County Museum reopens, page 6! FREE Vol. Vol. 3, No.10, No.11 8 Published Every Other Published Wednesday Every Other Established Wednesday 2007 January 18 – January March 31, 2017 10 - 23, 2010 tive stairs, curved walls, entry signs, public art, planter areas, palm trees, seating areas, bistro tables and a handi- capped accessible ramp. The work, which began the first week of January 2017, is a continuation of a beautification project that began at Harbor Village in 2014. Improvements made so far includ new eco-friendly landscaping, LED lighting, new lighting along the promenade, and other envi- ronmentally friendly enhancements Should second units be allowed in the Lanes? that save water and energy. “These improvements will create an Interim exciting and unique new entryway into Harbor Village,” Ventura Port District standards Business Operations Manager Brian Pendleton said. approved for “The improvements will create an exciting and unique new entryway into Harbor Village.” The Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners awarded second dwelling the construction contract at its Harbor Village November 9, 2016 meeting, to Ox- units nard-based Viola, Inc., for the sum By a 7-0 vote, the Ventura City of $1.57 million - the Port District’s Council approved interim standards beautification project budget for the project. All businesses for second dwelling units (Accessory The Ventura Port District the third new seating, new planter areas with are open during construction and dwelling unit ADU). This was necessary phase of the ongoing Harbor Village palm trees, and artwork, including a the project’s estimated completion is because of new California State laws beautification project. map of the Channel Islands inlaid as targeted for summer 2017. to help alleviate some pressure on the The large entry area to Ventura decorative paving. Other improvements To learn more about news and events housing shortage. Harbor Village will be transformed into throughout Harbor Village will include at Ventura Harbor and Ventura Harbor To help the state’s housing crisis it a people-friendly pedestrian area with new olored decorative paving, decora- Village, visit www.venturaharbor.com. will be easier for California homeowners to construct additional units on their properties, whether in their garages or as freestanding second structures.” The The drought law became effective on Jan.1, and cities throughout California are working on continues how to deal with it. by Shana Epstein Per the state, the process is now min- Ventura Water General Manager isterial meaning it doesn’t need approval by any planning body. It just needs to So far this winter, the rain and meet all the rules of the State ordinance. snow have really helped northern and The new law loosened restrictions on central California, but Santa Barbara adding second units in an effort to County and Ventura County have not increase the housing stock and help ease experienced the down pour, which many the affordable-housing crisis. of us have been hoping to receive. An There is much concern by city council easy indicator to see how much the rain members and the public as to how this affected our water supply is to check will impact Ventura -both positively and out the Lake Casitas levels on Casitas negatively. Municipal Water District’s website The new law significantly reduced (www.casitaswater.org and click “Lake parking requirements. Spaces are not Level”). Currently, Lake Casitas is at required if the unit is within a half-mile Officer Hrynyk with K9 Jag and Officer Therrien with K9 Yoschi will be at the Chillin Event. 35.3%. As we experience the rain, keep from public transit. Because of the shape your irrigation systems off to conserve of Ventura, the majority of Ventura is Second annual Chillin’ with VPD our supply for the hotter, dryer weather within a half-mile of mass transit which later this year. means a parking space can’t be required The Ventura Police Department, event will be held on Saturday, January Ventura Water customers continue to for the additional unit. Ventura Police Community Foundation 21, 12:00-3:00 p.m. in the south west amaze with their steadfast commitment Ventura’s temporary ordinance and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream invite parking lot of the Pacific View Mall to conservation. In 2016, they conserved restricts the size of a unit to 750 square the community to come “Chill with nearest to McConnell’s. more than 20% when compared to their Continued on page 20 VPD”. The second annual community Contnued on page 13 Continued on page 13 2 January 18 – January 31, 2017 Ventura BREEZE 72 WEV Self-Employment Training graduates were recognized during gradua- tion ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara the evening of December 15th. The graduates are from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. During the ceremony, each graduate shared their business venture