VENTURA, California –District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Henry Mata (DOB 6/13/51), of Fillmore, was convicted of molesting four children under the age of 14. Specifically, Mata was convicted of one count of oral copulation on a minor under age 10, one count of digital penetration on a child under age 10, seven counts of lewd acts upon a child under age 14, five counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under age 14, and one count of annoying or molesting a child. Additionally, the jury found true a special allegation that Mata committed lewd acts involving substantial sexual conduct upon multiple victims.
In April 2016, the first of four victims came forward to Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives stating Mata committed numerous lewd acts upon her in his Fillmore home when she was eight years old. After investigating, detectives arrested Mata and the District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges. Shortly thereafter, three additional victims came forward with information that Mata molested them numerous times between 2004 and 2014 while they were between the ages of 6 and 12. Two additional uncharged victims testified at trial that Mata committed lewd acts upon them while living in Santa Paula in the 1980s when they were between the ages of seven and ten years old. All victims were related to Mata.
Sentencing for Mata is scheduled May 15, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 23 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura. Mata faces a maximum possible sentence of over 300 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.
Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice
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Simi Valley Police Department – Incident Press Release
Yesterday the Simi Valley Police Department received an arrest warrant from the Pennsylvania State Police indicating that Simi Valley resident Gary Allen Frost was wanted for felony violations.
Acting on this warrant officers arrested Mr. Frost and booked him into the Ventura County Jail. We were later informed by the Pennsylvania State Police that the warrant information was incorrect and that Mr. Frost was possibly the victim of identity theft. Mr. Frost was immediately released from custody and is in no way a suspect in the investigation being conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police.
For additional information please contact the Pennsylvania State Police, York Barracks.
Santa Paula Police Department – Incident Press Release
DNA match leads to the arrest of a suspect for the 2013 abduction and sexual assault of a Santa Paula woman.
In May of 2013, a female Santa Paula resident was walking in the 15000 block of Santa Paula Street, in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula. The woman was grabbed by a male suspect who was armed with a knife. The suspect forced the victim into a nearby orchard and sexually assaulted her. During this time, the suspect threatened the victim, placing her in fear for her life. The suspect then fled the area. An exhaustive search took place but the suspect was not located or identified.
During the investigation, DNA evidence was collected. This evidence was analyzed by the Sheriff’s Forensic Sciences Laboratory and the suspect’s DNA was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). At that time, the DNA from the suspect did not match any of the known samples in the CODIS system. Further investigation occurred but the suspect still was not identified.
In 2018, investigators received notification of a CODIS match to the DNA of Leroy Chad Tracy, another resident of the Santa Paula area. This was the result of Tracy’s DNA being collected after an arrest for an unrelated crime. Tracy’s DNA sample was then entered into the CODIS system which resulted in a match to the 2013 assault.
Further investigation by detectives and scientists from the Sheriff’s Forensic Services Laboratory revealed additional evidence confirming Tracy was the suspect in this case.
Based on the results of this ongoing investigation, detectives contacted Tracy today in the 700 block of Sespe Avenue and arrested him for four felony counts related to the kidnapping and sexual assault of the victim. Tracy was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with a request for his bail to be set at $1,000,000.00. He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on April 19, 2019.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with information about this incident or other incidents involving Leroy Tracy contact Detective Cameron Henderson at (805) 384-4722 or by email at [email protected].
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for these types of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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We are making an amazing Salmon Cacciatore this week on Fabio’s Kitchen. That’s right, I said SALMON Cacciatore…I am going to make you forget all about the chicken!!
Come on into my home kitchen, completely outfitted with Viking Appliances.
Watch the episode by clicking the photo below, where you’ll also be able to view the recipe within the YouTube video description.
Catch all episodes of Fabio’s Kitchen Season 2, in partnership with Bialetti, here.
PS: Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the cookbook FABIO’S 30-MINUTE ITALIAN on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
BOOM! Fabio
Have a favorite recipe? Old family secret? Share it with us!
LOS ANGELES – Today, Metrolink urged Southern California commuters to leave their cars at home on Earth Day and pledge to take public transportation. To make that easier, Metrolink will provide free rides on its regional rail system on Monday, April 22.
