Bnamericas Published: Monday, May 05, 2025 Underground mining Gold 43,000+ global companies doing business in the region 102,000+ key contacts related to companies and projects news and interviews about your industry in English (OSV News) — Catholics across the world are embarking on pilgrimages to commemorate the Jubilee Year of Hope Many will travel to Rome to visit the four major basilicas and pass through their Holy Doors so as to gain a plenary indulgence For those that are unable to travel to Rome, however, they are still able to participate by traveling to one of the numerous Jubilee Year pilgrimage sites across the country.  or other religious locations as “jubilee pilgrimage sites.” According to a Vatican decree on Jubilee Year indulgences any person can gain a jubilee indulgence if they undertake a “pious pilgrimage” to any designated site and participate in Mass adoration or receive the sacrament of penance there churches and shrines have begun opening their doors to local pilgrims These sites each have a unique history and hold significance in their local region helping Catholics to encounter God in new ways bishops have designated a multitude of jubilee sites located in dense cities and rural countryside.  yet only a mere 50 miles away from New York City sits Graymoor — the Holy Mountain.  Graymoor serves as a home for the friars and a retreat center a residential program for men battling drug addiction Dolan of New York designated Graymoor as one of the eight jubilee pilgrimage sites in his archdiocese.  and the other friars learned about the designation “We’re grateful to be named a pilgrimage site because Cardinal Dolan could’ve named all kinds of other places,” Father Gardiner told OSV News “We see it as a sign of support and encouragement which is especially needed as these are tough times have been struggling with vocations.” In Father Gardiner’s own vocation story a pilgrimage to Graymoor played a significant role He said it launched his discernment journey.  I was in the first grade when I visited Graymoor,” Father Gardiner recalled We had Mass outdoors and walked around the property one of the friars stopped and asked me if I had a good day ‘I’m going to pray every day that you come back here.'”  “I have no idea who that friar was I’ve been here 60-plus years now,” he said While Father Gardiner does not know whether or not another pilgrim will find their vocation he and the other friars are excited to welcome the busloads of pilgrims that are coming from the surrounding area “We want to be here for people and to host and support their pilgrimages,” Father Gardiner said “We want people to take part in the liturgies we have here to walk around our property and pray on the trails and just encounter the Lord here.” Father Gardiner and other staff members have developed a variety of programs and events.  “We have great staff here that has been meeting regularly coming up with all kinds of great ideas,” Father Gardiner said we just have a great space that we want visitors to take part in.” is preparing to welcome a plethora of pilgrims.  the parish became a cornerstone in the Tampa Bay area as the city grew around it “Sacred Heart was founded in the infancy of Tampa Bay as a city,” Rob Boelke director of communications at Sacred Heart He surveyed the majority of our downtown and the older areas of the city itself and those streets largely stand in the same grid that he had put together he and his wife sent a petition to the Diocese of Savannah asking for a parish to be founded.” Petersburg Diocese was part of the Diocese of Savannah the parish had outgrown it and began constructing a new Romanesque-style church the church remains today as a unique architectural fixture in Catholic Florida “Most of the churches in Florida were built in the ’60s and ’70s and they are not architecturally significant,” Boelke said “Sacred Heart has very unique architecture that is much more in line with churches that you would see across the Northeast or in the Midwest It’s largely Romanesque with beautiful stained-glass windows so people are drawn to the parish for its beauty.” Franciscan friars assumed parish operations promoting their unique charism within the parish and local community.  Sacred Heart is one of six Jubilee pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of St pilgrims are flocking to the church to commemorate both the Jubilee Year and the parish’s 120th anniversary.  “We are hosting lots of tours for both Catholic and secular schools; other parishes are calling us to set up times for large group visits,” Boelke said “We have this unique history and we are excited to share and be able to share the Franciscan charism that we have with more people.” Located in the Midwestern small town of Perryville the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is preparing to welcome pilgrims to its vast property for the Jubilee Year One of nine Jubilee sites in the Archdiocese of St the national shrine has a robust history dating back to 1818 when a small log cabin church was founded on the property The shrine encompasses 55 acres and includes a large church told OSV News that he hopes pilgrims will develop a deeper relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary after visiting the site “Our facility is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and to commemorate the appearances of Mary to Catherine Labouré,” Father Osendorf said “This just seems to be one of the perfect places to come just to kind of get away to pray to meditate and to deepen our relationship with Mary Father Osendorf’s predecessor asked the archbishop of St Louis to designate the shrine as a pilgrimage site So Father Osendorf did the same for the 2025 Jubilee “Jubilee years are focused on deepening one’s relationship with Christ and Mary helps us to do that,” Father Osnedorf said we thought this would be the perfect way of helping us to fulfill our mission of helping people toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through Mary.” the community has planned various events throughout the year that include speakers “We have a number of guest speakers who will be coming and will have musicians regularly,” Father Osendorf said we just want people to come and encounter God on our property pray the rosary on our walk or sometimes just getting away to think And it brings me so much joy to see this happening.” historical shrines and churches are abundant as they have been ministering to locals since Franciscan missionaries established them centuries ago.  One such church is Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura in California the basilica has played a critical role in the local community “There are 21 original missions established by the Franciscan padres in what is now the state of California,” Father Elewaut explained “The significance of our particular parish is that we were the last of the nine missions founded by St The original church built in 1809 and refurbished in 1812 after an earthquake remains as the primary worship space “The church building that we have today was originally finished in 1809,” Father Elewaut said the back altar — that is all original from 1809 Everything that was used to decorate the church had been shipped up from New Spain (today’s Mexico) … so there is a lot of history in the church.” Father Elewaut is excited to welcome pilgrims from the surrounding area to the basilica and the priest uses these interactions and Sunday Mass as an opportunity to remind them to be pilgrims of hope and we certainly are including that message in our homilies weekly and encouraging people to be hopeful in a world that sometimes wants to cast darkness; that we are to be people of hope in the light of Christ,” he said but to be hope-filled in this life as well.” Jack Figge writes for OSV News from Kansas Ventura police arrested a man Thursday suspected of ransacking parts of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura and stealing some items from the church the Ventura Police Department said in a news release Friday night had forced his way in through a window to an interior office the man allegedly ransacked the office and multiple rooms He had also stolen property belong to staff The suspect was seen on video surveillance cameras on the property Police knew him from prior contacts and found two local arrest warrants including a felony warrant for missing a court appearance in a prior burglary case A patrol officer saw the suspect early Thursday afternoon at the Mission Plaza shopping center at Ventura Avenue and East Main Street He was wearing the same clothes seen in the video and had property belonging to mission staff The man was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary and for the warrants He remained in county jail Saturday with total bail set at $110,100 He had court appearances scheduled for Monday and Tuesday A fire early Saturday morning damaged a Vons under construction in Camarillo The blaze was reported shortly after 4 a.m in the 900 block of Arneill Road near Fiesta Drive according to Ventura County Fire Department reports The fire caused moderate damage to a new Vons grocery store being built at the site Deputies provided traffic control during the incident The new Vons is being built where a former Kmart was demolished last year Plans called for an older Vons in the shopping center to move to the new building An arson investigator with the sheriff's office is assisting a county fire investigator in the case – The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura has started construction on the Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura “Homelessness is one of the most vexing issues in California particularly in Ventura we are no different than other cities and we we play a role and trying to solve homelessness in Ventura … one way of doing that is providing safe housing for those that are currently experiencing homelessness," said chief executive officer Jeffrey Lambert of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura The housing authority secured about $32 million through the state’s HOMEKEY program to acquire the former La Quinta Hotel Crews are repurposing the hotel to provide more housing for the community “We decided to get into the homeless solution business a couple years ago … and we’ve done it in small pieces across our properties this is the first time we’ve taken an entire property just to solve the homeless crisis Ventura," said Lambert “This is exactly what our city needed a place where people can come 134 units where people are going to be able to come off the street and get the help that they need and thrive," said member Jim Duran of the Ventura City Council the housing authority is going to give out 40 keys to residence moving into the units Ventura city leaders believe every city plays a part in improving housing in the community "Regionally Santa Barbara is doing a phenomenal job working with their surrounding cities to make sure that they end homeless i mean we’re all together … Santa Barbara … Ventura … tri-counties we can make this happen," said Duran The housing authority believes this housing project represents not only a celebration of 75 years of service but also a renewed dedication to addressing the pressing housing needs of Ventura The project will be completed in two phases with Phase 1 expected in early 2025.  individuals housed under Project Roomkey in Ventura will transition into temporary units at Valentine Road while permanent units are being finalized This anniversary project underscores the power of partnerships and resource leveraging reflecting the evolution of traditional housing authorities in meeting modern housing challenges while remaining committed to their core mission.  