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July 29, 2005
A multilingual society
Ventura County is not a bilingual community. It's multilingual. And that presents problems for those living here who don't speak the dominant languages of English and Spanish, and those offering services to those residents. Staff writer Marjorie Hernandez (mhernandez@VenturaCountyStar.com) tomorrow will have a Page One story on a new program to expand prenatal and parenting classes along with crime prevention seminars to Mixteco speakers, those who come from parts of Mexico where the language is very different from Spanish and who can become isolated in the United States because of the language barrier.
Also tomorrow we will be reporting on passage today in Congress of the highway bill and how much of the money will be coming to Ventura County projects.
In other wire stories, we're following the surprise announcement today by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist that he supports federal funding for stem cell research; we're looking at the latest arrests in Britain of bombing suspects; and the deaths in Iraq of two Marines.
Posted by John Moore at 10:40 AM
July 28, 2005
The boys are back in town
The Dallas Cowboys are back in town. They arrive today at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. We'll be there to tell you why they can fly into Point Mugu and you can't. We'll also cover their meetings with military families and the impact it has for local military to get to meet and greet America's Team. Staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) will be covering the event for a Page One story for tomorrow.
We also are chasing a couple of "maybe" stories for tomorrow's Page One ... those are stories that may happen; or may be worth taking to the front page.
That includes a report that the superintendent of Los Padres National Forest may make a decision today on where of if oil and gas leasing will be allowed in the forest ... the culmination of 10 years of studies.
Another maybe is the announcement today by Federated Department Stores on what they plan to do when the take over May Department Stores. That puts Macy's and Robinsons-May under the same ownership. And there is some talk that Federated may sell of stores in duplicate locations ... like the malls in Ventura and Thousand Oaks. We'll be checking it out.
And the last maybe is a possible follow on the problems at the Brooks Institute of Photography. There's a meeting today and we'll see if anything newsworthy comes out of it.
There's also lots off the wires today to watch: shuttle, IRA, British bombing, congressional action on energy and highway bills and flooding in India, as well as the death of more U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
Posted by John Moore at 09:37 AM
July 27, 2005
Working until age 70
One of the ways lawmakers are looking to improve the solvency of Social Security is to continue to raise the age when people can collect full benefits. Staff writer Stephanie Hoops (shoops@VenturaCountyStar.com) examines the proposals, which are hot topics for Baby Boomers, but not for many younger Americans -- the ones who will be directly affected by the changes.
Also for Page One tomorrow, we will look to run the story regarding funding for Matilija Dam that we held from this morning's papers.
Off the wires, there are a number of ongoing stories that we're continuing to follow that could go out front: shuttle, London bombings, Iraq constitution, energy bill and Iraq violence.
Posted by John Moore at 09:40 AM
July 26, 2005
Money for Matilija
It looks like Congress is getting closer to agreeing to spend up to $130 million to tear down Matilija Dam. Star Washington correspondent Michael Collins (collinsm@shns.com) will explain for Wednesday's Page One how the process works and why, even if this legislation wins approval, it doesn't mean that the check is being written to start the project.
Also for Page One for tomorrow, we will have available a story from staff writer John Scheibe (jscheibe@venturacountystar.com) on a paper written by an Oxnard College instructor that alleges that the recent budget cuts hurt that college more than the other two in Ventura County because of the impact on minority students.
Off the wire, we will have the launch this morning of the shuttle Discovery; the latest on the Iraqi constitution and how it may take away women's rights; update on terrorism; and update on the release of papers on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.
Posted by John Moore at 09:34 AM
July 25, 2005
Annual crop report
The county agricultural commissioner today is releasing the 2004 crop report for the county. It's the biggest industry in the county and we'll look at last year's numbers to see which crop is No. 1, which crops are growing, and what the trend line is for agriculture in the county. Business writer Jim McLain (jmclain@VenturaCountyStar.com) is writing that story for Page One tomorrow.
Also coming out of the business section as a possible Page One story tomorrow is the monthly housing prices on new home sales from Realtors. It looks like the median price is getting closer to $700,000 and growing about 9 percent.
Business writer Gretchen Macciarella (gmacciarella@VenturaCountyStar.com) is following that story for us.
We'll also have some details on the tragic hit and run death yesterday in El Rio.
