Ventura City Council Meeting 7 June 2010

V-N-C Ventura News-Commenter

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VTA Council Meeting, March 12, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Council Member Jim Monahan asked that the meeting be closed in memory of Martha Reilander who passed away while living in the river bottom as a member of the homeless community. V-N-C would also like to acknowledge the passing of another homeless person -- Kevin Gudzunas, 11/18/1971 to 3/6/2012 -- for whom a memorial service was held on March 16, 2012, at the Harbor Community Church, 3100 Preble Avenue, Ventura. We hope to see both of these individuals remembered at the Homeless Persons' Memorial, now becoming a fixture in the community during (or near) the third week in December at the gazebo in Plaza Park.

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VTA Council Meeting, March 5, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Teresa Glover said that the Kellogg property is up for sale at $1.1 million. Re-zoning will take place on the Avenue and rumors are out that developers are planning to build residential units on that property. The speaker said there are not amenities and shopping sufficient for the population that exists, let alone new residential development. Moreover, the Avenue area of Ventura represents the true heritage of the city, with the speaker expressing unequivocal displeasure with the city's robust plans to "turn the Westside into something that it's not."

Principal Michael Tapia of Montalvo Elementary School chose 5th grade student Kevin Jimenez as this month's winner inVentura Unified School District's ongoing Character Development Program for his essay on the topic of kindness. Mr. and Mrs. Luis Jimenez with teacher Debbie Gaz along with Mr. Tapia were on hand to lend their support to the young essayist. [...]

VTA Council Meeting, February 27, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Council Member Carl Morehouse said that the protocols in use today governing public speaking before Council have been in effect since 1994, but found himself in agreement with the idea that there are ad hoc groups that form rapidly just before Council meetings only to scheme their way into time extensions. This, according to Mayor Tracy, violates the original intent of the speaking protocols, while Mr. Morehouse suggested that constituents have ample time to speak to their elected officials when seen in public. Public communications before Council should not be a place for people to show up and “grandstand” before the cameras, according to Mr. Morehouse, and should not be used as a public soapbox.

VTA Council Meeting, February 13, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Fifth grade student Sienna Long from the Sunset Elementary School presented her winning essay on the subject of cooperation. Principal Kelsey Simms and teacher Jennifer Bundy were on hand to support the young fifth grader upon her having submitted the winning composition in Ventura Unified School District’s Character Development Program, culminating in City Council's own "Mayor for a Moment" approbation ceremony.

The State of the City, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

VTA Council Meeting, February 6, 2012

"We could speak at length about things have changed in the city over the last 50 years," said Mayor Tracy after a few opening remarks, "but some of the luster associated with being the county seat during the boom years of Southern California has faded." The mayor, a lifelong Venturan, went on to say that in his earliest days back in the mid '70s with the Ventura Police Department, Ventura was one of the safest cities in the county, but that this is no longer the case.

The Bring America Home Act

Bring America Home - February 4, 2012

The National Coalition for the Homeless – Co-sponsor, U.S. Congress

The Bring America Home Act (BAHA, H.R. 4347 in the 109th Congress) is a legislative proposal of the National Coalition for the Homeless. U.S. Representative Julia Carson (D-IN) was strengthening the bill when she passed away in late 2007. NCH is now preparing the bill for re-introduction in the 111th Congress.

BAHA seeks to end homelessness in the United States. The proposed legislation includes security provisions for housing, economics, health and civil rights, representing the most comprehensive initiative to date to address modern homelessness. Sign up for the fight by clicking "logo" or "more" (also available on the main menu).

The 100% Summit – A Tale of Two Counties

Symposium and Workshop
January 27, 2012

"Bridging the Widening Gaps in Ventura County"

The Social Justice Fund, Co-sponsor
United Methodist Church
Camarillo, California

Four speakers were slated along with Emcee and Steering Committee Chairman Doug Green who got the ball rolling by elaborating on the title selection, “The 100% Solution – A Tale of Two Counties.”

VTA Council Meeting, January 23, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Councilman Neal Andrews reported from his position on the State Policy Committee on Employee Relations that discussions at the January meeting did not go far enough in moving toward defined contribution as the preferred method for funding public pensions, and also that the "restructuring" of retirement benefits for current public employees remains a top priority.

