Candidates for the Downtown Ventura Partners Board of Directors

The Downtown Candidate Forum will air on Channel 6:

• Monday, September 14, 8:00 pm
• Wednesday, September 16, 12:00 pm
• Friday, September 18, 8:00 pm
• Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am

Thank you for making time to select this all-important group of decision makers. Twenty-one candidates for the new Downtown Ventura Partners (DVP) board of directors are listed below. There are eleven seats on the new DVP board; at least seven members must be property owners per the adopted management plan. Asterisks (*) indicate downtown property owners or their designated representatives.

Please vote for ten individuals. Return the one-page ballot mailed to you by June 15th (postmarked). The first meeting of this new board, once announced, will take place at 10 AM on Wednesday, June 24th.

• Dave Armstrong
• Jeff Becker
• Jerry Breiner
• David Comden
• Vic Georgino
• Mark Hartley
• Cheryl Heitmann
• Lucas Johnston
• Jim Luttjohann
• Mike Merewether
• Lori Moll, RN
• Bernard Novatt
• Jim Rice
• Gary Byron Roach
• Clarey Rudd
• Gregory H. Smith
• Jeff Smith
• Zoe J. Taylor
• Ed Warren
• William Weirick
• Doug Wood
• Tom Wood

I am currently chairman of the Downtown Ventura Organization board of directors and chairman of the Economic Restructuring Committee. I served on the PBID Steering Committee and was instrumental in establishing and documenting the PBID. I helped draft the Parking Committee organizational structure. As the Redevelopment Project Manager for the Redevelopment Agency, I wrote the Memorandum of Understanding that funded the DVO and was instrumental in obtaining non-profit status for the DVO. I am the Vice President of the San Buenaventura Conservancy and negotiated the lease to keep the Ventura County Museum in temporary space downtown. I negotiated an agreement between the Olson Company and the museum to re-use historic Mission wall stones from the development site as part of the museum's expansion. I am a founding board member of the Ventura Film Festival. I do not own any downtown properties but have an Exclusive Right to Negotiate on 3.2 acres of city property on Harbor Blvd between California and the pier. I run a non-profit called "Project Encore" that leases the former Elks Lodge at Main & Ash that now hosts performing arts and other events. I believe that I am in a unique position to provide continuity for the new DVP board. I have been intimately involved in every step of getting to this point and want to set the tone for an active, engaged board. Back to List

I currently have a personal interest in more than fifteen downtown Ventura properties including: the Anacapa Brewing Company building, The Elizabeth Bard Building, the Somerset Apartments, the Elk's Lodge, 40 South Ash, 632 East Thompson, 670 East Thompson, 205-227 South California, 902 Poli, and the former Strong Steel block. My firm, The Becker Group, also manages other properties for clients. I've spent the last 25 years in Ventura County after graduating from East Texas State University. My support of downtown has evolved from multiple rehabilitations of historic properties [Oak & Main, The Somerset Apartments, Anacapa Brewing Company Building, The former Carrow's Restaurant site, The Old City Hall, The Bard Building and various retail storefronts] to tenant identification. I have supported the on-going efforts to form the PBID during the DVO's recent resurgence. I serve the regional Chapter of the Building Owner's and Manager's Association. I am a current and founding board member of County Commerce Bank. Our current economic climate and the continuing transition of downtown dictates that all stakeholders (property owners and merchants) get involved in the common goals of improving the district. I want to offer my assistance to this effort and am ready to do so if approved by the members. Back to List

REMAX Gold Coast Realtors; DVO founding board member, Secretary 2008-09; Chair of the Downtown Operations Team (DOT), 2005-present. Jerry Breiner has been involved with downtown's renaissance since early 2000. Breiner served on the Downtown Ventura Community Council in various capacities, ending his tenure there as the DVCC closed its books and assets and assuring a smooth transition to the Downtown Ventura Organization in summer 2005. Breiner served as a member of the DOT (Downtown Operations Team) since its inception in 2002, and has brought DOT's purpose and vision to the DVO's Main Street approach. Jerry participates regularly on the Executive, ER and Design committees as well as being an integral part of the PBID Steering Committee. "As a goal-oriented person, I would like to continue to serve downtown's needs and future development plans, on all fronts, and I feel my strong connections to the networks which make it function and to many of its business leaders and property owners would be a most welcome asset to the PBID board." Back to List