As Ventura’s largest affordable housing developer HACSB continues to play a critical role in addressing the community’s housing needs Patricia Martellotti is a reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Patricia, click here News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here Terms of Service Privacy Policy Community Guidelines FCC Public File EEO Public File Report FCC Applications Do Not Sell My Personal Information Filters Close filters Neighborhood all Jazz club More Less Other all Beach Trail Mission Historic Home Boats Beach More Less Parks & Trails all Canyon Trail Coastal hike Park More Less Restaurants all Seafood Californian Pizza More Less Shopping all Neighborhood Shop More Less Price Print Forget about the glam a vintage beach town at the northern edge of Southern California where “chill” is a way of life.Locals are big on hiking biking or just watching the sunset on the beach but they also support many excellent restaurants forget pricey glam and try to channel the Dude “Vintage,” “rustic,” “dog-friendly” and “flip-flop casual” are the code words for this beach town at the western end of the 101 Freeway before it starts heading north I was lucky enough to find a house to buy here I’m in a residential area a few miles from the beach and every day I see dozens of people walking their dogs; escorting their children to school coffee cups in hand; running while pushing three-wheeled baby strollers; or cycling in pairs in the bike lanes Stay up to date on the best things to do, see and eat in L.A. Beyond exercise and errands, quick scenic hikes abound around this city, so you can easily hit the trail and still have plenty of time for shopping and/or playing at the beach. When they aren’t recreating, Venturans like to chill. For a city with just 110,000 people (a quarter of Long Beach’s population), there are plenty of good places to eat and drink. We have at least three excellent bakeries making their own breads and pastries, and breakfasting out is particularly popular, as is hanging at brewpubs playing trivia or listening to music, browsing thrift stores or just grabbing a spot at the beach to watch the sun go down. This is the corporate home of Patagonia, an environmental champion and maker of ultra-hip outdoor gear, but lest you think you’re in tree-hugger central, note that the Ventura Raceway (located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds) hosts weekly races from which the whine of circling cars can be heard for miles. And heading east on Highway 33 toward Ojai (just 20 minutes away), you’ll see plenty of oil rigs bobbing along the highway. Not far from the ocean, Ventura’s farmland grows crops like berries, celery, citrus and avocados. And unlike in Santa Barbara to the north, where almost every square inch of foothills seems covered with houses, the community here fought to keep most of its foothills undeveloped. At least for now. Affordable housing is increasingly hard to find in Ventura, even as new townhouses and apartments are springing up all over, to the relief of some and fury of others who want to preserve the city’s vintage vibe. So, like every place on Earth, Ventura is changing, but it’s still easy to bask in its simple pleasures. Just bring a wrap — summer and early fall evenings can get chilly here — along with an appetite for excellent eats and laid-back adventures, which you can pursue or not. Whatever moves you, dude. It’s all good. Lifestyle Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map A 26,000-square-foot vacant lot next to the former La Quinta Inn in Ventura will be acquired for a project to house residents of river bottom encampments now that the City Council has accepted a state grant The empty lot on Pasteur Drive will be the site of a permanent supportive housing project with 30 one-bedroom apartments The lot is next to the former inn at 5818 Valentine Road located east of Victoria Avenue near the southbound side of Highway 101 More details about the project were revealed April 22 when council members approved an agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for $9.81 million from the Encampment Resolution Funding Program The bulk of the money will help with Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura projects the funds will provide 15 units in the former La Quinta Inn for residents of homeless encampments in the Santa Clara River bottom the adjacent sites will comprise 45 units targeted for that segment of the homeless population living in the river bottom "Between these two properties 45 chronically homeless residents of encampments in the City of Ventura will beconnected to permanent housing," the report reads The former La Quinta Inn is now called the Valentine Road Apartments. The inn is transitioning from a 142-room hotel into permanent supportive housing. The housing authority project will provide 134 studio units in all for homeless individuals The state grant process was competitive and getting it was a "big win" for the city The first phase of the Valentine Road project is close to being completed with 64 renovated units expected to be ready in early May The authority will coordinate with the Ventura County Continuum of Care to prioritize housing people who have been living in the river bottom The Pasteur Drive project will offer case management The estimated cost for the development is $23.6 million although the number could increase with costs of construction and materials The city's contributions to the project will allow the housing authority to leverage additional funding to complete it Some $730,000 of the grant funds will help with a temporary shelter project the city plans to issue a request for proposals for that portion The city has started working with people in the river bottom through its patrol task force and a county social worker to talk about the potential housing availability "It is exactly what we needed to get people out of that situation that they're in," said Councilmember Jim Duran Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information It was corrected after it misstated the number of Ventura City Council districts It was updated to reflect a change in a District 3 candidate's party registration.) Editor's note: This story is one in a series on the Nov. 5 general election. For more coverage, visit vcstar.com/news/elections Nine candidates are campaigning for three seats on the Ventura City Council in November The highest vote-getters in Districts 2, 3 and 7 will each serve a four-year term Ventura has a total of seven City Council districts and in 2022, Ventura redrew the districts The position of mayor rotates among the council members Councilmember Doug Halter represents District 2 Halter is competing against Naz Madaen for the seat including Ventura College and the Ventura County Government Center Maricela Reyes and Ryyn Schumacher are competing for the open seat Mayor Joe Schroeder represents District 7, the Pierpont area that covers Olivas Links Golf Course, and plans to take time off for family and travel Mario "Alex" Mangone and Brian Brennan are vying for the seat Candidate Erik Eiser said in an email to the Star he decided to withdraw from the District 7 race Below are responses to The Star's questions in the candidates' own words They have been edited for clarity and space but The Star asked candidates and checked public voter rolls to include party registration information for readers Occupation: Business owner in landscape design and installation Education: Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from UC Santa Barbara Campaign Website: DougHalter.com what’s your top priority and how do you plan to accomplish it Economic prosperity that enhances what we love about Ventura funds our infrastructure and public safety needs and attracts businesses to locate to Ventura especially where the 73% of citizens currently commute thus offering opportunities for the next generations to thrive Supporting policies that encourage a variety of housing types that adhere to design standards neighborhoods supported by transportation options and relieved of unintended barriers and inefficiencies that currently increase the cost of each new home by 25% and force neighbors to live on the streets where it shouldn’t happen Looking at new ways to meet the many challenges of today while creating the most promising future for all of us that takes all that we have collectively learned and the community passion for our beautiful and historic city to become a model of ingenuity where dreams happen Naz MadaenOccupation: High school administrator Education: Bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and communications from CSU Fullerton Elected office and years in office (if applicable): None Campaign website: NazforVentura.com Ensuring hillside residents understand wildfire risks is crucial as Ventura faces a wildfire every 10-15 years After losing my home in the Thomas Fire and witnessing our community's devastation I am committed to prevention and preparedness My focus is on sustainable strategies like fuel load reduction through Sen which reduces climate impact while maintaining 100-foot defensible spaces We must also strengthen emergency response systems and improve post-fire support there must be dialogue and transparency between District 2 residents and the Ventura Land Trust use of public funds to open a new trail system This integral conversation must address responsible signage advocating for the success of small businesses and upholding responsible meaningful and inclusive development that aligns with Ventura's character and needs is essential Occupation: Community liaison for Ventura County District 1 Supervisor Education: Associate degree from Ventura College Elected office and years in office: Santa Paula City Council Campaign website: www.electclintgarmanventura.com we had a $5 million budget allocated for road infrastructure of which approximately $1 million was utilized the budget has increased to more than $15 million with clear direction from City Manager Bill Ayub to ensure that every dollar is allocated efficiently The revision and implementation of the street management plan for 2023 to 2027 are critical to enhancing the curb appeal and safety of our residents With approximately 700 miles of streets under our care public works will face the significant challenge of managing this extensive task diligently every day housing and collaboration with the County of Ventura on homelessness are my top priorities Occupation: Public health department public information officer  Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology from CSU Long Beach; master's degree in business administration from Pepperdine University Campaign website: www.ryynforventura.com My top priority is tackling housing affordability and homelessness Ventura's housing crisis continues to negatively impact an increasing number of families workers and vulnerable residents (i.e older adults) I have worked with many communities to address complex issues My 20 years of work experience in public health social services and business leadership will inform my decisions at city hall By working collaboratively with community-based organizations I will advocate for affordable housing developments increase access to social services and support programs that prevent homelessness compassionate leadership to address housing I will lead the council in addressing the needs of underserved communities with sensitivity and empathy Heather May EllingerOccupation: Real estate agent Education: One year at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York; Two years at Suffolk County Community College in New York Elected office and years in office (if applicable): None Campaign website: heathermayforventura.com to the high costs of living and the overdevelopment of our beautiful coastal town I am ready to address these concerns on day one our City Council approved a program to recycle our wastewater back to our sinks and raised our water rates approximately 42% over a five-year period to pay for it A project this controversial and a rate increase of this magnitude should have been put on the ballot It wasn't and the costs have tripled to almost $700 million there are discussions for significant additional rate increases I will not support any rate increase and/or any additional funding to this project I will move to put the project on hold until a reasonable resolution is determined Occupation: Sustainability program administrator Education: Bachelor's degree in sociology from UCLA; master's degree with an emphasis in information technology management from California Lutheran University Campaign website: www.MaricelaReyesForVentura.com My top priority is to keep Ventura affordable for renters while strengthening our local economy through sustainable growth additional tenant protections and increased transparency in rental agreements to stabilize housing costs and prevent unjust evictions I will support policies that incentivize local businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices reducing their costs and boosting competitiveness