#jonkers

recharged, once again 🧚🏾

r/Oxnard•1 hr. ago

The Hidden Side of Ven tura C ounty: The J o n k ers, B ec ke rs, Nakamura, and the Grant Scandal - What’s Really Going On?

Hey Oxnard,

We’ve all heard of the Jonker and Becker families here in Ventura County—always with the big smiles, always involved in the right causes, whether it’s their businesses, charity work, or development projects. On the surface, they look like upstanding members of the community. But what if the image they’ve worked so hard to create is just that—an image? What if the reality is much darker?

The truth about these families isn’t as black and white as we’ve been led to believe. There are whispers about manipulation, hidden connections, and a lot of secrecy in this county, and it's starting to seem like everything we’ve been told is only part of the story. And it gets even murkier with figures like Jaime Nakamura—someone with connections to drugs, human trafficking, and strange legal dealings—who may be part of a larger, more troubling network.

And that’s not all. Mason Grant, a name you might have heard in connection with his family's business, has been accused of bribing a city councilman in Oxnard to secure a permit for his family's weed venture sold to OT Genesis. Is this what it takes to get things done around here? Are the Grant family's connections influencing local politics to push through their projects while bypassing the system?

Oxnard, we need to start asking the tough questions. The power players in Ventura County are protecting each other, and there’s a lot going on behind closed doors that we might never see unless we demand answers. This isn’t just about a few local families—they’re part of something bigger, and it’s high time we start exposing the truth. What’s really going on behind the scenes?

The Jonker/Becker Families: The Real Agenda?

Let’s start with the Becker and Jonker families, whose development plans for Ojai are supposed to be “good for the community.” They’ve been at the forefront of real estate deals, the ones pushing for gentrification under the guise of affordable housing. Their businesses are all over Main Street, and their social influence is massive. But something feels off. Why does it seem like the only people benefiting from these plans are the Beckers and Jonkers themselves? Their recent push for new developments, like affordable housing, is touted as an altruistic effort, but is it really? Some locals have accused them of trying to force out the original Ojai residents and replace them with wealthier newcomers who will fit in with the image they’ve carefully crafted.

Connections to Munn’s Disappearance

Then, things get even stranger. Enter Laurie Munn, the Ventura City Permit Planner, who disappeared under very odd circumstances. After tagging a man on Instagram, celebrating a “trip with all bells and whistles,” something went wrong. This guy scrubbed his account and unfollowed her, but for some reason, she still follows him. Laurie Munn has been linked to Victoria Munn, whose tragic death we’ve all been hearing about, and there are whispers suggesting that the Jonker/Becker families might know more than they’ve let on. Could Laurie’s disappearance be tied to them, or is it part of a much bigger network? Did they help cover up something far darker, like human trafficking or organized crime in Ojai?

Jaime Nakamura: The Pawn in Their Game?

But wait, let’s go deeper. Jaime Nakamura is another key figure in this mess, and his story ties into this larger conspiracy. We all know Jaime’s name, right? The guy who crashed that van full of mushrooms? But the story doesn’t end there. Jaime wasn’t just caught in a simple mishap—his legal troubles were carefully orchestrated by his friends connected to human trafficking and drug distribution networks. These are the same people who have ties to Luis De Los Reyes (aka Moose), a man with a shady past, including dating a 14-year-old girl while being twice her age and setting up people in the community.

What’s even more suspicious is how Jaime was guided to a lawyer who was connected to these dangerous networks. This lawyer, however, got sick during the case, and Jaime was pushed into taking a deal under pressure. Many believe that Jaime was working as an informant for his criminal friends, selectively sharing information with authorities while keeping the real criminals safe. His story is far more complicated than a simple drug crash—he’s being used as a pawn in a much bigger game.

The True Power Behind Ojai's Elite

When we start looking at all these pieces—the Jonker/Becker families with their political connections, their influence in Ojai, their questionable real estate deals, and their possible involvement in covering up crimes—it becomes clear that Ojai’s elites are playing a dangerous game. We’re talking about families who are deeply embedded in local politics, using their power to manipulate the system for their own gain. And they’ve got a whole network of criminal friends helping them keep it all under wraps.