I am currently vice chairman of the DVO board and serve as the Promotions Committee Chair. I publish the Ventura County Reporter and Ventana monthly and am the Vice President of Southland Publishing, Inc - a group of newsweeklies and monthly magazines throughout Southern California; we own the property at 700 E Main Street. I have 26 years experience consulting small and mid-sized businesses. I have lived in Ventura since 1998 and moved here with my wife and children because of the outstanding quality of life. A native of New York City, I have lived and worked throughout California and served in many roles helping communities in Sacramento, San Diego and Pasadena. I wish to serve on the DVP board as I am knowledgeable and committed to downtown and its many facets: business, leisure, events, government. On a daily basis I work with local businesses, event organizers and the city as we improve the quality of life for the people who live, work and visit Ventura. I have donated many hours to the DVO and hope to be able to do the same for DVP in the future. Back to List

I would like to be on the new PBID board because I have several years of experience working with PBIDs in Burbank. As a developer and property owner I understand the importance of a PBID in redeveloping a downtown area to its full potential. A PBID brings property owners, merchants and the City together for a common goal with the best use of each other's resources. A well- functioning PBID will not only enhance a downtown but will truly make it a destination for shoppers and vacationers; while at the same time create a wonderful living environment for new and existing residents. A PBID can also bring all stakeholders together to focus on specific programs and issues that would otherwise get lost because of a lack of formal structure to deal with such problems or goals.

My wife Kathy and I own and operate the Lavender Inn and the Ojai Playhouse in Ojai, the Star Lounge, the new Watermark restaurant, and another 100,000 square feet of commercial buildings in downtown in Ventura. I live in the Pierpont neighborhood and am a commissioner on the Ventura Cultural Affairs Commission. I am the co-owner of the Fitzgerald Hartley Company located in the Livery on Palm Street; we have offices in Austin and Nashville as well. I specialize in management of music-related projects and artists. I currently manage Brad Paisley, Colbie Caillat, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Olivia Newton John, Leann Rimes, Keith Anderson, Kelly Pickler, and others. I am recent past chairman of the Academy of Country Music that produces a CBS television awards show and has a membership of over 60,000 members. I played a major role in Kevin Costner's movie premier and concert on Main Street last summer. I served on the PBID steering committee, supported the petition drive and voted for the PBID. I have been on the board since the inception of the DVO and am dedicated to the betterment of downtown; I can provide office space to the new DVP in the Vista building on Poli. Back to List

I have been the Executive Director of the Ventura Music Festival since 2006. I am a Trustee of the Ventura County Community College District and have served two terms as president of the board. I am current chair of budget and audit sub-committee overseeing a $500 million budget. I am a board member of the United Way of Ventura County, chair of the public policy committee. I have been a board member of the Downtown Ventura Organization for the past two years. I would like to serve on the Downtown Ventura Partners board of directors as I feel I have some unique experience that would add to the board's effectiveness. I am well versed in the Brown Act, parliamentary procedures, bylaws, budgets and fundraising. In addition, I have extensive experience working with elected officials and boards of directors. The Music Festival is a small business promoting cultural tourism as a major economic engine in the downtown area. Located downtown we partner with many of the local businesses. I am completely committed to the continuing success of downtown Ventura. Back to List

I am a Ventura County native and an active member of the Downtown Ventura Organization board of directors and acting chair of the DVO Organization Committee. I am currently entering my fifth year at Affinity Bank where I work as a Vice President, Regional Manager. I began work at the Bank as the Manager of Training and Development and after two years transitioned to manage the Camarillo Branch location. In addition to my activities with the Bank in downtown Ventura, I am also involved in service throughout the county. I am currently the incoming chair for the Long Term Care Services Ombudsman of Ventura County, a member of the Ventura Downtown Rotary, and have volunteered to serve as a planning committee head for the annual Camarillo Art and Jazz Festival. I am also a graduate of California Lutheran University as well as America's Community Banker's National School of Banking. Back to List