By fostering collaboration between the business community vibrant economy that benefits everyone while ensuring that Ventura remains a safe William CornellOccupation: Business owner in the service industry of home maintenance and repair Education: Associate degree from Ventura College with a focus in social sciences and photography Elected office and years in office (if applicable): None As a proud resident of San Buenaventura for over 25 years I am deeply committed to our community's future With a strong background in community involvement with organizations such as the San Buenaventura Housing Authority Area Agency on Aging and local appeals board/housing appeals board in Ventura I have consistently demonstrated my dedication to making people’s lives better with affordable housing public safety and environmental sustainability business owners and families to address the challenges we face and to create opportunities for growth and development Key issues: Enhance public safety by advocating for increased funding for local law enforcement and community policing programs; affordable housing by streamlining the permitting process and supporting mixed-use developments; sustainable development practices that protect our natural resources and ensure a healthy environment for future generations My vision for District 3 is one where every resident feels heard Occupation: Small business owner of T&M Machining Inc Attended Ventura College; received a certificate from the machinist program Campaign website: alexforventuracouncil.com I’m looking forward to enhancing the public’s perception of city leadership and improving the culture and mentality in city hall I look forward to making an impact on improving city services and policy that will ensure greater opportunity for future generations of Venturans We need leaders committed to improving our processes establishing a good working relationship with staff and vendors involves establishing trust I will ensure that staff has the resources to perform their jobs effectively I will set clear expectations while maintaining a culture that promotes collaboration As a council member in the city of Ventura Occupation: Casitas Municipal Water District board director Education: Associate degree from MiraCosta College in Oceanside Elected office and years in office (if applicable): Ventura City Council 1998 to 2014 mayor 2003 to 2005; Casitas Municipal Water District Board from 2018 to present Campaign website: brennan4ventura.com We need to seriously address our housing needs It’s important that we find practical solutions that will provide affordable workforce housing for local businesses prevent homelessness in the first place and protect tenant’s rights It’s also important to our community that we protect Ventura’s unique character by paying closer attention to building housing that is compatible with our surrounding neighborhoods We need to secure our city’s financial stability Fixing and maintaining our city’s existing infrastructure and planning for future improvements requires reliable financial resources The condition of our streets and sidewalks is causing safety issues that cannot be ignored and the blight we all see is frankly embarrassing We need to ensure that our first responders have the resources they need and recognize that response time improvements are critical is looking for new challenges after more than three decades in local law enforcement Schindler will exit the department on Saturday capping off a career that started in 1989 with the Port Hueneme Police Department Ventura hired him in 1995 and he became chief in April 2020 Around the four-and-a-half-year mark as chief Schindler noticed he was becoming a little stagnant “When you find yourself coming to work and you’re starting to lose the challenge I think it’s starting to tell you it’s time to go onto something different,” he said on a recent weekday at the city's police and fire headquarters on Dowell Drive “The easy thing is I could stay here forever and could continue to go through the motions but that’s not fair to the organization and I don’t think in the end it challenges me to the max I think the police department has grown stronger more innovative and more connected to the community,” said Rick Murray a Ventura assistant police chief who has known Schindler for nearly 30 years accountability and support that I think will endure long after he is gone.” Schindler led the change for the agency's badge redesign, which previously featured St. Junipero Serra Schindler decided to remove Serra's image from the badge at a time of protests in Ventura over the missionary priest’s role in ending the way of life for thousands of Chumash people the city authorized removal of a bronze Serra statue from City Hall with the statue later moved to nearby Mission Basilica San Buenaventura “We had a big social justice movement call to remove the Father Serra statue Father Serra was the centerpiece of our badge,” he said we represent the entire community and if there’s a portion of our community that’s offended by something The situation created an opportunity for a committee to design the new badge The police department has adapted to focus on mental health offering mandatory one-hour therapy sessions annually for officers Other employees can also see a therapist voluntarily one of the first things we did was institute mental health check-ins," he said adding that he doesn't want any stigma attached to addressing mental health As Schindler readied to leave the department he reflected on how much policing has changed since he started as a detective in the 1990s Computers were not yet in use at the Port Hueneme agency where his career started He had to use a clipboard to organize his case files and stored everything in file cabinets You were out doing a lot of knocking on doors." At the start of Schindler's career in 1995 crime was twice as bad as it is now," Schindler said "We used to show up because something is going wrong and we’ve got to take enforcement," he said but quite often it’s we’re there to solve a problem." He is not sure why crime levels have dropped but said it has allowed the department to engage the community more positively with preventative measures instead of responding to crimes he realized the department did not connect with the community around Ventura Avenue on the city's west side a historically Hispanic and lower-income neighborhood Schindler felt creating an explorer program could help “I thought if we can get some of the children out there involved in our program in a positive way a parent will see that and word will start growing that Schindler said he worries about recruiting officers and keeping them in part because of changes in California's public employee pensions that mean it takes longer to reach retirement age and there are fewer retirement benefits the Ventura City Council appointed Tony Lee as interim police chief Lee is a former Beverly Hills Police Department officer and UCLA police chief He will start Saturday and serve until a permanent leader is selected outgoing Mayor Joe Schroeder gave Schindler a key to the city I never had to deal with ‘bad’ behavior from the department,” Schroeder said in a text message Monday “Darin ran a professional shop that prided themselves on community outreach and contemporary police practices He was the standard other chiefs will be judged by.” Schindler said he will spend time with his wife two adult children and grandchildren in retirement as he considers his next move The former Washington School campus in Ventura has cleared a crucial hurdle on its way to being added to the National Register of Historic Places California's State Historical Resources Commission voted 5-0 on Friday to declare a nomination of the MacMillan Avenue structures eligible for the national register It's been well over two years since the century-old campus was thrust into the public eye by a 2022 lease dispute between former tenant Ventura County Christian School and property owner Ventura Unified School District which wanted to clear the property due to concerns about seismic safety After the school finally vacated the campus in summer 2023, the San Buenaventura Conservancy for Preservation The state historical commission considered the nomination at meetings in August and November but put off a vote twice before Friday's approval Ventura Unified argued against the historic tag in letters and presentations to the commission saying structural issues and substantial alterations to the buildings should preclude the property's addition to the national register The former campus is one of five surplus-tagged properties owned by the district spokesperson Marieanne Quiroz said the state commission's decision provides important information to district leaders as they consider future plans for the Washington School campus "No formal decisions have been made at this time but any future board action will prioritize the best interests of our students and staff," she wrote The nomination will next be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register a National Park Service official responsible for finalizing historic entries the nonprofit San Buenaventura Conservancy's president said nominations that have state approval are almost always added to the register The designation would make the cluster of buildings along MacMillan eligible for some preservation grants and add the site to California's Register of Historical Resources which comes with stricter guidelines for demolition or major remodeling The athletic fields on the back half of the former school campus would not be protected by any historic tag adding that the conservancy is backing the school district to lead potential development plans for the site "We're hoping that a compatible housing project goes in there Even the school itself could be converted." Isaiah Murtaugh covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at isaiah.murtaugh@vcstar.com or 805-437-0236 and follow him on Twitter @isaiahmurtaugh The Ventura Pier was closed early Sunday morning and is expected to remain off limits through Christmas Day due to a high surf warning Edward Caliento said police went out and helped close the pier around 7 a.m "The real danger is the rolling waves could break the uprights," he said "That is what happened last year," he said adding that in "an abundance of caution," city officials closed the pier early Sunday It appears that San Buenaventura State Beach remains open The closure begins at the large gate on the pier emergency services manager for the Ventura Police Department Officials will evaluate whether it should reopen after Christmas based on weather conditions and forecasts at that time Surf is expected to reach 15 to 18 feet from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning on Ventura County beaches Meteorologist Bryan Lewis said the warning went out at 1 a.m Sunday and that surf has been reported at a height of 12 feet at Channel Islands Harbor He said waves are expected to go over the break walls at Ventura Harbor and that people should stay out of the water Signs are posted near the pier and on Seaward Avenue warning people of the conditions city Fire Battalion Chief Shawn Hughes said That didn't stop everyone from testing their skills on the waves Friends Brad David and Duncan Rains grew up in Ojai and have surfed in Ventura for years.The pair tried surfing the waves Sunday afternoon and were swept nearly a quarter of a mile in a matter of minutes.