Earth Day is an international recognition observed in 193 countries to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
“Earth Day is the perfect time for people to sample Metrolink service for free,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey. “Metrolink riders travel an average of 36 miles each way and choose safe, clean and reliable rail service instead of driving. Every year, people who ride Metrolink reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 120,000 metric tons.”
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has partnered with Metrolink in encouraging commuters to park their cars and use public transportation on Earth Day. The SCAQMD’s mission is to clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the region through practical and innovative strategies.
“Partnering with Metrolink is a clear win for public health and air quality,” said SCAQMD’s Executive Officer Wayne Nastri. “We have provided Metrolink $110 million to purchase some of the cleanest and efficient locomotives in the region. These new locomotives reduce nearly 13.75 tons of air pollution per year, an equivalent of removing 783 cars off the road annually. We encourage commuters to ride Metrolink on Earth Day and every day.”
Metrolink is preparing for higher ridership on Earth Day by increasing customer service and call center support, adding ambassadors at high traffic stations and platforms, while providing increased social media support for rider engagement.
“Offering free rides on Earth Day is a great way to help savvy commuters sample Metrolink service and, once they try it, we think a lot of them will stay with us,” said Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins.
If just 1,000 people leave their cars at home and use public transit instead, the region receives the environmental benefits of planting a 12-acre forest, roughly the size of 10 football fields, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Also, in celebration of Earth Day, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer free rides on Metro Bus, Rail and Bike Share Systems on Earth Day. Omnitrans, a public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley, is offering a free mobile day pass via Token Transit for use during Earth Week (April 22–26). The pass link will become active on April 21 or people can download the free Token Transit app that week.
Metrolink is Southern California’s regional commuter rail service in its 26th year of operation. Metrolink is governed by The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Metrolink operates seven routes through a six-county, 538 route-mile network. Metrolink’s passengers travel approximately 441 million miles each year, making Metrolink the second busiest public transportation provider in Southern California. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.
Metrolink
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Bob Evan’s Photogaphs On Exhibit May 15, 2019 – August 26, 2019
The exhibit is on loan from the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and includes photographs from and the story of Bob Evans’s earliest underwater expeditions (1974-1981). Bob, and partner, Andy McMullen, were given carte blanche by every stakeholder in the Santa Barbara Channel to document the marine life as it developed below the surface, on the legs and crossbeams of the offshore oil platforms. The marine community under each has since been documented as more productive than any reef in the world. With the decommissioning of 7 platforms operating off the coasts of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, the Exhibit is pertinent.
Channel Islands Maritime Museum has established a web portal for you to support the costs associated with their sharing this continuing project of unique educational, historical, political and artistic value: https://cimmvc.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=3220
You may also send your donation by mail. All checks should be made out to:
Channel Islands Maritime Museum 3900 Bluefin Circle Oxnard, California, 93035
Please note on the memo line for your donation: “Bob Evans – Marine Megatropolis Exhibit”
Your donation will be used by the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, in fulfilling its mission to provide an enriching museum experience based on maritime history ranging from ancient mariners to the modern marine era, and to enhance the understanding of our rich international and local seafaring heritage with a focus on educational programs through world-class maritime art, unique ship models, dynamic exhibits, artifacts, and a nautical research library.
Thank you for your support and our continuing to make history together.
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is open M/Th-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 12-4PM and closed Tues and Wed for group tours and private member events, also, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Located in Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle. Explore galleries full of rare and beautiful maritime paintings dating back to the 1600’s, more than sixty world-class models of historic ships, rotating thematic fine arts exhibitions, and interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to expand their horizons about everything maritime. Museum entry is free for members and children under 6, $7 adults, $5 seniors/military, $3 children (ages 6-17), and free on the third Thursday of the month. Info: cimmvc.org or (805) 984-6260.
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum
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SACRAMENTO – California State Treasurer Fiona Ma announced the competitive sale today of $299.6 million in California Department of Water Resources (DWR) water system revenue bonds to refinance certain State Water Project capital improvements, including a portion of the costs of the Oroville Dam Spillways Response, Recovery and Restoration Project.
“These funds will be used to finance the reconstruction of the Oroville dam spillways to help provide flood control and water supply throughout California,” said Treasurer Ma.