As Executive Director of the nonprofit Ventura Visitors Bureau since 2004, I have led the organization through comprehensive restructuring and expansion. I serve(d) on many area/regional boards including the current Downtown Ventura Organization. I recently completed ten years of service on the Cultural Affairs Commission where I helped to foster events and enhancements in the Downtown Cultural District. DVO committee service includes Promotions and Executive Director Search in addition to other participation. For many years I owned property and a business in downtown and have the benefit therefore, of seeing its evolution. I take great pride in playing a role in getting downtown to its current state, and want very much to be involved in the next phase of its maturation as a destination for dining, shopping and cultural activities, while working to preserve the integrity of a uniquely historic ocean side setting. Back to List

I graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I worked for Fireman's Fund American Insurance Company from 1964 to 1976. I joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance Brokers. Ventura, CA in 1976 and became a partner in 1977. I sold my interest in Tolman & Wiker at the end of 2003 and have continued in a part time consulting capacity with them. I and my wife Loretta have owned and managed income property since 1967 and recently have been purchasing land and developing income properties in conjunction with a couple of local partners. We own the Tolman & Wiker Building at 196 S Fir as well as the adjoining parking lots on Santa Clara and Thompson, 144 S. Fir; 159 S. Fir, and 741 Thompson. I have served on the board of Rubicon Theatre for several years and am currently Vice President. I and my wife Loretta own other property outside the boundaries and have both been active in downtown and other community organizations for many years. I would like to join other interested folks from the downtown in making sure we use the funds wisely for the betterment of our downtown district. Back to List

I am an Interior Designer and owner of the Savory Cafe and Bakery; DVO Board Member 2007-09; Design Committee Chair 2008-09. My husband and I re-located to Ventura 12 years ago to raise a family and become part of this quaint beachfront community. We fell in love with the eclectic style of downtown and opened Savory Cafe' and Bakery in 2005. I have organized/donated time to charity events for St Pauls Parish day school, Viewpoint, and Boys and Girls Club of Southern Ca, Casa Pacifica, Pier Under the Stars, as well as countless special events for local Venturans. "I believe that the Main Street Approach, and the partnership between property owners/merchants is vital to the success of our downtown." Back to List

I am a retired pharmacist and live just off the beach on Paseo De Playa. We own the Bombay Bar and Grill property at 133 South California St. I was on the board of the rotary club for fifteen years. Additionally, I have worked with the Ombudsman organization, the Elks, and the Masons for many years. I was on the board of Temple Beth Torah for six years and two years as a board member of my condominium association. I was on the board of the Rubicon Theatre Company and my wife and I are sponsors of the Ventura Music Festival. We are members of the Ventura Historical Association and we are supporters of the downtown Ventura library. I am a member of the T.O.T. and a member of the University Club. I believe in the next few years there will be some adverse times; therefore, I would like to work with people that are capable of overcoming all the shortcomings that I can see for the downtown area. I'm hoping that our efforts will ensure a future for a secure, happy and prosperous downtown. Back to List

I currently serve on the DVO board and I am a member of the economic restructuring committee as well as the chairman of the Restaurant and Bar association. I actively work on numerous charity groups and events in the downtown area. As a business owner of The Watermark Restaurant with my partner Mark Hartley, we are involved in various groups and organizations that need our help. I will also be starting a Pedicab service in the downtown corridor in early summer. I am on the board of Peace thru Music and support the art community whenever possible. I have given of my time and experience for many causes and committees in this town and would like to continue in this capacity. Thanks for your consideration. Back to List

I am the owner of two properties at 58 N. Ash Street. I served as pro bono counsel for the California Lifeguards, Junior Lifeguards program, for seven years. I served on the board of United Parents, a community parent based mental health organization. I am interested to serve on the board to help fellow downtowners have their concerns heard by the City and to assist downtown continue in its positive growth. Back to List

