East Ventura Community Council
Minutes of August 17, 2023 General Meeting Via Zoom

There were 4 Board Members in Attendance, Sara Ostrander, Dean Katz, Norene Charnofsky, and John Kunsemiller

There were 13 attendees, including guest speaker Sarah Abrams from Love Ventura

The meeting was called to order by Sara Ostrander at 7:02 PM.

The Ventura City Police report: Commander Mike Brown gave the report. There were 43 total incidents in our area. There were 8 Assaults (again mostly domestic issues), 1 burglary of a business, 8 vandalism, 6 drug offenses, 8 fraud, 11 the􀅌 (mostly packages and one catalytic converter), and 1 stolen property (automobile).

Commander Brown explained the police department’s handling of July 4th fireworks. That is the busiest day of the year with 298 calls. It is also the largest deployment of resources for the department. On an average evening there are 16 officers on duty. On July 4, there were 42 officers on duty, and more citations were written than any other year. They did not use drones in enforcement of fireworks use for many reasons. Because they are military equipment, they have to keep detailed records, and use a 2 man team (an operator and a spoter). They are more difficult to use at night, and the department feels the risk is too high for possible accidents and danger to the public. (Wires, trees, poles, firework, and building obstacles) It is not an arrestable offense with citations and fines, including citations as a social host. They also confiscated a great deal of fireworks which are turned over the County Sheriff Bomb Squad for disposal. Fines are $134 (1st offense), 268 (2nd offense), 402 (3rd offense), and $1,000 for major fireworks or social host. Dean suggested the deterrent of drone use could be helpful.

Police Announcements: The Police and Fire Department are hosting a Block Party on August 26 from 11 to 3, with events like face painting, etc. School is starting next week, so be careful and drive slowly. Be patient. Teach children which side of the road to walk on and to watch traffic. If bike riding to school, wear a helmet and only one ear bud. The police and fire departments are tracking Hurricane Hilary and is ready to respond as needed, including opening shelters for the homeless population.

Secretary’s Report: Due to problems editing the website, the minutes are not available on the website.

Treasurer’s Report: We have a balance of $893.59. There has been a $100.00 donation by Grocery Outlet.

Announcements from Bill McReynolds: There are opportunities this weekend to comment on the commercial cannabis applicants and the Active Transportation. The city of Ventura received an award for the Arroyo Verde inclusive playground. There are new bike riding restrictions with Downtown Ventura Moves. There is a leaf blower trade in program.

EVCC Announcements: September 9th the Ventura Fire Department is holding a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The Ventura Land Trust is holding a film festival on August 26th. GPAC preferred land use goes to Planning Commission on August 22 and 23, and to City Council on September 11. The fire department is collecting disaster relief funds for the firefighters of Maui. Honeybee day is being held Saturday the 19th. There is a Cool Breeze bike ride downtown this weekend.

Old Business: Sara O. requested volunteers for Secretary and Treasurer, but no one volunteered.

New Business: Dean K. talked about an event being organized for October 7th at 10:00. Just Roll With It is a family bike ride starting at Kimball Park. We are applying for a Clean Air Grant, and working with the City and Bike Ventura. This will coincide with the Oaktober Tree planting event at Kimball Park.

At the last City Council meeting, Bill Ayub was hired as City Manager and a six story apartment building was approved over strong public dislike.

Our website is being re-designed and the new site should be available by the end of the month. Dean is taking photos of different sites for inclusion on the website.

Guest Speaker: Sarah Abrams from Love Ventura explained their mission and events. They support other organizations by recruiting volunteers for events as needed and addressing one time needs. There will be a Love Ventura City Wide Day of Service on October 7th. There will be opportunities for all age levels, and skills with work at 15 – 20 different opportunities. Sign up online at their website. There will be a pre-rally in Plaza Park on that day.

Community Discussion: Bill McReynolds is not with us because he is moving his son to college. Sara is asking our City Council members for a meeting, either in-person or online. Phil Nelson is our next speaker and he will have information on Bristol Road repairs.

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm

Respectfully Submited

Sara Ostrander