“This is about as big as I have seen it,” Rains said Longtime surfer Adam Neas saw the pair of surfers paddle out from Surfers Point and get swept to the pier “I have paddled out in surf like this before mental health and local government issues for the Ventura County Star Reach her at kathleen.wilson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0271 Staff Writer Dominic Massimino contributed to this report A holiday tree-lighting ceremony starring Santa Claus artificial snow and two 135-foot-tall Norfolk star pines packed downtown Ventura with hundreds of people Friday night Santa hats and smiles at the annual event held in front of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura the mission's Father Tom Elewaut and Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder shared the stage for a countdown that ended with the towering pines lighting up the sky the snow came and kids climbed atop adult shoulders to touch it before it reached the ground The event was put on by Downtown Ventura Partners Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: To see more stories like this, subscribe The Ventura City Council discussed on Tuesday results of a downtown survey that showed the majority of property owners would like to see Main Street reopen to vehicles while more than half of business owners want to keep it closed The survey results will help the council make its final decision on the pedestrian-friendly area next month Main Street has been closed to vehicle traffic since June 2020 from Mission Basilica San Buenaventura to Fir Street is also part of the program known as Main Street Moves The effort was meant to make the downtown core more pedestrian friendly and help struggling shops and restaurants with some saying it has hurt certain businesses The city conducted an online survey from Sept 4 to ask property and business owners if they wanted the Main Street area to remain closed More than 90% of property owners and more than 60% of business owners completed the survey 60% preferred to have Main Street reopened to cars Nearly 53% of business owners, however, preferred to keep the street closed, while more than 44% would like it reopened. The survey included other data including preferences after additional information was provided business owners and property owners spoke for and against keeping Main Street closed “The survey results were not overwhelmingly clear in any direction which leaves the decision in your hands if you decide to open the street,” said Christy Weir it is very likely the car traffic will not help the businesses that are failing and we will have sacrificed the momentum we have gained toward an even more successful and unique and community enlivening downtown.”  Mayor Joe Schroeder said he personally likes Main Street closed but he would vote as a mayor “I struggle when a majority of the property owners want it reopened A final decision about the program is expected to be made at the Nov A group of property owners is suing to reopen Ventura's downtown streets to vehicles In a lawsuit filed March 11 against the city the group alleges the ban on vehicles led to a loss of commercial tenants increased vandalism and rising operating costs Ventura was awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to address homelessness through the state's Housing and Community Development Encampment Resolution Funding Program The money is expected to provide shelter, services and long-term housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness, including those in the Ventura River bottom and other encampment areas, according to a news release "Addressing homelessness remains a top priority for our City Council and we are committed to investing in programs that tackle root causes while offering both immediate and long-term solutions,” said Mayor Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios in a statement The funding will be used to increase emergency shelter options enhance case management and mental health resources and strengthen partnerships with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura for more permanent housing opportunities "This is a big win for the city to get this grant," said Jeffrey Lambert The city requested $12 million in funding but received $9.8 million the new housing will provide 134 studio units for the homeless Because the city didn't get all of the funding it requested it's unclear how much will be allocated for the apartments He planned to work with the city on addressing any funding gaps The City Council has to accept the funding through a resolution to allocate and disburse it city staff members will present contracts to council members for approval including interim shelter options a funding allocation for the apartments and a proposed permanent supportive housing project When will the city receive the funding?The city has not received the awarded funding but anticipates getting the money in the next few weeks "This grant will be instrumental in advancing both temporary and long-term housing strategies identified in the City Council’s recent strategic priorities,” said Rachel Dimond the city's community development director in a statement Hundreds of people streamed into the Ventura County Fair just before noon Wednesday The gates opened early and fairgoers geared with sunscreen water and baby strollers headed toward face-painting booths and a food stand featuring fried zucchini The event celebrates the fair’s 150th anniversary. Opening day attractions include an I love the '90s concert with performers Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc and more at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. A drone show starts at 9 p.m. Other highlights include the All Alaskan Racing Pigs and a puppet theater for kids. The full schedule can be found at https://venturacountyfair.org/event/ventura-county-fair-day-1/ Tickets, normally $20 for most adults, are $3 if purchased before 3 p.m. on opening day. They can be bought online or at the fairgrounds where people are encouraged to purchase at the kiosks set up in the parking lot People can park at the fairgrounds for $20 but the lot fills up quickly Fair visitors can also park offsite and use free shuttle service from the following locations Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: To see more stories like this, subscribe This year's ArtWalk Ventura has expanded with a film festival children's area and a display of a circular painting 40 feet in diameter The free event is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and will feature numerous artists "We made a decision at some point to not just limit this to visual art," said event co-chair Marie Lakin A lot of new people have come to us this year that heard about the event and wanted to be a part of it." The route includes downtown Main Street and parts of Ventura Avenue Prominent spots include the Museum of Ventura County Working Artists Ventura and the Bell Arts Factory "It is the largest event Ventura does in terms of area," Lakin said More than 200 artists are set to participate and more than 10,000 people are expected to attend At Figueroa Plaza across from Mission Basilica San Buenaventura a Sanskrit word to describe this artwork common in Tibet and India who has been creating this artwork in Ojai for more than 30 years The public can participate by using chalk and tempera paint “We have places where anybody can paint,” said Sauvageau A festival will feature short films and begin at 2:30 p.m Saturday at the Museum of Ventura County’s pavilion whose film “Stairway To The Stars” will kick off the event “We’re not showing anything long because we want to accommodate a lot of different people’s shorts,” said DeStefano who founded and ran the Ventura Film Society from 2008 to 2020 His own film stars actress Sean Young from “Blade Runner” and actor Quinton Aaron from the movie “The Blind Side.”  “It’s about an older actress on the verge of collapse and a young black guy who lives in her apartment building climbing these stairs in the Hollywood Hills trying to save her life,” he said There will be films throughout Saturday and the last set of movies will be shown at 6:45 p.m beginning with “Call the Meat Wagon.” The last block of films will begin at 5:30 p.m Sunday inside the Museum of Ventura County’s pavilion There will be a children’s area at Mission Park featuring a 9-foot octopus named Stanley made out of an umbrella and papier-mâché from artist Jen Swain will be celebrated on Wall Street from noon to 6 p.m Gold Coast Transit District will also provide free transportation Riders can use bus routes 6 and 16 to navigate the area For more information on the event, visit www.artwalkventura.org or contact artwalkventura@yahoo.com Carpinteria and Idyllwild have made the WorldAtlas list for “11 Cutest Small Towns in California to Visit in 2024.” “These towns embody the best that California has to offer, from historical sites to charming downtowns and natural attractions,” the travel publishing company said on its website, worldatlas.com “These towns have the classic small-town atmosphere and are warm and welcoming to visitors.” WorldAtlas describes Ventura as a small surfing community that’s famous for its beaches. The website cites attractions such as the wooden Ventura Pier, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura and Main Street's restaurants and stores as key elements of its charm The WorldAtlas story failed to mention, however, that Main Street is also known for events such as the County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the entirely non-motorized Pushem-Pullem Parade on the Fourth of July Downtown Ventura also features the Majestic Ventura Theater known for its variety of contemporary music acts Nearby is Rubicon Theatre which has featured local actors and TV and movie stars in plays in an intimate auditorium set in a picturesque church The late Ojai actor Larry Hagman of "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Dallas" fame once portrayed a judge there A few miles from downtown is the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Besides the fair, the site has served as the location for the California Strawberry Festival, where there's a mix of berries, rides and bands, and the X Games For more information, see visitventuraca.com The Central Coast beach town of Monterey features everything from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to a place named after a John Steinbeck novel: Cannery Row WorldAtlas noted Cannery Row used to be home to the thriving sardine industry You can learn more at canneryrow.com restaurants and attractions such as the Pier of Fear escape room which is set along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary appeared in several movies including the 1982 adaptation of Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row.” Stars who acted there included Marilyn Monroe in the 1952 movie “Clash by Night.” WorldAtlas also cites Monterey attractions such as the San Carlos Cathedral It’s the oldest operating parish and oldest stone building in the state Monterey stands out as a place visited by Capt. Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy). The Monterey Bay Aquarium served as the filming site for the fictional Cetacean Institute in “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," the 1986 film in which Kirk and his crew went back in time to find whales to save Earth The aquarium will make a big splash for its 40th anniversary with a party on Oct Monterey is also where the hit HBO show — and book of the same name —"Big Little Lies" was set (and where most it was actually filmed) But holy guacamole, WorldAtlas doesn’t mention an event that draws more than 70,000 visitors annually to this small Santa Barbara County city: the California Avocado Festival. Set for Oct. 4, 5 and 6, this year’s outdoor festival in downtown Carpinteria will feature 60 bands, 15 food vendors and 50 arts and crafts and commercial vendors, according to avofest.org Highlights at the Linden Avenue event include Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado producer in North America IdyllwildWorldAtlas praised Idyllwild as a mountain community with “small-town charm.” The website cites the natural beauty of tall pines, cedar and boulders, as well as the hotels and restaurants. In particular, it praises the Strawberry Creek Inn, a nine-room cabin-style bed and breakfast, and a wine bar, Idyll Awhile In addition to what’s on the WorldAtlas site, Idyllwild boasts events such as the Idyllwild Oktoberfest, set for Oct. 12 at the Rustic Theatre and Entertainment Center Expect plenty of German beer drinking and dancing The theater will follow up the festival with a car show Oct Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232 The trauma surgeon standing on a Ventura beach wore the message on his chest Speaking to 300 kids in a junior lifeguard program at San Buenaventura State Beach Tuesday a sheet or even a sock could be used to apply pressure on a potentially fatal blood wound that could come from a surfboard Life-threatening means the blood flows suddenly and quickly trauma medical director at the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura demonstrated by unrolling a sheet of plastic that looked like a cherry Fruit Roll-up and was nearly the size of his shirt “The reason we’re bringing