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May, 2009: Money Hungry Govt...
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Debt Ridden Ventura City Council $ Desperately Targets $eniors $ With $elective Code Enforcement
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Ventura's
Revenue Razin'
After Losing $10 Million in Risky-Get-Rich-Quick-'High-Risk'-Bad-Investments a few years ago, the City of Ventura in an attempt to Squeeze money out of Ventura Citizens, schemed a program in January [2009] of Selective Housing Code Enforcement, Targeting Fixed Income Seniors with the Threat of 'Pay up & Comply... or Else...'
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| Despite Bad Economy City Goes Fundraising... |
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- by Camille Harris
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The City Council in Ventura, under financial pressure, has now directed Code Enforcement to proactively target anyone and everyone where they can identify a code violation. This is an abrupt change from complaint-based enforcement in place since the very beginning of the department. This new policy affects owner-occupied homes, as in the case of Les Goldberg.
Mr. Goldberg is 90-years-old, with cancer. In spite of his age and cancer, he takes in the homeless and distributes food four days a week to agencies that distribute food to the homeless and poor. Recipient of the Jefferson Award from Jackie Kennedy, he is known as "Hero of the Homeless" and is the author of Living Judaism My Way. Mr. Goldberg believes that what truly matters in life is what one can do for others.
Now he needs a good lawyer who has courage equal to his own. He is most angry that the money he is forced to pay the city will not go to help the homeless. He is angry because he knows that the majority of the elderly will not be able to come up with the money to upgrade their homes to the city's satisfaction and may be put out themselves. Mr. Goldberg finds it ironic, that after having fought to save the homeless for over 40 years, he is now the victim of a policy which he says will create more homelessness.
One proactively cited person, Susana Escobar, has a disabled senior in her second unit, and she will be forced to put him out as she doesn't have the $50,000 required to meet the city's demands. Her mortgage was granted upon having the modest income from the rental, so she may not even be able to keep up the payments and could lose her home.
Another senior, Laura Swenson, had to evict her low-income son from the safe second unit that was in place when she bought her property 16 years ago to support her retirement.
Another low income senior and nationally known artist, Michael Pedizwiatr, had to put out his low income renter and says he will have to sell his home and leave Ventura because he cannot financially meet the city's demands.
The Ojai and Ventura VIEW, May 09
(Cover Detail)
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Approach to Reform: Unresponsive
Unfortunately, the City of Ventura has established a pattern of not responding until there is a lawsuit, as in the case of the expensive failed 911 fee attempt, Helen Yunker (see story page 21, April, 2008/Issue 1 Online) and the city's refusal to even count the signatures on the VCORD (Ventura Citizens for Responsible Development) View Petitions by the legal deadline. In the name of compassion, however, a class action lawsuit may be called for when we see the most vulnerable of our population facing homelessness and financial ruin.
Without comprehensive code reform for the 21st century, the elderly will still be vulnerable to subjective police powers and a code that can be interpreted by whim.
Getting Grandma's House
Perhaps the city is planning an Amnesty program.
A member of the city's staff already wrote, "Amnesty, then Be Nasty !" The nasty part would be, once on the property, the city demands tear downs of additions or whatever else they can find, no matter that it is safe or not. This would bankrupt a senior on social security.
A member of the city Council said to the effect , "We've got to get these old people out of their homes." The City Manager, Rick Cole justified his staffing increase for Code Enforcement as new "revenue opportunities." Cloaked in the disguise of safety, could the real purpose be to reassess property taxes to a higher level from hardship sales of the homes of the elderly and low income residents? Fines and fees go to support the Code Enforcement department, but property taxes go to the General Fund to be spent at the whim of the City Council.
Challenges are Linked
There are two challenges that must be addressed to protect the poor and the elderly and both can be accomplished through Grandfathering with a private home safety inspection.
