Category Archives: City News

Javan Rad named Ventura’s new City Attorney

The Ventura City Council has appointed Javan Rad as its new City Attorney at its meeting on October 8, 2024.

“Javan stood out among a highly qualified pool of candidates, demonstrating exceptional experience, extensive knowledge, and strong leadership qualities,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City Council is confident that Javan is the right person to guide the City Attorney’s Office into the future.”

As City Attorney, Rad will serve as the chief legal advisor to the City Council and lead a team of legal professionals and support staff who handle all aspects of municipal law. His responsibilities include advising the City Council, Commissions, Boards, Committees, and City staff on a wide range of legal issues.

Rad joins Ventura after serving as the Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of Pasadena for the past 12 years, where he oversaw a team of ten attorneys and managed civil legal matters for the City. His expertise spans advisory and litigation work in constitutional, tort, and telecommunications law.

“I appreciate the support and confidence of the City Council, and I am honored to join the dedicated team in the City Attorney’s Office,” said City Attorney Javan Rad. “I look forward to supporting the City Council’s goals and objectives and working with talented staff and engaged Ventura residents to shape a thriving, resilient community.”

In addition to his new role, Rad has been serving a two-year term as the sole city attorney representative on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, providing guidance on telecommunications matters affecting local, state, and Tribal governments. He has been active with the League of California Cities’ City Attorney’s Department and currently serves on its Brown Act Committee. Rad has also served as President of the City Attorney’s Association of Los Angeles County and President of the Board of Directors of SCAN NATOA, a chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.

Rad holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He begins his appointment with the City starting October 28, 2024. For more information about the City Attorney’s Office, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Departments.

City of Ventura Begins Next Phase of Surfers Point Restoration and Coastal Protection

by Patricia Schallert

The City of Ventura invited the media to commemorate the groundbreaking for the second phase of the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the end of Shoreline Drive, near the dunes at Surfers Point.

The morning event included a ceremony featuring remarks from Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder, alongside local officials, key stakeholders, and community representatives.

Surfers Point, a beloved destination for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking, boasts vital walking, running, and biking paths that benefit all Ventura residents. This $16.2 million project, funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy, aims to enhance beachgoer safety and protect the shoreline from erosion, rising sea levels, and climate change. Planned improvements involve a new multi-use path, redesigned parking with an attendant station, public art, enhanced lighting, upgraded drainage, improved landscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Building upon a successful first phase completed in 2013, recognized globally for its innovative coastal resilience strategy, this second phase will also remove damaged infrastructure and introduce dunes, native plants, and a cobble berm to protect both City and Fairgrounds infrastructure.

Mayor Schroeder noted, “When agencies collaborate effectively, remarkable achievements occur,” emphasizing that Ventura has become an international model for coastal preservation. Supervisor Matt LaVere of District 1 expressed gratitude for the Phase 2 project, which aims to “safeguard the coastline from erosion, restore habitats, and address rising sea levels.”

Dan Long, president of the Ventura County Fairgrounds, highlighted the project’s community-focused vision, while Paul Jenkins, President of the Surfrider Foundation and Ventura Campaign Coordinator, acknowledged the earlier phase’s recognition as a successful green infrastructure solution against climate change’s challenges.

Chairman Matt Vestuto, a Cultural Specialist Consultant from the Band of Mission Indians, believes this project will help preserve the Ventura coastline as a sacred space for future generations and appreciates the collaboration of all involved agencies as they embark on this next chapter for Surfers Point.

City Council Candidates

On November 5, 2024, voters in Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will cast their ballots to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. Visit the candidates’ websites for more information. You can also watch the candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Midtown Ventura Community Council, and the College Area Community Council: www.capsmedia.org.

