Villanova graduates are moved to create change

Diplomas were given to a diverse group of fifty-eight graduates.

Villanova Preparatory School held its ninety-second commencement on June 1, 2019 at the campus grotto. The ceremony hosted parents, alumni, and other specials guests, and was live streamed on the school website.

Head of School Nancy O’Sullivan, along with Very Reverend Gary E. Sanders, O.S.A., Prior Provincial, Province of St. Augustine in California, conferred diplomas to a diverse group of fifty-eight graduates. The class of 2019 featured day and resident students from Argentina, China, the Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam, and the United States. Seventeen students graduated as International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme candidates, the largest cohort at Villanova to date. Villanova became an IB World School in 2015 and continues to see steady growth in both the certificate and full diploma programs.

Villanova Assistant Head of School for Academics, Brian Grisin, served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing several key speakers and musical performances.

Keynote Speaker and Villanova alum, Wyatt Oroke ’09, returned to his alma mater from Baltimore, MD, where he serves as an inner-city educator and advocate of social justice and literacy. Oroke delivered a powerful and emotive speech.

Speaking directly to the graduates, Oroke said, “We have been given an incredible gift today but also an incredible power. So my question to you is this: What are you are you going to do with that power? How will you use the lessons you have learned here to open doors for others, lift others up, and challenge the structures and systems of oppression that hold people back?”

Since its founding by the Augustinian Order in 1924, Villanova has flourished into one of the finest Catholic college preparatory day and boarding schools in the nation. The school seeks to instill the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity and Love into all aspects of student life. Villanova is the only boarding school in California that offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, part of the strong foundation that provides acceptance to selective colleges and universities, contributing to each student’s future success.

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 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.

Theft of a Boat and Prowling Arrest

On June 9, at approximately 8pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 3000 block of Bayshore Ave., reporting a suspicious subject on the dock behind his residence. The resident said he caught the subject, later identified as 28 year old Valencia resident Ayrton Sieja, attempting to sail away in his boat and when the resident confronted him, Sieja jumped in the water fully clothed and began swimming across the channel.

As officers arrived on scene, additional officers responded to the 1300 block of Beachmont St., where Sieja had climbed out of the water and was found on the side yard of a residence. Sieja was taken into custody without incident.

Sieja was later arrested for theft of a boat and prowling. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Armed Robbery

On June 8, at approximately 4:15am, an officer was patrolling the area of Moon Dr. and Victoria Ave., when he was contacted by a 22-year-old male who reported that he had just been robbed at gunpoint by two black males, 25-30 years, one wearing a black shirt The victim said he and a friend were walking near the apartment complex in the 1300 block of Saratoga Ave. and were approached by the suspects, one of them who hit him in the back of the head. The victim fell and while he was on the ground, he was kicked several times. He then saw that one of the suspects was armed with a black handgun. The suspect with the gun pointed it at him and demanded all his property. The victim complied and gave the suspect his jewelry and watch. After taking his property, the suspects fled the area on foot.

Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the suspects.

The victim sustained minor injuries to his head as a result of the incident. He was transported to VCMC for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and later released.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest and Arrest of Wanted Subject

On June 11, the victim reported their vehicle stolen to the Ventura Police Department. On June 12 at 11:45am, a patrol officer located the stolen vehicle in a motel parking lot on Thompson Blvd and contacted the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit. SCU along with VenCATT observed 34-year-old Jeffery Gonzales exit a room, enter the stolen vehicle and begin to drive it from the parking lot. Before Gonzales could exit the parking lot, he was stopped and arrested for possession of the stolen vehicle. Gonzales was later transported and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

While investigating Gonzales, detectives located a wanted subject, 32-year-old Jacqueline Randall, who had 5 local warrants. She was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind everyone to lock their vehicles, do not keep anything valuable in their vehicles, especially overnight, and do not keep a spare key inside the vehicle.

Sexual Battery Arrest

On June 8, at approximately 10:15pm, the victim contacted the Ventura Police Department after receiving a massage at Massage Envy (103 S. Mills Rd. Ventura). The victim told officers towards the end of her 90-minute massage, she was sexually assaulted.