1. Legalizing second safe affordable units. This allows seniors to remain in their homes and the poor to have safe, affordable shelter while allowing the city to meet state affordable housing requirements. The reason this must be done by private, state and city licensed home safety inspectors brings us to the second challenge.
2. Grandfathering past improvements. Ventura, historically, has been a blue-collar town and people did their own maintenance and improvements. Ventura turned a blind eye and the pattern of Don't Ask Don't Tell was firmly established. The older properties have been continually improved since the town began and sometimes citizens needing to choose between fees to the city or going without, chose to put the money into their homes and improved their properties without permits.
Therefore, you can't do one without the other because seniors will not let the city onto their properties to inspect a second unit, knowing they will be cited for everything and anything that came before. An amnesty plan for second units wouldn't be successful without grandfathering for prior improvements.
What We Need
What we really need is a true Citizens Committee to recommend comprehensive code reform for the 21st century. Ventura's codes are onerous, subjective (what's "unsightly?") and are simply impossible for some of the older homes to meet.
Their proactive, rather than complaint-based, approach also lends itself to selective enforcement and will be used to quell dissent. I cannot begin to tell you how many are frightened to speak up, from the bottom to the top of the economic spectrum, no one is safe from subjective police powers.
Citizens need to know that they have the right to deny access to their properties under the 4th Amendment. If you are a senior or low income person at risk of this policy or can help, please contact us at Camille@vcord.org or 805-648-1902
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- Camille Harris, VCORD
(Ventura Citizens for Responsible Development) www.vcord.org
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Feb 28, 2011: State Sponsored Invasion
of Privacy ~ Big Brother is Watching...
City of Ventura Peering into Your Back Yard With Satellite cameras ~ Mandatory Resale
Inspection Reports???
 State of the City of Ventura/Ojai... Proactive/Gestapo Code Enforcement
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LETTER TO THE CITY
OF VENTURA
From: Cam Harris <harris.cam@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Subject: Comments on item 7
To: JIM.MONAHAN@att.net, Bill Fulton <bfulton@ci.ventura.ca.us>, Brian Brennan <bbrennan@ci.ventura.ca.us>, carl morehouse <cmorehouse@ci.ventura.ca.us>, Christy Weir <christy@christyweir.com>, Jim Monahan <jMonahan@ci.ventura.ca.us>, Mike Tracy <mtracy@ci.ventura.ca.us>, Neal Andrews <NAndrews@ci.ventura.ca.us>, Neal Andrews <nealandrews@att.net>
Dear Mayor Fulton, Deputy Mayor Tracy, Councilmembers Monahan, Andrews, Morehouse, Weir and Brennan,
the goals given by you to the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative [VSHC] included economic benefits, promote permit pulling and ensuring safety. The number one category of input from the public was fear of code enforcement, and reducing fear was one of the goals you assigned to the committee. Many have a concern the Staff's recommendations will increase fear, prevent permit pulling and prevent economic benefits from accruing to our city and community. Here's why: 1. Code Enforcement's staff report, did not acknowledge the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative's six recommendations designed to reach the goals you assigned.
2. Instead, the staff focused on other goals not requested by the community: a. resale inspection program to discover any un-permitted improvements, b. rental registration program that could require you to register your own home if you had to rent it out for an emergency leave of absence
There is no path to wholeness for citizens in the Code Enforcement staff's recommendations. It is a continuation of an outdated punitive process.
3. Lack of due process is a serious issue and it was sidestepped in the Staff's report, but clearly addressed in the VSHC report, through the establishment of the Citizens' Review Board.
4. When a property is turned over to the county for a collection process that can end in foreclosure, no objective party reviews the citations (some were cited for the sin of weeds..was it an elderly person who needed their lawn mowed?)
5. Continued Unjust Prosecution: Since the City staff admits that their records of permits are incomplete, some of these folks may have been prosecuted unjustly for not having permits that actually were pulled in the past and lost by the City.