this course to you,” he said emergency medical technicians and others is called Stop the Bleed It was launched by the Barack Obama White House in 2015 pushed by the school shooting three years earlier that left 26 people dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown household accidents involving panes of glass even in injuries caused by an errant fly ball at a Dodgers game The VCMC trauma team has been part of Stop the Bleed since the beginning They help put on training sessions at schools in businesses and this summer for the first time in three beach presentations for some 900 kids learning about rip currents water safety and CPR in the California State Parks' three-week junior lifeguard program Duncan told the junior guards about the person who helped save the life of a surfer hit by a board The surfer's friend fashioned a tourniquet out of a board’s leash The quick thinking kept the surfer around long enough to be treated at the hospital Duncan told the story of meeting someone in a Taylor Swift shirt who insisted he would not give up the gear to stop someone's bleeding "You can always get another shirt," he said A young girl wore sunscreen shaped into a heart they were told the first step before trying to help someone is to make sure the scene is safe and they won’t get hurt Then they need to apply pressure to the wound The kids learned how to use tourniquets on each other they talked about how gratifying it would feel to save someone’s life noted the message is being presented often and not just to adults but to school kids It means the instructors think there's a relatively high chance people will need to know what to do “It makes you feel like it’s more likely to happen,” she said For more information on Stop the Bleed presentations Junipero Serra dangled from a crane Thursday on its return to Ventura nearly four years after it was removed in the dark of night from its long-held post in front of City Hall The landmark was hoisted away in a move authorized by the city in the wake of protests over the missionary priest’s role in ending the way of life for tens of thousands of Chumash people who lived in villages that dotted the coast Counter-protesters filed a lawsuit and an appeal in a failed attempt to force the city to keep Serra in place On Thursday, the statue returned in the back of a truck, draped in blankets and plastic, delivered to the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura. The mission was founded by Serra in 1782, the last of nine California missions started by the priest The same art transportation company that removed the statue at 3 a.m setting it down gingerly on a concrete base in a corner garden where it will be permanently displayed More than a dozen onlookers ranging from the Rev one of Serra's successors as mission pastor to former city councilmember Christy Weir who snapped photos of the moment he remembered watching in horror as workers removed the statue four years earlier working at night in hopes of avoiding protesters a psychotherapist who was part of the Save Serra drive the bands attached to the statue to lift it felt like a lynching then smiling as he tried explain what it means to see the statue return to Ventura “I’m pleased in ways I haven’t anticipated.” But the debate about Serra and the impact of the mission era on indigenous people rages on an elder in the Chumash and Tataviam tribes remembered accusations during protests four years ago that Chumash and others were trying to change history The thought made him spit out a bitter laugh in a phone call Wednesday Salazar and others cite the devastation of the Native Americans who were welcomed into the missions and then told they could not leave Tens of thousands in California died from the European diseases that feasted on the crowded settlements More than 3,000 indigenous people were buried at Mission San Buenaventura Supporters call the 5-foot-2 priest, made a saint by Pope Francis in 2015 and he had a rightful place in front of City Hall," said Jerry Cranham a member of the mission church's parish council The oil-and-water views propelled a war over the 9-foot-3 bronze statue that was installed in front of City Hall in 1989 replacing a concrete monument of Serra that was deteriorating the saint's defenders carried signs that said "Serra: Defender of the Chumash." Others countered with "Father Genocide." The statue’s removal came at a time of fear The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 sparked Black Lives Matter protests nationwide Statues were toppled in San Francisco and Los Angeles a statue of the priest at Santa Barbara Mission was decapitated and splashed with red paint then Ventura’s mayor and now a county supervisor contends the true story of the statue's removal in Ventura has been skewed He said the action was triggered by police intelligence revealing plans to topple and destroy the statue Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler said the threats came in the form of social media posts suggesting efforts to topple Serra statues across the state could reach here “There were a few days where we kind of covertly watched the statue,” he said noting the risks and the increasing need for security pushed him to talk to the city manager no-holds-barred meeting the monument needed to be removed from public property The statue’s stay at City Hall represented a “glaring juxtaposition” of the separation of church and state and also celebrated conquest who is Chumash and chair of the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians He said the mission seemed a more fitting home Far be it for me to tell them not to do it.” Others with differing views still simmer with frustration Lawyer Jim McDermott helped lead a group that sued the city asking for a temporary restraining order blocking the statue’s removal Both the Ventura County Superior Court and the 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled against them The statue's new home does not sit well with McDermott He criticized the mission’s decision to support the City Hall exodus and said church leaders provided the city with a conveniently easy alternative to keeping the statue where it was “I think it will now serve as a monument to the church’s complicity in having it removed,” he said argued the removal may have helped save the monument “It wasn’t torn down and dragged through the streets,” he said From the moment the statue was moved to a storage site in Los Angeles plans were in place to bring it to the mission An archaeolgocial dig of the statue's new garden home revealed no human remains and what appeared to be minor artifacts unrelated to the Chumash triggering the mission to start a GoFundMe drive that has brought more than $9,000 To some watching the statue being installed “It feels like a closure to a really difficult a cross dangling by rosary beads from a belt of rope SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: To see more stories like this, subscribe. 0$0.00 Saint Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage / stserrapilgrimage.org CV NEWS FEED // Over 300 pilgrims participated in this year’s 35-mile trek from the Santa Barbara Mission to the San Buenaventura Mission Basilica in Southern California the founder of the Missions and the patron saint of California The fourth annual Saint Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage took place from Aug continuing the tradition established in 2020 by Greg and Mary Wood who were inspired by the Spanish friar and his missionary life Angelus News reported on Aug spent two days walking between the Missions Local Knights of Columbus provided them with meals Serra is “the apostle of California,” one pilgrim told Angelus “We’re living in a crazy upside-down distorted world … so you have to stand up and do something beautiful like have a pilgrimage in the honor of Junípero Serra.” which Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez celebrated in the San Buenaventura Mission Basilica in Ventura The statue had been removed in 2020 amid safety concerns due to protests Addressing the hundreds who gathered for the statue’s blessing Greg Wood reflected on the persecution of the saint’s legacy as their motivation to begin the pilgrimage “We knew we had to stand up for what we know is true.” Catholic News Agency reported in July “Amid a national debate and sometimes violent reckoning on race and racism in 2020 Serra was singled out by California activists as a symbol of colonialism and oppression.” Serra frequently defended Native Americans from Spanish military abuses after funding from the Spanish government ended he drafted a 33-point “bill of rights” for them He also traveled from California to Mexico City pastor of the San Buenaventura Mission and director of Historic Mission Sites for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Serra’s legacy and has consistently refuted the accusations that St Serra was responsible for abuse of Native Americans “The missions in California remain a testament to the founding of Western civilization and the introduction of the Catholic faith — which most Indigenous descendants in California profess,” said Fr. Elewaut, according to a September 2022 Angelus News article.  Angelus reported on Aug. 16 that Fr. Elewaut spent three years negotiating with tribal leaders and city officials before finally receiving permission to restore the statue in the gardens of the Ventura Mission in February Greg Wood described the pilgrims who supported this year’s event as “faithful willing to sacrifice suffering for a greater good The pilgrims seemed to take inspiration from Greg Wood himself Junípero Serra Pilgrimage attendee who wished to remain anonymous The attendee shared with CatholicVote that Wood “was a shining light of joy and humor and kindness appearing everywhere among the pilgrims.” The source shared that Wood was brought to tears at the blessing and reinstallation of the statue in its proper place Restoring it had been a cause close to his heart ever since the statue was removed from its place in front of the old Ventura courthouse Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms and Conditions The Ventura City Council voted on Tuesday to keep Main Street closed to vehicles The council will revisit the issue in January when an environmental report on the impact of the street closure is complete Councilmember Mike Johnson cast the only "no" vote but the city needs a solid legal basis to do that," Johnson said Johnson wanted to direct staff to reopen Main Street to cars but didn't have the support of council colleagues Since June 2020 a portion of the city's downtown corridor has been closed to vehicle traffic In July 2023, the ban was extended to bicycles The closure was meant to make the downtown core more pedestrian friendly and to help struggling restaurants and shops But the ongoing shutdown has become controversial A group of property owners the group alleges the vehicle ban led to a loss of commercial tenants The matter is still playing out in Ventura County Superior Court said Tuesday the city would lose the lawsuit I guess we'll keep litigating it," Goldenring said We have always wanted to collaborate with the city council members learned it could take approximately four to six months to reopen the street "There will still be a waiting period to figure things out," said Councilmember Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios Twenty-six people spoke during Tuesday's meting with most in favor of keeping Main Street closed to motorists "I humbly request we keep Main Street for people and tell the cars they'll have to make do with everything else," said Kenan Rubenstein The city council considered completely closing the street The ongoing closure won out in part because of public support which included more than 200 emails in favor of keeping cars off the route "I really just appreciate the community coming out and emailing us and talking to us about how safe they have felt how they really enjoy downtown now more," Sanchez-Palacios said Council members made Tuesday's decision with the help of a city-conducted online survey of property and business owners On October 22 the council discussed survey results that showed the majority of property owners wanted to see Main Street reopen to vehicles while more than half of business owners want to keep it closed 5 ballot could update Ventura’s city charter allowing for a boost in