VENTURA : Work Begins on New Police Substation

Workers began ripping out walls and tearing up carpet Wednesday in preparation for a new downtown Ventura police substation scheduled to open by Christmas.

“It’s exciting now because it’s finally starting to go,” said Ventura Police Officer Terri Vujea, one of two officers who will staff the storefront at 309 E. Main St.

The Ventura Police Department searched for three months before finding the space, which once housed a bead shop that has moved down the street.

Workers will be busy in the coming weeks bringing the building up to code, constructing a restroom accessible to the disabled, and installing office furniture in the space where beaded wall hangings, Oriental carpets and tiki statues once stood.

The department is funding the $8,000 annual rent and additional operating costs through donations from downtown businesses. The department plans to hold two fund-raisers each year to keep the station open because there is no money for it in the department budget.

The substation probably will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Vujea said. In addition to the officers, volunteers will also help run it.

“It’s a focal point,” Vujea said. “We are trying to get people together, to address problems, to empower people and to deal with transients.”

At Beat City Records, a few doors down from the storefront, employees said they welcome the increased police presence.

“We sometimes have characters who look a little menacing down here,” said clerk Toby Emery. “So they’ll help with that. And it’s probably good for business.”

Police said about 16% of their calls originate from the area near the storefront. The department operates similar substations in Montalvo, on Ventura Avenue and in Harbor Village.