6. The citizens' input has been distorted by the Code Enforcement Staff. The staff edited 56 recommendations by the public to indicate the policies the public desired were already in place. Upon closer scrutiny, that is simply not so.
7. Code Enforcement claims it would cost the city too much money to improve a process, but there is no corresponding revenue projections.
8. Staff refuses to inform citizens of all rights and remedies at first contact to reduce fear. They say that would cost the city $200,000. It's a one-time form letter that would reduce fear. Fear Continues
9. Staff refuses to drop the harsh practice of clouding titles for non-safety violations so a person cannot access their equity or a buyer cannot get a mortgage. This is a serious financial taking without due process. Increases Fear.
10. Staff refuses to stop the harsh method of turning property owners over to the county for a collection process that can end in foreclosure. Our City's actions initiate a potential foreclosure process. Every other city in VC uses small claims court or a collection agency. Another financial taking without due process. Increases Fear.
11. Staff did not acknowledge the committee's recommendation for a reasonable Compliance program, so only two remedies remain, be wealthy enough to hire an architect and start from scratch, or tear it down. Increases Fear and Violates General Plan.
12. Staff refuses to allow due process or oversight through a Citizens Review Board so the road to financial ruin still has no Due Process. Without this, there is no legitimate community participation for buy-in. Increases Fear.
13. Staff ignored the committee's specific recommendation for an aggressive marketing plan , so whatever is done would not be known by the general public. Defeats Goal for Economic Benefit and Community Buy-In.
14. Staff refuses to disallow searches without a warrant for code violations through the use of satellite cameras in the sky. This violates our 4th Amendment Right to Privacy. Insisting this is ok because it has not been heard yet in the Supreme Court should not be the basis for inclusion in our City's policies. Increases Fear A better measure would be: Is this the right thing to do and will it reduce fear?
15. Staff insists that those with second units must live on their properties. What if they have to go into assisted living? Some are there already. Must they move back home?
16. Staff does not address compliance with State Civil Code 1941 (essentially HUD standard,) which Staff has given "selectively" as the standard of compliance. Increases Fear and Reduces Economic Benefit.
Some key recommendations of the committee, were dismissed or not addressed:
All of these Ensure Safe Housing:
A. Due process and citizen oversight through a Citizens Review Board. Staff claims the Construction Appeals Board does this. According to the Chair of that board, the CAB regards do-it your-selfers as competitors. Their members are Building professionals and there is an obvious conflict of interest. An objective forum for grievances and due process is needed (a jury of one's peers.) This would Reduce Fear, and Create Equity
B. The Resolution to allow legalization of Ventura's safe non-conforming properties, both commercial and residential. Creates Economic Benefit, Promotes Permit Pulling, Reduces Fear, Creates Equity, Ensures Safe Housing and Creates Community Buy-in.
C. A Realistic Compliance program. Reduces Fear and Creates Economic Benefit.
D. An aggressive marketing program to inform the public. Creates Economic Benefit, Reduces Fear.
E. Substitution of private home safety inspectors for city inspectors. Creates Community Buy-in, Reduces Fear and Creates Economic Benefit.
Within the VSHC six recommendations are the details that make them work, such as mitigating adverse neighborhood impacts and city liability. By ignoring the six recommendations of the committee and instead, rephrasing the 56 prior recommendations that were used to implement and detail out the six recommendations, the process is corrupted and confused. An ordinary person who did not work for code enforcement could not understand it. Adopting just Code Enforcement's recommendations will prevent community buy-in, increase fear, not ensure safety, discourage permit pulling and no measurable economic benefit would accrue to the city or community. Ignoring the Collaborative's recommendations and instead adopting the staff reommendations defeats our community's need for a re-building of trust and partnership.
The Ventura Safe Housing Committee spent up to two years to build a safer, more efficient ship, rather than adding more deck chairs to the Titanic. Some members of the VSHC are willing to continue and organize the Citizens Review Board to help the staff implement the improvements desired by the community. This is the highly skilled volunteer help our Mayor requested in his State of the City address. This is your first opportunity to "walk that talk."
