come in, the water's fine

It's just a fact: news and features work for the most part (I don't write for National Geographic or the New York Times) is not as lucrative as corporate writing.  However, I have to say I truly enjoy keeping my "toe in the water" writing for the local paper. 

I like knowing what is going on in my local government.  It's not something many people (and until recently, that included me) know about -- but, we should.  You've heard the line "you should know where your tax dollars go," but after decades of ignoring this cliche, I find myself believing it.

Kool-aide drunk, resulting article follows...

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City budget decisions loom, time for you -- yes, you -- to get involved

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze

March 7, 2013

It’s time. 

It’s time to think about what matters most to us as residents of the City of Ventura because city staff is starting to think about it.  And, what’s more soon enough the Ventura City Council will be making decisions about what will and will not funded this next fiscal year.  They will be making these decisions with or without your input, so I say, give them your input.

Here’s the skinny.  The fiscal year we are talking about goes from Jul. 1, 2013 through Jun. 30, 2014.  City staff will present their recommended budget on Apr. 22.  Then, throughout May and the first half of June, the council will take that budget and finagle it until everyone (okay, clearly not everyone) will be happy, having created a passable budget.  The final budget will be voted on Jun. 17.

Simple, right?  Not really.  As Ventura’s Chief Financial Officer Jay Panzica explained, we have essentially been stealing from Peter to give to Paul for the past couple of years and it’s catching up with us. 

When the economy headed south the city opted not to borrow money or take money from its reserve fund (which is slated for catastrophic events, e.g., an earthquake).  Instead, in order to pay for services councilmembers thought dire, it took money from internal department funds.  These departments include those that take care of other departments such as the technology group, which fixes and supports computers used throughout the city, the maintenance group that cares for  all of the city’s vehicles and the facilities group, which maintains city buildings.

According to Panzica these internal groups have been neglected for too many years now, and are in somewhat critical need of funding.  It is this point among others Panzica  has been working to illustrate to city council members who have been sitting through educational workshops run by Panzica.  The workshop meetings focus on outlining what has been done budget-wise for the past four to five years.

Oh, and another thing, there is a discrepancy between forecasted revenues and our past fiscal years budget.  This means, if the city were to change nothing in its existing budget we would still be $1.2 million short.  That doesn’t include funding those internal departments, which have been languishing the last 5 years.

All this means some serious decisions need to be made.

“The city council members are going to have to decide between a lot of important and conflicting priorities,” said Panzica. 

And, again it’s not always as simple as picking one or two priorities.  As Panzica points out, no one city service exists in a vacuum.

“You can’t just say we want more police and say forget everything else,” explained Panzica.  “The police department is supported by other departments in the city and can’t function alone.”

What can you do?  You can write a letter or email to councilmembers telling them what you want from your local government.  You can attend a Monday night city council meeting where there is time for the public to come forward.  Again, a crucial time period where council members will be actively hashing through what to spend money on will be between Apr. 22 and early June.

If you want to learn more about the city’s budget, there are a number of resources to tap, almost all of them online.  You can review what this year’s budget included by viewing the Budget Book documents online or you can peruse last year’s budget a lengthy document entitled Comprehensive Financial Annual Financial Report (CFAFR), which reads similar to a traditional company’s annual report.

The councilmembers have some tough decisions ahead of them.  I’m suggesting we give them some help.  They are, after all, suppose to be representing us.  If we don’t give them input on what we feel the priorities need to be, then we only have ourselves to blame.

fair faces

I was asked to do short "faces of the fair" piece. I met six great (and funny kids) today. It was refreshing after a handful of more serious pieces I've written lately.

Tyler, 16

Favorite thing at the fair: hanging out with friends

Favorite fair food: pizza

Favorite ride: doesn't go on them

Allison, 7

Favorite thing at the fair: the animals, all of them

Favorite fair food: dibs

Favorite ride: Yo-Yo swing ride

Kyle, 14

Favorite thing at the fair: pigs (especially his pig "Pedro")

Favorite fair food: spiral fries

Favorite ride: Mega Drop

Brooke, 3

Favorite thing at the fair: goats, "because they have beautiful fur"

Favorite fair food: donuts

Favorite ride: Dora swing ride

Lily, 9

Favorite thing at the fair: youth pavilion exhibit

Favorite fair food: ice cream

Favorite ride: ferris wheel

Steven, 10

Favorite thing at the fair: "everything"

Favorite fair food: candy

Favorite ride: Monkey Maze

changing lines

The fight over where congressional lines are drawn is not a new one, but always a battleground where politicians and special interest groups jockey for position.