District 2 Candidates:

Doug Halter
www.DougHalter.com
Naz Madaen
www.NazforVentura.com


District 3 Candidates:

Heather May Ellinger
www.heathermayforventura.com
Clint Garman
www.electclintgarmanventura.com
Maricela Reyes
www.MaricelaReyesForVentura.com
Ryyn Schumacher
www.ryynforventura.com
Correction: In our last issue, we mistakenly listed Ryyn Schumacher as a candidate for Ventura City Council in District 7. He is, in fact, running for the District 3 seat. The correct web site for his campaign is www.ryynforventura.com.


District 7 Candidates:

Mario “Alex” Mangone
www.alexforventuracouncil.com
Brian Brennan
www.brennan4ventura.com

 

Eight Candidates Compete for Three City Council Seats

On November 5, 2024, voters in Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will cast their ballots to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This important election coincides with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a significant day for both our community and the nation. The candidates for District 2 are Doug Halter and Naz Madaen. For District 3, candidates are Heather May Ellinger, Clint Garman, Maricela Reyes, and Ryyn Schumacher. In District 7, the candidates are Mario “Alex” Mangone, and Brian Brennan.

Be sure to visit the candidates’ websites for more information and watch the candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Midtown Ventura Community Council, and the College Area Community Council: www.capsmedia.org.

District 2 Candidates:

Doug Halter
www.DougHalter.com

I’m Doug Halter and those of you who know me know that my greatest passion throughout the last 38 years has always been the city of Ventura; overcoming challenges and adding to our quality of life, taking ideas and dreams and using hard work to make many of them a reality including,

The 5 businesses, Randy Encinas I started in Ventura, not the least of which is HE Landscape which today has over 60 employees.

In turn, I restored several historic buildings for adaptive reuse and went on to build my own home which we share with the community for many functions and events.

I have also worked with other passionate citizens of Ventura to bring needed services and ideas to reality that made our community even better:

  • Created AIDS Care and AIDS Partnership to help provide services to our community.
  • Helped Resurrect the Historic Preservation Alliance to save our historic downtown and then followed up by forming the Downtown Community Council to bring back our historic core.
  • My commitment to the Cultural Arts has been more about community building and bringing people together not just enjoyment and entertainment. This led me to help create the Ventura Music Festival, Rubicon Theater, and then actively promoting our downtown core as our Cultural Center Soon thereafter, with a few good friends we started the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

In addition to this partial list of accomplishments, I also was on boards for the Ventura Visioning effort in 1999, CAPS formation, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, creating the Shaw Historic block in downtown and served on Parks and Recreation during the term we planned and brought forward our Community Park.

I am so humbled and honored to have participated in many ways over the years to build community and add quality of life for the community I love.

Forming relationships, collaborating, building bridges and visualizing a better future is what I excel at. Which is why I’m honored to have the respect and endorsements from a wide range of organizations throughout our community as well as many leaders including Ventura Police Officers Association, Ventura Firefighters Association, Central Coast Labor Council, Service Employees International Union #721, Ventura Chamber of Commerce and many of the Ventura County Democratic Clubs.

Leaders partial list:

Julia Brownley, Congressional member for District 26; Steve Bennett State Assembly Member District 38; Monique Limon State Senator for District 19; Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly member District 42; Matt Lavere, Ventura County Supervisor District 1; Veaney Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor District 2; Joe Schroeder, Mayor of Ventura; Dr. Jeanette Sanchez Palacios, Ventura Deputy Mayor; Carl Morehouse, Past Ventura Council member; Brian Brennan, Past Ventura Council member; Hannah-Beth Jackson, Past State Assembly and Senate member; Dan Long, Ventura County Fair Board President; Betsy Chair, Ventura County Fair Board Member.

I have seen the effects of years of cutting services and deferring maintenance to balance our budget. We need to change that paradigm to one that creates a more prosperous future that enhances what we love about our community and doesn’t sacrifice it.

My top 3 priorities are Affordable housing and design standards; Bringing jobs back to Ventura for the 73% of our workforce that leaves Ventura each day can work here at home; Raising our standards for our infrastructure

By working together and rebuilding trust and respect throughout our community we will find the solutions for a better tomorrow. I look forward to working together to make our community the model for many others to follow.