Council Member Jim Monahan noted that Saturday, March 17th is the date for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, with planning well in hand. A dozen applications have been received thus far. To join in the parade, which will start at the San Buenaventura Mission 10:00 a.m., contact the councilman at City Hall or at #430-1356. A two-mile run sponsored by Jeff Spiker will precede the parade.

VTA Council Meeting, January 9, 2012

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Fifth grade student Wyatt Meckelborg from the Juana Maria Elementary School presented his winning essay on the subject of punctuality. Principal Gina Walowicz and teacher Mr. Anderson were on hand to support the young fifth grader upon his having submitted the winning composition in Ventura Unified School District’s Character Development Program, culminating in City Council's own "Mayor for a Moment" approbation ceremony.

VTA Council Meeting, December 12, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Awards were presented before Council to winners of the 8th Annual City Photography Contest, sponsored by Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Departments. Winners were Tracy Lee, Robert Garvin, Michael Kims, Jim Sully, John Ferrito, John Osumi, John Witt, Jack Keogh, Kathleen Goode and Bethany Thankhauser.

VTA Council Meeting, December 5, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Ventura's City Council voted Council Member Mike Tracy in as the new Mayor of Ventura. Voted in as Deputy Mayor was Cheryl Heitmann.

Mayor for a Moment – Fifth-grade student essayists participated in this month’s VUSD writing contest, submitting entries on the topic of Courtesy. Citrus Glen Elementary School Principal Patricia Kingsley selected Madeleine Osborne as the winner.

One City - One Meal 2011

Ventura Co. Local News - November 24, 2011

The Fourth Annual Thanksgiving dinner held surprises not only for the scope of the event, but also for its elegance. White tablecloths with a metallic banderole through the center graced a seating area for 600 people, all able to be served simultaneously by a virtual “army” of wait-persons. The Ventura County Fairgrounds hosted the most successful "One City, One Meal" to date -- 1000 (or more) happy Thanksgiving campers arrived to kick off the winter holiday season with a real bang.

The Salvation Army spearheaded the event this year along with major assistance from the Rotary Club of Ventura. [...]

VTA Council Meeting, November 14, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Library Strategic Plan – Jackie Griffin from Ventura County Library Services spoke offering perspectives. "Ventura County Library is pleased to be part of the process," said Ms. Griffin. It was claimed that a great amount service is being provided county residents vis-à-vis the amount of money that has been invested. In terms of the Eastside, conversations have been centering on the Saticoy area where services are dispensed out of a double wide trailer. A shopping center at Darling and Wells may see the opening of a retail center, which could support a library facility.

Mayor for a Moment – Fifth-grade student essayists from Will Rogers Elementary School participated in this month’s VUSD writing contest, submitting entries on the topic of Sportsmanship. School Principal Patricia Shore selected Nick Coronado as the winner who, when called to come forward, strode confidently toward the dais.

VTA Council Meeting, October 24, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Council had previously instructed the staff to come back with specific recommendations for funding the third year commitment to carrying over the Fire Station No. 4 operating costs covered in the first two years under SAFER Grant funding. Council’s first hearing on the issue had determined that $1.2 million divided into three $400,000 segments plus additional revenue and savings measures in other parts of the budget could fund the contract obligation through an additional $1.2 million. The city manager said that as we spoke two weeks ago, the “options have severely narrowed.”.

LATE UPDATE: 0300/11/9/2011 ~ Two incumbents are back in City Hall. Station KEYT is reporting that Carl Morehouse and Christy Weir have been returned to their seats on the Ventura City Council, joined by a newcomer – Cheryl Heitmann. According to reports, Heitmann was the top vote getter with the incumbents following in the #2 and #3 positions (order not specified). Swearing in will occur on December the 5th whereupon council members will determine who among them will replace Bill Fulton as mayor for the next term. Voter turnout was reported as just over 22%.

VTA Council Meeting, October 17, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Mayor for a Moment – The monthly segment where a VUSD fifth grader is selected to occupy the Mayoral Seat within Council Chambers and asked to read aloud his or her winning essay. Winner for this month, chosen by Principal Wes Wade, was Poinsettia Elementary School student Mason King for his essay on the topic of Self Control. Parents Everett and Shelly King were present, along with teacher Lisa Hardwell, to witness the presentation.