Please let the people help you move Ventura forward, as you requested,
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- Camille Harris
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www.camilleharris.com
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"The way to escape from a problem
is to solve it."
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Ventura Overules The U.S. Constitution
City of Ventura ~ Headed for an Expensive Lawsuit?
Wed. June 8, 2011: Robert McNamara and the Institute for Justice were dismissed last night at the Ventura City Council Meeting by Ventura City Attorney Ariel Calonne as a "hack" Libertarian group which, Calonne said, doesn't know much about the U.S. Constitution. This is despite the fact that Mr. McNamara is quoted in a number of national media outlets as a Constitutional expert. (Interestingly enough, about this time of year in 2008 when Calonne was hired by the City of Ventura he, himself, was ON PROBATION, (with a Boulder, Colorado based Probation Officer no less...) which The VIEW feels must qualify Calonne as nothing less than a "Hack" himself !!! Seems to be an obvious case of the Kettle calling the Pot black! (SEE EXCLUSIVE STORY "Does the Ventura City Attorney Need an Atorney?" May 2008, Ojai and Ventura VIEW, Page 7) Apparently Mr. Calonne intercepted a letter (see link below), written by Mr. McNamara, addressed to the City of Ventura Planning Commission from the Institute for Justice. The letter stated that the proposed Ventura ordinance with the 1987 restriction was unconstitutional. The Planning Commissioners were not given the opportunity to read the letter before... they voted, and they voted to approve the revenue driven ordinance. Letter: 6/6/11: McNamara - Institute of Justice Hammers City of Ventura on Illegal Code Enforcement
NOTE: According to the Institute For Justice Website, www.ij.org (LINK HERE), "Robert McNamara serves as a staff attorney with the Institute for Justice. He joined the Institute in August 2006 and litigates cutting-edge constitutional cases protecting First Amendment, property rights, economic liberty and other individual liberties in both federal and state courts.
Currently, Robert is lead counsel representing a group of Philadelphia tour guides challenging a law that would make it illegal for them to give tours without first obtaining a special license from the city government—literally making it illegal for them to talk about the Liberty Bell for compensation. His practice has also included representing Bill Brody, a Westchester County, NY, property owner who is fighting against his state's outrageously unfair eminent domain procedures and a group of Colorado homeowners in their fight to be able to speak freely about politics without subjecting themselves to the threat of lawsuits from their political opponents.
Robert's opinions and views on constitutional issues have appeared nationwide in outlets including including: Air America, All Things Considered, Hannity and Colmes, Fox News Channel, Marketplace, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Wall Street Journal and others.
In 2006, Robert received his law degree from the New York University School of Law. While at NYU, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the NYU Journal of Law & Liberty, a scholarly publication dedicated to the critical examination of classical liberal ideas. In 2003, he earned a dual degree in Communications and Political Science from Boston University. Robert McNamara is a member of the Virginia bar."
SOURCE: Institute for Justice Web
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. McNamara obtained his Law Degree from New York University School of Law (NYU Law), ranked 5th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, wheras Mr. Calonne obtained his Law degree from the Hastings College of Law, which was ranked 42nd by U.S. News & World Report. Time will tell if Lawsuits develop and if Calonne can muster the legal huevos to keep the City of Ventura out of Hot Water! |
PRESS RELEASE: Vta: 1/8/2011 ~ Sat. Jan. 22 Meeting Announced
SAVE OUR HOMES FROM GOVT THEFT
Grandfather Ventura ~ Information on the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative Project for Code Enforcement Policy Improvements. Recommendations to be presented to the City Council in Feb., 2011
- Final Public Meeting to approve recommendations on Grandfathering, Amnesty, Code Enforcement Policies, etc.
- Were your concerns about Code Enforcement addressed? Attendees will decide what matters most. Your opinion only counts if you voice it.