Every local area has its own set of issues. Here is a snapshot of ours.

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Proposed congressional redistricting lines keep Ventura split; Change means 24^th District may be up for Democrats to grab

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze

July 27, 2011

With another controversial proposed redistricting map presented, one thing seems sure to remain the same: Ventura will stay divided – between two congressional districts, that is. Heated debate has swirled around this year’s redistricting project which has proven to be a very involved and at times confusing process.

Currently, the majority of Venturans living along the coast and southwest of Main Street belong to District 23, which encompasses much of the greater coastal area through Santa Barbara just past Cambria. The congressional district is represented by Democrat Lois Capps. The rest of Ventura belongs to the 24^th District which includes most of Ventura County sans Oxnard.

The newly proposed districts would place more of Ventura into the 24^th District. The only remaining areas staying in Capps 23^rd District would be the Pierpont neighborhood north of Peninsula Street and most addresses southwest of Main Street but north of S. Evergreen Drive. The rest of Ventura from the Avenue through east Ventura would remain in or move to the 24^th Congressional District.

Mayor Bill Fulton who was hoping to see all of the city of Ventura unified within one congressional district was disappointed in the most recent iteration of the lines.

“I understand when you get to the nitty gritty you have to draw the line somewhere, but I don’t like the fact that even a small part of our city is broken up” said Fulton. “The truth of the matter is for things like receiving state and federal resources, it will be better for Ventura if all boundaries – congressional, state assembly and state senate – line up together along city lines.”

City Manager Rick Cole has a different view on the matter believing being separated into two congressional districts means little for Venturans.

“The city nor the city council operates on a partisan basis,” said Cole. “Both [congressional representatives] pay attention to us – in some cases it may even be better to have two representatives pay attention to us.”

Perhaps the biggest headline for those Venturans who will belong to the 24^th District is that their district will now be made up of a majority of Democrats. The 24^th District is currently represented by 13-term Republican Elton Gallegly. The district is currently 41 percent Republicans and 35 percent Democrats. With the proposed changes – which leave Simi Valley out of the district – the numbers are exactly opposite: 41 percent Democrats and 35 percent Republicans.

This possible change has a number of people speculating that 24^th District Congressional seat may be up for a Democrat to grab in the next election.

A handful of Democrats have been noted to have expressed interest in making a run for the seat that has remained firmly in Republican hands since 1993. Those who may be exploring the possibility of running in the upcoming election include former Ventura Mayor Richard Francis, Moorpark City Councilman David Pollock, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney, Supervisor Steve Bennett of Ventura and Thousand Oaks businessman Tim Allison.

Gallegly has not publicly stated if he will run again however, continues to collect donations for his campaign account where he has amassed more than $800,000. Capps has stated she will run for reelection regardless of how redistricting lines fall.

Final redistricting lines are scheduled to be approved and adopted on July 28. This will leave new candidates approximately 10 months to gather enough steam – and cash – to attempt to topple Gallegly if he chooses to run again.

Cole who is following the process with interest is optimistic about what a change might mean for the city of Ventura.

“When one [political group] is dominate, local government can get taken for granted,” said Cole. “Competitive districts are good for local government at least at the assembly and state level.”

The hillsides were alive with the sound of music

By Rebecca Wicks

Oct. 6, 2010

Ventura Breeze

I have to admit, my husband and I became members of the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy in 2007 for the not-so-noble cause of purchasing tickets to see Jack Johnson at their annual concert. We are big Jack Johnson fans (no joke: my two-year old can sing the chorus from the song “Breakdown”) and, apparently we are not alone, the concert sold out that year. While we had not been back to another concert, we have remained members.

While the group organizes a multitude of activities and events throughout the year it has a singular cause – to acquire land in order to preserve the hillsides, canyons and open space that contribute to the character and natural environment of Ventura.

With this mission at their forefront, the group also coordinates regular beach and river basin clean ups as well as a number of educational outreach events.