We're talking to some of our local union officials to assess the impact of the split of two major unions from the AFL-CIO.
Off the wire, we're tracking the scheduled launch of the shuttle Discovery, now planned for around 7:30 a.m. tomorrow; and the latest in the investigations into the Egypt and London bombings.
Posted by John Moore at 10:06 AM
July 22, 2005
How hot is it
As the heat continues through this weekend, staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) will take a look for tomorrow's Star Page One at problems of heat exposure for those who spend their days working outside. Two recent deaths of farmer workers in Kern County from heat exposure have sparked a bill in the California legislature that would give farm workers protection in hot weather. In addition, we'll be following today's heat and power usage.
Also for Page One tomorrow we'll have a follow on the judge's decision to bump Proposition 77 from the November ballot. Sacramento bureau chief Timm Herdt (therdt@VenturaCountyStar.com) will see what impact that decision will have on the remaining issues on the ballot.
Off the wires, we'll be following latest developments in the bombing in London with the shooting death today of a suspect in the London subway.
Posted by John Moore at 10:13 AM
July 21, 2005
Dam money
Congress may be moving forward on providing the money to pay for the removal of Matilija Dam. Star Washington correspondent Michael Collins (collinsm@shns.com) reports for tomorrow's Star that the House and Senate both have money allocated for the project. But that's happened in past years and the money was always taken out at the end. He'll look at the prospects for the project actually being funded this year.
Also for Page One tomorrow, we'll have a story by staff writer Stephanie Hoops (shoops@VenturaCountyStar.com) on summer internships. College students are finding they need work experience in their chosen field to make themselves more marketable when they complete their degree. And the intership is a way to get that.
We'll be following on the announcement late yesterday that Simi Valley hospital is paying a $3.6 million settlement with the federal government to get rid of an investigation into Medicare fraud.
Off the wires, we're continuing to watch the latest developments out of London with today's explosions; the Supreme Court nomination; and debate in Congress today over extension of the Patriot Act.
Posted by John Moore at 09:29 AM
July 20, 2005
Potholes
A national study classified the Ventura and Oxnard areas as having some of the worst roads in the nation. Drivers didn't need a study to tell them that. For Page One tomorrow, Staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) tells us about the results of the study, our reaction to roads and the solutions ... (hint: it has a little bit to do with more money).
We also are following up on federal legislation to budget for the demolition of Matillija Dam. Both the House and Senate have money in the budget to do the project. But they haven't taken the second step, which is to pass legislation to spend that money.
Off the wire, we will follow the nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court; watch Hurricane Emily, which hit the Mexican coast this morning; and see the latest on the British bombings.
Posted by John Moore at 10:01 AM
July 19, 2005
A county of potholes
A recent national study said 90 percent of the roads in the greater Ventura and Oxnard area could be classified as "poor" or "mediocre". We found that local driver's agreed. Staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) looks at our poor roads, how they got that way and what we're doing about it.
Also for Page One tomorrow, we may have an update on Dr. William Coburn, the Thousand Oaks physician accused of trading prescription drugs for a gun.
The county supervisors today may respond to the county grand jury's criticism of the operation of its Proposition 36 program. We'll cover those comments and determine how to play them.
And we're chasing a fairly unique story about a well-traveled snail. We don't know yet if we'll have it for tomorrow's story ... it's a slow developing story.
Off the wire, we're waiting to see if the president names a Supreme Court nominee today. It's possible. Also, we'll have a story on Hewlett Packard's massive job reduction and following Hurricane Emily as it builds up steam and heads back to land.
Posted by John Moore at 09:43 AM
July 18, 2005
Opening a dialogue
Oxnard Union High School officials are trying a unique approach to dealing with migrant families. Today, school administrators, counselors and teachers are spending the day with migrant families, working alongside them, in a "Day in the Fields" program. Star staff writer Marjorie Hernandez (mhernandez@VenturaCountyStar.com) is also along. The goal, school officials say, is to open a dialogue with the families to help improve their children's education opportunities.
Also for Page One tomorrow, we are following the fire that occurred this morning in Casitas Springs. One person is missing in that fire.
Staff writer Charles Levin (clevin@VenturaCountyStar.com) is reporting on efforts by Oxnard city officials to get a handle on residential parking problems created when multiple families live in single-family homes.