Human trafficking: There’s a growing suspicion that certain modeling agencies in Ojai are fronts for trafficking rings. The Grant family, with their “Paint Your Own Reality” clothing line, is linked to this, possibly using it as a pipeline for exploiting vulnerable people. And let’s not forget Myles Grant, allegedly involved in selling heroin as ketamine, fueling the opioid crisis and even pushing fentanyl into our communities.

Cartel connections: The ties between Royce Gonzalez—whose family has links to the cartel—and the Jonkers/Beckers have left many wondering if there’s more going on beneath the surface of Ojai’s shiny, affluent exterior.

The Real Question: Are We Being Played?

This isn’t just about development or affordable housing—it’s about power, corruption, and a dark underworld that’s quietly operating right here in Ojai. The Jonker and Becker families, with their endless business ventures, political connections, and ties to dangerous criminal networks, are at the heart of it all. What they want is control—control over our town, our homes, and our lives. And it seems like they’re willing to do whatever it takes to maintain that control, even if it means turning Ojai into something unrecognizable.

Now, we have a choice: do we stay silent and let them continue operating behind closed doors, or do we expose the truth? We need to push back. We need to keep asking the tough questions, digging deeper, and demanding answers from the people who are supposed to represent us. This isn’t just a few bad apples—it’s a system, and it’s time for us to take a stand.

We all know about Ventura Forward, the campaign that’s been taking over local social media with its loud proclamations of "cleaning up" the town. But if you’ve been paying attention closely, you’ve probably noticed some alarming red flags. Spencer Noren, the face behind Ventura Forward, has been getting a lot of attention lately—mostly because of his increasingly controversial actions and statements. And now, he's turning off comments on his social media, all while ranting about being "censored." Let that sink in for a second: the man who’s preaching about community engagement is literally silencing anyone who disagrees with him.

The “Censorship” Irony

For those who haven't seen it, Spencer’s latest Instagram post is a perfect example of his growing paranoia. He’s crying foul about being “censored” yet simultaneously shutting down the conversation. You can’t claim to be for the people and then silence your followers when they start asking tough questions. Is this really about “community” or just about pushing an agenda that benefits a select few?

What’s Spencer Really About?

Some of us have had the misfortune of engaging with Spencer in real life. A few months back, I spoke with him about his vision for the town. At first, he seemed like he had good intentions—promoting ideas like reducing homelessness, cleaning up the streets, and revitalizing the city. But the deeper I dug, the more I realized there were huge red flags. Spencer struck me as manipulative and ingenuine, someone who was more interested in playing the hero than actually improving the community. I was disillusioned after seeing firsthand how his “help” was actually about controlling the narrative, not actually helping people. His background, especially his relationship with his brother who struggled with addiction and homelessness, suggests he's trying to work through his own unresolved trauma, but unfortunately, he's using the wrong approach.

Spencer has a lot of unresolved personal issues—issues that he's clearly projecting onto the community. Rather than truly understanding the struggles of Ventura's homeless population, his approach often feels like an attempt to "fix" things without actually listening to those affected. His "solutions" are misguided, and in many ways, they're doing more harm than good.

His Social Media Influence

Spencer’s social media game is one of the main ways he’s been pushing his ideas. Ventura Forward has been all over the place, posting about how he’s “changing” the city. But if you look beyond the surface, you start to notice something: a lot of what he’s doing is manipulative. He’s pushing narratives about what’s best for the community, but who benefits? Spencer's posts often act like he's leading a grassroots movement, but could it be that he’s just another pawn for a wealthier agenda?

Many believe Spencer’s actions—like his passionate posts about bringing cars back to Main Street or his big, over-the-top town hall meetings—are really just a way to boost his influence in local politics. It’s all part of a larger astroturf campaign that’s benefiting the Becker Group and others who want to gentrify Ventura. The irony here is that Spencer calls himself a voice for the people, but what he’s really doing is stoking division and trying to silence those who don’t agree with him. Is that really the “community leader” we want?