- Jan. 22, Sat., 12 Noon to 2pm, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave.
You can preview the 54 DRAFT recommendations presented by the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative's Goals Subcommittee Click Here
- Public Meetings Were Held July 21st, 2010 and Sept. 11, 2010 with approximately 220 participants. Transcribed Input is available on the Public Records Page where YOU WILL FIND such items as; Draft Recommendation for Citizen Review Board, Draft of Problem Identification Presentation submitted to the VSHC Committee by the Goals Subcommittee December 8th, 2010, 54 Draft Recommendations from the VSHC Goals Committee, Transcribed Public Comment and Draft Recommendations from Goals Subcommittee by Five Topics of Reducing Fear, Promote Permit Pulling, Grandfathering and Amnesty, Economic Benefits and Ensuring Safe Housing, A primary list of issues from the volunteer community members on the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative, other Issues of Concern. info. Grandfatherventura@gmail.com
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 April 2009 Vta City Council Meeting on Code Enforcement: (L-R) Pete Cosenza, Phil Marquez, 94-years old, Rosanna Carlson (Marquez), Angelina Marquez (Phil's wife), and Barbara Marquez-O'Neill.
Phil is a WWII Veteran, was born in Oxnard and has lived in Ventura over fifty years. The City of Ventura Code Enforcement Dept. cited Phil for a "possibly substandard" housing condition, which could result in the fixed income resident receiving a bill from the city, upwards $15,000 to 'comply'.
Ironically, June 14, 2004, Phil was 'honored' as Community Treasurer-Ventura Oral Historian, from Councilman Brian Brennan, (then Ventura Mayor by Rotation), who deemed the date "Phil Marquez Day"!
May Issue #14
Ojai and Ventura VIEW
- Editor
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Marquez passed away on Feb. 15, 2011 in the presence of his loving family. For More information on the above noted meeting, PDF Code Enforcement Story, Pages 4 & 21 and Entire Issue May, Issue 14
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4/2008: Why Ventura is The Broke Capitol
of the World!
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Who's Money is it Anyway?
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Who's Watching
The Store Over At
Ventura City Hall... ?
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The City of Ventura LOST $10 Million Dollars over 3 years ago (well before the recent economic crash), through their ambitious high-risk investment plan; having placed precious taxpayer dollars with Bear Stearns (BS) private assets, which went belly up in the JP Morgan fiasco. This reduced Ventura's get-rich-quick-scheme to pie-in-the-sky. Most cities invest their cash assets in highly safe Treasury instruments and other government-backed securities.
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Feb 28, 2011:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Contact: Camille Harris
805-901-8188
Camille@camilleharris.com
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CITIZENS FEAR LOSS OF HOMES FROM AGGRESSIVE CODE ENFORCEMENT
AND CLAIM LACK OF DUE PROCESS
Citizens' Recommendations Ignored by City Staff
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Following public outcry over increasingly harsh code enforcement practices and a door-to-door inspection program, the City Council of Ventura, seated a citizens' committee to gather public input and return with recommendations for improvements. Now the citizens' committee, the Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative [VSHC], has learned that their recommendations were not even acknowledged in the City staff’s Administrative Report of February 14, 2011. Some members of the VSHC believe that the City staff report not only soils the integrity of the collaborative's work, but is being used to implement a pre-designed plan, that works counter to the public's recommendations.
The city has attempted on prior occasions to implement mandatory resale inspections and rental registration programs, in order to discover improvements or maintenance performed without a city permit. The City's staff recommends them again under the guise of responding to the citizens' report. Complicating the issue is the City's admission that it has lost many of these permits.
See Interview Video of
After engaging at public workshops, the VSHC committee found that primary public issues were more about public fear of code enforcement's exercise of police powers, and the public's lack of an affordable recourse and due process rights, than safety to their homes. Some Collaborative members feel the city's move is more about meeting the city directive for Code Enforcement to become revenue neutral or self-funding, rather than about safety itself.