Naz Madaen
www.NazforVentura.com

I am Naz Madaen, and for 21 years, Ventura has been my home. As a former business owner, school administrator, volunteer, and dedicated mother of three, I’ve witnessed firsthand the changes affecting our city. The Ventura we cherish is at risk.

Our voices must guide the policies shaping our future. Ventura deserves a City Council that prioritizes residents’ needs over political agendas. Strengthening neighbor-to-neighbor relationships, engaging our youth to have a voice in their future here and increasing involvement in city decision-making are essential to preserving our culture so the Ventura we know does not slip away.

Our district faces the challenges of wildfire risks and preparedness, a new proposed trail system on our hillside whose impact on wildlife, traffic, and safety have not been evaluated, city development that is not in line with the spirit of Ventura, and the fate of an open or closed Main Street. All of these require thoughtful and holistic considerations, because while these issues start in District 2, how we address them will affect all of Ventura.

Vote Naz Madaen for City Council District 2. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in

Ventura. Let’s focus on real issues, effective solutions, and prioritize community benefit over politics.

District 3 Candidates:

Heather May Ellinger
www.heathermayforventura.com

As residents of Ventura, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful beaches and sprawling hillsides. Our eclectic city is full of historic landmarks that add to its unique and charming character.

I have lived here for over 30 years and have amazing memories of raising my children in what I used to call Mayberry by the sea. In that time our town has seen tremendous growth and change.

Unfortunately, Ventura has been in decline for years. Our city is inundated with issues, from our pothole-ridden roads, aging infrastructure, high crime rates, and high homeless rates, to the high costs of living and the over-development of our beautiful town.

Our city needs balanced, sensible leadership. From day one, I will efficiently work to bring positive results on critical quality-of-life issues and local concerns.

I am grateful to have the support of residents and businesses throughout Ventura. I am also endorsed by current and former elected officials throughout Ventura County.

Your support means the world to me! I am available to discuss all matters related to Ventura. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!

Clint Garman
www.electclintgarmanventura.com

I am honored to announce my candidacy for Ventura City Council, driven by a profound dedication to our community as a fifth-generation Venturan. With a pragmatic, centrist approach to city governance, I aim to guide Ventura through crucial decisions that will shape our future.

My background spans pivotal roles at the County of Ventura & as a former Mayor of Santa Paula, providing me with a deep understanding of city management and infrastructure. Additionally, owning Garman’s Irish Pub for over a decade has afforded me invaluable insights into the challenges facing small businesses.

As a co-vocational pastor, I am committed to serving both God & our community, underscoring my commitment to the well-being of Ventura’s residents. Having grown up on Ashwood Avenue and graduated from Anacapa Middle School, Buena High School, and Ventura Community College, I have a personal stake in our city’s evolution. My children attended local schools, reinforcing my connection to our educational system and community life.

I pledge to pursue smart growth initiatives that preserve Ventura’s unique character while enhancing its livability. Guided by a vision of prosperity for future generations, I humbly ask for your support in this endeavor to nurture Ventura—a place we proudly call home.

I am honored to announce my candidacy for Ventura City Council, driven by a profound dedication to our community as a fifth-generation Venturan. With a pragmatic, centrist approach to city governance, I aim to guide Ventura through crucial decisions that will shape our future.

My background spans pivotal roles at the County of Ventura & as a former Mayor of Santa Paula, providing me with a deep understanding of city management and infrastructure. Additionally, owning Garman’s Irish Pub for over a decade has afforded me invaluable insights into the challenges facing small businesses.

As a co-vocational pastor, I am committed to serving both God & our community, underscoring my commitment to the well-being of Ventura’s residents. Having grown up on Ashwood Ave. & graduated from Anacapa Middle School, Buena High School, and Ventura Community College, I have a personal stake in our city’s evolution. My children attended local schools, reinforcing my connection to our educational system and community life.