The main spillway chute of Oroville Dam experienced damage in 2017 due to heavy rains during the wettest January and February in 110 years of Feather River hydrologic record. To ensure public safety, DWR has reconstructed the main spillway and continues working on restoration activities around the dam facilities.
The State Treasurer’s Office, as agent for sale, received 10 bids from broker-dealers, with Jefferies LLC submitting the winning bid at a true interest cost of 2.36%. The bonds were sold on behalf of DWR to refund a portion of DWR’s outstanding commercial paper notes, fund interest on a portion of the bonds, fund a deposit to the debt service reserve account, and pay costs of issuance.
The State Water Project is a statewide complex system of dams, water storage facilities, aqueducts, pumping stations and electric generation facilities that have been constructed by DWR to deliver water and protect against flooding.
Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant elected to the position. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma serves as its head banker, providing transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts as well as managing $92 billion in financial assets. The State Treasurer’s Office (STO) provides financing for schools, roads, housing, levees, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of all Californians. The STO manages cash receipts and bond issuances for the State and oversees programs that fund schools, hospitals, and affordable housing and small businesses. The STO also manages three savings programs that benefit individuals with disabilities, families planning for higher education, and private-sector employees working toward retirement.
At the April 16,.2019 Oxnard City Council meeting, the main act was City Manager Nguyen’s recommended “Housing First” concept for dealing with the homeless crisis. This very ambitious approach would focus on getting people into stable, permanent living accommodations first, then providing services to support and move them along toward self-sustenance, where possible.
Local homeless encampment
The city also recognized Fair Housing Month, Arbor Day and Donate Life (organ, tissue and blood donations) and approved a host of “Consent Agenda items which are approved by default unless a council member pulls something for questions/debate.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9 (d)(1)) (City Council) Name of case: State of California, Regents of the University of California; et al v. Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless; et al. Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2012-00127517
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)) (City Council) Based on existing facts and circumstances, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City in one potential case.
The City Attorney said that there were no announcements as a result of this session.
D- CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of April, 2019 as “Fair Housing Month.”
Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) reps Bonnie Getz and Jorge DeLeon accepted the proclamation and confirmed that VCCAR believes and support fair housing here, helping to ensure that their 4000 members do this. DeLeon warned about rental scams. Mayor Flynn says he remembers times of bias for race, religion, ethnicity, even codified in CC &R’s. 1968 legislation addressed housing bias.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating April 24, 2019 as “Arbor Day.”
Erik Garwick, the city’s Parks Manager in Public Works, received the proclamation. The city received an award for excellence in this area as a “Tree City USA” striving to reach a high level effort in preserving trees. This is interesting, considering the state of the city’s estimated 56,000 trees, which suffer from considerable deferred maintenance, with an estimated 60 year backlog and 600 dead trees requiring removal. April 24 ceremony in Lemonwood Park about this.
3. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of April, 2019 as “Donate Life Month.”
Robert Thompson of One Legacy- Donate Life (LA/Ventura County) accepted the proclamation for Donate Life Month. This promotes organ, tissue, blood donation to save lives. 114,000 people are now on the transplant list. Need donors! 14 million CA donors now signed up. Can sign up when renewing drivers’ license.
F- PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Chris Williamson (former Planning Director)- Now Director of Central Coast Section of American Planning Association- Announced that they are awarding the city and CAUSE a “battle hard fought award” for opposing the NRG power plant and winning. May 4 celebration of this is at Crowne Plaza in Ventura. Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez congratulated him.
Lane Martinez- Addict, alcoholic, works with homeless on a team of 41 people. Does assessments of who needs help. Applied to CAG (Citizens Advisory Group) (Homeless Commission?). Promotes 12 step sober living program. LA STOP program for AB 109 parole violators coming here? He will be on “Humanizing Homeless ” panel.
Debbie Mitchell- Mandalay Homeowners Assoc. April CIP (Capital Improvement Program) presentation said projects with funds should be scheduled. The Mandalay Bay sea wall pilaster repair project is funded, should proceed- funds for 74 class 4 and 5 pilasters- $467,000 available. Money is being used for other things and is shrinking. Debbie says documents indicate water quality should be covered by city and other districts. If 2006 programs had been implemented, we would have $18 million available for projects. Seawalls are endangered- important safety issue.
