Group Funds Police Station
VENTURA — Concerned business owners have rallied to keep a downtown police storefront open for the remainder of the year.
The Ventura Chamber of Commerce raised $8,000 to keep the station open after the Downtown Community Council began to run short of money to pay the $700 monthly rent.
“It’s very important to have police presence in the downtown area,” said Zoe Taylor, chamber executive director. “That’s a great deterrent to people who may potentially commit a crime. It also keeps the homeless issue in line.”
Donors so far include Mobile Home Community Owners of Ventura, which pledged $1,000, Harrison Industries, which pledged $500, and the Bank of Ventura at 309 E. Main St., which pledged $300.
The money will be presented to the Downtown Community Council, which pays the rent on behalf of the storefront police station.
Stan Whisenhunt, chairman of the chamber’s governmental review committee, said the business community needs to ensure the storefront stays open.
“The goal should be to raise the money for two years, and then come up with a long-term solution,” he said.
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