Major Crimes Detectives began investigating and identified the suspect as 29-year-old Ventura resident Anthony Wearing. Over the next few days, detectives gathered evidence that corroborated the victim’s statement. On June 11, at approximately 4:45pm, detectives contacted Wearing in the parking lot of 24hr Fitness on Telegraph Rd. Wearing was arrested for sexual battery and digital penetration, both felonies.

During the investigation, Massage Envy cooperated with the Ventura Police Department. Wearing had only been employed by Massage Envy for less than two weeks, but he has been a licensed massage therapist for the last two years. Detectives are actively seeking any additional victims. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Alyse Quiroz (805) 339-4413.

Plastic straws at full service dine-in restaurants shall be provided only upon request 

Surfrider Ventura’s “Plastic Free Ventura” campaign launched on Earth Day in 2018 as a response to the amount of EPS and single-use plastic and bioplastic foodware litter found at local beach cleanups. The most common items collected include expanded polystyrene foam (“EPS”, TM “Styrofoam”), and plastic and bioplastic straws, lids, cups, plates, condiment cups and utensils.

Plastics and bioplastics are not marine biodegradable. Instead, they photo  degrade into tiny pieces of plastic causing pollution that is virtually impossible to remediate. When plastic enters our waterways, it adsorbs toxic chemicals such  DDT, PCBs, PAHs, and flame-retardants found in our waterways, polluting our ocean, waves and beaches and harming marine and wildlife.   Alarmingly, scientists estimate that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by volume – unless we act now!

California AB 1884, which took effect on January 1, 2019, requires that plastic straws at full service dine-in restaurants be provided only upon request.  While this is a step in the right direction, most EPS, plastic and bioplastic debris we find at beach cleanups come from take-out and other food establishments.

There are 120 cities in California that have local legislation aimed at reducing EPS and single use plastic and bioplastic foodware litter.  Surfrider will soon be asking Ventura City Council to pass a comprehensive Ordinance to ban EPS, plastic and bioplastic single use foodware.  A copy of our proposed Ordinance will be made available on Surfrider Ventura’s Plastic Free Ventura webpage later in the year (https://ventura.surfrider.org/programs-and-campaigns/plastic-free- ventura/).

If you would like to help us with this Campaign, please visit the Plastic Free Ventura webpage.

De Anza Academy of Technology and Arts (DATA) installs first temporary public art mural, Eyes on the Westside

On June 8th, students from De Anza Academy of Technology and Arts (DATA) installed their first temporary public art mural, Eyes on the Westside, at 481 N. Ventura Ave. The temporary mural showcases the Westside’s diversity and community through portraits of children from the Westside. Five eighth grade students; Ruby, Lukas, Cash, Carina, and Naia, worked on the project. They developed the why, photographed and edited the portraits, participated in the Public Art Commission’s design review process, and supported its installation.

DATA’s mural is part of a larger project by artist JR, titled Inside Out, which is a global platform for people to share their untold stories and transform messages of personal identity into works of public art. Eyes on the Westside, which measures 70 ft. by 30 ft., will be up for approximately six months.

DATA’s project is a community collaboration between the Ventura Unified School District, City of Ventura, Westside Community Development Corporation, and Local 805 Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. Each INSIDE OUT group action is documented, archived, and exhibited online. The INSIDE OUT project has traveled from Ecuador to Nepal, from Mexico to Palestine, inspiring group actions on varied themes such as hope, diversity, and climate change.

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

5-30 9:03am, received a report of a Hazmat situation, oil pipeline rupture near VHV H-dock. Officers were dispatched and responded with multiple agencies. Rescue Boat 19 and vehicle Harbor 1 were utilized and stocked with absorbent booms and pads. The flow of oil was eventually stopped by environmental services and limited damage was caused from the spill.
6-1 12:54am, dispatched to a medical, sick person in the Harbor Village. Officers responded and assisted AMR with a 54-year-old male suffering from a reaction to his medication and alcohol.
6-2 9:55am, received a report of an overdue boater from the concerned family member. The vessel was a sailboat and was not back yet. Officers investigated with US coast guard and the vessel was eventually safely located.
6-3 10:22pm, received a report of suspicious activity near the lake at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and found two individuals fishing the lake. They were removed from the private community, advised that fishing the artificial lake is prohibited and that they were trespassing.