And it continues to be hot, away from the beaches at least. We'll take a look at whether California sets another record today for power consumption, as well as air quality and temperature issues.
Off the wires, we're continuing to follow Hurricane Emily and we'll see what's the latest on the summer Washingston scandal regarding who released the name of the undercover CIA agent.
Posted by John Moore at 09:52 AM
July 15, 2005
Texas Hold 'em
Staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) takes us behind the scenes of this week's World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, showing us what it's like for the players at the outlying tables. He follows four Ventura County players who won a seat at the big event, including poker pro Arnold Spee of Thousand Oaks.
Also for tomorrow we're reporting a story that local law enforcement officials are examining the idea of requesting a second gang injunction for Oxnard. This would be for the Southside Chiques gang in south Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Staff writer Charles Levin (clevin@VenturaCountyStar.com) is working that story today.
Off the wires we'll be looking at the latest on the Britain bombings; car bombings in Iraq; border meetings in Mexico; the shuttle launch; and hurricane Emily.
Posted by John Moore at 10:18 AM
July 14, 2005
It's Harry Potter time
The sixth installment in the Harry Potter series hits the bookshelves at midnight Friday. Staff writer Rhiannon Potkey (rpotkey@VenturaCountyStar.com) writes an advance on how bookstores are getting ready for those Friday night parties. And how Harry fans are gearing up. She also talks to a couple of fans who are heading to Chicago for a big Harry convention.
Staff writer Sylvia Moore (smoore@VenturaCountyStar.com) is in Los Angeles today covering the base closing commission hearing. Ventura County folks are making their presentation on saving jobs here early in the afternoon.
Other stories we're following for tomorrow include: report of inflation at around 2 percent; continuing investigation into the British bombing; more suicide bombings in Iraq.
Posted by John Moore at 10:34 AM
July 13, 2005
Shuttle launch
We know that tomorrow's Page One of The Star will have the launch of the shuttle Discovery. Unless, of course, it doesn't launch. Then we'll have a story about it not being launched.
Beyond that, we have lots of "possibles" ... but are still working on the lineup.
One story that is probably for sure is staff writer Sylvia Moore's (smoore@VenturaCountyStar.com) advance on tomorrow's BRAC Commission hearing. The Ventura County task force will make its presentation on why jobs should not be lost at Naval Base Ventura County under the Pentagon's realignment plan.
We also will have available a fun story advancing Friday night's big release of the latest Harry Potter book. Staff writer Rhiannon Potkey (rpotkey@VenturaCountyStar.com) talks to fans and bookstores about what's going to be happening at midnight Friday when the book goes on sale.
And business writer Allison Bruce (abruce@VenturaCountyStar.com) has an interesting look at the continuing rise in gas prices through the eyes of gas station dealers.
Off the wires, in addition to the shuttle, we will continue to follow the London bombings and the developments in the investigation in Washington as to whether presidential aide Karl Rove leaked privileged information.
Posted by John Moore at 10:08 AM
July 12, 2005
Ready to launch
Space shuttle Discovery remains on schedule to launch Wednesday. We're planning a package to run tomorrow to tell you all about the launch and the return to space of the shuttle program. As part of the package, staff writer Marjorie Hernandez (mhernandez@VenturaCountyStar.com) is talking to locals to see if they are concerned about the latest mission and whether they think it is important for the U.S. to be in space.
Also for page one tomorrow we'll update you on claims being filed against the county stemming from damage from last winter's storms.
We have two local stories that were planned for yesterday and held for various reasons. The first is the look at teen jobs and the other is the story on why we have stopped going to the movies, causing a five-month-long slump in movie ticket sales.
Off the wires for tomorrow we're following on arrests in Britain related to last week's bombing; the president's meeting with senators regarding a Supreme Court nominee; more on the ongoing flap over Karl Rove and the news leak; and Laura Bush's visit to African AIDS facilities.
Posted by John Moore at 10:15 AM
July 11, 2005
Looking for work
Teenagers are having a difficult time landing that summer job this year. Experts say a primary reason is growing competition. Older workers and immigrants are being hired for many of the jobs that used to go to teenagers. Employers say the older workers are more dependable and work harder. Staff writer Marjorie Hernandez (mhernandez@VenturaCountyStar.com) examines the trend in a Page One story for tomorrow.
