Category Archives: City News

VenturaWaterPure is paving the way for a sustainable future

VenturaWaterPure is now running pipes into the ocean. Photos by Steve Mimiaga Project Manager

by Gina Dorrington Ventura Water General Manager

The City of Ventura is developing a sustainable, drought-proof water supply with VenturaWaterPure. This program includes designing and constructing new water infrastructure and upgrading existing wastewater facilities. Last month, U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Ventura Water’s facilities to celebrate progress on VenturaWaterPure, at the ocean outfall construction site, which is a vital component of the City’s planned purified recycled water program.

VenturaWaterPure will recover, treat, and reuse water currently discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary, creating a new, local water supply that doesn’t depend on rainfall. Once fully operational, VenturaWaterPure will provide up to 20 percent of the City’s water.

Water is a highly precious resource that we cannot afford to waste. Programs that recycle and reuse water, such as VenturaWaterPure, are becoming the trusted solution to protect against drought and water shortages.

Communities such as San Diego, Orange County, and Monterey are advance-treating recycled water for drinking water purposes. Neighboring communities such as Carpinteria, Calabasas, and Pismo Beach are in the process of designing and developing their reuse programs. We expect to see more programs in the future, as the State Water Board recently published new regulations to expand the scope of water reuse projects throughout California.

While it provides long-term water supply benefits, VenturaWaterPure was developed in response to a 2012 legal settlement with the Chumash, Wishtoyo Foundation and its Ventura Coastkeeper Program, and Heal the Bay. The settlement requires the City to divert a portion of its treated water away from the Santa Clara River Estuary by 2025 and find a beneficial reuse for this diverted recycled water.

Over the past decade, Ventura Water explored several project alternatives to overcome its water and wastewater challenges, including expanding its recycled water irrigation system (purple pipe), sending water to the City of Oxnard’s Purification Facility, building a pipeline to United Water’s Spreading Grounds for groundwater recharge, and developing an Ocean Desalination Plant to supplement the City’s water supply.

VenturaWaterPure emerges as the sole financially viable solution in navigating Ventura’s evolving water landscape, aligning with our legal obligations and effectively tackling the city’s long-term water supply challenges. Our dedicated team is diligently exploring avenues to mitigate the impact of costs, seeking potential savings in program design, and pursuing state and federal assistance.

VenturaWaterPure has already secured $18 million in grant funding and an additional $173 million in low-interest financing through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Staff has applied for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Large Scale Water Recycling Program, which could potentially result in an additional $83 million for the program.

As stewards of public funds and the future sustainability of water resources, the City and Ventura Water are resolute in our commitment to manage program costs responsibly. We are dedicated to providing our residents with consistently safe, sustainable, and high-quality water and wastewater services. Through collaborative efforts, we seek to balance financial prudence and our obligation to ensure Ventura’s flourishing water future.

Join us at an upcoming City Council or Water Commission meeting to learn more about the proposed next steps for VenturaWaterPure. Ventura’s City Council meetings occur on Tuesday nights at 5:00 p.m., and Water Commission meetings occur monthly every 4th Monday at 5:30 p.m. For meeting details, agendas, and dates, please visit the City of Ventura’s website at Cityofventura.ca.gov.

For additional information regarding the VenturaWaterPure Program, visit VenturaWaterPure.net.

Openings on City of Ventura boards, commissions, committees

The City is seeking applicants for its Housing Authority Board, Downtown Parking Advisory Committee, and Water Commission. These positions provide the City Council with recommendations on related projects and programs. Applications are due by Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Applications for the Housing Authority Board are due by Friday, February 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

“Civic engagement is the foundation of local government,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “When individuals contribute their time and energy to address common issues and pursue common goals, they strengthen the fabric of our community.”

Vacancies occur either by the expiration of a term or resignations during the year. Per San Buenaventura Ordinance 2019-003, no citizen may serve on more than one committee, commission, or board. Dual appointments are not permitted.

There are two openings on the Housing Authority Board. This seven-member board of commissioners meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. to review the Tenant applicants and assess both their status and if they are in good financial standing. These openings are for residents.

There is one opening on the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. This seven-member advisory committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. to advise on parking management strategies and programs in the Downtown Parking District area. This opening is specifically for a Downtown District commercial property owner.

There is one opening on the Water Commission. This seven-member commission meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. to review and make advisory recommendations regarding water rates, water resources infrastructure projects in the five-year capital improvement program, water supply options, and other water resource issues. This opening is in the ‘professional’ category.

To learn more and apply, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Recruitments. For questions, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 658-4787 or by email at [email protected].