Harry Kantor and Lana Jenkins- Back streets near Wooley Road (Donlon?) are like “a race track” (speeders) . They want speed bumps. Also, dark areas (lacking lighting) on 5th St. between Oxnard Blvd and Rose are dangerous. Kantor had a near accident there.
Pat Brown- She agreed with previous speaker, said Donlon was a shortcut, then transitioned to low income housing problems. Said we need to build a lot of it. Hard to find developers to build it and even harder to get them to build adequate parking.
Walter J. Snyder- Miss Lopez is very racist and evil- foiled his complaint. Says she improperly rewrote his discrimination complaint and got him in a lot of trouble. He is working with new Housing Director. Had roaches in his (public?) house. City came and sprayed without his knowledge, making him sick. He even read a poem (“Love is stronger than death”) until (way beyond when) his time ran out.
New Oxnard Housing Director Emilio Ramirez
G- REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
City Mgr Alex Nguyen introduced Emilio Ramirez, new Housing Director, a former associate from Riverside, where Nguyen came from. His expertise is in working on the homeless crisis. Has education in Sociology and law (active BAR member). Nguyen is making a major effort to deal with homelessness.
Housing Dept has high performance status with HUD and “syndication of credits” (whatever that means).
Working on housing improvements and wholistic community improvement.
Council Comments
Lopez- took a tour of Ormond Beach, recommends it to all. Thanks for first city job fair last week.
Perello- Job fair was very impressive, many employers there. Attended native American powwow- a great success- very well attended. There is a problem with sexual violence against Native American women. A construction worker died in Oxnard last week. Construction is statistically even more dangerous than law enforcement. He is concerned about records of contractors., Seawalls should be addressed and should address Mitchell’s comments (in Item F),
MacDonald- Attended Latino police officers event. They gave out scholarships. Was in DC for regional defense partnership. Also met with EPA on Halaco Superfund toxic waste site. Developed a local partner who is making concrete out of the waste. It is being tested by EPA for leaching problems- They are optimistic they will pass. They estimate all toxic material could be removed in 7 years this way. Thanked Coastal Commission and other organizations involved.
Ramirez- Thanks to MacDonald (for his trip). Said it (Halaco SuperFund site) is near Ormond Beach which she claimed is the largest coastal wetland area in California. Attended Job Fair and pow-wow, Earth Day celebration, El Concilio Latino Awards. Memorial for Jean Roundtree, who did much for Ormond Beach. Lamented Notre Dame fire- condolences
Basua- Welcome to Director Ramirez. Met with would-be harbor developers.
Flynn- re: budget: community workshops coming in May. Considerable cuts will be required- perhaps unprecedented. Should be smart about what we will do. Should explore partnerships to share costs- neighboring agencies, cities. (he didn’t mention private organizations at all). He said that “priority-based budgeting,” which he has attempted to introduce for about five years, would better address this. Flynn also claimed that partnerships may help avoid some of the harsher cuts.
K-INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Pull item 3 withdrawal from BICEP by Ramirez and Perello, who want to know why this is proposed. Staff member Moore says members have left, loses have gotten worse, seeking alternative quotes for liability coverage. Ramirez- are we leaving other cities in the lurch? No, all are leaving. Perello is concerned about “legacy issues.” What can go wrong? He is talking about potential prior claims, which BICEP would responsible for until the end of the year. About $5mm in equities now with all existing claims reserved for. Anticipate a refund, actually. Perello points out that in their report they wrote that any other things aren’t quantifiable.
Moore says BICEP is an insurance pool of multiple cities. BICEP retains or re-insures the risks.
Nguyen says they are leaving because membership has gotten too small.
Public Speakers
Debbie Mitchell- Re: Special District 172 fund approval (Waterways Fund). Says it may not have been discussed in committee. Our waterways district has been underfunded forever. About $500K annually is collected. Seems like a move AWAY from transparency. Perello confirmed that it didn’t go to Public Works. Nguyen said it didn’t go to committee because it was only an $85 K items and it was published in advance. Flynn- not every council item goes to committee.
