Health Chief Urged to Notify Firms of Plans
Downtown Ventura merchants should get early notice whenever the county intends to expand mental health services in that business district, a Ventura County supervisor said Tuesday.
Two speakers told the Board of Supervisors they are upset that the county Behavioral Health Department was moving to consolidate mental health services with county-run drug and alcohol programs in a building at 56 E. Main St.
Holly Breiner, who owns a downtown clothing store, said she didn’t learn about the plans until one day before the board was asked to approve the new lease arrangement. Breiner and Margaret Merryman, who heads the Westside Community Council, said they do not want the area to be a “dumping ground” for social service agencies.
Supervisor Steve Bennett of Ventura chided mental health chief David Gudeman for not alerting community members of his plans in a more timely manner.
“If Behavior Health wants my support in the future, they must notify relevant parties well in advance,” Bennett said.
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