Citizens have been in a state of fear as they learned that the City clouds their titles for any code violation, including weeds. This prevents them, including the medically sick or unemployed citizens from accessing the equity in their homes.
The city is also under attack from homeowners over the city's use of a process that can end in foreclosure if the homeowner cannot pay the high fines and penalties imposed by the city. Property owners are claiming their Constitutional rights are being denied because there is no third party review of citations or objective forum for a grievance to be heard prior to their being turned over for the foreclosure process or having their titles clouded. One Hundred Fouty-Five homes have been turned over to the county for this collection process.
The City Council will vote on whether to accept the City staff's recommendations or whether to hear the voice of the people from the VSHC on February 28th, 2011 at City Hall in Ventura, California at 6 pm, PST.
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- Camille Harris
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www.camilleharris.com
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"The way to escape from a problem is to solve it." - Alan Saporta
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State of the City ~ Ventura
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"We Believe [City of Ventura]
code enforcement is on the right track..."
- VCReporter Management,
Editorial, April 30, 2009
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NOTE: When the Government Owns the Media: Southland Publications (owner of Ventura shopper publication, VCReporter), Pasadena, California was co-founded by Ventura City Manager Rick-'King'-Cole, who has openly promoted Ventura's intimidatory Code Enforcement policies as a "revenue" generator. (See "Debt Ridden" Column this page).
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"All That is Needed for Evil to Succeed is, that Decent Human Beings Do Nothing"
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4/2008: Why Ventura is The Broke Capitol of the World!
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Who's Money is it Anyway?
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Who's Watching The Store
Over At Ventura City Hall...?
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The City of Ventura LOST $10 Million Dollars over 3 years ago (well before the recent economic crash), through their ambitious high-risk investment plan; having placed precious taxpayer dollars with Bear Stearns (BS) private assets, which went belly up in the JP Morgan fiasco. This reduced Ventura's get-rich-quick-scheme to pie-in-the-sky. Most cities invest their cash assets in highly safe Treasury instruments and other government-backed securities.
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VIEW Detailed Financial Analysis
Go To Page 4 & 5:
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THE MAINSTREAM
~ MEDIA ~ BUREAUCRATIC VALUES...
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"We Believe [City of Ventura] code enforcement is on the right track..."
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- VCReporter Management,
Editorial, April 30, 2009
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VIEW Public Service Announcement
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LETTER: Feb 24, 2011
Fred Evans |
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Real Estate Agent Rebukes Ventura Code Enforcement Scam
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From: camille_harris@hotmail.com
Subject: From Fred Evans
Date: February 24, 2011 6:36:28 PM PST
From: fred@fredevans.com [mailto:fred@fredevans.com]
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
If the realtors and the public don't oppose the staff's recommendation on February 28th [2011], we can look forward to resale inspections with no affordable compliance program, a discriminatory legalization policy...only a very restrictive policy for second units (i.e.owner must live on property), no addressing of neighborhood impacts... nothing for the commercial properties or individual homes. Also, no due process for the citizens or participation in the process.
Continued financial takings through clouding of titles and collection through foreclosure at the county. Prosecution of folks for not having permits, while the city admits it has lost them. Violation of privacy through satellite use. All of these issues were addressed by the VSHC [Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative], and their recommendations were ignored. The City Council owes it to the VSHC committee to directly address their recommendations instead of allowing staff to use the committee as a foil to push its own agenda.
If the citizens, realtors, small landlords, and homeowners don't speak up for themselves on February 28th, the two years of work by members of the VSHC was a waste. The VSHC can only do so much without the public's voice and support. The fear factor needs to go away once and for all.
Self-government will not survive as a spectator sport.
People need to show up and speak up, or be victims. Feb. 28th 6 pm. City Hall, item 7 on the agenda.
