Category Archives: City News

Phase 2 of the project will be developed as funds are raised.

Lots to do at Kellogg Park already.

The newest member of the City of Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships division, Kellogg Park, is currently in its first phase of construction. Kellogg Park began as a community driven project to increase park area on the Westside of Ventura, and although there were no available funds to build the park, the City and its partners secured $3.5 of the $4.5 of the funds needed to construct the park through grants and donations. The first phase of the 2.41 acre park will feature community gathering spaces, an amphitheater, playground area, outdoor exercise equipment, and a perimeter walking path.

The construction at Kellogg Park is moving along quickly. People walking by can now see that play and exercise equipment have been installed, as well as, new cobble seat walls surrounding the play areas. Work has also begun on beautiful pebble mosaics. Park staff are set for an April 2018 expected completion date, of the first phase of this park. The first phase of the 2.41 acre park will feature community gathering spaces, an amphitheater, playground area, outdoor exercise equipment, and a perimeter walking path. For more information, photos and videos please visit the Kellogg Park website https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/521/Kellogg-Park.

The plan is to evaluate the one way conversion in six months

Were you surprised to see this?

by Jeff Hereford, City of Ventura Civil Engineer

Harbor Boulevard west of Figueroa (adjacent to the Amtrak station) has been permanently converted to an eastbound one way street. Note that the section of Harbor Boulevard east of Garden Street (adjacent to the fairgrounds) is already an eastbound one way street.

For the past couple years Harbor Boulevard west of Figueroa has been converted to eastbound one way as a part of the VC Fair traffic control set up. Since the conversion was made VPD has indicated a significant improvement to traffic flow during the 10 days of the fair, particularly when fairgoers exit the fairgrounds in the late evening. A significant amount of work has to be done each year to make this conversion which includes re-striping the roadway. The removal of the striping has an impact to the condition of the pavement and over time will require additional maintenance. In addition, there is a significant cost in making these changes each year.

With the growing number of special events at the Fairgrounds and the amount of work it takes to convert to one way each year prior to the fair, it would be beneficial to just make the one way permanent. People wanting to go to the Amtrak station will need to traverse through the fairgrounds parking lot. New signage has been installed as a part of the permanent conversion to guide motorists to the station. The fairgrounds will accommodate access to the station through their parking lot. The fairgrounds already has an agreement with the City to provide 22 parking spaces in their lot for long term parking for Amtrak passengers. In addition to coordinating with the fairgrounds we have also coordinated with the DVP (Downtown Ventura Partners)trolley. The trolley will also need to traverse through the fairgrounds parking lot. This has been discussed and there doesn’t seem to be any issues.

The plan is to evaluate the one way conversion in six months to see if there are any major issues that arise. The City, Fairgrounds, VPD, Fire, and DVP will all be involved in the evaluation. Since the striping has been done in paint rather than a more permanent striping material it can be changed back to the original layout fairly easy.

The 12th annual City of Ventura Photo Contest deadline is around the corner!

Might this photo be a winner? Only if Richard Lieberman enters it.

Do you have an amazing shot you took of a Ventura landscape, or of you or your children participating in one of our Parks and Recreation programs or events, or perhaps of a wedding that took place at one of our historical sites? We encourage all amateur and professional photographers to enter our 12th annual City of Ventura Photo Contest, with a focus on all things Ventura. The deadline to submit photos is Oct. 2. Many submitted photos will be used in city publications and social media posts with a photo credit. Photographers of all ages are invited to enter their best high resolution images with two ways to win; People’s Choice by online votes and/or Judges’ Choice by visual arts professionals.

The mission of the contest is to celebrate the City of Ventura, therefore all photos entered must be taken within our city limits or directly adjacent–beaches, mountains, Channel Islands, etc. There are three categories to enter your photos into: Environment, Architecture and Culture & Community. All winners will be invited to attend a reception at City Hall to celebrate their work. You do not need to be a resident of the City of Ventura to enter.

For more information on entry requirements and the submission process visit the City of Ventura’s Photo Contest website. https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/665/Photo-Contests

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – City of Ventura Classes

Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Classes held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted.

Ghosts or Folklore 12 years-Adult
3/11-4/8 Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm $60 + $5 supply fee
Real or folklore, it’s for you to decide as Richard Senate discusses his 34 years of ghost hunting investigations all over Ventura County. Material fees cover handouts and booklet: How to Hunt Ghosts. The fifth class will be a local field trip TBD. Instructor Richard Senate.. Course# 36874

History of Ventura Through Crafts 6-10 years
3/12-3/26 Wednesdays 4-5 pm $30
Explore the five culture groups -Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and American- that built today’s Ventura through the crafts and games of each culture plus a take-home coloring book of Ventura history. Instructor Richard Senate. Course# 36873

Young Creators: Sketch Comedy Workshop 10-13 years
3/20-5/15 Thursdays 4-5:15 pm $125
Students learn to write, film and edit a comedic digital short film with the fast setups and punch lines often associated with Saturday Night Live or MAD tv. No class 4/3. Course# 36459