Vote- Passed unanimously, except MacDonald abstained on K-1.
L-1. – SUBJECT: Zone Text Amendment to Oxnard City Code Chapter 16 Article II and Article V, Division 13 Related to Accessory Dwelling Units: Continuation of Public Hearing. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council continue the noticed public hearing to the May 7, 2019 City Council regular meeting. Legislative Body: City Council Contact: Jeffrey Lambert, (805) 385-7882
M-1- SUBJECT: Introduction of the Oxnard Housing First Model to Address Homelessness (30/45/20) *UPDATED 4/8/19* RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive this introduction to the Oxnard Housing First Model to address homelessness, provide input, and file the report. Legislative Body: City Council Contact: Alexander Nguyen, (805) 385-7430
Nguyen presented concept only- no action approval required tonight- just initial feedback ….
Homelessness is one of the most important issues city must address. Fundamental question- what do we do when people in our community become homeless- we have about 600. Nearly that many were inventoried- some missed. Not all will get the same approach, due to different problems/needs. Estimated 134,000 homeless in CA, which is about a quarter of the national total. He said that most homeless are in the western U.S.
from 4-16-19 Oxnard Staff presentation on first homeless model
1/4 severely mentally disabled , many afflicted with domestic abuse, about 9% are veterans. We have about a third of county’s homeless . 548 identified, 456 are “unsheltered. Many reasons that people fall into homelessness.
Concerned not only with homeless, but its resulting, worsening nuisance. Homeless are taking over public space, due to court rulings. They now have a “right” to occupy public space, but not to violate laws. Their presence is preventing public from enjoying public spaces. This is a CA crisis, not an “Oxnard disease.” He showed awful photos of homeless encampments from other places much worse than Oxnard to prove his point. He said the tent city idea doesn’t work- they become de facto refugee camps. The city is tremendously strapped for funds for this and other things.
San Francisco has an $11BB budget- about half is the general fund and they still can’t solve their homeless problem.
Why do people fall into homelessness? He says the primary reason is lack of affordable housing. In 20 years, housing prices went from a median $180K to 552K. Wages actually had a slight decrease in that time. Oxnard rents can be as much as $3000 for a three bedroom apartment. Requires 3 full time average jobs to afford this. Te waiting list for affordable housing is very long- a couple of thousand people.
Policing will not solve homelessness or even manage it. Legislation and ballot initiatives have increased exits from the prison system. Support programs haven’t kept up. Many end up homeless. Shelters are an important tool, but do not resolve homelessness.
Homelessness response cost Oxnard police about $2mm a year.
Three aspects of addressing the probelm:
– Impact- Infractions, police response, clean up (does not resolve homelessness)
– Service- Shelter, social services (does not resolve homelessness)
– Ending homelessness- “Investing”- the topic of most of the remaining presentation
$3.3MM spent on homeless related items- $2MM police, $965,000 on services to homeless.
Homeless services are not a traditional city undertaking. We don’t do social work, addiction programs, shelter. Now we are forced to.
Approaches: Traditional vs “Housing First”
Start at shelters with high “barriers”- rules, days; move to transitional housing and finally to permanent housing either by public assistance or individual initiative.
or ….
Nguyen recommends the “Housing First” approach which starts with permanent housing to get homeless sheltered in safe environment. Still have to work on their underlying problems that got them there. says this model has been proven most effective. He said those entering trend to stay housed which promotes stability and is cheaper in the long run. He says they have a track record of becoming great neighbors. Wants low barriers to entry.
Nguyen didn’t say what all this would cost (but there were a few costs in the staff report), how all this would be paid for and how these people, many of whom have severe mental, emotional or physical problems, would cope with running/supporting their own households. He did say that employment would be critical to make this work, but did not address how many would actually be capable of holding gainful employment, paying their bills and managing their own affairs.
These were presented as sample housing costs.
There are now large costs for hospital/medical services. He didn’t say how Housing First would address this. Now, going to an emergency room , even without insurance or the means to pay, results in a new change of clothing and free health treatment.
He says current scheme is a whack-a-mole” approach and that people moved out merely appear in another place. Homeless problems have only worsened.
People in their early 60’s and women are the fastest growing homeless segments.