While the group has been in existence since April 2003 they acquired their first parcel of land in December 2007. The group stewards a total of three parcels of land today.

Despite all this, the group is probably best known for one of the largest events in the area – the annual Ventura Hillsides Music Festival. Thanks to this group and its efforts, Ventura has played host to a number of well-known music names the from the likes of Jack Johnson and Los Lobos to Jackson Browne and The Neville Brothers. This year was no different with headliner and 12-time Grammy winner Emmy Lou Harris the famed American singer-songwriter followed by Colbie Caillat, the Gin Blossoms and WPA.

If you haven’t been to a Hillsides event, let me tell you, it’s not your average concert. Two parts music, one part festival and one part education, the event is beyond mellow and mostly family-appropriate. So, armed with sippy cups and kettle corn from the farmer’s market, the family and I headed to Ventura College to catch the shuttle to the eighth annual concert.

We arrived in time to see the last half of WPA’s set. An amalgamation of bands including members of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Nickel Creek and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to name a few, the band sounded a little more blue grass than the early 90s rock and roll roots many in the group came from. Upbeat and fun, I always love the sound of Glen Phillips voice and the addition of the fiddles made their sound unique.

We spent the better part of the Gin Blossoms set in the kids area located in a shielded area almost behind the stage meaning we mostly listened to without seeing the band. Going into the concert my husband didn’t think he knew any Gin Blossoms songs beyond the well known hit “Jealousy.” At least four times – while helping my daughter color – he proclaimed, “Hey I know this song,” which tells you how big some of their hits were seeing he was a hip-hop listener back in his high school and college days. Jesse Valenzuela’s voice sounded strong and the band crisp reminding me that they were one of the better live performing bands amongst their peer set in the 90s.

Next up was Colbie Caillat, a local Newbury Park girl who has found recent fame with songs like “Bubbly” and “Realize.” Younger girls streamed down to the dance area to get a glimpse of the fresh-faced girl with a guitar singing mostly about love. She talked about the origins of some of her songs and seemed genuinely happy to be performing that day.

Last up was Emmylou Harris who I have to admit I knew little about prior to the announcement of her headlining the concert. She more than pleased the crowd with her melodic voice which has been sought after by greats such as Linda Ronstadt, Elvis Costello and Dolly Parton to name a few.

In the end more than 2,500 attended the event according to Stephen Svete a trustee for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy.

“It went fantastic,” said Svete. “We were competing with a lot of events that weekend and we were still able to fill the hall.”

Svete gave much of the credit to the event’s success to the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the organization and the annual concert. He pointed out the event is headed up by volunteer Lynn Bartosh whom he called “phenomenal.”

Bartosh, who has no background in planning events, has learned as the event has grown how to put on one of the biggest events in Ventura.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lynn,” said Svete. “In the end our organization doesn’t work without volunteers – and we have great ones.”

From the land of fried and frozen food

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze, Aug. 11, 2010

My four-year old went to the fair for the first time two years ago. She has been a ride junkie ever since. Last summer she proclaimed she was going to get married at the fair. This year, armed with our pre-purchased ride tickets we headed out to the fair on opening day – because that is what serious fair goers like ourselves do.

We met some friends because while rides are fun, rides with other giggling four-year old girls are just that much more exciting. The girls rode cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, swings…you get the idea. We snacked on cotton candy and ice cream. We saw animals. We perused exhibits. All in all, the fair did not disappoint.

Here are some of the highlights – in order – according my four-year old.

1. The caterpillar ride was good, but not as fast and missing what she thought should have been a bigger drop than she would have liked.
2. She was ecstatic to learn she was 42 inches (measured officially by the auspicious carnie manning the carousel) clearing her for solo non-adult accompanied missions on rides.
3. She won a panda bear playing a water gun game which she promptly named Pandy.
4. Getting ice cream with mommy. How much did I love that I made the list?
5. The four-day old baby pigs. “Mama, were they born for the fair?”

Now, from a mommy’s perspective here are some highlights and observations.

