and began searching the area. During the search, Malijan was found a short distance away. During the contact, the officers started to ask Malijan what happened but Malijan was uncooperative and took a fighting stance on the officer. The officer attempted to detain Malijan to further his investigation, but Mailijan began to violently resist the officer and a struggle ensued. As more officers arrived, Malijan was eventually subdued and taken into custody.

No officers were injured during the incident and Malijan was treated for minor injuries. Malijan was arrested for hit and run, DUI drugs and resisting a police officer.

Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On January 10, at approximately 12:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a fight in the Santa Clara Parking Structure with one person bleeding. Upon the officer’s arrival it was determined that a group of people were walking to their car that was parked in the structure. They were approached by another small group of Hispanic males and a Hispanic female. The suspect group began asking the victims where they were from and then attacked them. During the altercation, three victims were punched. A fourth victim was stabbed in the torso by one off the attackers who also stole his cell phone.

The victims who were punched received minor injuries and were treated on scene by paramedics. The victim who was stabbed is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. VPD CSI responded to process the crime scene. VPD detectives are now on scene conducting further investigation. This is an ongoing investigation, anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 805-339-4488.

Vol. 12, No. 8 – Jan 16 – Jan 29, 2019 – Scamp Club

Hi: I’m Winston or Winnie for short. I’m a lucky rescue dog. I’m a long hair Jack Russel and some sort of sheep dog, or something. My rescuer Samantha says “He is the nicest dog to all humans and dogs I have ever seen and the sweetest dog I have ever come across.”

Hi: I’m Gidget an 8-year old girl Chinese Crested Poodle. I like to just relax and hang out with my friends. I don’t live in Ventura anymore and sure miss it.

Primrose Excursions

Primrose Excursions, along with Premier World Discovery and Mayflower Tours, packed the house for a Travel Prelude Event on January 10th. This event showcased in detail, many upcoming travel destinations such as Italy, Newfoundland, Catalina Island and Zion National Park. If you’re interested in finding out more about these and other travel destinations please contact Bonnie Wiley at Primrose Excursions. 805-535-5170 or  www.primroseexcursions.com.