Animation Creators: Stop Motion Animation 7-12 years
3/18-5/13 Tuesdays 4-5:15 pm $125
Students work together to create an original story around favorite toys through basic animation concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme. No class 4/1. Course# 36457

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – City of Ventura Classes

Call 658-4726 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

Acrylics for Adults 15 year-adult
9/13-9/27 W 6-7:30pm $55+$10 supply fee #9513
Have fun and learn different acrylic painting techniques while creating your own personal “Masterpiece”. All levels welcome. Instructor Laura Brooks. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Art Dolls & Whimsical Wooded Projects 16 years-adult
9/15-10/20 F 3:30-5:30pm $75 #9519
Using fabric, buttons, tree limbs and paint we will create wonderful unique art pieces. Instructor Judee Hauer. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Music Therapy for Pre-Schoolers 2-4 years
9/21-11/16 Th 9:30-10:15am $100 #9629
We’ll sing together, play, share, clap, and march together. A family or support member is welcome to stay and participate with each toddler. No class 10/26. Instructor, Board-Certified Music Therapist and performing artist, Brett “Jab” Cripe. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Beautiful Ballerinas 3-9 years
9/15-10/20 F 9:45-10:30am 5-6 yo $72 #9803
9/14-10/19 Th 3:15-4 pm 5-6yo $72 #9805
9/14-10/19 Th 4-5pm 7-8yo $72 #9807
Learn fundamental techniques, positions and exercises for flexibility, balance, poise and grace and the importance of following instructions, taking turns and being a productive member of a group. Instructor Sage Schniederbauer. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Intermediate/Advanced Vintage Polynesian with Elaine Tavares 12 years-adult
9/20-11/8 W 6:15-7:30pm $65 #9811
Have fun learning the steps of Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Poi Ball dancing. Bring a skirt or sarong to class. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Cardio Belly Dance 18 years-adult
9/17-10/22 Su 3-4 pm $60 #9376
Master steps, turns and isolations of belly dance through fun drills to upbeat modern world music. Bring towel and water. *No class 11/26. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

City of Ventura appoints new Ventura Water General Manager

Mr. Brown has more than 28 years of public sector experience.

Ventura City Manager Mark Watkins has announced that Kevin Brown has been appointed to the position of Ventura Water General Manager. Mr. Brown recently served as Chairman for Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Laydown Assessment in Washington, DC developing the Navy’s $9B annual infrastructure investment plan. He was selected through an open recruitment process and will join the City of Ventura on September 18.

Mr. Brown has more than 28 years of public sector experience as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer with a focus on customer satisfaction, environmental compliance, planning, budgeting, design, construction and facilities maintenance programs. He managed 10 unique water and sanitation districts negotiating interagency agreements, establishing water standards, maintaining systems and building new capacity.

“Kevin brings a wealth of experience and understands the intricacies of water resource management and inter-agency cooperation,” said City Manager Mark Watkins.

During his employment with the federal government, Brown worked internationally as well as locally; he served as the Commanding Officer, Civil Engineering Corps Officer School and the Executive Officer (CFO/COO) Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center, in Port Hueneme, California. His work experience also includes leading workforces of up to 1,400 personnel.

“I’m thrilled in this opportunity to join the Ventura Water team and serve the citizens of Ventura,” said Kevin Brown.

Brown is a licensed Professional Engineer with professional affiliations including the Society of American Military Engineers and the American Public Works Association. He is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University Advanced Executive Program. He has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, and a Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.

Mr. Brown will manage Ventura’s water and wastewater division that accounts for more than $94.5M in annual revenue serving more than 28,000 customers with a staff of 90.

Results for Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit Sept. 1 DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint

The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit scheduled a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint for September 1, 2017, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely. DUI can also affect the driver’s insurance policy and since insurance policies differ from person to person finding out how much can your insurance increase with a DUI might be a step worth looking into.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. The Ventura Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. Those who are found to driving under the influence may have to attend the DUI Counseling Center of Illinois and face criminal charges. DUIs are not going to be taken lightly and anyone found driving in a poor state will have the law to deal with.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public. However, those who stopped at these checkpoints for a DWI or DUI check have the right to refuse when asked to take any of the Sobriety tests without consequence. It is still important to note that, if you are still stopped by the police and you have been drinking, you will need to look into getting legal counsel.

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Ventura Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

The checkpoint was conducted at 9:00 p.m. and was located on southbound Victoria Ave south of Ralston Street. The checkpoint concluded at 2:45 a.m. and at the conclusion of the Checkpoint, the final results are as follows:

  • 662 Vehicle were screened through the Checkpoint
  • 32 Field Sobriety Examinations (FST’s) were performed
  • 1 person was arrested for DUI out of the Checkpoint
  • 1 additional person was arrested for DUI during the Saturation Patrol
  • 1 Vehicle was towed for 14601 VC (Suspended Drivers License)
  • 6 Drivers were cited for 12500(a) VC (Driving without a Drivers License)
  • 4 Drivers were cited for miscellaneous violations

City of Ventura classes and programs

Explore, discover and create this fall; registration for City of Ventura classes and programs now open

Fall is a great time of the year to explore, discover and create through the programs and classes offered in My Ventura, the City of Ventura’s comprehensive recreation guide. Registration for classes is now open.