The Real Danger: Social Media as a Weapon

Spencer’s insistence on silencing comments is just one part of the problem. This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a systematic tactic. When people try to call him out, his first instinct is to shut them down. It's a classic case of gaslighting—make people question their reality, accuse them of attacking you, and then cut them off completely. And for those of us who have been trying to call attention to the real issues in Ventura—the rampant homelessness, the gentrification, and the hidden agendas behind it all—this is getting exhausting.

The Agenda: Gentrification & Divisiveness

What Spencer and Ventura Forward don’t tell you is that their ideas are actually benefiting the elite. The push for development on Main Street, the return of cars to places where pedestrians and cyclists should thrive, and the constant bashing of local efforts to help the less fortunate are all part of a larger effort to reshape Ventura into something more profitable for a few select people. His loud posts, fancy town halls, and flashy PR campaigns are just that—flashy distractions meant to draw attention away from the real issues.

The Takeaway: We Have to Stay Vigilant

So, what’s the real story behind Ventura Forward and Spencer Noren? It’s simple—the community is being used. Whether it’s through manipulating social media for influence or pushing an agenda that favors the wealthy elite, Spencer’s brand of "helping" is actually doing more harm than good. And while Spencer might be silencing his critics for now, we need to make sure that we’re not silenced.

It’s up to us—the people of Ventura—to make sure that the true voices of this community are heard. We cannot allow someone like Spencer to rewrite our town's story for their personal gain. So next time you see a post or hear someone talking about Ventura Forward, remember what’s really behind the curtain.

We won’t be silenced. We won’t be manipulated.

We’ve all seen the social media posts, the flashy claims of community improvement, and the seemingly well-meaning rhetoric from Spencer Noren and Ventura Forward. But things aren’t as simple as they appear. Behind the scenes, this initiative might be more about manipulation and control than actual progress for our city. Let’s dive into what's really happening, especially with the Main Street Moves (MSM) project, and the antics surrounding local figures like Peter Goldenring whose firm represents the Jonker and Becker families.

Goldenring’s Disruption at the Main Street Moves Ceremony

Just recently, there was a ground-painting ceremony to mark the next phase of Main Street Moves—a project that’s supposed to improve Ventura’s downtown. While many were there to show support for revitalizing the area, a small group came out to disrupt the event, led by none other than Peter Goldenring. For those who don’t know, Goldenring is a local property owner with a long history of obstructing city initiatives, from constantly suing the city to pushing his personal agendas through nuisance tactics. At this event, he even heckled Mayor Palacios, yelling over her speech, and refused to show any respect for the ceremony. Eventually, the crowd had enough and booed him into silence.

This wasn’t the first time Goldenring has caused trouble. He’s known for blocking development and using his influence to stall progress for his own benefit. The thing is, he’s not alone in his tactics. Spencer Noren of Ventura Forward seems to be working hand-in-hand with individuals like Goldenring to spread disinformation about downtown initiatives, all while positioning themselves as “voices for the people.” But who are they really working for? Goldenring’s antics during the MSM event make it clear that his goal isn’t to improve Ventura—it’s to protect his own interests and stop the change that threatens his status.

The Astroturf Campaign and the Manipulation of Social Media

Let’s talk about the astroturfing we’ve seen from Spencer and his followers. For those unfamiliar with the term, astroturfing is when an organized group pretends to be a grassroots movement. That’s exactly what’s happening with Ventura Forward. Spencer constantly posts about his vision for the city—one where cars are back on Main Street and pedestrians are pushed aside. But these aren’t just his personal opinions. He’s being funded by those with deep pockets, like Goldenring, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and gentrifying the downtown to cater to wealthier, out-of-town investors.

Goldenring’s Financial Ties and Ventura’s Future

Goldenring is more than just an obstructionist; he’s a landlord with a serious stake in the downtown real estate market. His repeated lawsuits against the city are designed to stall or kill projects that might threaten his investments. It’s incredibly rich that he’s protesting the cost of the MSM project while simultaneously wasting taxpayer money on lawsuits. It’s like the bully on the playground accusing others of causing trouble when they’re the ones starting the fights. Goldenring’s presence at these protests and his efforts to stop progress in Ventura have proven that he’s all about protecting his own pockets—not about improving the community for the residents who live here.