I pledge to pursue smart growth initiatives that preserve Ventura’s unique character while enhancing its livability. Guided by a vision of prosperity for future generations, I humbly ask for your support in this endeavor to nurture Ventura—a place we proudly call home.

Maricela Reyes
www.MaricelaReyesForVentura.com

I am running for the Ventura City Council to represent District 3 because I believe in keeping our community safe, clean, and affordable for all residents. Born and raised in Ventura County, I have deep roots in our community and a strong commitment to public service.

As a Sustainability Program Administrator for the County of Ventura, I work every day to support initiatives that enhance our quality of life, protect our environment, and promote economic growth. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California Lutheran University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I bring a well-rounded perspective and the skills needed to navigate the complex challenges our city faces.

Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to serving others, beginning with my work supporting foster youth and continuing through my current role in the public sector. I understand the importance of creating opportunities and ensuring equity for all members of our community.

At 34, I am proud to bring a youthful and enthusiastic perspective to the City Council, along with the experience and knowledge gained from years of public service. As a mother, I am deeply invested in creating a better future for our children and ensuring that Ventura remains a place where families can thrive.

I am committed to working tirelessly on behalf of District 3, and I humbly ask for your support in this election. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Ventura for generations to come.

Ryyn Schumacher
www.ryynforventura.com

My name is Ryyn Schumacher. When my family and I moved to Ventura, I instantly fell in love with this city.  Not only was I struck by the beauty and recreational opportunities we have, but most importantly, I love the community of people who care.

I’m running for city council because I recognize that our city is facing significant challenges ahead. We’ve had uncertainty in our city government with numerous staff transitions, our streets have potholes we can’t avoid, and many of us are worried about those suffering from homelessness.

Now, more than ever, we need a city council that will provide bold leadership and creative solutions.

My 20 years of experience in public health, social services, and business leadership will inform my decisions at city hall. I have a proven track record of collaborating with community organizations and government agencies (like the CDC, FDA, and CDPH) to address complex issues, like homelessness. I’m more motivated to tackle this issue than any other candidate because when I was teenager, my family and I were homeless for 4 years. Not only will I help our unhoused community, but I will also work to prevent homelessness by working on solutions for renters and housing affordability.

As a husband, homeowner, and product of a working-class, immigrant family, I know what it means to work hard and remain resilient. With my MBA from Pepperdine University and experience as the National Executive Director for the Federation of the Philippine American Chambers of Commerce, overseeing 41 chambers throughout the country, I know how to build communities. By leveraging the industries we already have and investing in women-owned and minority-owned businesses, we can enhance the diversity we offer in Ventura. Because diversity is our strength, and inclusivity is our responsibility. That’s why I’m dedicated to fostering an inclusive community of people where everyone feels welcome, valued for their contributions, and empowered to thrive in our city.

I’m the only candidate in District 3 endorsed by the Democratic Party… AND I pledge to work with all Venturans because the issues challenging our families do not have a party preference. Every pothole affects us all. Every senior displaced by high rents is a neighbor that we don’t want to suffer. We are a great city because we value each other as one community.

I love Ventura and when you love something you protect it and care for it. So when you vote this fall, vote for the candidate that will stand for you and not abandon our city when things get hard. As a public health official, I am the only candidate that has direct emergency management experience in working with public safety (law enforcement and fire departments) during fires, floods, and health emergencies to protect and care for communities. Our full-service city needs a council member that has deep knowledge of and an even deeper commitment to leadership.

Join US Congressman Salud Carbajal, CA Assemblymember Steve Bennet, our current District 3 Councilmember Mike Johnson along with an increasing list of your friends and neighbors, including the Ventura Unified teachers, nurses and healthcare workers, law enforcement, and labor unions across this city, in supporting me as your next city council member representing District 3.