VTA Council Meeting, October 10, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Fire Chief Kevin Rennie likened the city's latest grant acquisition to something like hitting the lottery. The SAFER Grant (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) has awarded the city – thanks to the proactive effort on the part of Chief Rennie and his staff – the entire amount requested, $2.4 million for two years with the city’s commitment to fund a third-year. This award funds the reopening of Fire Station #4. The facts in the case proved to be an outrageously compelling story to the grant reviewers. They found that Ventura Fire is providing service in 2011 with 1974 staffing levels [1974; 63 personnel; 2000 calls; 50,000 population] vs. [2010; 63 personnel; 11,500 calls; 100,000 population] and yet incredibly enough, it remains to be seen whether or not this City Council will accept.

VTA Council Meeting, September 26, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

On June 28 2011, Governor Brown signed into law AB 1X 26 (“Dissolution Act”) and the companion AB 1X 27 (“Voluntary Alternative Redevelopment Program”). Then on July 18th 2011, the League of Cities and California Redevelopment Association filed suit in California Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the bills. Before the council was the Remittance Agreement, only part of a much more complex item considering the California Supreme Court case which is pending. The law does allow the city to use its low income redevelopment funds to make those payments to the state, and with the city’s funds not being sufficient, a set of findings must be approved to show why those funds are not sufficient.

A Homelessness Manifesto

Confronting the "10-Year Plan" Illusion
July 28, 2011

F. William Bracy

Incl. Homelessness and Public
Policy - How the Extreme Conservative Right
Misinterprets Freedom

It's all about people. . .millions of them, now reaching into the billions. What are we going to do with them all? Will there be enough food and water? Who will live and who will die? Is prayer the answer? These are big questions, but are they the questions the vast majority of us care about? What we're about to do here is feed the faith-based community a little of its own medicine. How? It begins with what you have already recognized as Matthew 25:40.

LATEST UPDATE: 8/23/2011 – A homeless couple with 7 years of domestic partnership behind them remains on the street after being refused residency at the Kingdom Center. The justification for the faith-based organization's decision: A certain degree of insufficiency in the Holy Matrimony department – in other words, they're unmarried.

LATER-er UPDATE: 9/1/2011 – After hanging around the Harbor Community Church for about a month just in order to be assured of receiving his monthy check on time, Homey comes forward “without prejudice,” informing us of a rigorous day-center schedule that is far more relaxed for staff members than for the homeless guest, as though homeless people wouldn't really mind missing receipt of their checks by a day or two.

VTA Council Meeting, July 18, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

The focus of the meeting was on the first reading of the "Granny Flat" Amnesty Ordinance, and the second reading of the Building Records Disclosure Ordinance, which was to be the final reading of that ordinance, and with Council being given the opportunity to vote on the associated user fees.

VTA Council Meeting, July 11, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Safety Enhancements: U.P.R.R. /Hwy 101 R.R. Trestle - Rebecca Mendoza, Ass’t City Attorney, stated that issues have been discussed with respect to the so-called "NuGard" graffiti deterrent devices. The railroad may choose to remove the shields for reasons of maintenance or inspection, resulting in a $40,000 cost liability to the city. Another issue of concern would be indemnification of the railroad even at their negligence. The city would be required to concede to the power of federal law over local ordinances regarding graffiti, absolving the railroad of responsibility for cleaning or graffiti removal on a permanent basis.

The mayor asked whether or not we were somehow contracting away the police power. Mr. Cole replied that in correspondence with the railroad it has been determined that some amount of flexibility remains when it comes to the police power issue

VTA Council Meeting, June 20, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Second Unit Amnesty Ordinance w/Code Enforcement Lien and User Fees Resolutions ~ Andrew Stuffler, Chief Building Official, was invited forward for the staff report, introducing Sue Taylor, Code Enforcement Supervisor, and Jeff Lambert, Community Development Director, returning to City Council upon request from the May 9 meeting. The resolution for the amnesty fees, however, was not up for formal action by the council. This will come back on July 11 if that is to be the direction delivered by council members.

Quasi-Judicial Procedure and Public Hearing – Permit Application for a senior living facility located at 4010 Telegraph Road and 4001 Ivy Street. Deputy Mayor Tracy thought that something was being made to happen on two properties that cannot really be done while forwarding a motion to approve the appeal and deny the project.