Thank you for your time-
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- Fred Evans
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Office: (800)-504-SOLD
fred@fredevans.com www.fredevans.com
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BILL OF RIGHTS
4TH AMENDMENT Right Against Illegal Search/Seizure |
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"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
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"[The People] are the ultimate, guardians of their own liberty."
- Thomas Jefferson
"They made us many promises but they kept only one. They promised to take our land - and they did."
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- Red Cloud, Oglala-Lakota
c. 1822-1909
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| May/2009: Letter - Stacked Deck |
Dear Mayor Weir &
Councilman Andrews, |
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- Michael Pedziwiatr
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I was present at the appeal board meeting of David and Laura Swenson. I feel your own 90-year-old grandmother would not stand a chance against a bunch like these.
Two members were absent. Because of this the Swensons should be entitled to another appeal.
This was a stacked deck that no card shark in Vegas would dare bet against. I feel this is a sham. I will not abide to be judged by an unfair and biased group. I will somehow by whatever will and strength I have bring this to a higher authority.
Please do the right thing and enable your citizens with our proper rights.
The right to liberty, privacy and the pursuit of happiness. My right to be an artist is being threatened. I was not informed that a warrant was needed to see my property. Why do they not inform you of this right ?
I felt threatened and harassed by phone calls from the fire inspector.
This was why I let them in.
My property was not cited for safety code violations !!!
This type of power is unsafe and not just. The code enforcement department
cannot be fair. In twelve years there have been no fires or problems on my property
that indicate an unsafe environment. I live across the street from a fire department !
I feel violated and trod upon. This is unfair.
Please abate this unfair problem that is causing me great stress and loss of sleep.
The members of the board really gave no thought or discussion regarding SAFETY.
The discussion focused on the permit that was not paid for 50 years ago.
Why should we be held accountable for this ? Why should our personal property be taken away from us by our own government ? Would you destroy a structurally sound cottage that you owned and know is safe ? What purpose does this serve ? Do you really wish to uproot a family that contributes to this city in a multitude of ways ?
These are my feelings. I am hurt by your actions, The City of Ventura, CA.
and those of the code enforcement inspectors.
My sister was a dispatcher for the East Chicago Fire Dept. for many years.
I became friends with her squad. I constructed an art piece in honer of the fallen firemen of nine eleven.
The action of this city's fire inspectors paints a stain upon and blemishes
these realities/memories.
I wait to see the path you chose at the city council meeting this next Monday.
I expect your course of action to be the fair and correct one.
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Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Michael Pedziwiatr |
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LETTER: 6/9/2009
Representative Nava |
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To: Pedro Nava, Assemblyman (D-Ventura-Oxnard-Santa Barbara, 35th District)
Subject: Help Citizens Please !
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009
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Dear Mr. Nava,
I do not know if you can actually do anything about our problems here but I feel you do need to be informed.
The City of Ventura is unfairly targeting housing and trying to raise money for their coffers by proactively enforcing housing codes that they have ignored for 30 - 50 years. The code enforcement division is unfairly bullying, seniors, poor people, people of color. They talk their way into our homes without informing us of our right to seek a warrant.
They threaten homeowners with $400 a day fines. (8th amendment- cruel and unjust fines!).
They are telling me that I owe them $14,000.00 for past fees/fines ?
Is this cruel and unusual treatment ?
I am at present unemployed even though I hold a master's degree.
I have no health insurance for my family. My home is my only hope for any type of retirement. I feel that the City of Ventura is trying to take this away from me. I feel stressed in these economic times. This city is causing me sleepless nights and depression.
Please look into this by contacting this email for Camille Harris: camille_harris@hotmail.com
She will send you news articles and more detailed information about our situation. They have targeted over ninety families at present. Many are elderly and poor. They will force them out !
If you are unable to help then please pass this on to anyone who can. A lawyer from out of Ventura county will help.
I thank you for taking time to read this.