For the health of our environment, to protect our unique quality of life, and to ensure equity for all of our neighbors, Vote Ryyn Schumacher for Ventura City Council, District 3. Let’s build the strong, vibrant Ventura we all deserve. I hope you will join me.

District 7 Candidates:

Brian Brennan
www.brennan4ventura.com

When I served as your mayor and city council member several years ago, I was confident that our accomplishments, in collaboration with staff, business and environmental communities, and social services, would prepare our city for a sustainable future. We worked with over 5,000 citizens on a vision that reflected our values and priorities and provided a road map for a thriving economy and well-maintained infrastructure. We recognized that we needed to pay close attention to resource management, affordable housing and coastal protection while addressing drought and climate change.

Unfortunately, after the pandemic and unprecedented turnover in staff and management, the policies we left in place have eroded and our city council has been hard-pressed keeping up with the challenges we face, particularly housing costs, street and sidewalk maintenance, water rate increases, and economic development. We can do better.

I am running for City Council because I firmly believe experience and leadership matter. In addition to my years on council, I am a 38-year resident and have worked with two Ventura County supervisors, served as Casitas Municipal Water District Director, Coastal Commissioner, Port District Commissioner and have significant experience in private sector business development and environmental protection. Let’s work together for our future.

Mario “Alex” Mangone
www.alexforventuracouncil.com

I feel compelled to run for Ventura city council and represent the town I love. I look forward to being connected to the community in city hall, not only for my neighbors in District 7 but also for all city-wide residents.

I am a regular face at City Council meetings, where I have spent countless hours and late nights learning our processes and staying informed over the years. My desire to gain knowledge about our city government has led me to attend many committee and commission meetings, including Design Review, Planning Commission, and Water Commission meetings, to name a few.

As a Ventura native, I feel connected to this land. I have spent my life surfing our beaches. I attended our public schools, including Buena High School. I come from a family of working-class small business owners and tradesmen. My natural path was to attend Ventura College, where I participated in their machinist program and worked towards an AA degree. I have been in the trade for 25 years, and I pride myself on being a business owner along with over 11,000 other business license holders in the city. I have lived all over Ventura, from downtown to the east end, throughout my lifetime. For almost 10 years, my Wife and I, along with our two children, have made Midtown our forever home.

Ventura is one of the last unique coastal California beach communities. We are proud and protective of our hillsides and agricultural resources, and we see the potential for growth that benefits our community. As one of only 125 charter cities in California, we have the power as a community to create our own path into the future. I am committed to preserving our unique identity while fostering responsible growth that meets our community’s needs.

There’s a lot happening in Ventura, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Starting this summer, I will be hosting a series of events and meet-and-greets to continue building connections with my community. Until then, I encourage you to reach out and contact me. Your voice and your concerns are important to me.

Latest survey for General Plan Update

Seeking more feedback through October 21

The latest Land Use Designation Map for the General Plan is ready for the community’s input. After reviewing hundreds of comments, the city is seeking more feedback. Your insights will help shape Ventura’s future development, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

The feedback form provides an opportunity for the public to provide comments and feedback on revised land use designations and a land use designation map for the City of Ventura General Plan. The land use designations are critically important part of the General Plan since they identify the allowed uses, building height and density/intensity on each parcel of land in the city.

As background, in the fall of 2023, the City Council endorsed a draft land use designation map, which was the culmination of over 2 years of work by the General Plan Advisory Committee and the public. In the spring of 2024, the City released a draft land use designation map for public review. The public was able to submit feedback on the proposed land use designations of specific parcels. The City received and reviewed almost 200 public comments, and this process revealed that some members of the community had concerns with the designations in the map.

Over the past 4 months, the General Plan Team reviewed all the community’s comments and developed a revised approach to better align the existing regulations with the proposed land use map. This resulted in a significant number of changes to the land uses designations and the application of those designations to the land use designation map. The City is now returning to the public to receive additional feedback on the updated land use designations and land use map.