VTA Council Meeting, June 13, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Formal Item – The Parking Meter Removal Petition. Elaine of Staff said that on May 18 the city clerk received 400 signatures collected from valid, qualified voters, declared to make the petition significant and sufficient for a November election. With Council's approval along with a certificate of sufficiency, Staff is to agendize the item and resubmit to Council on July 11, 2011.

Jeff Smith, Chair of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee said that parking management downtown is working. People are willing to pay a small amount to go to a store or a restaurant. These are also better customers. A full-time dedicated police officer and free Wi-Fi downtown provides full support with an additional revenue stream being made available for better lighting and cleanliness. Council was urged to recommend a comprehensive impact report to be prepared by Staff.

VTA Council Meeting, June 6, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

The first City Council Public Hearing on the new Urban Water Management Plan was unveiled as Water Department Director Shana Epstein opened the presentation. Susan Rungren, Principal Engineer Ventura Water, said that there has been a decline in Ventura River water due to environmental issues as well as drought conditions and this means working with others.

Public speaker Dan Cormode said that many issues remain. Number one – we don't know how stable our water supply is. The aquifer and the water service accounts do not address the change in residential development with 73% of development being multifamily. The population projected increases are inconsistent with the 2005 General Plan. Projected per capita usage is inconsistent with the 2005 General Plan, and the Saticoy Yard capacity is inconsistent with the General Plan

VTA Council Meeting, May 16, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Solo Item: The meeting's focus was on California's Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) contract amendment provisions, allowing Council and Staff to proceed with an assortment of labor contracts including Police, Police Management, SEIU units (4) and all benefits resolutions covering the other unrepresented members and employees.

Human Resources Director Jenny Roney along with Kerry Worgan, the CalPERS Actuary assigned to the City of Ventura pension account, were available discuss recommendations and to answer Council questions.

Urban Growth Management and Ecological Sustainability

Confronting the "Smart Growth" Fallacy

Gabor Zovanyi

Professor of Urban and Regional Planning
Graduate Program Advisor
Eastern Washington University

Growth management and Smart Growth initiatives in the United States represent an ongoing process of growth accommodation. Because growth by definition constitutes unsustainable behavior in that it is incapable of being continued or maintained indefinitely, ongoing growth accommodation must be recognized as activity incongruous with advancing the goal of ecological sustainability.

VTA Council Meeting, May 9, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

The meeting's focus was on the Second Dwelling Unit Amnesty and Legalization Ordinance. One public speaker said that her property was inherited through family members. The granny flat on the property has meant the possibility of losing the home through noncompliance and with family members who are ill with cancer it makes the situation untenable. The speaker was emotional in speaking of the family problems and was really not able to continue – helped along by a second speaker who stepped in to say that they will be charged $400 per day if the houses cannot be brought into compliance.

City Attorney Ariel Calonne said that the sunset date of June 30, 2013 for the amnesty program was not to be inflexible but that a firm closing date needs to be six months after Council's directed date of December 31, 2012, with this six month period being the normal life of a permit.

VTA Council Meeting, May 2, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Council Member Carl Morehouse spoke on a subject that was said to be budget related, but that involved the city’s caseload situation – specifically, a lawsuit that may hit the city in terms of water. City Attorney Ariel Calonne responded saying that the council as well as the public needs to be aware of certain facts. The city was sued by a group called Wishtoyo Foundation, Ventura CoastKeeper under citizen enforcement sections of the Clean Water Act. The city's operation wastewater treatment is in violation of state and federal law, according to the plaintiff.

The suit’s objective is to move the city’s wastewater operations out of the Santa Clara River estuary and enhance management of the effluent to include higher reclaimed water production. These projects will have dramatic import on costs and rates which may be called for in the creation of those projects. In the wastewater fund significant rate impacts may come about, according to Mr. Calonne.
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VTA Council Meeting, April 19, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Buzz Bonsall, owner of approximately 6,500 acres of land in the Upper Ventura Avenue/La Cañada Larga Valley area, stated that while consultants have affirmed the highest net positive fiscal impact for the City of Ventura on the incorporation of La Cañada Larga Valley and the Upper Avenue ~ besides affirming that an estate tract of large homes would attract business activity ~ in addition to the fact that the valley area is within 5 minutes of downtown ~ that despite all these findings, the property owner recommended that Council proceed with the Westside Project Area Base Plan and return to La Cañada Larga as a separate adgendized item in the future, wishing not to in any way sabotage the development effort currently under consideration.

