AMCAL : TRADING PUBLIC AND FARMWORKER SAFETY FOR PROFITS
Real Safety Facts That Cannot Be Overlooked
Wildland Fires
The county ordinance declares: "Sec. 8107-41.3.3 – Standards for Farmworker Housing Complexes c. A farmworker housing complex is prohibited in any location designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone." The Thomas Fire revealed a harsh truth about the wildfire hazards we face: fires are intense and unpredictable. A palm tree behind my neighbor's house, located at the proposed site for a farmworker complex, caught fire. Fortunately, the neighboring lemon orchard served as a natural barrier, saving our homes from potential disaster. This situation highlights not only the risks associated with farmworker housing dangers but also raises concerns about crime safety for farmworkers in such vulnerable areas.
Crime and Safety
The local area lacks adequate police infrastructure; the nearest Sheriff's department is 10 miles away in Ojai. Adding up to 1300 more people will inherently increase crime and pose concerns for crime safety, particularly for farmworkers who may be targeted for crime. When a burglary occurred at my home, it took about 25 minutes for a response after the alarm went off. The event happened on a Saturday at 10:30 am, indicating that during a crisis, help could be over thirty minutes away, giving a criminal ample time to commit the act and flee. Additionally, farmworker housing dangers are exacerbated by these delays, and the risk is further heightened by potential wildfire hazards in the area. Beware.
Too Many Cars
Farmworkers and their families will likely depend on driving from Ventura Ranch, especially considering the current traffic conditions on North Ventura Ave and Highway 33. These roads are notorious for their challenges, raising concerns about crime safety for farmworkers on a daily basis. The anticipated addition of 500-750 cars to North Ventura Avenue would undoubtedly increase the risk of accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Furthermore, the articulated curve near the proposed entry and exit of Ventura Ranch could exacerbate safety issues, adding to the dangers associated with farmworker housing and potential wildfire hazards.
Add a footnote if this applies to your business, especially regarding crime safety for farmworkers, as well as the potential dangers of farmworker housing and wildfire hazards.
water for sorghum field 7.7 million gallons in 3 months
Hydrolysis or what? You be the judge
11/21/2023. My neighbor Doug and I have been closely monitoring the planting and irrigation of a sorghum grass field being watered excessively for over eight hours each day, nearly every day from September 21 to November 21. Through vigilant observation of the water meter on Ventura Ave., we've documented the use of over 7.7 million gallons of water within a three-month span. In a time when we've been advised against even washing our cars, it raises questions as to why such an immense volume of water was used for a sorghum grass field, which, at maturity, is estimated to be worth $7500.00 or less. This leads to the suspicion that the excessive water consumption was for flushing out pesticides, which we feel have contaminated the soil. We believe these actions by the developers at 4884 N Ventura Avenue demonstrate a reckless use of our water resources. Additionally, the land is located in a 100% Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, where county ordinances prohibit farmworker housing, raising concerns about the safety of farmworkers and the community. Why build here to begin with? We are seeking explanations for this seemingly wasteful use of water. UPDATE 6/4/2024: As suspected, the intention to harvest the sorghum seed was never realized. The area, once a historical orchard, has become a fire hazard with weed-ridden, five-foot-tall grass, posing a danger to our homes just beyond its fence. It is essential to address these wildfire hazards created by such neglect. Why did they intentionally create such a modern-day hazard? That is worth getting to the bottom of, that's for sure! UPDATED 8/28/25: The sorghum is back and unmanaged. They attempted to kill off the new plants that started on their own this year, but it only delayed them by a few months. Now the new overgrown sorghum grass field is another impending fire danger in the works, further highlighting the failures in addressing crime safety for farmworkers and the surrounding community.
housing so far from everyday needs and dangerous wildlife
So Where's The Savings Living So Far From Everyday Needs
Farmworkers will be so far away from everything. Is that beneficial to the financial health and well-being of a farmworker family? With gas prices soaring, one might wonder if there are any savings to be had by living here. Additionally, the costs of tires, oil changes, and the added commuting miles on top of already high insurance rates
Farmworkers will be so far away from everything. Is that beneficial to the financial health and well-being of a farmworker family? With gas prices soaring, one might wonder if there are any savings to be had by living here. Additionally, the costs of tires, oil changes, and the added commuting miles on top of already high insurance rates will undoubtedly be felt by farmworkers who must drive long distances daily to work, grocery stores, doctor's offices, schools, and churches. The dangers and costs, including potential crime safety issues for farmworkers and wildfire hazards, can accumulate rapidly. So, where are the savings? What justifies the construction of such a large low-income housing community so far from much-needed daily conveniences?
SURROUNDED BY DANGER
The Ventura Ranch proposal involves the development of 18 substantial farmworker housing complexes on agricultural land located in an area identified as having very high wildfire hazards. The project also proposes construction within a natural wildlife pathway, which is used by various species such as mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes
The Ventura Ranch proposal involves the development of 18 substantial farmworker housing complexes on agricultural land located in an area identified as having very high wildfire hazards. The project also proposes construction within a natural wildlife pathway, which is used by various species such as mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, wild boars, raccoons, opossums, ground squirrels, and rats. Additionally, the region poses several farmworker housing dangers, as it hosts various biting and stinging pests like tarantulas, scorpions, black widows, and deer ticks, which could potentially inflict issues related to crime safety for farmworkers once the housing complexes are built.