See pages 10 & 11 for winning candidates Vol. 3,12, No. No. 11 4 Published Every Other Published Wednesday Every Other Established Wednesday 2007 November 21 – December March 10 5, - 23,2018 2010 “Yes, I can hear you just fine.” A scam warning from the Ventura Police In the wake of critical incidents Ventura takes great pride in supporting our local arts community. in Ventura County the Ventura Police Department encourages residents to The Mayor’s Arts Awards be aware of scams that often follow disasters. The scammers often play on One day the Ventura Botanical Gardens will On Nov. 8 the Mayor’s Arts Awards Manager’s Office and Parks, Recreation the emotions of people especially during again look like this. were held at the Museum of Ventura & Community Partnerships Depart- major incidents. County before an enthusiastic audience ment. It recognizes those who have made If you are asked to make a charitable Misconceptions of several hundred. The Mayor’s Arts a significant contribution to the arts in donation, please consider these tips: Awards is a collaboration of the City Continued on page 22 Donate to charities you know and trust. about the Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight. Ventura Do not give out personal or financial information including your credit card Botanical or bank account number unless you know the charity is reputable. Gardens Never send cash by mail. Be suspicious of random calls re- by Barbara Brown questing a donation. Ventura Botanical Gardens, President Be cautious about clicking on links www.venturabotanicalgardens.com in emails requesting a donation. Over the last few weeks since the Check out a charity before you Merewether Welcome Center opened, donate by contacting the Better Business we’ve heard some misconceptions about Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at 703- the Gardens. Most of them come in the 276-0100 or at website www.give.org form of questions, so we thought we’d The community is also advised to be share them here: J.D. and Amber Drury honored at “Havana Nights.” aware of additional phone scams that Isn’t this public land? have impacted residents: In 2012, VBG built the first garden IRS Scam: The scammer says money is pathway and installed the first plants An evening of good food, owed and must be paid immediately by on brushy slopes that previously had phone. no access. In 2015, VBG was granted a people and conversation Edison/Gas Scam: The scammer says long-term lease for the land and took on money is owed and if not paid immedi- the challenge of building and maintain- On Nov. 10, the Boys & Girls Club of good people, and good conversation, all ately the service will be turned off. ing it through private funding, grants Greater Ventura held 51st Annual Great for a good cause! Supporting your com- Jury Duty Scam: The scammer says and donations. Part of our long term Futures Gala & Auction. munity’s youth! A cocktail reception of money is owed for not showing up to jury general plan included paid admission. “Havana Nights,” at the Four Points champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a spec- duty and if not paid jail time will occur. Many cities opt to engage in public/ Sheraton celebrating 80 years of serving tacular Silent Auction was held before “Can You Hear Me” Scam: Scammers private partnerships when they do local youth. heading into the ballroom where even are calling victims hoping to get them to Continued on page 22 The evening included good food, Continued on page 21 Continued on page 2 I love it, love it, love it here! Staff is great! Residents are well cared for and happy. The grounds are beautiful! What a Ocean & Mountain Views • Over 12 Lushly Landscaped Acres Spacious Standard & Remodeled Apartments and Villas Chef! Great dining! Great food! Anytime Dining in our Sun-Drenched/Full Service Dining Room • Full Kitchens Activities and entertainment Delicious Home Cooking by Pro Chefs & 5-Star Pastry Chef • Live Music & Events galore! How great it is! Weekly Excursions • All Day Transportation • Pets Welcomed ~Irene Olson, Resident Call Now for a Visit! 805.642.3263 www.venturatownehouse.com • 4900 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 Get More Fun & Amenities for your Money! CA LIC# 565801810 2 November 21 – December 5, 2018 Ventura BREEZE VENTURA’S City News A scam warning from the VPD The City of Ventura Continued from page 1 say the word “yes” during the conversa- seeks input tion that’s being recorded. The scammer on short-term will later use the recording of the victim N saying yes to authorize unwanted utcrackerArtistic Director, Kirsten Oakley charges on the victim’s utility or credit vacation rentals card account. The City of Ventura is seeking Text Message Phishing Scam: community input on the regulation and Scammers are using a new texting enforcement of short-term vacation scam and spoofing banks’ phone rentals (STVR) in Ventura through numbers and sending text messages to an online survey at https://www.city- customers. A spoofed phone number ofventura.ca.gov/172/Short-Term-Va- hides the actual number the text is cation-Rentals. The input will inform coming from and displays a number staff recommendations that will be from a trusted source, like your bank. presented to the City Council early next The text claims that your debit card year. The survey is open now through has been used to make a purchase and November 27, 2018. if you do not recognize the transaction, Short-term vacation rentals are you need to call their fraud prevention residential units that are rented for less helpline. A phone number is provided than 30 consecutive days. These units for you to call. Because the incoming are currently allowed in the City with text looks like it’s from your bank, a permit and consistent with existing people are falling for this. If you do regulations. The City may consider call the number provided in the text, amendments to the existing regulations the fraudster will answer the phone. and enforcement. They will then ask you to confirm your Before taking the survey, community sensitive banking details. This would members are encouraged to review allow the scammer to steal money from the STVR information on the City’s your account. website that includes the Municipal Grandparent Scam: A scammer poses Oxnard Performing Arts Center Code, performance standards, how to as a grandchild and claims to be in jail Footworks Community Orchestra and Singers from the Carpe Diem Chorus report violations, and other various and in need of money for bail. These materials at https://www.cityofventura. imposters claim they are in another state Saturday, 12.8.18 - 2pm Sunday, 12.9.18 - 2pm ca.gov/172/Short-Term-Vacation-Rent- or out of the country and need money als. Community feedback from previous wired to help bail them out of jail. Tickets: $19, $24, $29 public meetings is also on the website. The community is urged to be 805-486-2424 www.footworksyouthballet.org For questions please call the Business vigilant and aware of these scams to License Office at (805) 658-4715. avoid falling victim. Never follow direc- Elena Trevino Design • Photos: Michelle Pedraza The Ventura City Council directed tions from someone on the phone that Come celebrate our 15th Anniversary with us! staff to engage various stakeholders requests personal information or money. and the community to review and Please report phone and computer consider possible changes to the short- scams to the Federal Trade Commission term vacation rental ordinance and at 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit ftc.gov/ You’re Invited toYou’re a Invited to a related policies. complaint. Free Gourmet DinnerFree &Gourmet Workshop Dinner & Workshop Stress, Hormones & Your Health EXCLUSIVELY FOR: Stress, Hormones & Your Health EXCLUSIVELY FOR: AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS The True Cause of Belly Fat WOMEN with LOW THYROID (MS, RA, Psoriasis, Hashimoto’s, (Yes, this is for you men too) Celiac, IBD, Lupus and more) Wednesday, August 8th, 6PM Tuesday, August 14th, 6PM Wednesday,Imagine Your August Life Without 8th, 6PM Belly Fat! 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