VTA Council Meeting, April 11, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

City Council and Staff deliberated trade-offs inherent in considering approval of a Solar Power Purchase (SPP) program for City Hall. The proposal is based on a 20-year lease – extendable after 20 years – which is an agreement to purchase electricity from the system just as currently purchased from Cal-Ed. Project Benefits, described as: (1) Reduced cost for electricity, $20,000 in year 1 alone – (2) Establishes known rates for 20 years – (3) Creates jobs, 25 minimum – (4) Promotes environmental sustainability/public education – (4.1) Supports the renewable energy industry – (4.2) 210 metric tons reduction in carbon emissions – (4.3) Cooler parking lot.

The city has a two-tier design goal to reduce electrical usage by 2% per year, with the proposed installation expected to reduce consumption in all city buildings by 17% beginning immediately.

VTA Council Meeting, April 4, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

The General Fund Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget Revenue Workshop. Jay Panzika reported on a workshop on revenue options for next year's budget. A month ago [ March 7, 2011 ] a budget workshop was brought to the council with the request to bring forward additional items to close the budget revenue gap. At that meeting it was revealed that the current budget shortfall is still considered significant at $420,000.

Some of what is now being considered ~ New Taxes or Fees Requiring Voter Approval, showing: (1) Increase rates of lighting district – (1.1) To fund current $420,000 shortfall – (2) Create a Real Property Transfer tax (3) Increase sales tax. Additionally ~ New Fees, showing: (1) Annual Alarm Registration fee – (2) Admissions Tax – (3) Crash Tax – (4) Mortgage Foreclosure tax. Other Potential ~ Business, showing: (1) Greater Yield from Existing Resources – (1.1) Fund an effort to enforce business license compliance – (1.2) Audit TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) compliance – (1.3) Step up enforcement of existing licensing laws.

Fixing Cal's Collapsing Hospital Corridor

Ventura Co. Local News - December 23, 2010

Bracing for a Seismic Shift in Health Care

Anyone who has asked the question recently, “What’s the state of health care in America?” is almost sure to have been fed the answer, “You know, you just raised a very complex issue.” [Translation, “Sorry son, but you’re about to be hogwashed].”

But As Community Memorial Hospital rebuilds itself into a new, ultramodern medical arts complex, there are also complex questions. It’s nice, it’s new … but is our health care system as vulnerable to collapse as are 417 hospital structures along a North-South corridor that stretches from the San Diego/San Francisco coastline, then Eastward through parts of the great Central Valley? ...

"Achieving Our Vision" – Is it a Mirage?

Ventura Co. Local Politics - December 14, 2010

Op-ed on the Goals of Leadership in Our City.

It would take a good deal of imagination to think that everyone's vision for the future – for prosperity … for growth … for opportunity – could somehow be brought into perfect alignment over a phrase like “Achieving Our Vision.” The first question out of anyone's mouth should be, “Whose vision?” We think that there are not many Venturans who understand what this vision is supposed to represent [...]

One City -- One Meal 2010

Ventura Co. Local News - November 28, 2010

Presenting a video diary of "One City -- One Meal," Ventura's Third Annual Thanksgiving day extravangaza of food, fun and friendship among the homeless.

Anyone who may have been expecting a festival atmosphere, certainly wasn't disappointed. The band was kickin', the food was great and multicolored balloons were tethered to almost every child. It was Ventura's 2010 (and Third Annual) One City – One Meal Thanksgiving day extravaganza living up to – and surpassing – all expectations. [...]

The Diary of a Compleat Panhandler

Ventura Co. Local Politics - November 27, 2010

An Op-ed on the Still-Missing American Rose Garden.

There will always be those among us who feel – due to lack of in-situ experience – that they are more enlightened on the subject of homelessness than they really are. Some even end up in positions of power and decision-making, bringing with them a kind of class warfare mentality that does nothing to ease the situation, but in fact has just the opposite effect.

Furthermore, one cannot travel anywhere in the world without encountering the poor, the downtrodden ... the panhandler. As we write this the U.S. economy is losing ground at an ever-faster rate to the economies of China and India [...]

Prop.19's Legal Pot – A Zero-Sum Game

Ventura Co. Local Politics - October 6, 2010

How Marijuana Won't Save California's Economy.

Last week I picked up a newspaper that was lying about in public laundromat, and showed a particular headline to a rather bored-looking couple – the room's only other occupants – who easily could have passed for high school students.