The Bigger Picture: What Are We Really Fighting For?

At the heart of the controversy is the battle for Ventura’s future. On one side, we have the city’s push for revitalization, which aims to make downtown a more walkable, bike-friendly, and accessible space for everyone. On the other side, we have wealthy, well-connected individuals like Goldenring and Spencer, who seem more interested in preserving their control over the city and its development. Goldenring’s antics and the rise of Ventura Forward are just part of a larger effort to maintain power in the hands of a few, rather than letting the city evolve into a place that reflects the needs of the people.

We’ve seen these tactics before: wealthy landlords who want to keep things the way they are, and well-funded campaigns to influence public opinion. The problem is that these people don’t have the best interests of Ventura’s residents at heart. They want to keep the city as a playground for the elite, and their campaigns are aimed at making us believe their way is the only way.

What We Can Do

It’s time to recognize the tactics these people are using and stand up for a Ventura that’s built for everyone, not just a select few. Ventura Forward may talk about community, but they’re really talking about furthering the agenda of the wealthy elite—people like Goldenring who are determined to control the future of Ventura for their own benefit.

Let’s stay vigilant, let’s stay informed, and let’s call out these attempts to divide us and stall our progress. The more we speak out, the harder it will be for these individuals to manipulate our future. Ventura deserves better than an elitist agenda disguised as progress. It's time for us to push back and demand a city that works for all of us.

I came across some things recently that I think we need to discuss regarding CleanupVentura, the social media account that’s been working hard to raise awareness about homelessness and litter in Ventura. According to information from Reddit and other online sources, CleanupVentura is a community-driven effort where volunteers share updates about cleanups and local homeless issues. There’s no single person in charge; it’s a collective effort aimed at making the streets of Ventura cleaner and raising awareness about homelessness.

The Basics of CleanupVentura:

No Single Leader: While key organizers likely exist behind the scenes, the account presents itself as a collaborative effort rather than being run by one specific individual.

Instagram Platform: CleanupVentura’s primary platform for updates and engagement is their Instagram account, appropriately named "CleanupVentura." which shames homeless people when they are at their lowest with what others have now branded "VC SHAME" as a counter to these shady local clean-up accounts.

Now here’s where things get concerning.

Recently, it was uncovered that the Hotel San Buena Instagram account was not only following the CleanupVenturaaccount but also had some questionable private messages with them. In these DMs, they joked about "crackheads" in reference to the homelessness issue being tackled by CleanupVentura. While it seems like a casual joke, it’s deeply problematic. A local business, especially one in the community, should be a part of the solution, not contributing to the stigma and negativity surrounding the homeless population.

The fact that a local business would joke about homelessness and make these comments privately to a community-driven cleanup effort raises some serious questions about how some businesses in Ventura view these issues. It’s a stark contrast to the uncompassionate and unempathetic efforts of groups like CleanupVentura, who are not working to make real change, not just for appearances but for the betterment of our community.

It’s crucial that we recognize how businesses and social media accounts can shape the tone of local discourse. Hotel San Buena’s casual dismissal of a serious issue like homelessness shouldn’t be swept under the rug. This kind of attitude undermines the hard work of people trying to create real solutions and show compassion for those struggling in Ventura.

So let’s start the conversation. We need to hold these businesses accountable for how they engage with the community and the issues we face. We can’t let a few negative voices define how we handle homelessness and the future of Ventura. Let's stand with the people who are actively working to clean up and improve our town, and demand that everyone, businesses included, shows respect for the people they serve.

The Question: Why Is No One Investigating?

We’re left to wonder—how deep does this corruption go? With powerful figures like Goldenring, a lawyer constantly blocking progress with endless lawsuits, Nakamura’s strange legal situation, and the Becker/Jonker families' possible ties to organized crime, there seems to be a system in place to protect them from being held accountable.

Our plea:

We need to demand an investigation. The FBI, California State Attorney General, or even Governor Newsom needs to step in and start asking the tough questions. The more we talk about it, the harder it will be for these influential families and individuals to continue their operations under the radar. It’s time for the truth to come out—and for justice to prevail.

Who’s with me? Let’s get this into the right hands before it’s too late.