City of Ventura takes swift action in response to severe high surf events

Responding proactively to recent severe high surf events, the City of Ventura has officially declared a local state of emergency. This move allows the City to expedite disaster response and seek emergency funding from the state to aid recovery. The City Council ratified the local state of emergency on January 9, 2024, and it will remain in effect for the next 60 days.

“With recent damages to our iconic and historic pier, Ventura faced repair needs and additional cleanup costs caused by recent high tide events,” noted Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The declaration of a local state of emergency enables us to seek essential emergency funding, expedite recovery endeavors to swiftly address damage, hasten repairs, and ensure the prompt restoration of our City’s infrastructure.”

The winter storm began on December 28, 2023, and produced large breaking waves with life-threatening rip currents and significant coastal flooding. City staff swiftly responded to reports of flooding, roadway debris, retaining wall damage from high surf, and other hazardous conditions in public areas. Beach protective measures were implemented to mitigate tidal impacts. During the high surf event, the Ventura Fire Department had 38 Ocean Rescue unit responses and 10 Ocean Rescue calls.

Addressing potential hazards on public property and within the public right-of-way, the Ventura Pier, previously impacted during the January 2023 winter storm events, underwent emergency stabilization measures. The recent high tides resulted in additional damage, extending the pier’s closure for several months.

Recent damage includes nineteen missing or damaged piles and estimated costs exceeding $1.75 million, further postponing the reopening for several months. The ongoing emergency repair endeavors focus on rectifying dislodged piles, damaged bracing, and brackets.

“Ventura City staff, in collaboration with the County of Ventura and numerous local and state agencies, worked cohesively to swiftly respond to emergency calls for help, clear debris, reopen public areas, and implement mitigation efforts along the coastline,” stated City Manager Bill Ayub. “We express our gratitude for their effective coordination, which played a crucial role in addressing challenges posed by coastal flooding and significant high surf.”

For real-time updates and information on emergency efforts, residents can visit the dedicated webpage at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EmergencyAlerts.

For critical emergencies, please call 911. Stay informed of critical incident updates in your area by registering for VC Alert, Ventura County’s Emergency Notification System, at www.VCAlert.org.

Hogan works to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the City

Senior Assistant City Attorney Miles Hogan came to the City in 2016.

As we flow through the systems and people of Ventura Water who work to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the City, we will focus on specialized staff who support that mission. Because water is essential for all life on Earth, this resource has been legislated to be utilized sustainably and equitably. Another important consideration is the impact water and wastewater activities have on human and environmental health. There are many laws and regulations governing the use of water resources, from the Clean Water Act—the primary federal law designed to ensure the integrity of our nation’s waters—to California’s many water-related rights, laws, and regulations. For Ventura Water there are also local mandates, including the Consent Decree that addresses wastewater discharge into the Santa Clara River Estuary. To understand and adhere to the multitude of laws and regulations requires legal expertise.

Miles Hogan came to the City in 2016 and currently serves as a Senior Assistant City Attorney. He holds an undergraduate degree in marine biology from UCLA and a law degree from UC Davis with certifications in environmental law and public interest law. Miles’ education combined with his experience at a private law firm representing public agencies, primed him to be Ventura Water’s legal counselor.

He also advises the City’s Water Commission. In addition, Miles supervises the City Attorney’s Office Transactional team of attorneys, who advise all city departments on their contracts and agreements, draft ordinances and resolutions, and give general legal advice. His efforts are supported by the Office’s executive assistant, who assists Ventura Water by processing legal services agreements and invoices, scheduling negotiation meetings, processing important documents, and other related work.

Miles explains that the City’s water and wastewater issues are unique due to the diversity of its resources and services provided. Regulations change depending on the type of source—whether surface water from Lake Casitas and the Ventura River, or subsurface water from local groundwater basins. As we prepare to accept our allocation from the State Water Interconnection Project, other legal considerations will come into play. And as we shift to reusing our water resources with the VenturaWaterPure Program, there are specific legal considerations for implementation of this beneficial technology. The City conforms to laws protecting endangered and threatened species as we draw water from the river and discharge treated wastewater into the estuary. Ventura Water provides potable water service to customers in the geographically separated Saticoy Club community, and wastewater service to customers along the Rincon, which periodically presents unique legal issues. And our Mobile Reuse Program has its legal constraints and requirements.

When asked what he enjoys most about his position, Miles says that there is always something new to address which means his job is always interesting. He also greatly enjoys serving the public and working with the wonderful staff at the City (his words). Asked about job challenges, he says the diversity of Ventura Water’s portfolio is a mixed blessing because, though it gives Ventura more resilience to climate change impacts or emergencies, defending and protecting our varied water resources requires constant work by a team of people including him, Ventura Water staff, and outside firms that support the City. Protecting the City’s water resources on behalf of its customers is a very fulling career which Miles appreciates every day.