Sincerely,
Michael Pedziwiatr
(Tax paying, law abiding citizen)
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2010: Property Rights: Code Enforcement SURVEY, etc...
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Venturans are famous for their opinions, and this survey proves that reputation. The percentage of votes, by issue, speak for themselves.
The Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative and the city staff will have public input from two surveys, two public workshops, public testimony and letters. If you haven't given your opinion yet, then send it on now to the chair of the stakeholder committee, Jill Martinez at jillmartinez2010@gmail.com
Their Goals Committee is ready to begin drafting recommendations as requested by the City Council. Read the results of this survey below.
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SURVEY
What the People Want!
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1. When [the city] Requests an interior inspection of a property, should residents be informed of their 4th Amendment Rights to refuse such inspection?
Answered question, 385
Skipped question, 6
Yes, 94.3 percent (363)
No, 5.7 percent (22)
2. If the city is Unable to collect on fines levied for un-permitted improvements or maintenance, should the city be able to foreclose on the property after five years?
Answered question, 375
Skipped question, 16
Yes, 9.6 percent (36)
No, 90.4 percent (339)
3. Should the City Disavow the use of satellite imagery to locate code violations?
Answered question, 362
Skipped question, 29
Yes, 70.2 percent (254)
No, 29.8 percent (108)
4. Should the City Grandfather (if they're safe, let them be) all properties as they sit today if owners can demonstrate the property is safe and habitable?
Answered question, 382
Skipped question, 9
Yes, 92.7 percent (354)
No, 7.3 percent (28)
5. Should the City Waive penalties and provide amnesty for property improvements and maintenance made without permits prior to the 2007 Property Maintenance Code?
Answered question, 376
Skipped question, 15
Yes, 91.8 percent (345)
No, 8.2 percent (31)
6. Prior to Enforcing non-life-safety violations, should the City be required to provide understandable information online and in booklet form listing 1. What requires a permit and 2. What it costs?
Answered question, 380
Skipped question, 11
Yes, 97.6 percent (371)
No, 2.4 percent (9)
7. Should Penalties, Timelines and procedures be readily available and easy to understand online with Yes or No answers?
Answered question, 384
Skipped question, 7
Yes, 98.2 percent (377)
No, 1.8 percent (7)
8. Should the City Provide public education workshops addressing compliance with Public Safety Requirements?
Answered question, 380
Skipped question, 11
Yes, 83.7 percent (318)
No, 16.3 percent (62) 380
9. Should all Codes and Policies be reviewed by an objective community advisory council every four years to assure policies are aligned with Community values?
Answered question, 351
Skipped question, 40
Yes, 86.0 percent (302)
No, 14.0% (49)
10. Is it Necessary for an Owner to live on the property where there is a rental?
Answered question, 374
skipped question 17
Yes, 4.5% (17)
No, 95.5% (357)
11. Should Tenants and Landlords have an objective third party, not employed by the city, to whom they may confidentially express their concerns and receive information?
Answered question, 362
Skipped question, 29
Yes, 83.7% 303
No, 16.3% 59
12. Should the Number of occupants be limited on a second unit or "Granny Flat?"
Answered question, 373
Skipped question, 18
Yes, 87.4% 326
No, 12.6% 47
13. Should Permit Fees be on a sliding scale (Low income owners or seniors pay reduced fee)?
Answered question, 366
Skipped question, 25
Yes, 69.9% 256
No, 30.1% 110
14. Should the Property Owner or resident have a choice of safety inspectors, by either a private home safety inspector or a code enforcement officer?
Answered question, 373
Skipped question, 18
Yes, 78.3% 292
No, 21.7% 81
15. Should the City Require mandatory code inspection for all foreclosed properties?
Answered question, 349
Skipped question, 42
Yes, 50.4% 176
No, 49.6% 173
For more information or to provide your comments.
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- Camille Harris
www.camilleharris.com
www.grandfatherventura.com
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