1. Fair food is a beast of its own. With no place on the U.S.D.A.’s food pyramid, virtually everything at the fair is fried, frozen, yellow or contains more than your daily allowance of sugar. You know it’s bad when the fair Website actually recommends you bring antacids. By the way, fried Twinkies are so yesterday. Go for chocolate dipped bacon instead.
2. All fair rides are designed to make you dizzy and nauseous. They all spin. Some spin in a straightforward manner, for example the carousel, while others are more like poorly weighted tops spinning awkwardly from one side to the other.
3. Carnies are as aggressive as ever. My favorite was the gal trying to convince me that giving my four-year darts to throw wasn’t going to end poorly.
4. If you love rabbits, pigs or cows the fair is the place to go. In their respective areas for example you will see rabbit after rabbit after rabbit in numbers upwards of 100.
5. No one was happier than me when the carnie measured my daughter at 42 inches. That spinning dragon ride looked like bad news to me.

Lastly, here are some tips for a speedier, thriftier trip to the fair with young children.

1. Get there early. This seems like common sense, but there are nearly no lines for rides from 11 a.m. to noon.
2. Don’t park in the fairgrounds parking lot. Not only will you save yourself $10, but the line to get into the parking lot generally stretches down Harbor to C Street and beyond. If you get there early exit Sanjon Rd. head for downtown and look for street parking near Figueroa, Santa Clara and Juniper Streets. Or, avoid the crowds and park at any of the fairground shuttle sites.
3. Consider going on Aug. 12 when a ride wristband costs only $25. With smaller rides averaging $2.50 each, if you go on more than 10 rides (which a four-year old can do in less than an hour) you’ll easily make your money back.
4. Pack a lunch and beverages. Save your money for treats and rides.
5. If your kids are old enough, enjoy the fair during the day, get your hand stamped and come back in the evening for fireworks at 10 p.m.

corporate madness

I've lived in a handful of cities in my life, but traveled quite a bit and I've never come across a series of events quite like these.

I think they are fun and in good-spirit which is nice to see. I'm glad this event has seemed to survive so far in our less-than-stellar economy. Hope I just didn't jinx them.

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No stuffiness about these Corporate Games

By Rebecca Wicks

Apr. 21, 2010

Ventura Breeze

This year, more than 66 companies are facing off at the 21^st annual Corporate Games. Put on by the City of Ventura, events range from the traditional softball and 5K run to those sports less covered by ESPN including dominos, Texas Hold’em and Frisbee golf.

According to city event planners the six-week competition which ends May 15 is designed for companies to get outside and to get to know each other.

This year’s games include 29 different sports. Rowing is this year’s demonstration event.

“We had 16 companies compete [in rowing] this year with four other companies on a waiting list,” said Chip Tarleton a supervisor for the City of Ventura. “It will probably be a full event next year.”

Scott Powers, a four-year veteran of the Games will be competing in tennis, badminton and table tennis.

“The games are very well organized by the City and allow for a respectable level of competition without going overboard,” said Powers a budget analyst for the County of Ventura. “The atmosphere created allows for people to partake in a sport that may not be in one’s comfort zone but seems fun and entertaining to try.”

Powers who considers himself a novice at tennis will, in his first match, play one of the finalists who competed in the gold medal match last year.

“I am completely overmatched,” said Powers who was able to keep a sense of humor about the impending match. “The game starts at 8 a.m. and I plan on being home for breakfast that morning.”

The Games opening event reception took place earlier this month at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo where a mix of sponsors, city officials and some participants mingled.

While sports like basketball, soccer and surfing are all part of the Games, the most popular games may better reflect the prevailing attitude of having fun. According to Tarleton, the most popular sport this year is bowling with 75 teams entered followed by miniature golf where 59 teams are registered. The next three most popular sports: board games including spades, dominos and Texas Hold’em; billiards and finally bocce ball which was last year’s demonstration sport.

Competition is divided into divisions based on the size of each company. After the first week of competition in the Division A category Naval Base Ventura County was in the lead with the County of Ventura in second and Amgen in third. In Division B Nusil Technology edged out Patagonia for the number one spot by one point, with Proctor & Gamble in third.

In Division C Northrop Grumman stood in first place with Dairy Farmers of America and Dako following. In Division D Limoneria was in the lead with Crescendo Interactive in second and Calavo Growers in third.

Tammy Butterworth, a management assistant for the watershed protection district has been competing in volleyball since 2002. She says meeting new people and the memories are both great aspects about the Games.