Huge waves crashed in Ventura

From the Ventura Fire Department

“On December 28, at 10:50am, fire units were dispatched to a reported ocean rescue with multiple victims in the water. Firefighters arrived and located two surfers in distress with State Lifeguards initiating a rescue.”

“While on scene a large wave approached the brick wall at the end of Seaward Avenue, overtopping the wall and injuring multiple people on scene.”

“Firefighters quickly conducted an assessment and found nine victims needing treatment and transportation to the emergency room. Due to the number of injured individuals, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared. While responding to the MCI, a state lifeguard went missing with a victim in the water, and a “mayday” was declared to rescue the swimmer and victim.”

“As firefighters were handling the rescue, they also received a report of smoke from a commercial building on Seaward. Other units on scene worked to address that incident simultaneously. that was also handled with units on scene. “

“The Ventura Fire Department urges the public to head warnings from public safety officials, obey posted signage, and stay out of coastal areas if possible.”

The incident happened as locals were being warned about a massive swell pounding the Southern California coastline.

The rogue waves submerged bystanders at Pierpont Beach on Seaward Ave. That area has been hit the hardest with what the National Weather Service called “tremendous wave energy.”

Beachgoers were seen frantically running for their lives. The raging waters destroyed the windows of nearby beachfront buildings and hotels on its destructive path.

Nine people were rescued by San Pedro St. and Seaward Ave . with no life-threatening injuries reported. The injured were taken to hospitals in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Pylons were knocked loose from under the pier. The pier has been closed for nearly a year from damage sustained in storms but had been to set to reopen as early as March, The city will now have to survey damage done by the high surf and reassess the timetable.

Waves crashed in Ventura at heights between 9 and 15 feet with sets up to 18 feet, said Carol Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. ‘There’s pretty big surf coming through the (Santa Barbara) channel,’ she said. “The swells are churning up because of a storm system over the Pacific.”

Lifeguards had been on rescues much of the day and that work continued Thursday afternoon, she said. The agency had made a decision to close some of its beachside campgrounds ahead of the storm surge.

Despite the warnings, visitors kept hanging out at the beach and entering the ocean, authorities said. When emergency personnel weren’t dealing with people on land, they were rescuing surfers and swimmers who had unsuccessfully tried to challenge the dangerous waves.

Huge waves crashed in Ventura

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City of Ventura’s Finance Department earns excellence in financial reporting award

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work.”

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Ventura Finance Department for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year 2022.

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work, and we’re thrilled to receive recognition from the GFOA for our commitment,” said Chief Financial Officer Greg Morley. “This award reflects the dedication of our year-round team, ensuring efficient operations to serve our residents.”

An impartial panel judged the report to meet the program’s high standards, demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to effectively communicate the city’s financial story and engage readers.

The Certificate of Achievement, the pinnacle of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifies a significant achievement by the city and its management.

Led by Accounting Manager Jason Williams, Treasury Manager Jennifer Rowe, and Senior General Ledger Accountant James Lewis, the project received special acknowledgment for the contributions of General Ledger Accountants Jodi Pinyo, Brenda Taylor, and Erwin Kosasih, and Senior Accountant Mary Hilke.

Call for Artists: Ventura River Trail Improvement Project Public Art Mural

The City of Ventura seeks California-based artists or artist teams to submit proposals to create and install a mural at the Ventura River Floodwall along the Ventura River Trail. Applications are due online by February 8, 2024, at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/PublicArtOpportunities.

A public art mural will be featured on a levee floodwall just before the trail leaves the City of Ventura limits. The mural is to feature art that highlights the location as an entry into the City of Ventura while representing the cultural significance of Ventura’s Westside, the Ventura River, and the culture of the larger city.

“The mural will cover approximately 320 square feet of surface area on the floodwall,” said Recreation Manager Emily Fox. “We look forward to seeing the creative ways artists propose to showcase the beauty and cultural significance of the area.”

This public art mural is part of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project, funded by a nearly $5 million grant from the California Department of Transportation through the Clean California Local Grant Program and administered by the City of Ventura.

The Ventura River Trail travels along State Route 33 and the east bank of the Ventura River, forming the western boundary of Ventura’s Westside neighborhood. Along the trail’s 1.8-mile City of Ventura stretch is a mix of residential, industrial, educational, and parkland uses.

Several community meetings and surveys allowed the public to help determine the project vision and identify trail improvements, beyond repaving the bike trail, adding solar lighting, and removing and replacing trail fencing. These additional improvements include updated accessibility to the trail, trail monuments, environmental and ‘no litter’ signage, native and drought-tolerant shrub and tree planting, trash cans, wayfinding to the trail, and other amenities.

Learn more about the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail.

Register for the Spring 2024 Corporate Games!