council members' pay and changing requirements on filling vacant seats A “yes” vote on Measures P and Q would allow the changes A “no” vote would keep the charter the same Both require a simple majority or greater than 50% to pass If approved, Measure P would allow council members pay to jump from a maximum of $600 a month up to $1,900 monthly What to know about Measure P in VenturaFor over 30 years, Ventura’s charter set the maximum monthly pay at $600 according to an analysis by the city attorney The mayor could receive an additional $100 a month If approved by voters, the measure would instead allow compensation that does not exceed the limits set by California law The state sets maximum pay based on a city’s population ranging from $950 for the smallest cities to $3,200 for those with populations over 250,000 the monthly pay could increase up to $1,900 monthly voters not only would have to pass the measure but the council would be required to hold public hearings and approve an ordinance to set the new pay Other changes also would update provisions to align with state laws including those that city officials say are no longer enforceable That includes requirements that council candidates live in the city for at least a year prior to an election or appointment and that the city manager be a Ventura resident Current City Manager Bill Ayub is a Ventura resident What to know about Measure Q in VenturaMeasure Q would change the way council vacancies are filled when a member resigns or otherwise leaves office before the end of a term the charter requires the council to appoint someone to a vacant seat But if the council does not appoint someone the charter requires that a special election be called The newly elected council member would then fill the seat for the remainder of the term unless there is less than eight months before a municipal election the seat could remain vacant until the regular election Measure Q would eliminate the requirement to call a special election which can be more expensive when costs are not shared by other jurisdictions If passed, the council would be required to appoint someone to fill the vacant seat. The appointee would fill the seat until the next consolidated election. A consolidated election happens when there are two or more elections on the same day. Over the past decade, elections have taken place nearly every year More information about the measures is available at cityofventura.ca.gov/2619/November-5-2024-Election How to vote: Early voting started in person on Oct. 7 at the elections division in the Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura. Ten additional vote centers will open throughout the county on Oct Voters also can return ballots by mail, at an official drop-off box or the county elections office. Ballots need to be signed and dropped off by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by Nov. 5 if returned by mail. More information is available at venturavote.org Track your ballot: Voters can track their ballot at california.ballottrax.net/voter to see when it is mailed Latest election news: vcstar.com/news/elections/ Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260 Staking out a private piece of oceanfront heaven in Ventura County By Craig Outhier | Photos courtesy Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach but you win back much more with those 30 extra miles To find the more people-watching-friendly beaches, hop in a car and drive six miles to Surfer’s Point (visitventuraca.com) near the Ventura County Fairgrounds, known for its steady swells and showboat-y riders. Nearby Harbor Cove Beach (visitventuraca.com) offers the liveliest beach scene in Ventura with nearby Ventura Harbor Village and its welter of shops and restaurants “Fluid State [Beer Garden] (fluidstatebeer.com) is an awesome brew pub and pizza joint in an historical building,” he continues. “And DV’s Mexican Grill (dvsmexicanfood.com) is a good greasy spoon panko-encrusted crab croquettes and grilled swordfish with roasted turnip and eggplant shine on the “Ocean” half of the dinner menu while oxtail bao with funkily tart kimchi and roast Jidori chicken with creamy local-grain polenta roar up from the “Ranch” half the latter dish lacquered in smoked strawberry jam a pairing I infinitely prefer to mint jelly and lamb In short: No real reason to leave Zachari Dunes the end of summer is nearing and one last swim in the brisk Pacific beckons before checkout tomorrow A roundup of other illustrious oceanfront properties in SoCal This Huntington Beach Hilton property boasts “direct beach access” (read: you have to walk across a parking lot) and commanding views of the Orange County city’s legendary surf. Spend an afternoon biking the boardwalk, followed by a fire-pit huddle on the beach at dusk. waterfrontresort.com Arizonans need no introduction to the Victorian-inspired grande dame of Coronado Island. Check out the property’s new Shore House suites south of the main building – a resort-within-a-resort with private beach access. hoteldel.com At the risk of quibbling, you have to hop a busy boardwalk and another busy bike path to walk another 500 feet to the water, but yes, you’re technically oceanfront at this lavish, East-Coast sanatorium-style hotel in Santa Monica. shuttersonthebeach.com and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing and investigative features keep our 385,000 readers in touch with the Valley's latest trends (202) 225-3601 On the same day Ventura leaders voted to remove statues of Father Junipero Serra Archdiocese of Los Angeles officials announced the local mission he founded has been designated a church of the pope founded by Serra in 1782 as the last of his nine missions has been named a minor basilica by Pope Francis It becomes the first church in the Catholic archdiocese to claim the distinction and the seventh in California "It means this is holy ground," said Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez,  announcing the designation Wednesday from the mission's garden "Something beautiful and important in the history of salvation happened here." The public release of a decision made by the pope in June came during a Mass celebrating St said there is no connection between the timing of the announcement and the toppling of Serra statues in California That controversy is driven by anger over the role of Serra — made a saint by Pope Francis in 2015 — and the mission movement in the domination of indigenous people the Ventura City Council voted 6-0 to remove a statue of the missionary in front of City Hall and ultimately give it to the mission A second statue inside City Hall will also be removed Serra statues: City Council decides to remove controversial statues at City Hall Elewaut said he supports the city's decision as a way to protect the monuments He noted the drive to gain basilica status started six years ago The designation is a reflection of the mission's 238-year history its faith work, sacred art and influence on the community The status also denotes a special connection to the Vatican and Pope Francis "We become the pope’s church," Elewaut said One could assume that if the pope were to visit Southern California The mission announcement means there are now 88 minor basilicas in the United States Elewaut said he learned of the pope's decision from Gomez on June 30 It was decided to make the announcement public at Wednesday's feast day The Mass was pushed outside after state officials announced early this week indoor activities in houses of worship and some businesses in many counties must close to help slow the spread of COVID-19 "Pope Francis has given us the gift of this new basilica at a challenging moment in America's history," said Gomez at the Mass Different reactions to the designationThe basilica designation triggered widely divergent reactions a Chumash and Tataviam elder who lives in Ventura and left the Catholic Church at age 18, said he doesn't see the mission as a holy place He cited "what the church and the mission did to destroy tribal culture the fact that they looked on us as inferior human beings." said she's fine with the basilica designation and noted that the Chumash see the entire region as holy Relieved that the city will remove the Serra statues "He is the face of a system that completely devastated us," she said Elewaut said the basilica designation means the Archdiocese of Los Angeles — the nation's largest with more than 4 million Catholics — will finally have a basilica He said the honor also underscores the commitment to live "our Catholic faith" through outreach evangelical work and witnessing the gospel And he said the basilica status is also an attribute for Serra "He brought Christianity to this land," he said acknowledging the decimation of culture but contending it's wrong to lay all of that on Serra asserting the missionary loved the indigenous people "There is a layering of things that happened." Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere attended the Wednesday garden Mass where the basilica announcement was made "I’m incredibly excited for Father Tom and the mission," he said I think it's a great day for the church and the city." LaVere said he separates the statue controversy from the accomplishments of the mission church But he also said the basilica designation in a way reinforces the logic of giving the Serra statue to the church "What a better place for the statue to go," he said Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com or 805-437-0255 SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: To see more stories like this, subscribe here - An iconic religious statue removed from Ventura City Hall four years ago is back Junipero Serra was craned back into place in Ventura this week The statue's removal was authorized by the city in the wake of protests targeting the missionary priest’s role in ending the way of life for indigenous Chumash people The statue was delivered to the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura It took several hours for the statue to be put in place using a crane Members of the mission are thrilled to receive the statue "its a great honor for us it's historic … and it adds to the layers of history going back 200 years here in San Buenaventura," said father tom Elewaut of the San Buenaventura mission "Now it's got a home it's going to be here and now all the parishioners and all the visitors that come to the mission will be able to see the statue of Father Serra," said parishioner Daniel Mooney of the San Buenaventura Mission the last of nine California missions started by the priest “With all praise and glory to God, Pope Francis has elevated Mission San Buenaventura to the status of a Minor Basilica, the first basilica in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.” The announcement of the papal honour was made on the Mission’s website on Wednesday The Mission San Buenaventura was founded on Easter Sunday It was the ninth and last of the historic missions founded by the Franciscan saint The original church building was destroyed by fire and construction of a second church was abandoned when “the door gave way.” The present church was begun in 1792 The Church was dedicated on 9 September of that year with the first Sunday liturgy celebrated the following day News of Pope Francis’s decision to raise the Mission to the status of a Basilica was communicated to the Archbishop of Los Angeles Archbishop Goméz celebrated a special Mass at the Mission joined by regional Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron and Father Tom Elewuat that something beautiful and important in the history of salvation happened here.” The designation of a church as a minor Basilica is a recognition of its importance in the pastoral life of the local Church often because of its historical significance or because of the presence of major relics of a saint or of a notably venerated sacred image Churches with the title of Minor Basilica are marked in a special way by their connection to the Pope and the Church of Rome and so serve as a sign and symbol of the universality of the Church Basilicas are granted the privilege of an “ombrellino” – a red and yellow cone-shaped canopy — and a “tintinnabulum,” a bell mounted on a pole that can be carried in processions Basilicas are also permitted to use the crossed “papal keys” on banners and signs Commenting on the Mission’s new status as a Basilica “This is going to put a greater responsibility on the parish leadership and the people of the parish to discover new ways of evangelization in the spirit of St Thank you for reading our article. 