The map-based portion of the survey divides the city into eight (8) different areas: Westside; North Avenue; Downtown; Midtown; Pierpont/Harbor; Ventura College; Arundell/Johnson; and Eastside. You can share your input on any or all of the areas.

To provide a comment on the land use map, simply click on the desired parcel or area on the map and write your comment in the feedback box. You can record multiple comments on each map. Each time you move to the next page, your feedback will be saved. Make sure to complete and submit the entire survey to ensure your comments are received.

www.planventura.com/updated-land-use-map. For assistance or more details email [email protected].

Green School Award

The City of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division will offer the Green School Award for the 2024-2025 school year in recognition of Earth Day. All public and private schools within the Ventura City limits that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices are encouraged to apply. The Green School Award winner will receive City recognition.

The award is given to the school demonstrates the most effective environmental stewardship in all the below categories: The application period starts from the beginning of the school year to Spring Break. A winner will be selected after Spring Break. This is an excellent opportunity to turn your school into a beacon of sustainability or showcase ongoing efforts in environmental stewardship!

The Green School Award is awarded to the school that demonstrates exemplary environmental practices in all the below categories:

  • Recycling and Waste Diversion
  • Water Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Environmental Science Education

Green School Award Past Winners

Community members invited to Ventura’s State of the City Address presented by Mayor Joe Schroeder on October 8

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder will deliver the annual State of the City Address during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be hosted in the Council Chambers and will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CityofVentura.

“The State of the City Address is a special opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate what we’ve achieved, and share our vision for the future,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “I’m proud of how staff, nonprofits, and local agencies have come together with optimism and innovation to tackle new challenges. As we look ahead, I want to recognize the tireless efforts of City staff, whose dedication brings our vision to life. There’s so much to be proud of, and I encourage everyone to join us and see how we’re building a stronger, more resilient Ventura.”

The 2024 State of the City Address provides updates on Ventura’s financial standing, highlights City Council-adopted initiatives, and shares significant business and operational developments, alongside future goals. Key areas of focus include fiscal responsibility, quality of life, economic vitality, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

Mayor Schroeder presented an expanded State of the City Address at the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s annual event on September 19. A recording of the presentation, including slides in both English and Spanish, is available on the City’s website at CityofVentura.ca.gov/SOTC. 

Public comments for the October 8 meeting can be submitted in advance through an online form at CityofVentura.ca.gov/PublicInput or via email to the City Clerk’s Office at [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

Ventura Seeks Community Input on Updated Land Use Designation Map for General Plan Update

The City of Ventura is inviting community members to review and provide feedback on the updated Land Use Designation Map as part of the ongoing General Plan Update. This 25-year blueprint will guide Ventura’s future growth and development. Residents can participate in the survey until Monday, October 21, 2024, and additional opportunities for engagement will be available.

The updated map outlines residential, commercial, and industrial changes, including detailed adjustments to specific parcels. To assist residents in understanding these updates, the City has provided an online survey, downloadable documents, and an interactive map highlighting key changes. In addition to the survey, community members are encouraged to attend public meetings and take part in office hours with city staff to offer their input.

“Updating our General Plan and Land Use Designation Map is essential for Ventura’s future,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “This plan helps us manage growth, protect resources, and enhance the quality of life for all. By planning thoughtfully, we can support economic growth, attract investment, and ensure Ventura remains a vibrant place to live and work for future generations.”

The updated map aims to better reflect current zoning standards and integrate community feedback. These land use designations are critical as they define allowable uses, building heights, and development intensity for every parcel of land in the city.

“Over the past three years, we’ve worked closely with the City Council, the 22-member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), the Planning Commission, and hundreds of residents to carefully assess land use across the city,” said Rachel Dimond, Ventura’s Community Development Director. “We received nearly 200 responses to the previous land use map and are eager to share an updated version that incorporates public input.”