Registration is open for the Spring 2024 Corporate Games. This annual program features business-to-business competitions over several weeks to help organizations build camaraderie amongst coworkers. All local businesses are welcome to register through March 2, 2024.

Last year’s Corporate Games hosted 72 companies with thousands of participants. The County of Ventura, Oxnard Unified High School District, Newport Healthcare, and Calavo Growers were the overall champions among their divisions.

“We are excited for the Games to return to their original springtime schedule,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “The spring allows for more opportunities and events between daylight hours and family plans.”

This year’s diverse line-up of competitive activities will take place March 23 – May 4, 2024, providing opportunities for all players to showcase their strengths. All competitions and events are held on weekends or weeknights after regular business hours. Divisions and fees are determined by company size.

5K Run (In-person & Virtual)
Basketball
Billiards
Cornhole
Dodgeball
Flag Football
Golf
Kickball
Pickleball
Six-A-Side Soccer
Softball
Tug-O-War
Volleyball (Beach & Indoor)
Bowling
Darts
Table Games and more!

Each group is also eligible to compete for the Team Spirit Award, which includes a team T-shirt Design Contest, Sandcastle Building Contest, Photo Contest, and Community Service Project.

The Corporate Games began in 1989 and is designed to build camaraderie and team spirit amongst professional work groups in a unique and friendly atmosphere. Find all details and registration forms at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CorporateGames.

Happy Holidays Ventura!

This year has underscored our shared strength.

Mayor Joe Schroeder

In this season of joy, as we share precious moments with our loved ones and unite as a community to embrace beloved traditions and extend a helping hand, I am reminded of our collective journey throughout 2023. This year has underscored our shared strength and unwavering community spirit, marked by significant milestones and a profound sense of pride for Ventura.

Throughout the year, our community has joined hands in celebrating moments of joy, unity, and cultural richness, propelling us forward. Whether at local events, community workshops, or city programs, these shared experiences have fortified the bonds that make Ventura an extraordinary place to live, work, and play.

In 2023, Ventura celebrated notable achievements through collaborative efforts with outstanding community partners. This collective engagement extended beyond thriving tourism and attracting world-class events like the X Games. It also encompassed the development of programs and services aimed at addressing homelessness and affordable housing, promoting increased environmental sustainability, bolstering economic vitality, enhancing community resilience, and spearheading initiatives for active transportation and future development.

Additionally, the City increased funding allocated for roadway improvements and public infrastructure projects while achieving its lowest overall crime rate in over three decades. This collaborative approach underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing diverse aspects of community well-being and strengthening Ventura’s future with a unified vision.

As we approach the New Year, I am deeply moved by your kindness, dedication, and engagement. Your voices remain essential in guiding decisions, shaping goals, and charting the course for Ventura.

Thank you once again, and I eagerly anticipate the continued collaboration that will further enhance the vibrancy of our city in the coming year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and festive holiday season!

Ventura Water – In Focus

Utility Billing Representative Dillon Galarza.

Ventura Water’s fundamental connection to its customers is the Utility Billing Team since they are typically the first line of contact for over 32,000 account holders.

There are four utility billing representatives who answer nearly all the phone calls coming into the water department, averaging about 600 calls every week. A robust customer support system is used to manage one or many communication channels, including phone, email, and self-service. Utility billing representatives answer questions about billing, changes in water usage, and leaks. They also help customers start and end water and wastewater service. As needed, they field calls that can range from a severed fire hydrant to a report of water waste.

The Utility Billing Team also includes three utility service representatives and a utility service lead. With the citywide installation of smart meters, it is no longer necessary to read each meter for each billing cycle, so this group is focused on helping customers with any water related issue. They perform the field work required to maintain meters and troubleshoot the hardware and software to ensure data from the smart meters is successfully transmitted. A utility billing supervisor oversees billing operations including rate changes and audits and coordinates new service. Finally, the Utility Billing Team is led by a utility billing manager, who assures that Ventura Water adheres to all state and federal laws and regulations related to providing water and wastewater service, and guides implementation of programs to help the team increase efficiency and improve customer relations.

Utility Billing Representative, Dillon Galarza joined Ventura Water two years ago, with seven years’ previous experience in customer service. What Dillon most appreciates about his job is that everyone on the team truly wants to help the community and that he can rely on any one of them to support their common goal of providing excellent customer service. The most challenging part of his job is the emotional component of utility service billing, for example, having to give delinquent customers the news about late fees or shut offs. Dillon possesses an easy-going attitude which aids his capacity to change a potentially stressful problem into a solution. Fortunately, the average number of shut offs per week is about 20 and service is typically restored within a day. Dillon mentions that dealing with software issues that come up when utilizing multiple programs can be tricky but invariably this cohesive team works through it.