Also for Page One tomorrow, staff writer Stephanie Hoops (shoops@VenturaCountyStar.com) will examine a bubbling controversy in Thousand Oaks over a private-sector arts donor group, Alliance for the Arts, taking over the Cabrillo Music Theatre.
And we'll take a look at the downturn in movie attendance. Last week was the first time in 19 weeks that movie ticket sales surpassed numbers from a year ago. Business writer Allison Bruce (abruce@VenturaCountyStar.com) tries to figure out why we have stopped going to the movies (hint: bad movies).
Off the wires, we'll follow the end of Hurricane Dennis, the latest in the London bombings, the countdown to the Wednesday launch of Discovery, the follow on the LAPD shooting of a toddler and her father yesterday and the latest on the Supreme Court.
Posted by John Moore at 09:38 AM
July 08, 2005
Fire season is upon us
Tall grass. Heavy brush. Fire danger.
That's the future for Ventura County and it may be as soon as the end of this month when our ground dries out enough to reach the critical point. In tomorrow's Star, we'll take a look at how local firefighters are preparing for a season that could bring very intense blazes. We also will present a full-page graphic with information on the fire fuel, and the fire hotspots in the county.
Another possible story for Page One tomorrow will be a follow on the decision late yesterday to dump baseball and softball from the 2012 summer Olympics. We talk to local softball players, including Olympic gold medal winner Jessica Mendoza of Camarillo, for their reaction.
We will have more follows on yesterday's terrorism attacks in London. The death toll is above 50.
We will report on the final decisions out of the G8 summit in Scotland.
And we'll be watching Hurricane David as it heads across Cuba and toward the United States.
Posted by John Moore at 09:35 AM
July 07, 2005
Attack react
As part of our coverage of the London bombing for tomorrow's Page One, we will be looking at a number of local reaction and impact stories. We're talking to folks who travel on our trains and commuter lines; people who might have scheduled trips to London; local security officials; and generally to people who might feel that this is one more nick in our global psyche ... will we ever feel safe again? We're always looking for comments, reactions and angles. Drop a comment on the blog or send me an email at jmoore@VenturaCountyStar.com.
Also for page one tomorrow, we'll cover the passage in Sacramento of the state budget.
And we'll have the profile on Joseph Turner, the head of Save Our State. It was held from this morning's paper.
Off the wire, we're watching the hurricane in Jamaica and the reports of the death of the Egyptian envoy by terrorists in Baghdad.
Posted by John Moore at 10:08 AM
July 06, 2005
Who is this guy?
That's the question we'll try to answer on Page One tomorrow with a profile on Joseph Turner, the young Ventura man who is leading Save our State, which has stirred up the controversy regarding the Baldwin Park monument with a series of protests. Staff writer Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com), who is writing the piece, finds that that Turner has a history of anti-illegal immigration activism.
Another story we're considering for the front page is a follow on the state budget deal announced last night. We'll try to divine winners and losers and we'll look at some of the local impacts, particularly on education.
Speaking of education, staff writer John Scheibe (jscheibe@VenturaCountyStar.com) will look a threats by the Ventura County Commmunity College District instructors to strike at the start of the fall semester next month.
And then there's lots of news off the wire to put into the A1 mix: London winning the 2012 Olympics bid; world leaders in Scotland debating how to solve the problem of poverty, particularly in Africa; and ongoing developments in Iraq.
Posted by John Moore at 10:01 AM
July 05, 2005
Back in business
After a little summer vacation (slide show and narrative available on demand), we're back in business with the blog.
Here's what we're looking at for tomorrow's A1 for The Star:
Did you have a quiet Fourth of July? In most neighborhoods of Ventura County, the answer would be a loud no. We'll take a look for tomorrow at the number of calls police got last night for neighborhood fireworks; number of citations (if any); and whether the ban on fireworks is at all effective.
Also for tomorrow's A1, we'll update you on the annual death of sea lions on Southern California beaches, poisoned from domoic acid. This year, the rehab centers in San Pedro and Santa Barbara are full, so sea lions beaching themselves in Ventura County are being left to die.
And we're following developments today on the state budget. It may ... or may not ... be resolved today.
Off the wire, we're looking at stories on the president's trip to Europe, an advance on tomorrow's selection of the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympics and an analysis of the president's Supreme Court choices.
Posted by John Moore at 09:32 AM