“My best memory is when our women’s beach volleyball team won first place against the Navy one year,” said Butterworth. “It was a great feeling.”

On Apr. 17 participants joined an Earth day beach cleanup event which also honored Jacob Dole Prosbasco, a former city of Ventura employee who competed in the games and passed away in 2008.

The Games conclude on May 15 with closing ceremonies events at San Buenaventura State Beach. Events for the day include the mandatory tug-of-war contest, live music, a sandcastle contest and award ceremonies.

Ventura Music Festival

Family accessible live music seems to be more and more difficult to find in smaller towns. There is one concert that happens every year as part of the Ventura Music Festival that takes place on the local college's baseball field. I really like that it's something that children of all ages can go to.

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Musicians Bring Classics from Vienna to Ventura

By Rebecca Wicks

Mar. 24, 2010; Ventura Breeze

Vienna may seemingly sit in the shadow of bigger European cities like Paris, London and Rome but when it comes to classical music it holds its rightful place near – if not at – the top. This year the Ventura Music Festival will celebrate music from the humble city of Vienna featuring famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss.

Cheryl Heitmann, executive director for the festival calls the season’s lineup “incredible and amazing.”

“No one would be disappointed with any concert they chose,” insists Heitmann.

Heitmann believes music is a gift to any community calling it something “good for the soul, especially in these stressful times.”

The festival begins on April 29 with the annual Tea and Trumpets event where music goers are treated to a traditional English tea while being entertained by Festival Brass. The festival continues through May 8 with a concert by pianist Yeol Eum Son.

Two major highlights will include the Grammy-decorated Herbie Hancock who will perform on Ventura College’s athletic field and world-renown violinist Itzhak Perlman.

“Herbie Hancock is simply a legend,” said Heitmann. “The concert at the college is one of the most popular we have each year.”

Heitmann describes the outdoor concert event as family-friendly where even small children can attend.

Perlman, who will perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the only concert taking place outside Ventura has stirred excitement in the classical community in Ventura.

“He’s hands-down the best violinist alive right now,” said Tiffany Cho, an amateur violinist in Ventura.

“He’s just who he is – the world’s leading violinist,” said Heitmann who notes the venue makes the performance even more special. “You’ll be able to see and hear him well which is sometimes difficult at his often large concerts.”

For one member of the Escher String Quartet it will be a homecoming of sorts. Originally from Thousand Oaks, cellist Andrew Janss is more than excited about the Viennese-themed event.

“When it comes to a Viennese program, your mind goes straight to Schubert,” said Janss whose group will also be playing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart on May 7 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura

The group is named for M.C. Escher the mathematically inspired artist famous for works such as graphically interlocking birds and hands.

“Escher believed art is a series of interconnected pieces,” said Janss. “It’s basically how a string quartet works, separate voices are not interesting, but together the interaction makes it interesting.”

The group, which came together at the Manhattan School of Music has been playing together for five years and has toured around the country and the world.

Janss and the Escher Group will likely draw a large crowd in Ventura with many members and followers of the New West Symphony, the Thousand Oaks-based group Janss started with in attendance.

“The Escher Group has a wonderful career,” said Heitmann. “We are more than excited to have them.”

Heitmann who has been the executive director of the Ventura Music Festival for four years expresses as much excitement if not more when talking about the group’s youth outreach programs.

“These days, there are so many budgets being cut especially arts programs,” said Heitmann. “Anything we can do to increase music’s presence we see as a win.”

The group’s programs reach elementary through high school students and include general exposure to instruments all the way through sponsored competitions.

Other groups performing at this year’s festival include Grammy-award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, the Celefax Reed Quintet from the Netherlands and the Rising Stars who will perform with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

art dreams

I love that Spring seems to usher in traveling art exhibits in Southern California. I've done a pretty good circuit over the past month or so -- saw the Renoir sketches at the Getty -- also saw this and this.

I really enjoy (nerdy writer alert) reading the short texts that go along with each exhibit. They are so compact, yet relay so much. It got me thinking, what a very specific copywriting skill to have.

I would love that job. While I'm by no means an expert in art, I think it would be beyond interesting to listen to experts wax on about a painting and an artist and then take all that information and pack it into two or three really great sentences.