Public Participation Events:

  • Community Council Meetings:
    • Eastside Community Council: Thursday, September 19
    • Pierpont Community Council: Thursday, September 19
    • College Area Community Council: Wednesday, September 25
    • Montalvo Community Council: Tuesday, October 1
    • Westside Community Council: Wednesday, October 2
    • Midtown Community Council: Thursday, October 10
  • Office Hours at City Hall (Room 133):
    • Tuesday, September 17, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, September 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
      Additional appointments are available by email.

After gathering feedback, staff will review the input and present recommendations to the GPAC. The Draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are expected to be released for further review in late 2024 or early 2025.

To take the survey, view the updated map, and explore resources, visit www.planventura.com.

Opinion: Serving on City Council is like owning a boat. Don’t.

by City Councilmember Mike Johnson

Sure, there are people who buy a boat, and keep a boat, and when you inquire they reply why yes, they still have the boat. When you look a little taken aback – you do, you know – they’ll tell you it’s worth it. They’ll insist. We all know, though, there’s something broken deep inside these people. Especially if it’s a sailboat. Or the Ventura City Council.

I can make that joke, because I’m not running for re-election, and the Jimmy Buffet voters are somebody else’s concern. Also, I once owned a sailboat.

My term on Council has been extraordinarily rewarding and punishing. I’m most proud of my tiny but crucial role in turning the old La Quinta into 134 units of Permanent Supportive Housing. Not a shelter, it will be a permanent home for 134 people with disabilities or medical needs, who would otherwise be homeless.

It wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t sandbagged the former City Manager in a Council meeting showdown over a million-dollar budget amendment he didn’t see coming. We went toe to toe, and the good guys won. That man was so opposed to any involvement in permanent supportive housing, he never wanted Council to know it was even an option.

People think he had to go because he was buying wine and expensive lunches on the taxpayer dime. That’s true, too, but that was just the petty and ignominious end to my two year battle with him. It was the only thing I had that four of my colleagues couldn’t countenance: the specter of bad press.

Bill Ayub is our new City Manager, and he’s doing a fantastic job. I’ve been poking my nose into city affairs since about 2012, so I’ve seen the gamut. Mr. Ayub’s the best. We need the best.

It will take years to undo the damage done before Mr. Ayub’s tenure. Our upcoming General Plan was supposed to be finished long ago. We have a Housing Element that was so rushed, so poorly vetted, Council was promised that if we adopted it, we’d fix it immediately.

The so-called Housing Element 2.0 never happened, and now state law requires us to follow what we committed to. It’s not a little thing, either. It’s how we’re supposed to address the Housing Crisis, Fair Housing, and homelessness.

Then there’s WaterPure. I was the leading resident advocate of the project for five years, defending it at Community Councils across the city. I attended nearly every Water Commission meeting, so I knew my stuff. And by 2020 I realized that every year, the timeline extended another year. Every year, the budget increased by about 25%.

It was originally supposed to be operating by the end of 2024 at a cost of $55 million. A few months ago, it was $670 million, with “program implementation” in 2030. The budget will continue to go up, and the timeline will continue to slip.

 

That’s what happens when Council signs a blank check. I voted no, I asked questions, I pointed out the problems, I voted no again, but it wasn’t enough. Watching this unfold from a seat on the dais kept me up nights.

Council can be downright parsimonious when we balance our general fund budget, but because we pass water and wastewater bills to future ratepayers, there’s no discipline. By the time the inevitable rate increases are squeezing people out of Ventura, forcing 10,000 residents to make tough paycheck choices every month, my colleagues and I will be beyond any recalls or ratepayer revolts.

Or maybe I will be there after all. I don’t know what I’ll be doing come January, but I may run for Council again some day. Maybe I’ll run for Supervisor. For all the sleepless nights after a hairy Council meeting, for all the slow-motion trainwrecks, it has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. Maybe more. Probably more. Ask me again in six months.