Browse the new recreation guide online at http://www.cityofventura/recreation and pick-up a copy or sign-up for classes at the Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships Department at City Hall, Room 218 or by calling 658-4726, Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (closed alternate Fridays).

In addition to the traditional educational and recreational classes offered by the City, individuals and families can explore new interests such as bus and walking tours to various Southern California locales. Participants can also discover the unique stand-up paddle glow light tour in the Ventura Harbor or take part in creative classes including pottery, music, dance and social activities for all ages.

“Our Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships staff has outdone themselves this year with our offerings of classes and programs in the fall guide. We encourage our residents to get out and explore our parks, discover a new hobby, and create a lifetime of memories with friends and family. We look forward to seeing all members of our community come together to enjoy all that fall has to offer in Ventura” said Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Director, Nancy O’Connor.

Classes are held at facilities throughout the city and out of town locations. Please make sure to register early; some classes fill up fast. Residents can also stay active by visiting Ventura’s parks system that includes more than 800 acres of parkland and facilities serving various interests from sailing, surfing, tennis, dog parks, league sports, skateboard parks, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Barking out loud

K9 and VPD officer showing their stuff at June 10 event held in the Harbor by the Herman Bennett Foundation to raise funds for our K9 officers.

by the VPD

On Friday, August 18a, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Ventura Police Department (VPD) will hold the 6th Annual “Bark Out Loud” Comedy Night benefiting the department’s K9 Unit. The event takes place at the historic Olivas Adobe.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the comedy show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Comedy will be provided by the Ventura Comedy Club.

K9 Teams will be on site conducting demonstrations throughout the evening and also roaming the crowd so individuals can meet the officers and their partners. The evening’s festivities also include a silent auction and raffle.

Tickets are $60 and are available for purchase at: www.venturapdk9.com/bark-out-loud-events/.

On average the cost for a canine is $12,000, with an additional $8,000-$10,000 for training and certification, all of which is paid for through donations to the VPD K9 Unit. All of Ventura Police canines, past and present, have been purchased through community donations and event fundraising. The K9 Unit appreciates the support of the community and the many businesses and organizations that have sponsored the crime fighting team!

The Ventura Police Department currently has three K9 teams and two K9s in the canine academy. K9s are assigned to the Patrol Unit so that a team is on-duty seven days a week, providing around the clock service to the community. We have used K9 teams for over twenty years. Our agency was one of the first law enforcement agencies in Ventura County to use canines. All of our canines are German Shepherds and they live at home with their handler/officer and their families.

Our department, along with other law enforcement agencies from Santa Barbara and Ventura County, train weekly with Dave Inglis, one of the foremost K9 trainers in the United States. Weekly training sessions typically cover such skills as searching, apprehension, drug detection, obedience, agility, and confined searches.

K9 teams are used for a variety of public safety assignments. The two most frequent uses are to locate fleeing suspects and to find illegal drugs. Canines can search an entire warehouse, for example, in much less time than a team of officers could perform the same job. Canines can sniff out hidden suspects thereby making them more effective in this situation than their human counterparts. Using K9 teams allows us to perform a variety of dangerous tasks in a quick and safe manner.

Nominations for the 2017 Mayor’s Arts Awards are due

The 13th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards nomination forms are now available online at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/maa, until August 31. These awards recognize the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community of Ventura residents in seven categories:

Arts Patron, a business or individual whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service

Artist in the Community, an established individual artist in any discipline for artistic excellence and singular efforts in contributing to Ventura’s cultural vitality

Creative Entrepreneur, a locally owned for-profit business which exemplifies the impact and vitality of Ventura’s creative economy

Arts Leader, a nonprofit arts professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship, and partnership within the arts community

Arts Educator, an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far-reaching

Emerging Artist, a working artist under 40 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to Ventura’s arts community (students are ineligible)

Student Artist, an active student artist in any discipline under the age of 19 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the arts

“Ventura’s thriving art community allows us all to experience the beauty, stories, and diversity of our city,” said Mayor Erik Nasarenko. “The Mayor’s Arts Awards are an important way to showcase the exceptional work and talent of local artists, teachers, and patrons that enrich our city and contribute to the economic and cultural well-being in Ventura.”

In September, a panel of community members representing the arts and business worlds, will review applications based on: the significance and magnitude of the nominee’s contributions; leadership in the arts community and commitment to service to the arts; benefit and impact of the nominee’s contribution to the citizens of the City of Ventura; and potential contribution to the arts in the emerging artist and student artist categories. The panel’s selections will be presented to Cultural Affairs Commissioners who will make recommendations for the Mayor to approve. The Mayor will announce honorees on October 9, and present each recipient an award, at a reception on November 2, including a limited edition artwork, Mark of Excellence, created by Lis J. Schwitters. The awards are presented as a joint project of the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Cultural Affairs.