One my favorite Renoirs is pictured above right. I always thought this was such a sweet picture of a mother and child. When at LACMA I learned that it was his nanny and his boy. Renoir also painted her in the nude all. the. time. I know, it's art and he found inspiration where he found it. But still, I'm a wife after all.

Gabrielle (the nanny) is more than prominent in so many of his paintings. She's the one in the beautifully renown painting which graces the banners currently hanging in the streets of Los Angeles.

Do you think his wife rolled in her grave a little when they placed that painting on the cover of the Website and brochure, and then on the banners?

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side note: my article "Caught Mid-Stride in Life" appeared in the magazine Mommies Magazine if you want to check it out.

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Venturans to Decide on Three Controversial Ballot Measures This November

By Rebecca Wicks

Sept. 23, 2009

Ventura Breeze

Three hotly debated issues will appear on this November’s ballot – a half-cent sales tax increase, a view resources measure and an initiative aimed at limiting large retailers. What Venturans will decide is anyone’s guess however, proponents and opponents have been vocal and emerged in large numbers.

Measure A – Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City

What it is: A temporary half-cent sales tax increase from 8.25 to 8.75 percent. The measure needs a simple majority to pass. It is estimated the increase will cost residents approximately $65-75 per year raising $8 million. The city plans to spend the money on public safety (40 percent); street repairs (35 percent); beaches (15 percent); the Wright Library (6 percent); and community partnerships (4 percent).

Supporter Stance: A number of high profile city leaders and groups have voiced support for Measure A among them Mayor Christy Weir and the police department union. Earlier this year the state announced it will take an additional $4 million from Ventura. Advocates for the measure say the money raised by Measure A would be money the state could not take and would be applied directly to city spending. The city has already cut $11 million in spending for this fiscal year and is concerned about being able to pay for vital services without additional monies raised.

Opposition Viewpoint: Many believe a tax hike in the current economy when many in the community are already struggling financially does not make sense. Others worry additional tax increases will deter spending harming local businesses.

Measure B – View Resources Board Initiative

What it is: Allows the process to preserve viewsheds by establishing a 23-member board appointed predominantly by VCORD whose job it will be to write a View Protection Ordinance (VPO). It also temporarily stops the approval of new developments over 26 feet high in specified areas until a VPO is approved either by the City Council or by voters.

Supporter Stance: Supporters want to ensure Venturan’s views to the hills are not obstructed by large buildings. In addition, backers of the measure worry about tall structures significantly shadowing smaller neighboring properties such as in the older Midtown area where homes are generally smaller in stature blocking sunlight needed for passive solar energy generation and conservation.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those who stand against Measure B claim they also cherish views in Ventura but feel the proposed initiative is not the best way to protect views. Naysayers are concerned that the board will be built in a biased fashion as the group’s members will be appointed by VCORD, the group who authored the measure. They also worry putting a stop to any new developments in Ventura sets a poor precedent and deters growth in the city.

Measure C: Limiting Large Retail

What it is: The measure prohibits new superstores larger than 90,000 square feet when more than three percent of the sales floor area offers non-taxable merchandise – essentially food. Wholesale clubs and stores selling primarily bulk merchandise and charging membership dues are exempt.

Supporter Stance: A yes on this measure essentially stops Wal-Mart from building a superstore on Victoria Avenue which some believe is best for Ventura. Those opposed to Wal-Mart believe it brings increased traffic both by patrons coming from outside the city as well as trucks delivering perishable goods, additional crime and ultimately less jobs because employees tend to commute. Supporters believe blocking a Walmart will in turn welcome retailers such as Best Buy or IKEA while still preserving the city’s unique character.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those against Measure C believe the initiative will not prevent Walmart, only a version of it. Those opposed point out that eliminating competition may increase grocery prices and point their fingers at grocery stores and their unions for trying to get rid of their competition. Still others believe by turning away Walmart Ventura only solidifies its image as a non-welcoming city for any new store or development setting an standard poised against economic growth

All three measures will be discussed at a forum held by the League of Women Voters, Ventura County on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Aimed at better informing the public on these issues the forum will be moderated by David Maron, a LXVVC Voter Services Director.

Each issue will be presented by both an individual in favor and against the measure.