What I’ll miss most are my weekly meet & greet events. Thank you to everybody’s who ever joined us: you’re the fuel. Every event, I learn something important. That doesn’t make the job easier, but it means I can do the job better. I hope I’ve done right by you. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve District 3 and the City of Ventura. And I’m not going anywhere.

 

Free Compost & Mulch Program

The City of Ventura is now offering the Free Compost and Mulch Program to City residents and businesses.

What is the program?

The program is a partnership with organic waste recycler, Agromin, to provide free mulch and compost to City residents and businesses. The program is a way to give back to residents for participating in the Food Waste Recycling Program and will help the City comply with Senate Bill 1383 regulations.

How do I participate?

Residents and businesses can pick up free compost at Cornucopia Community Gardens from sunrise to sunset OR order mulch and compost for pick-up or delivery directly from Agromin using the instructions below. Residents and businesses can place up to four orders of Compost 100 and up to four orders of Cover Mulch from Agromin using the respective coupon codes from January 1 to December 15, 2024. A delivery cost of $135 per order applies.

  • Need a small amount of compost and have a way to shovel it into containers in your car/truck? Choose pickup at Cornucopia.
  • Have a truck /trailer and want the mulch or compost scooped in with a loader without extra costs? Choose pickup at Agromin.
  • Need a lot of mulch or compost, or don’t have a truck? Choose delivery.
  • Only the end user of the mulch/compost can make an order. A landscape contractor cannot order on behalf of a client. Landscape contractors must have their client (resident or business) place an order with Agromin and list the address where the mulch/compost will be used.
  • Businesses that need more material than the limits listed can call Agromin directly to place a larger order.

Pick-Up Instructions via Agromin (Free)

  • Step 1: Visit shop.agromin.com  to start your order.
  • Step 2: Select your preferred material type (ES2 Mulch or Compost 100).
  • Step 3: Select your preferred quantity and head to “My Cart” to checkout Note: The minimum amount for pickup is ½ cubic yard (covers about 50 square feet with a 3-inch depth). The maximum for Compost is 15 cubic yards, and the maximum for Mulch is 20 cubic yards.* 
  • Step 4: Enter “billing” info and select pickup.
  • Step 5: At final checkout, enter the coupon code CITYVCOM24 for Compost 100 or CITYVES224 for Cover Mulch.
  • Step 6: Bring proof of residency (I.D. or utility bill) and a pickup truck or open-top trailer to pick up your compost or mulch at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard, CA, 93030) during business hours: M-F: 9 am – 3:00 pm, Saturday: 8 am – 11 am.
  • Step 7: Show your paper or digital receipt at Agromin to collect material.

Delivery Instructions via Agromin (Delivery fees apply) 

  • Step 1: Visit shop.agromin.com to start your order.
  • Step 2: Select your preferred material type (ES2 Mulch or Compost 100).
  • Step 3: Select your preferred quantity and head to “My Cart” to checkout Note: The minimum amount for delivery is 3 cubic yards. The maximum for Compost is 15 cubic yards, and the maximum for Mulch is 20 cubic yards.*  
  • Step 4: Enter “billing” info and select “ship to my address.” Note: deliveries are only available to zip codes 93001, 93003, and 93004.
  • Step 5: At final checkout, enter the coupon code CITYVCOM24 for Compost 100 or CITYVES224 for Cover Mulch.
  • Step 6: Pay the $135 delivery fee. Note: An Agromin representative will contact you to schedule delivery. Each product within the minimum and maximum purchase amounts will incur a delivery charge. Products cannot be mixed together during delivery. Each product needs to be delivered in a separate Bobtail Truck.

*Agromin pick-up and delivery services are intended for residents who need larger product quantities. Smaller quantities may be picked up at Cornucopia Community Gardens and will still be available at pickup events throughout the year.

https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2524/Free-Compost-Mulch-Program