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Just click here Flaunting some of the nation's top beaches, California is always fun to vacation in from the rugged coastline to the mountains and back to the soft-sanded beaches Whether you're into surfing or lounging in the sun the underrated towns offer a unique take on the Golden State with all the beautiful views and amazing beach vibes From the Golden Gate Bridge near Sausalito to the readily accessible Channel Islands National Park in Ventura the best of the state doesn't have to be crowded And while the first town may require a morning drive San Luis Obispo County buzzes with activities Enjoy the rest of the hot summer and mild year-round climate to stay outdoors Home to the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Los Padres National Forest San Luis Obispo County is always fun to explore just 25 minutes off the Pacific at the midpoint between San Francisco and Los Angeles Atascadero may take longer to reach but is worth the effort The town flaunts family-friendly attractions like a popular golf course and the 102-acre Heilmann Regional Park The 5-acre Charles Paddock Zoo features a woodsy vibe and animals from globally managed preservation programs nothing beats an early-morning hike along the Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trailhead followed by brunch at the Country Touch Cafe join the locals for lunch at the airy Colony Market & Deli a unique midcentury gas station serving hearty sandwiches The Artery offers supplies to create masterpieces for every artistic level and direction while Chalk Mountain Golf Course and Paloma Creek Park with a bright playground are just a stroll away to continue a memorable day Visitors can stay centrally at the 1928 Carlton Hotel with easy access to your morning java at Bru and independent shops like Mudflat Mercantile’s collection of vintage cowboy boots The top-rated Eden House at Carriage Vineyards offers serenity away from downtown Ever crave the Santa Cruz experience without the crowds or the skyrocketing prices for services? Taste it all in Capitola a Northern California resort town of barely 9,500 locals tucked into the hillside along Monterey Bay and Soquel Creek making it one of the world's most historic villages relocating the indigenous people to Mission Santa Cruz prospectors lived in oceanfront tents along the beach surrounded by coastal beauty with panoramic views of the Pacific coastline camping persists along the sands to the sound of the beating waves The underrated town is as colorful as its history and colorful wood-framed bungalows against the cerulean sea Enjoy the spectacular views under the swaying palms and surfable waves preps fresh all-day grab-and-go sandwiches and housemade baked goods to power your adventures Pack a picnic for a stroll along Soquel Creek to the vast Capitola State Beach it is all about an afternoon of sandcastle building while the historic village awaits with Hawaiian-style restaurants The fancy Shadowbrook Restaurant flaunts quirky dining rooms with creek views along with California cuisine and an extensive wine list Walking Trail is a scenic beachfront boardwalk while Esplanade Park is perfect for a relaxed morning stroll may just be among the world's most overlooked towns comprising just two picture-perfect miles along both sides of the historic Coast Highway 101 visitors can enjoy easy access from every block to its award-winning City Beach for great swimming and intermediate surf while the pet-friendly atmosphere extends to some beaches This beach is also great for a photoshoot under scenic bluffs with unsanctioned trails along the cliffs like the popular dirt path parallel to the train track for miles of walking or jogging along the bluff From oceanfront parks and scenic spots for a relaxing picnic bring your two- and four-legged kids to the River Mouth a broad wedge perfect for volleyball and sandcastle building Del Mar is a compelling destination for couples and solo travelers who like to rough it up by day and go out in style at night The Powerhouse and Seagrove parks feature a playground and beach access while each lifeguard station features helpful tourist maps Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the state's finest nature preserves with its stunning beach backed by cliffs nudging right up against the town The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has been delighting equestrians every year since Bing Crosby's initiative in 1937 Visitors can stop by the state-of-the-art facility at the Del Mar Fairgrounds which plays host to the summertime San Diego County Fair and unwind along the San Dieguito River at the top-rated Viewpoint Brewing Company this lively seaport town between San Francisco and Portland blends eccentricity and diversity with quaint seaside charm Flaunting a Victorian-style Old Town district and a working harborfront has a split personality with an eco-conscious and artistic The logging trucks add authenticity to a prosperous lumber town rumbling past hundreds of ornate 19th-century homes like the elaborate take on Queen Anne architecture of the Carson Mansion The pretty waterfront promenade overlooks Humboldt Bay where rustic fishing boats chug alongside handsome cruise ships and the MV Madaket offers a highly demanded one-hour guided cruise in early 20th-century digs From the outstanding Eureka Visitors Center to the small maritime museum and many galleries throughout the Redwood Discovery Museum features kid-friendly hands-on exhibits on art the former Carnegie Free Library hosts exhibits by local and international artists as the gorgeously appointed Morris Graves Museum of Art Blue Ox Millworks is a Victorian wood shop producing custom architectural millwork for historic homes and new construction Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest AZA-accredited community zoo in the state The internationally acclaimed Redwood Sky Walk deep in Sequoia Park is an all-accessible network of suspended bridges within an old- and new-growth redwood grove Visitors can walk some 60 feet above ground among the record-setting trees plus the 100-foot-high bridge over a ravine spanning the forest floor Woodley Island flaunts the area's largest working marina overlooking the next catch being brought in which would run aground along the uneven seafloor was badly damaged in 1906 and tenaciously rebuilt in 1908 as the town was ravaged by a devastating fire in 1927 Proving themselves resilient once again by reviving Point Arena many of the downtown buildings date from this reconstruction period having rejected the idea of a nuclear power plant project and taking advantage of its scenically rugged coastline the underrated town rediscovered itself as a heavenly escape for mind The protected marine wildlife areas have successfully earned it the designation of a California Coastal National Monument while the land appears as it did years ago—wild and untouched stop by the rustic Point Arena Fishing Pier and say hello to animals at the B Bryan Preserve Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands features serene acres for walking and photoshoots and onto the striking 115-year-old Point Arena Lighthouse the slower pace encourages visitors to savor each moment like savoring the sunset against unmarred coastline views Defined by its iconic floating artist homes constructed after WWII and unparalleled views of Richardson Bay Sausalito is a real NorCal golden gem just across the Golden Gate Strait from San Francisco One of the state's most scenic small beach towns visitors come to enjoy a day on the water and ogle at the scenery from the Golden Gate Bridge Primarily a delightful getaway for the senses with a gourmet selection of oceanside dining steps from the beautiful beaches and promenades visitors take advantage of Sea Trek Kayak and SUP to explore the waters and beneath take a sunset cruise or a ferry to the Embarcadero is open for tours to experience the rise and fall of tides while the Floating Homes tour offers a unique glimpse of the appointed boardwalk the Lighthouse Cafe elevates every breakfast experience with an American menu and Danish options After a morning stroll through Dunphy Park return for waterfront recreation like sand volleyball Browse through unique pottery at Heath Ceramics to decorate your home while the Industrial Center Building houses an art gallery Bar Bocce is a popular oceanside pizzeria overlooking Pelican Harbor for snacks and drinks with a side of scenery Often overlooked and deeply loved by its locals Ventura is a perfect SoCal escape just south of the beautiful Lake Casitas just a two-hour train ride away for Angelenos it is a great early morning wakeup call to take on the waves after a delectable lunch burrito at Lalo's Fast Food Many come just to chill out at the iconic Surfers Point at Seaside Park a destination beach for surfers and windsurfers with picnic tables and comfort amenities to linger against spectacular coastal views Don't miss a selfie by the hilltop Serra Cross a time-tested wooden cross with a storied past while the sweet Kellogg Park at the heart features a kids' playground The spectacular 132-acre Arroyo Verde Park offers miles of hiking trails while Golf N Stuff is a popular amusement park for all ages protected sand stretch renowned for its birding After a hike through the Harmon Canyon Preserve north of downtown revel in serenity along the Harbor Cove Beach Blessed with a good share of SoCal's attractions and arid natural beauty Ventura Botanical Gardens is a must-visit amid over 160 plant species offering guided and themed tours against all the flora find a spot among the selection of local high-end seaside restaurants serving seafood classics like fish and chips or succulent oysters Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park is a must-stop for a guide to your onward adventures Chase lighthouses in Point Arena or take in the sunset from the rustic boardwalk in Sausalito after an afternoon SUP experience The popular state to visit deserves all the accolades without the hot bodies crowding up your space why not cloud your mind with a long list of Santa Cruz experiences without the long lines for seafood indulgences in Capitola Enjoy a culturally enriching stroll through the Victorian-style Old Town district and a working harborfront in Eureka an eco-conscious and artistic college town While you can't beat the heat along coastal SoCal at least make it pleasant in these seven towns without the crowded attractions or astronomical hotel prices in the high season photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Print A magnitude 3.8 earthquake was reported Friday morning at 10:26 a.m The earthquake occurred nine miles from San Buenaventura (Ventura) there have been no earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby An average of 234 earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in California and Nevada according to a recent three-year data sample The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10.6 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions. Quakebot is a software application developed by the Los Angeles Times to report the latest earthquakes as fast as possible. It is maintained by The Times’ Data and Graphics Department. Learn more by reading our list of frequently asked questions. California World & Nation Print San Buenaventura Explore all of California’s 21 famed missions >> This was the last of the nine missions founded by Father Junípero Serra Destroyed by fire in 1793 and rebuilt after an 1812 earthquake the church was dramatically modernized in the 1890s then restored to a historical appearance in the 1950s The almost overflowing mission museum includes two wooden bells Chumash baskets and a confessional made from Spanish shipping containers In the church there’s a copper baptismal font that dates to the mission’s early years Nearby: The neighboring Museum of Ventura County (www.venturamuseum.org) at 100 E has exhibits on the Chumash people before European contact as well as contemporary art The heart of downtown Ventura is just east of the mission with many restaurants and shops along highly walkable Main Street Info: 211 E. Main St., Ventura; (805) 643-4318, www.sanbuenaventuramission.org Driving distance from Los Angeles City Hall: 74 miles northwest In 1912, The Times covered the installation of a new cross at San Buenaventura to replace the one Father Junípero Serra put up in 1782 In 1997, The Times reported on the discovery of old blueprints that shed new light on the use of rooms of the Ventura mission Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990. Travel & Experiences There was a lot going on in 2016 when Ventura celebrated 150 years as a city a poster contest and “1 million acts of kindness,” an initiative launched by then-Mayor Cheryl Heitmann as a way to brighten lives Planning for many of the events began in 2015 and that’s the year longtime elected official Christy Weir thought in addition to all of that: “We need something lasting.” She thought of artist Michael O’Kelly who has lived in Ventura for decades and who has art all around the world Weir had long thought his work should be featured prominently in Ventura, and she had been frustrated that his art was everywhere but here. The sesquicentennial presented an opportunity to change that on a wall just outside the San Buenaventura Mission in downtown Ventura 9½ feet tall and composed of 2,300 tiles.  “The hardest part was leaving anything out,” O’Kelly said the pioneers who brought something to the town and left their mark The mural was funded entirely through private donations — although it required an easement onto the public sidewalk — and grew significantly in scope as it went along it was envisioned as being 12 feet by 8 feet raising money as costs grew and archaeological findings with plans to replace it with the one for the mural they hit the edge of what was believed to be a cemetery used by the Chumash from the 1780s.  this time on a wall about 2 feet farther out Because of the timing, the nearly completed mural incorporated two major events that happened between 2016 and 2018.  depicted by O’Kelly as a phoenix rising from the flamenco dress worn by his wife who is pictured next to their son Devin.  4 just outside of Santa Paula, is the largest officially recorded fire in modern California history More than 500 homes burned and countless people were displaced, some temporarily and others permanently.  event for O’Kelly and his wife was the loss of Devin it was so debilitating that I thought about giving the whole thing up and just quitting and it was very hard,” O’Kelly said “But his writing and his art and his friends brought me back to realize I could keep going in a way that would honor him.” who was a senior at Santa Clara University is also in the mural holding a copy of the Ventura County Star newspaper VENTURA TURNS 150: 1 million acts of kindness “It’s comforting to be able to walk past this mural and see him, I think as it is for other people who’ve come to see it already and they’ve seen their parents or their loved ones in the mural who’ve passed on,” O’Kelly said. “It’s been very emotional and very cathartic for those people a retired firefighter and owner of California Oaks Property Management She’s in the mural near the Palms on the Avenue It’s where she worked in high school in the 1950s.  “She was 16. I remember getting some of my first Cokes and french fries there,” Hilty said The picture is based on a high school yearbook photograph Also in the mural is former Ventura Police Department Sgt Hilty said there are plans to install a plaque honoring Cal Fire Engineer Cory Iverson, who died near Fillmore while fighting the Thomas Fire There are nods to agriculture in the lima beans recognitions of buildings including the first fire station (now the Clocktower Inn) Father Junipero Serra and those with last names who probably sound familiar: Poli in Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie; Phil Taggart current Ventura County poet laureate; ARTLIFE publisher Joe Cardella; young musician Jade Hendrix; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy singer Scotty Morris; longtime resident Helen Yunker; and on and on.   O’Kelly worked closely with historian Cynthia Thompson to make sure the mural included all the major players and buildings and was accurately depicted but historical accuracy is crucial,” Weir said and that’s been a lot over the past three years One of her favorite features about the piece It should last hundreds of years and require little maintenance O’Kelly used what is called the cuerda seca method of applying the colored glaze to the ceramic tiles which involves painting black lines around the shapes and filling them in by hand with a syringe The result should be a piece of privately funded public art to last for hundreds of years.  Weir is hopeful its location near Figueroa Plaza the mission and the Museum of Ventura County will create a triangle that could spur tourism and invigorate it even further “My hope is that the families who have gone before us will be able to come here and see their family history,” Weir said. “We have children come to the mission all the time and those children will be able to look at the history of our city here and see what happened before and hopefully, envision what they might want to see happen in the future with their own part in our history and be inspired to make a difference in our city and to make it even better.” The mural was on display for the Amgen Tour of California race on Monday but will be covered for finishing touches until sometime next month Part of that work involves installing the rest of the sponsor plaques; The Star is one of the sponsors.  Father Tom Elewaut felt incredibly moved when he saw the sculpture depicting Mary holding the lifeless body of her crucified son “It’s really emotional when you think someone died for us,” said Elewaut “Even if you’re not a person of faith He spoke just steps from the newest addition to the mission a full-size replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pietà one of just 112 Vatican-authorized copies that have come to be housed in locations around the world It is composed into an equilateral triangle of about 6 feet the mission will hold an official unveiling of the replica Pietà, originally made in 1498 and 1499 according to the certificate of authenticity After being vandalized in 1972 by a geologist wielding a rock hammer, the original is now housed behind bulletproof glass at Old St More Ventura art: Mural celebrates Ventura’s more than 150 years as a city A cardinal named Jean de Billheres commissioned Michelangelo to make the sculpture as a funeral monument according to “Michelangelo: The Man church officials cleared a historic baptismal room near the back of the mission They turned the space into what will be a prominent gallery to feature the Pietà the only piece of his work the artist felt compelled to sign who has a studio at Bell Arts Factory in west Ventura, created a custom stained-glass window of three crosses on Calvary Hill believed to be the son of God in the Christian faith painted a blue backdrop to look like heavy drapes Shelves were cut into the walls to feature sacred relics and a heavy pedestal was placed along the back wall to support the sculpture.   Elewaut said much of the original has been captured in this rendition composed of crushed Carrera marble from the same quarry Michelangelo used Historians say Michelangelo carved the piece from a single slab There are the many pleats in Mary’s veil and garments the soft lines of her young face as she looks down at her son the marks from the nails in Jesus’ feet while an additional 12 were cast in bronze The Vatican Observatory Foundation authorized the castings in 2009 It was the first time the copies had ever been authorized by the Vatican museum or the foundation One goal was to raise money for the observatory which studies astronomy out of its Italy headquarters and U.S The observatory has worked from the University of Arizona since opening a site there in 1981 after light pollution became a deterrent to its work it had been in Rome and now is headquartered just outside the city in Castel Gandolfo a staff astronomer based in Arizona.  The university’s astronomy program is affiliated with the country of Vatican after Pope Gregory XIII instituted the Gregorian calendar (the one used today), the Vatican has continued to study astronomy Also in Ventura: Year-round shelter homeless shelter could open in county building There are other replicas of the Pietà but none of the other locations are arguably as public One is at Bishop Alemany High School in the San Fernando Valley while a bronze replica is at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland People from all around the world visit the mission The mission was able to buy the statue after receiving a donation from Jacqueline and Brad Hanson The Hansons were introduced to Elewaut through a mutual friend who is an art purveyor with the first of those being months after a man believed to have a mental illness damaged the sculpture and proclaimed himself Jesus the sculpture returned to the public but this time carefully guarded Michelangelo is believed to have signed it after another artist briefly received credit for it the mission will hold a brief announcement at 4 p.m Elewaut would be happy if many people visited the piece.  “We’re hoping for a tremendous celebration of gratitude San Buenaventura is a 500MW coal-fired supercritical power project under construction in the Quezon province of the Philippines San Buenaventura Power Limited Company (SBPL) Daelim Industrial and Mitsubishi Corporation it will be the first supercritical power plant in the country San Buenaventura Power (SBPL) is the owner and operator of the supercritical power facility Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), a subsidiary of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), holds the majority share of 51% in SBPL, while the remaining is owned by New Growth, a subsidiary of Electricity Generating Public Company (EGCO Group) SBPL started construction on the project in December 2015 after securing PHP42bn ($896m) funding from a consortium of Philippine banks in November 2015 which represented the country’s biggest exclusive Peso project finance facility The San Buenaventura coal-fired power plant is being constructed in the premises of an existing plant in the Mauban municipality of the Quezon region Using state-of-the-art supercritical boiler technology the San Buenaventura plant will operate at higher pressures leading to significantly more efficient and less-emitting power generation compared to conventional coal-based power plants The San Buenaventura power plant will use sub-bituminous coal as fuel which will be transported from the on-site coal yard to the boiler by covered overland conveyors The supercritical coal power plant will also be fitted with an electrostatic precipitator for fly ash capture and removal and a seawater-based flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) system to reduce emissions It will feature a covered turbine deck to protect the personnel from adverse climates as well as to facilitate easy plant maintenance The gross installed capacity of the San Buenaventura power plant will be 500MW A total of 455MW of power will be sold to the country’s largest electricity distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) The PPA was approved by Philippines’ Energy Regulatory Commission in 2015 The boiler installation for the plant was completed during the last quarter of 2017 SBPL initially planned the plant start-up and grid connection in the fourth quarter of 2018 A consortium of banks led by BDO Unibank extended PHP42.15bn ($896.3m) of loan facility for the San Buenaventura supercritical power plant in November 2015 and Philippine National Bank (PNB) form the consortium Each member of the consortium provided PHP8.42bn ($178.79m) while Metrobank was the collateral trustee The banks also act as joint bookrunners and joint issue co-ordinators Latham and Watkins acted as financial advisor for the financing deal and construction (EPC) contract for the project was jointly awarded to Daelim Industrial and Mitsubishi Corporation in December 2015 Daelim Industrial is the main construction contractor responsible for civil works as well as the construction and installation of associated infrastructure Mitsubishi Corporation designed and supplied industrial boilers and turbines for the San Buenaventura supercritical power 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