Measure A, Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City --

Pro: Christy Weir, Mayor and City Council Member

Con: Don Facciano, Ventura County Taxpayers Association

Measure B, View Resources Board Initiative –

Pro: Diane Underhill, Member of Ventura Citizens Organization for Responsible Development (VCORD)

Con: Rob Corley, Chair of the City’s View ProtectionTask Force

Measure C, Limit Large Retail Initiative –

Pro: Nan Waltman, Chair, Livable Ventura

Con: Alison Carlson, Concerned Citizen

The forum will take place at Anacapa Middle School, 100 S. Mills Road, near Telegraph Road. Parking is available on site, entry from Mills Road.

Feature writing

Since I have been absolutely horrible about blogging on this site, I've decided to post some of my work periodically as well.

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Faring Well at the Fair

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze

Aug. 12, 2009

In these tough economic times especially for those of us with jobs like writing which provide a less than steady income, many of us have found our budgets a little tighter. That said, the Ventura County Fair only comes around once a year, and when you have kids it’s practically unavoidable. My goal this year: to enjoy the fair with minimal damage to the pocketbook.

Opening day we packed up the two kids and headed out. We circled downtown searching for a place to park. Dodging pedestrians streaming toward the fairgrounds we got lucky and ducked into a space.

A free downtown parking space meant $10 in parking fees averted. Good start.

Because we had purchased a sheet of ride tickets the week prior – $20 for 50 tickets, a $17.50 savings – we headed straight for the Ferris wheel.

I have never been a huge fair fan. Fried food is not my cup of tea and rides that spin are pretty much my arch nemesis but when you have kids, you do what you have to do.

Case in point: A friend of mine who is pretty much scared of heights relayed to me she ventured onto the Ferris wheel that day with her two kids. When waiting at the very top for people to climb in and out down below her three-year old – to her horror – started rocking their seat back and forth.

“Honey, please sit back – look at the ocean!” she said in a falsely chipper voice attempting to divert the little girl’s attention.

“My heart was pounding, I thought I was going to be rocked off to my death,” my friend told to me later.

After bumper boats, spinning airplanes, rumbling trucks and a ride that seem to drop my little girl out of the sky we headed to the other side of the fairgrounds home of the scariest-looking rides at the fair.

Some looked as if designed after personal nightmares. My favorite to watch was called Wind Surf. It swung approximately 20 riders up, down and then upside down where they stayed suspended while simultaneously having water shot up into their faces.

There is just so much to look at from the rides and crazy food offerings to the booths hawking leather goods to the people themselves.

If I had a nickel for every time my three-year old pointed at something – a ginormous hot dog on a stick, someone bungee jumping, a man dressed up like a banana – I would at the very least made back the amount of money we spent on food.

After taking in some rides and playing a guaranteed-win duck game we sauntered over to see some animals. While in the past my three-year old looked at pig after pig with delight this time, they just could not compete with the rides. Pigs, cows and sheep were definitely out this year for her. However, they were not completely neglected as my one-year old did seem to appreciate them.

We compromised with a pony ride. We lucked out and purchased two tickets for the price of one from a lady who was leaving the fair and didn’t need them.

After this, everyone was ready for food. This was round two for my husband who had already managed to eat a pork chop on a stick within the first 10 minutes of arriving.

“Next time we have a big BBQ we are totally serving pork chops on a stick,” he announced dripping juices onto the stroller.

With a table full of nachos, fish tacos, chicken strips and fries we discussed what we had seen and done so far. My husband asked our three-year old daughter if she liked the fair.

This is when she proudly announced that she is going to get married at the fair.

We discussed as a family how this would work logistically. Would we provide ride tickets for guests? What time would be best? What would fair organizers think?

We topped our fried food meal off with a shared ice cream cone and made a final stop at the petting zoo before departing.

We only used half our ride tickets which means we will most likely make a second if not third visit to the fair this season. We missed the youth center and botanical areas which I’d like to get to next time.

In the end we did okay budget-wise. Our tally went something like this: $1 in entrance fees; $35 in food; $10 of our ride tickets; $7 pony ride; $3 in petting zoo fees and $3 for the duck game.

My three-year old is still telling stories of the fair to anyone who will listen – family member, friend, foe or stranger – so in my book it was $60 well spent.