Nguyen ants an updated outreach campaign on “responsible compassion.” Some peoples’ initiatives only perpetuate the problem. Need a family reunification program and try to reunite them with families, about half of which are out of the area. He said about half of Oxnard homeless are local. Will need a landlord incentives program, wraparound services. City will partner with county and private organizations to accomplish the latter.
Police action is not solving the situation. Some homeless accumulate dozens of citations but continue to offend.
Must “invest” in actually ending homelessness. Not saying Housing First is a magic bullet, but it will get the numbers down significantly over time. It’s going to take a decade to mostly address- it will at least reduce the scope of the current crisis.
Public Comments
Pat Brown- We are finally down to the nitty gritty point- very impressed with this idea. People should study/understand. Much is related to people’s mental problems, drugs, job loss. Need help from employers, too, says employers underpay and are “making money hand over fist” which is helping to cause homelessness.
Barbara Macri-Ortiz- Big thank you to our City Mgr. Very impressive. We have been advocating this for a long time. Large percentage of homeless over 55. We need this compassionate approach. Will be very hard to get landlords to accept section 8. Two times the number of homeless are at risk of homelessness. Housing funding sources are hard to find and will dictate what can be done. Gotta do something about housing shortage and wage disparity.
Council and staff
Nguyen-Employment is a major component of Housing First.
Basua- Will it consist of HUD, state and city funding? Nguyen: yes. Basua likes.
Ramirez- supports approach, hope we can make some progress. Goes to LA frequently- it is shocking, greatly expanded. can’t ask people to get well when they are living under a bush. Will take a community effort to get landlord support. Many are living in cramped, poor conditions which contribute to domestic violence.
MacDonald- thanks for this approach. Says he has repeatedly said that shelters are a band-aid approach, not addressing “underlying demons.” Santa Babara transitional housing was a temporary approach. He has been told he’s trying to “criminalize” homelessness and he’s not. Said he doesn’t begrudge homelessness, but does object to trespassing , drug use and other offenses. He has personal experience with homeless doing this on or near his home.
Likes the approach to help address this, but police and mental health professionals WILL have to address some. Will take long, but at least it’s in the right direction.
Perello- impressed, have never seem anything like it. How would we keep this from being an attraction which will bring in more homeless? Likes family reunification approach. What are successful cities? (this question was never answered) .Voters approved early prison release program. How do you intend to make these people be responsible for themselves staying in the system? Don’t want to be known as a place for a free ride. Police/cleanup costs could be spent elsewhere, but this program will not eliminate them. Current approach i not working. Wants to see the “return on investment.” Don’t want to wait ten years to find out. Fires have made some people homeless. An earthquake could be much worse.
Lopez- Not a City issue, but a regional one- must work with other regional players, try to prevent anyone else from becoming homeless. Should be informing residents of approach. Very proactive and important stuff.
Flynn- Homelessness has come up at at meetings before. He has never before seen an approach to “move the ball forward.” Money has been a major constraint. With it, we wouldn’t have homeless encampments, Failure to act will cost more. Federal grants are focused on shelters and are inadequate.
Public housing programs don’t really work to move people up and out to take care of themselves. How will a homeless program do this if this doesn’t? If we can’t move them up and out, we’ll just have to build more and more housing.
This is one of the best presentations I have ever seen to address homelessness. Also wants and update on the shelter. What will happen when it closes in June. I’m an optimist but have concerns. Need opportunities not only for homeless, but those living in cramped apartments.
Some homeless have full time jobs, just can’t afford rents. If we build it, they will come. There isn’t (S.I.C.) data that supports that. We refer to them as “transients,” but they really aren’t that transient. People think that the climate attracts homeless, but there are thousands in Portland, Seattle and other colder climates. Says no data shows that a program will attract people from other communities, then said we knew that happens, but shouldn’t let that fear stop us.
Nguyen- Says he will address all these concerns with a plan later in the year. He will ask Director Ramirez to do a report in a few months.
There was far more detail for the ten year plan in the staff report than the oral, slide supported presentation, which was necessarily abbreviated due to the meeting format and schedule.
President Donald Trump is toying with the idea of releasing detained illegal immigrants into sanctuary cities, a policy that would certainly face legal challenges if it were to come to fruition.