The headline was part of a feature story titled, “How Marijuana Can Save the Economy.” As I held it up for them to read, I asked the question, “Do you think this is true?” They answered in unison,“absolutely!” [...]

Prop. 23's Obstructionist Roots--Koch Industries

International News Source - September 25, 2010

Poll Shows a Dead Heat Among California Voters

A recent Los Angeles Times article (http://www.latimes.com) floated the following headline: “Proposition 23 Poll Shows a Dead Heat Among California Voters.” Fact is. . .you can obtain the same 50-50 result by flipping a coin, and yet this is hardly a coin-toss issue. In other words, doesn't hard evidence count for anything? What's happening here?

The Times goes on to say that “California voters [...] remain closely divided on a November ballot measure that would suspend the state's global warming statute,” referring to California's Global Warming Law passed in 2006 [AB 32] which was aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions by power plants, factories and vehicles [...]

10 U.S. Industries That May Never Recover

International News Source - September 15, 2010

Jobs That May Never Come Back.

Most folks want other peoples' government to be smaller – not theirs. Well, they'd better be mindful of what they wish for. Like it or not, smaller government is coming to a town near them.

Oh, I forgot – they tend to think first of a smaller Washingtonian government, no doubt. If that means thinking that Social Security should be slashed, for example, wait 'till they see what state officials do with CalPERS, where municipal workers are prohibited from participating in the redundant federal program to begin with.

Float Like a Butterfly

Ventura Co. Local Politics - September 9, 2010

Op-ed on the Rope-A-Dope Neocapitalist Plutocracy

Just when you thought you'd made a full recovery from the Bush Administration's era of sports metaphoria – well, not so fast.

Recovery experts will tell you that you must learn to face your demons, so for those who have forgotten what difficult days those were, think back on a classic from a member of G.W's diplomacy team, Christopher Hill, who said upon emerging from a nukular summit with North Korean officials in Beijing: “. . .it's always like 3 yards, 3 yards, 3 yards. And then it's always 4th and 1, and you make a first down and do 3 more yards.”

If there were boxing metaphors, I don't remember them. The real beauty behind Ali's rope-a-dope strategy, however, is the fact that just like his opponents, the “dope” always believed he was winning...

"Project 50" Helps L.A.'s Homeless

International News Source - September 3, 2010

Innovative ways to help L.A.’s homeless

In 2007 Los Angeles County started up a new program with the goal of taking a different look and a different approach to the persistent problem of chronic homelessness in Southern California. The program was “Project 50,” which would identify the 50 most vulnerable and needy members of L.A.’s homeless population through a series of extensive surveys on the streets. The 50 have been identified, reviewed and provided with housing, services and support—but has it helped to keep them off the streets and brought stability back into their lives?

Embattled Public Pension Funds

International News Source - August 13, 2010

In the Wake of Scandals, How Will CalPERS Fare?

There’s a class war coming to the world of government pensions.

The haves are retirees who were once state or municipal workers. Their seemingly guaranteed and ever-escalating monthly pension benefits are breaking budgets nationwide.

The have-nots are taxpayers who don’t have generous pensions. Their 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts have taken a real beating in recent years and are not guaranteed. And soon, many of those people will be paying higher taxes or getting fewer state services...

VTA Community Calendar 07/2010

Ventura Co. Local News - July 1, 2010

Circus Vargas - July 01, 2010 - July 05, 2010 - Recurring daily.

America's Favorite Big Top Circus is returning to Ventura! Fun family entertainment, starring performers from all over the world, working together under a beautiful striped Big Top in a spectacular extravaganza! Breathtaking Roman Rings, sensational trampoline, brilliant aerial ballet, astounding Olympic high bars, an incredible contortionist, beguiling dogs & cats, Ringmaster and Snake Whisperer Ted McRae ...

"Libertarians" by Robert Slayton,
HuffPost Contributor

International News Source - June 25, 2010

When I first got to Orange County, Libertarians were like Martians to me: strange, exotic creatures, and I'd never actually known one.

But living in the OC broadens your horizons, and I am now acquainted with several of this rare species. Like the rest of humanity, some are despicable, and some are generous and honorable. When I became disabled, for example, one of the most caring of my colleagues is a Libertarian. I am grateful to him.

But I wouldn't vote for him, nor would I cast a ballot for Rand Paul....