Founding board chairman of DVO and currently on the board. I am Secretary/treasurer of International Board MWB. Board member of MWB in USA, South Africa, Albania, Bosnia, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Romania and Ukraine. June 2010 the 50th anniversary conference of MWB will be held in Ventura with 17 countries coming for two weeks of board meetings and training. Board member of California Literary Society and Erle Stanley Gardner Museum. Involved in fund raising for Wright Library. Bank of Books featured as a major attraction in Ventura by a number of travel web site. It helped Ventura become recognized as an International Book City. Shipping now to over 90 countries. Clarey has been committed for years to Ventura Downtown and wants to be involved on the DVP board, taking Downtown to the next level. Back to List

I am Managing Member of Smith-Hobson and a part owner of properties on Main, Oak, Palm and Ash streets within the district. I am Treasurer of the DVO board and on its finance, economic restructuring, and PBID steering committees. I have served on the boards of the New West Symphony, Museum of Ventura County, Community Memorial Hospital and Ivy Lawn Cemetery. I have worked in downtown Ventura since 1982 and strongly support the DVO and PBID goals of enhancing and revitalizing the downtown. Back to List

I have an ownership interest in several downtown properties located on Main, Palm, Oak and Ash streets. I have been a member of the Downtown Operations Team (DOT) of the DVO and a member of the PBID Steering Committee. I was recently appointed to the newly created Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. I am particularly interested in the revitalization of Downtown Ventura and would appreciate the opportunity to continue to make positive contributions to Downtown's rebirth as a member of the PBID board. Back to List

I am President/CEO Ventura Chamber of Commerce. Since arriving in Ventura thirteen years ago, I have been associated with several of the downtown organization groups that helped build the foundation of today's successful venture. I have served on the Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) board for two years and participated during that time in several committees. A large number of downtown businesses are members of the Chamber of Commerce. I believe my experience, as a business advocate will benefit the new organization. With the progress of the DVO, I am excited about the opportunities and benefits that the new organization will bring to Ventura and its economy. Back to List

I own two properties downtown. I've owned 211 East Santa Clara St since 1970. It was formerly Landmark 78, now known as Candlelight Kitchen and Bar. I have owned 478 East Main Street, known as the Busy Bee Café, since 1973. I served on former attempts to form a PBID or similar organizations and have been active in the Chamber for many years. I'm probably one of a few property owners who also operate a small downtown business for many many years, 45 years to be exact. I would like to serve on this board at this time because we have momentum, and now the finances, to allow our downtown to finally blossom! Back to List

While born in California, most of my childhood was spent in Louisiana. I attended Pomona College (B.A., Economics, 1974) and earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Wyoming (1982). This led to a position at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where over the next two decades I held various positions including Associate Professor, Vice President of Business Affairs, and Director of Capital Projects. Along the way I became involved in downtown development, regional economic development, and historic preservation efforts. After academic retirement in 2005, I began working with Weirick Properties, LP, now into its third generation of family management as a closely held real estate company. I serve as one member of the Office of President. One of our properties is the former Woolworth Building in downtown Ventura. Perhaps my combination of financial and hands-on projects experience would allow me to make a contribution to this new program launch. Back to List

I am the General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. With over a decade of management experience in high-end hotels in Northern California; it has been great to be in Ventura the past four years. As an integral aspect of my philosophy of hotel management, a good hotel creates mutually supportive relationships with the community of which it is a part. A good hotel serves the community by providing location and service that honors its events, and the community, in turn, supports the hotel with its trade. We support the cultural, social and business aspects of Ventura, with the goal of developing a tremendous synergy between this property and the city. I served on the DVO Board of Directors for the past year and a half; I currently serve on two committees, promotion and organization, as well as the steering committee for the PBID. Back to List

President, Ventura Realty Company, since 1991. Various real estate holdings on California, Main, and Oak Streets, including operation of the Bella Maggiore Inn. Resident and fourth generation Venturan. Nearly twenty-five years of involvement in downtown Ventura community-based organizations including the Downtown Ventura Association, the Ventura Visitor and Convention Bureau and the PBID steering committee. Appointed to Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. Because of my business and organizational experience, I can make a positive contribution to success of the PBID in creating benefit for stakeholders and a higher sense of community - through advocacy and policy, an efficient responsive governance structure, continued promotion of downtown Ventura as a preferred visitor destination, increased quality maintenance throughout the downtown district, and more harmonious balance among residential, office and commercial uses. Back to List