Reports last week claimed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pushed back on the White House’s idea to transport illegal immigrants to liberal enclaves that provide certain protections for illegal immigrants accused of committing a crime. However, Trump has continued to push the idea as a potential solution to “catch and release” policies that force immigration officials to release illegal immigrants into the interior of the United States.
Migrants at border, Photo: US Border Patrol
Immigration hardliners believe Democrats who are angry with the president’s proposed plan are displaying hypocrisy by being unwilling to take in the very illegal immigrants they claim to want to protect. However, as political implications emerge, the logistics and legalities of such a program are less clear.
Perhaps the biggest legal challenge facing the administration is determining how to get funding for the transportation of the immigrants. The White House would not be able to reallocate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dollars that are already appropriated for other purposes.
“My understanding is that it is not legal,” Democratic Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin told Fox News on Sunday. “This is clearly a political move for the president. He is using the immigrants as pawns in a political game of chess.”
National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd told The Daily Caller that there is “nothing in law that says where we have to release [illegal immigrants],” but noted that funding “could be a problem.”
However, Judd expressed support for the idea, telling Fox News, “If he’s doing it for political reasons, this is brilliant. These people have to be released for one reason or another. And if we’re going to have to release them, why not show the sanctuary cities the same pressure that other cities are feeling.”
Former Border Patrol chief Mark Morgan similarly expressed concerns about the legal ability to garner funds for Trump’s plan, but explained that currently, border states are almost solely having to shoulder the burden of taking in released illegal immigrants. Morgan also suggested that illegal immigrants would embrace the move, telling the Caller, “[sanctuary cities] are where many want to end up anyway … they want the protection and know it.”
While funding remains an issue, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Joe diGenova agreed with Judd’s assessment that the administration can resettle immigrants wherever they choose. He pointed to the refugee resettlement programs under the Obama administration, including a secret deal with Australia wherein refugees were reportedly taken in by Arizona, Texas, California, Oregon and New York.
Former Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal claimed in 2015 that he was not informed that refugees were being resettled in his state as the Obama administration announced plans to take in another 10,000 Syrian refugees.
“Under the Obama administration, these same groups of people with the same legal status were sent to cities and states secretly without notifying those states and cities through the Obama administration working with NGOs,” diGenova said. “And if the states tried to find out where they were being sent they were told, ‘you’re not allowed to know.’”
“That’s the precedent. They did it, and they did it without telling people. At least the president is being honest about it,” diGenova added.
Sanctuary cities do not require local police to honor detainment requests by ICE, meaning illegal immigrants who are charged with a crime can be released from prison instead of being held for deportation. Some sanctuary cities also do not share the immigration status of those charged with crimes with federal authorities.
Who says science fairs are just for the kids? For weeks, Camarillo seniors have been running experiments and preparing their findings to be displayed in the first ever AlmaVia of Camarillo Senior Science Fair competition.
AlmaVia of Camarillo executive director Matthew Hathway congratulates Jerry Brown in winning second place in the first Senior Science Fair competition.
On April 13, more than 100 people attended the event hosted at the Ventura County assisted living community. The competition targeted residents 65 years and older. The event, which was open to the public, was a great intergenerational opportunity as seniors and children from the Camarillo area connected with one another.
AlmaVia of Camarillo believes in the importance of continuing education for seniors, which led to this unique event. Research shows learning activities, like this science fair, can help delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and ultimately preserve people’s quality of life.
Merle Power is pictured in front of his Wii™ Bowling station display at the AlmaVia of Camarillo Senior Science Fair. Brown won third place in the competition.
The projects ranged from The Health Benefits of the Sun to the production of a portable Wii™ Bowling Station. Judges included Camarillo Mayor Kevin Kildee and Elder Care President and CEO Adriene Iverson.
Shirley Randall won first place in the competition for her display on the Five Basic Taste Areas of the Tongue. Jerry Brown won second place and Merle Power won third.
Shirley Randall won first place in the AlmaVia of Camarillo Senior Science Fair competition for her display on the Five Basic Taste Areas of the Tongue. She’s pictured here with AlmaVia of Camarillo executive director Matthew Hathway
Chelsea Wilson for AlmaVia of Camarillo
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