It Takes a (Village) Team

Ventura Co. Local Politics - June 10, 2010

There are those who fight to make a city work and function properly … those who would make it work for all, not just a few. And yet as basic as this might seem there’s also a catch. It takes teamwork, and when a team is put in place two things have to happen—team leadership must show direction, and team membership must be willing to follow...

VTA Community Calendar 06/2010

Ventura Co. Local News - June 1, 2010

Beach Cleanup Saturday, June 5th, 2010 ~ Volunteers are needed to clean up one of our local popular beaches on Saturday, June 5th, 2010, from 9am to 11am. Students, get those last-minute community service hours in! Join Volunteer Ventura! to help remove litter and clean up one of our most visible and heavily visited local beaches...

Cocktails at Four

Ventura Co. Local Politics - May 14, 2010

The Central City Times, a San Francisco publication that both covers and opines on issues of low income and homeless individuals living in the downtown area, claims a documented statistical breakdown of the homelessness demographic...

One Man's Panhandling

Ventura Co. Local Politics - May 8, 2010

What do you say to the person who holds a cardboard sign that says, “homeless – anything helps,” – one who may even have fought for your freedom...

Homelessness Around the U.S.

International News Source - May 4, 2010

National Coalition for the Homeless Met in DC this last Week...

Ventura City Council Meeting

June 7, 2010

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

Fluid Text Resizer

Agenda Item #9 Seen Through Anguish and Tears.

Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, June 7th 2010 — With time running out for the City Council to find ways to make additional cuts through the second year of a biennial budget proposal, and with Mayor Fulton having unilaterally limited public speaking minutes to just two per person, a large gallery sat waiting patiently for agenda item No. 9 to be brought up for discussion. The city is required by law to live within its means, and a citizen’s battle royale has been raging over these last several weeks in an effort to overturn a council proposal that would temporarily close fire station No. 4, and force the sale of Wright Library situated on the Ventura College campus.

Further spending reductions are coming in the form of cuts to city workers’ salaries along with a significant downsizing in benefits, which for them means large losses to their CALPERS retirement accounts. Many of the affected are prime-of-life homeowners with young families, and can ill afford new austerity measures during the protracted economic downturn.

Faced with a deficit of 11.5 million, city manager Cole plans to use the cuts from last year as a baseline for this year’s budget, along with adjustments. He said that his budget isn’t perfect, but looks to input for solutions that are measurably better.

The budget is scheduled to achieve a saving of 1.2 million through fire department reductions in equipment and services as proposed in earlier discussions, while the current crisis derives from the proposed complete closure of a full station. This has led to an active and sometimes animated discussion between council members on the duty of city government to uphold its obligation to the safety of its citizens. Council member Christy Weir asked, through the testimony of Fire Chief Bob Roper, how 1.2 million is to be saved from closing the single station. The chief replied that a large portion of personnel expenditures through the fire department comes from overtime hours.

Council Member Weir also queried City Manager Cole as to the relationship between staff reductions and simultaneous cutbacks in volunteerism. Cole responded by saying that the prior duties of volunteers would be shifted back to staff, requiring consolidation and cross training by existing personnel in order to fill 40 staff vacancies.

Council member Monahan asked Chief Roper to comment on the fact that population demographics from the1970 vs. those of the present day have revealed that the number of firefighters per capita is presently lower than it was more than 30 years ago. The chief pointed out that Ventura is an aging city and that while medical responses are a priority which cannot be compromised, there are also safety issues with older infrastructure which should not be compromised either.

The public speaking segment was then opened by Mayor Fulton, who decided to use his discretion in limiting speaking minutes to just two instead of the usual three. The first speaker, one of Ventura’s former mayors, asked the council to rethink its recommendations before closing station No. 4, but also chided Mayor Fulton by requesting that his (the former mayor's) speaking time not be limited to just two minutes. But for a single exception wherein an FD employee called out Mr. Cole for not being sufficiently transparent in his presentations, and who agreed with the budget cuts in principle, none of the remaining speakers was quite as accommodating.

What followed was a steady stream of city employees who stood up to voice their concerns. Luis Rodriguez, a city employee, opposed employee salary reductions and the lowering of retirement benefits by as much as 7 percent. Many spoke eloquently about the benefits of Ventura living in a comfortable environment for raising families while at the same time trying to cope with downward pressures on wages, only adding to the many other forces of economic erosion taking place in their lives during these uncertain times. Great passion flowed from their hearts about hard work from proud city workers whose job it is to ensure no interruption in services of water, gas, electricity and their availability even to those who sit in city council chambers.