6-6

 12:24pm, dispatched to a medical at Harbor Cove beach. Officers responded and assisted state parks lifeguards with a 5-year-old who was struck with a sting ray strike. Hot water was applied to the wound and the child released to his parents on scene.

6-7

 10:24am, State Parks lifeguard advising that an inflatable is disabled near the #4 buoy just outside the harbor. Officers responded and found the inflatable was towed by a good Samaritan to Harbor Cove where they will trouble-shoot the issue.

 

3:35pm, received several reports of a sick/injured sea lion on the riprap near the National Park Service. Officers responded, found the sick sea lion and contacted CI marine mammal rescue because the mammal appeared to be suffering from Demoic Acid poisoning.

 

5:15pm, received a request to check the wellness of an intoxicated individual on a vessel in VIM. Officers responded and contacted the subject who was intoxicated. They were advised to stay aboard their vessel and keep the peace.

6-8

 8:45am, officers were conducting traffic control for the annual Hokuloa Canoe Club outrigger race at Harbor Cove with Rescue Boats 17 & 19. One thousand paddlers from around the state competed in a 10-mile race starting and ending at Harbor Cove also known as Mothers’ Beach.

11:24am, dispatched to a medical at Harbor Cove. Officers responded in the truck H-1, assisted AMR/State Parks with a patient suffering from sea sickness

9:20pm, received dispatch to a fall victim at the Ventura Harbor Village. Officers responded and found an intoxicated individual who sustained a laceration over right eye. Gold Coast ambulance handled the call and transport

6-9

 4:32pm, received a mayday call, vessel disabled near the outside breakwall. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 and assisted TowBoat US with the call. The vessel was safely anchored in calm conditions with 9 souls aboard.

8:10pm, dispatched to a water rescue, person in the water in the turning basin of the keys. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 and assisted VPD with the incident. The individual was taken into custody for attempted vessel theft.

6-10

 3:43pm, dispatched to a medical, back pain in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded in H-1 and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. The patient was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.

5:52pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue, kite surfer in distress west of the Ventura Pier. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 and found the kite surfer conducting a self-rescue. He refused any assistance and officers stood by until he was safely around the pier and headed towards shore.

6-11

 12:46pm, dispatched to a sheered Fire Hydrant at Harbor and Schooner. Officers responded and found an open hydrant releasing water for the construction along Harbor Blvd. It was open to release pressure along the road

 

4th of July community events and public safety

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair continues its proud 44-year tradition on Thursday, July 4, from 10 am to 5 pm in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. “We Have Liftoff!” is this year’s theme, in honor of the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo Program.

The Independence Day event regularly draws more than 50,000 residents and visitors. The showcase of handmade arts and crafts by more than 200 artisans, multiple food booths and live music stretches along five blocks of Main Street from Chestnut Street to Mission Park. This year’s event will also feature a children’s fun zone at Mission Park where children can enjoy rides, bounce houses and a visit with Ventura City Firefighters.

The day kicks off with the annual Pushem Pullem parade sponsored by the Ventura East Rotary Club. The parade assembles at Cemetery Park at Main Street and Crimea Street at 9 am and begins to parade down Main Street at 9:30 am with a Ventura Police Motorcycle escort. Participants decorate bicycles, strollers, scooters and wagons and dress up in festive Fourth of July attire for the parade while also incorporating the Street Fair NASA Theme of “We Have Liftoff!”. Participants receive a free commemorative button while supplies last. There is no application or RSVP required to participate in the parade it is a fun community tradition of celebrating the holiday and our community.

Community members are encouraged to enjoy the approved and legal firework displays that are offered throughout Ventura County. The Rotary Club of Ventura’s Fireworks Show and Family Picnic will be offered at Ventura College from 5 pm to 9 pm. Tickets can be purchased online, at local Vons stores, at the 4th of July Street Fair Information Booth from 11 am- 2 pm on July 4 or at the gates of the event.

Fireworks are illegal in the City of Ventura. Please report firework disturbances to the Ventura Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency number at 805-650-8010. Please be prepared to provide detailed information of the firework activity including the address and suspect being reported. For emergencies please call 911.