with a pitch they crafted and perfected throughout the course. Graduates include new and established entrepreneurs with a range of businesses such as: aerial photography and surveying, personal develop- ment coach for women, language tutoring sessions in English and Spanish, and a milk and cookie truck.The next Self-Employment Training (SET) course begins the week of February 13th. Participants are required to attend a free orientation to enroll in the course. www.wevonline.org. grow up to six plants indoors, but prohibits Adult Use of outdoor growing operations as well as any retail business related to recreational use of Marijuana Act the plant. On November 8, 2016, California The council approved the extension voters’ approved Proposition 64, the “Adult because they felt that it was necessary because Use of Marijuana Act” which makes the rec- staff studies are incomplete and ongoing Join in January reational use of marijuana by those over age and “absence of this Ordinance would create and pay only $20.17 your 21 legal as a matter of state law. On December a serious threat to the orderly and effective 5, 2016, the City Council adopted an urgency implementation of any revisions to the City’s first month of membership. ordinance establishing a moratorium on Municipal Code in that the development of commercial marijuana facilities and prohib- uses may conflict with or frustrate contem- iting outdoor cultivation of marijuana for a plated amendments.” period of 45 days. Continuing the moratorium will At the council meeting held on Jan. 9, maintain the status quo while the City on a 7-0 vote the City Council has approved explores the issues and options associ- an interim urgency ordinance, extending ated with both the commercial aspect of VENTURA for an additional 10 months and 15 days the marijuana and outdoor cultivation. FAMILY YMCA citywide moratorium on the establishment This extension will give city staff time to: Visit us at and operation of commercial marijuana Gather data from studies conducted by www.ciymca.org/ventura facilities, on commercial cultivation, and on other entities regarding direct and secondary private non medical marijuana cultivation. effects of commercial marijuana establish- The temporary ban allows a resident to ments in those communities. Ventura BREEZE January 18 – January 31, 2017 3 City News Studying ordinances from other Cali- Learn basic steps, combinations and fornia cities which regulate such uses. routines to upbeat rhythms and music. Researching the implications of Propo- Classes are progressive but designed for sition 64 and recent changes in state law the beginner. Instructor Elli Busch. Classes regarding marijuana on the City’s existing held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 Mac- ordinance. Millian Ave. in Ventura. Determining the areas of probable Mad Science System 3: Did Someone impact to the City, including zoning, Say Science? planning, permitting, licensing, law enforce- 5-12 years ment, health, water, etc. 1/24-2/28 Tu 4:30-5:30 $115+ Formulating an interdepartmental $35 supply fee #8189 working group to address the issues associ- Discover the wonders of chemistry, ated with commercial activities related to flight and aerodynamics. Experiment with marijuana and outdoor cultivation. inertia, gravity and centrifugal force. Find Time is required for City staff to obtain out the science behind magic tricks, analyze input from the City Council, the business structures and experiment with conduc- community, and the public. tors to create your very own circuit to take home. Basic Guitar 9 years-adult City classes 1/24-2/28 Tu 7-8:30 pm City of Ventura Barranca Vista $55 #8039 Imagination Center classes. Check out Bring your own acoustic or electric hundreds more on web-site. Call 658-4726 guitar to learn folk and pop strums, or 654-7553 to register, if you already have patterns and chord progressions. At Dudley WINTER CHILDREN’S an ACTIVENET account online, visit www. House, 197 N Ashwood St. Instructor cityofventura.net Classes and events held Randy Covington. BOOK SALE! at the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 Ralston Big City Inspirations Storybooks, non-fi ction, board Street, in Ventura unless otherwise noted. 18 years-adult books, classics, bi-lingual, New Year-New You! 1/25-2/22 W 10-11:30 am chapter books, early readers, skill 18 years-adult $85 #8080 builders and young adult. 1/20 F 9:30 am-12:30 pm Use wood, paint, fabric and found $40+$20 materials fee #8221 objects to create skylines, people and SATURDAY Join Alison Mytych and your friends interiors inspired by the world’s big cities. FEBRUARY 18, 2017 for hikes, art projects, camaraderie and new Instructor Judee Hauer. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. perspectives on our great state. Meet in the Adult Ballet E.P. Foster Library - Rear Children’s City Hall Atrium for an “art hike” up the 18 years-adult Entrance, 651 E.