A few even refused to abide by the two-minute ruling, which prompted the mayor to threaten yet another instant recess of the proceedings, which in an earlier instance left the speaker to stand at the podium with nothing to do but look dolefully about. Finally, and with the meeting back on track, the mayor continued to play the role of enforcer, at times with a marked lack of largesse.

“People are not line items on a budget reduction list,” said the next speaker after the dust had settled. “Do more with less,” said another.

“You city council members are able to care for yourselves – not all people are,” was stated by a gentleman who could barely keep from breaking out in tears. “We were counting on our futures, but now we’re being tossed under the bus.”

“It’s almost as though the city council has decided to declare war on its own employees,” said Ben from the firefighters association. “Inadequate fire and safety services are as much a fact today as they have been for years.”

“Please reconsider the two-tier city employment system,” was the plea heard by a nearly distraught city worker. The only humor in the exchange came as the employee shifted the focus of his grievance to wasteful city practices and poor management. “In our department they decided to install a new computer system called Zimbra,” which triggered a wave of chuckles throughout the visiting gallery.

The speaker session closed and Mayor Fulton thanked the public for its participation, also reiterating that the council would need to act within a week or two if there are considered changes to the proposal on the budget. Councilman Morehouse then spoke, picking up on repeated comments relating to the idea that “there must be other ways and means” for settling on the budget than by placing the burden on hard-working city employees.

Councilman Monahan brought up the issue of cities’ concessions to the state of California. Manager Cole reported that there are no legal loopholes around these payments, and that the city had just cut a check of $1.2 million just last week to the state

Council member Weir said that public safety is not the same as public pensions, stating for the record that this budget is not something she is unhappy about ... a direct quote. Councilman Brennan threw his support toward council member Weir’s assessment by saying that, [quote] An awful lot of public sector workers are getting it wrong, [endquote], and that he can’t help but decry those who speak to the council derogatory tones.

The mayor then closed off discussion on agenda item 9 by saying, “It’s not that the budget is not sustainable,” apparently countering statements that were repeated several times by City Manager Rick Cole. “We are into what has been called “the lost decades of revenue,” added the mayor, leaving unclear exactly his meaning, before declaring a continuation of the hearing on June 21st.

Agenda item No. 4 – protocol limiting public speaking time.

Brian Lee Rencher spoke publicly ahead of the council discussion in an unmitigating argument (and the one that prompted a hasty retreat by the council members) against modifying the council’s public speaking protocol, which would further limit public speaking time.

Council Member Weir, upon reassembly of the council, also questioned the change, as she read it, in the proposed protocol which would have limited public speaking time to only two minutes, down from the current three minutes, then motioning that the protocol not be changed. This received a second from Council Member Morehouse, also stating that he could not support any protocol that did not address the standing 30 minute time limit and specifically that the time limit of 30 minutes is unrealistically short. In calling the roll, a measure that stipulates three minutes of speaking time, with a collective of 10 minutes and a time limit for speaking of 30 minutes, passed 6 -1, with Council Member Morehouse voting against.

Agenda item No. 6 – Road and sidewalk repairs in the Lincoln Drive area.

Cynthia Laughlin spoke on road and sidewalk repairs and dangers that have sent children to the hospital due to paving conditions in the Lincoln Drive area. Helen Yunker spoke next and concurred with the problem. City manager Cole in a direct reply stated that Lincoln will be completed and will come in under budget. Transit development funds are also needed for paving in and around school areas so that the city can plan for the increase in jobs so created. Council Member Morehouse stated that water and sewer lines are entering the completion stage, noting with some humor the degree to which results can be obtained by raising issues while the council is in session.

(Off Agenda)

Ventura Conservancy members Jay Panzika And Jeff Lambert spoke on the impact of landmark application fees, preferring no subsidy to the city for landmarks. A preference was expressed for a two-year moratorium on the initiation of landmark fees, noting that the proposal affects only four or five properties per year amounting to under $10,000. A change to the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) rules yielded a final compromise vote approval of $400 per application.

The mayor declared the meeting closed with continuation to the next regular meeting.

Ventura Commenter

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