The beach areas in the Pierpont and Keys neighborhoods of Ventura will have controlled traffic patterns for public safety on July 4. Visitors and residents will be able to access the State Beaches Parking Lot via San Pedro Street but will not be able to access Pierpont Blvd from San Pedro Street. Pierpont and Keys area beaches, homes and businesses will be accessible via Seaward Ave. Other road entrances including Monmouth Way, Peninsula Street and Oyster Street will be closed for entering and rerouted to Seaward Ave. for entering the area. All roads will be open for exiting the area. Those wishing to enjoy fireworks by the beach should consider attending the public fireworks display offered by Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard at 9 pm. Those attempting to use fireworks on Ventura beaches or anywhere in the City of Ventura are subject to fine. Let’s work together to make it a safe and fun holiday for all!

Siblings are heading out on their college adventures

The five siblings from Foothill have graduated.

On Thursday, June 13, at Foothill Technology High School Principal Joe Bova graduated its senior class including his quintuplets. Abby (Abigail), Emiline, Katie (Kathryn), Nate (Nathaniel) and Sam (Samuel)

Ventura residents first learned of the “Bova Clan” when a kindergarten teacher at Junipero Serra Elementary, Lynn Bova, gave birth to quintuplets in March of 2001 at Community Memorial Hospital. Joe Bova, who works at the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), stated “We’re not going to figure out how to handle it, we are just going to do it.”

The siblings credit their incredible teachers and the opportunities that have been offered to them and their classmates at VUSD with being ready for the next steps in their educational careers. All five played basketball for Foothill and all credit the excellent coaching they received on and off the court for their successful high school experiences.

Channel Islands Harbor hosts Fine Art Festival

Channel Islands Harbor will host its Fine Art Festival featuring fine arts and crafts 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., July 13-14, at the Harbor Landing, located at 2810 Harbor Blvd., at the corner of Channel Islands Blvd.

The event features accomplished artists presenting their original work in all mediums of two- and three-dimensional fine art, including paintings in acrylics, oils, watercolors, photography, and sculpture in glass, metal, and wood. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. All work is available for purchase.

This event is produced by West Coast Artists, which has presented fine art shows throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada since 1983.
For more information about the Fine Art Festival, visit the Channel Islands Harbor’s website, www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Ventura Land Trust welcomes three new members to Board of Trustees

Former Ventura City Manager Mark Watkins is a new member of the board of trustees.

The Ventura Land Trust recently announced the induction of three new members to their board of trustees Jane Montague, Sunjay Moorthy and Mark Watkins.

Jane Montague, a Ventura native and graduate of Loyola Marymount University, is a registered California Professional Engineer and a Certified Floodplain Manager who specializes in land, earth and water. For 30+ years she has owned and operated Ventura-based Lewis Engineering, the first engineering consulting firm to receive the City of Ventura’s Green Business Certification.

In addition to serving on the Ventura Land Trust Board, Montague also volunteers with Surfrider Ventura, Ventura Botanical Gardens, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and the Sierra Club where she has participated in and helps coordinate the Wilderness Basics Course program. She lives in Ventura with her husband Curt and their two adult children.

Sunjay Moorthy was born in India and lived in England and in several U.S. states while growing up. For the past 30 years he has worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He currently serves as JPL’s Deputy Manager for Institutional Communications. In 2000, he received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his leadership role in communications and technical documentation.

In addition to serving as Treasurer of Ventura Land Trust Board, he is on the Spanish Hills Country Club Board of Governors and serves as their Men’s Golf Chair. In addition, he is a certified umpire for District 63 Little League and Channel Coast Umpires. When not working, Sunjay enjoys golf, baseball and exploring nature. He and his wife Elizabeth live in Ventura.

Mark Watkins, a registered California Civil Engineer, received his undergraduate Civil Engineering degree from California State University Chico and a Masters in Public Administration from California State University Northridge. He has enjoyed a long career of public service working for the County of Kern, as the Public Works Director for the City of Thousand Oaks and most recently as City Manager for the City of Ventura. Mark retired from the City of Ventura in 2017.

Mark has been an active hiker and backpacker since his youth and is also a sailor, diver, kayaker, and surfer. He and his wife Amy have lived in Ventura for more than 30 years and his three daughters were born and raised there.

Ventura Land Trust (formerly the 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. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.Adrienne Stephens