by Darin Schindler Ventura Police Chief

As September unfolds, so does National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of emergency planning and readiness. Ventura’s history bears witness to volatile wildfires and floods, making this month’s focus on preparedness all the more pertinent.

In our unwavering commitment to your safety and well-being, I am pleased to share that we’ve launched the Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey, a valuable opportunity for residents to actively shape how we respond to and recover from life-threatening emergencies.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, and now as your Police Chief, I am acutely aware of the pivotal and critical role that effective emergency planning plays in preserving lives and minimizing the impact of crises. In collaboration with the City’s Emergency Services Manager, Mack Douglass, and our dedicated team of police officers and firefighters, we recognize the importance of nurturing a community that is well-informed and empowered to take decisive action during times of distress.

The Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey is a powerful tool that gives you a direct voice in refining Ventura’s evacuation plans, allocating essential resources, and guiding future educational initiatives. By participating in this 10-minute survey, available in both English and Spanish, you become a critical contributor to a more resilient Ventura. Your insights will provide us with valuable information to bolster existing evacuation strategies, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that our emergency plans are comprehensive and practical.

As we contemplate the ever-changing landscape of emergencies, your feedback will be instrumental in shaping our approach. The survey delves into critical aspects of evacuation preparedness, including your familiarity with evacuation routes, knowledge of emergency shelters, preferred transportation, favored communication methods for alerts and information, and overall readiness. Your responses will help us tailor our efforts to suit the needs and preferences of our diverse community.

It’s important to understand that emergency preparedness is not the sole responsibility of first responders; it’s a collaborative effort that demands active participation from each community member. Efficient evacuation routes are the backbone of a successful life-saving response. By participating in this survey, you also initiate essential conversations about preparedness with your family, further equipping yourselves to navigate challenges efficiently.

Your input will enable Ventura’s first responders to execute their duties precisely and confidently. In times of crisis, every second counts, ultimately saving lives and further protecting our community.

To access the Evacuation Preparedness Community Survey and learn more about this crucial initiative, please visit our website at CityofVentura.ca.gov/OES.

Remember – If we can predict it, we can prepare for it and respond better! Your participation is an investment in our shared safety, and we are grateful to serve a community that shares our commitment to preparedness.

Your voice matters in building a more resilient Ventura. Together, let’s ensure that our emergency preparedness is not just a plan on paper but a living testament to our collective commitment to each other’s safety.

Following a thorough Phase IV reassessment, Interim City Manager Don Penman has granted approval to three additional recipients for commercial cannabis conditional permits. The three recipients are MOM Ventura, located at 3868 East Main Street; Shryne Ventura, located at 1860 S. Victoria Avenue; and Safeport, located at 5801 Valentine Road. 

Back in October 2022, the initial Phase IV process led to the conditional award of permits for three retail businesses: Responsible and Compliant Retail Ventura, situated at 1890 East Main Street; TAT Ventura, found at 2835 E Main Street; and ZASA, located at 4591 Market Street.

During the fall of 2022, the remaining five finalists submitted appeals. Subsequently, a settlement agreement was reached between the City and the appellants in July 2023. This paved the way for a partial Phase IV re-evaluation where the five appellants competed for three permits. As a result, the City Council passed a resolution increasing the permissible number of retail permits from five to six.

Businesses granted conditional permits will be subject to site inspections, conduct employee background checks, and obtain a business tax certificate and certificate of occupancy from the City before commencing operations. Upon establishment, the City will conduct ongoing inspections, audits, and monitoring to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. A collaborative effort among City staff, the Ventura Police Department, and state regulators will be employed to ensure community safety.

Additionally, stricter obligations apply to cannabis businesses, including adhering to an age restriction of 21 years or older (18 and above for medical patients), maintaining a minimum distance of 600 feet from elementary, middle, or high schools, and annual permit renewals. Non-compliance with the permit terms or the City’s ordinance may lead to permit revocation.

In November 2020, voters approved a ballot measure for cannabis taxation. On February 24, 2021, the City Council authorized the City Manager to provisionally grant up to five retail storefront or non-storefront cannabis permits and 10 industrial permits.

In April 2022, City staff and an external consulting group selected eight finalists using comprehensive criteria, such as business ownership, community compatibility, local benefits, investment plans, and proposed sites. A subsequent public meeting was held in July 2022 to gather community input on applicants and proposed locations.

The City will continue discussions with the California Coastal Commission regarding a potential Local Coastal Plan Amendment. This initiative is geared towards facilitating retail operations within the Coastal Zone. As part of this effort, the City Council will evaluate the feasibility of expanding authorized permits to include the possibility of retail locations within the Coastal Zone.  

Cannabis businesses are required to contribute to Ventura’s non-profit sector and generate between $600,000 to $700,000 in revenue to fund City services in the first full year of operation.

For more information on the City’s cannabis regulations or the application process, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Cannabis.

Ventura residents can now voluntarily register at-risk dependents with the Ventura Police Department, providing dispatchers and officers with critical information on individuals with special needs, diagnoses, or circumstances before an emergency situation.

The voluntary registration program is for at-risk individuals and requires personal information like name, date of birth, physical attributes, known disabilities or illnesses, a current photo, and emergency contact information.

“Voluntary information provided to our team before a dire situation can expedite the search for a wandering individual by reducing the amount of information collection needed after an initial call for service,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “The information also further assists officers by preparing them to appropriately contact and address that individual once they’ve been located. It’s a win-win.”

At-risk dependents and families that may find this program helpful are those with a loved one with Autism, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Down Syndrome, mental illness, blind or low vision, and developmental or intellectual disabilities.

“We are grateful to Ventura PD for their ongoing partnership and dedication to keeping our at-risk residents safe, including those with Autism,” said Ashley Pope, President of the Autism Society Ventura County. “The success of this program largely hinges on active participation and registration of eligible individuals, as emergencies can strike unexpectedly. Register now for this vital program, as it has the potential to inspire safer, more inclusive approaches across first responder sectors.”

All information submitted will be secured on an internal server. Updated personal information, changes to physical appearance, and diagnosis shifts should prompt family members to re-submit and update dependent information.

For more information about this program, please visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/AtRiskRegistration.

The City of Ventura is excited to announce the final phase of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). This comprehensive roadmap aims to enhance the City’s transportation landscape, providing increased accessibility and appeal for walking, biking, and transit across the community.

The City is seeking public input to prioritize projects and programs proposed in the ATP. To review and share your information, please visit the City’s website. The deadline for providing feedback is Sunday, August 20.

“In the last two years, we’ve seen active involvement from more than 4,000 community members who played a vital role in shaping the proposed Active Transportation Plan recommendations,” stated Mayor Joe Schroeder. “As we move into the next phase, we invite all community members to provide feedback on the identified priorities and projects created to establish a safer and more sustainable active transportation system for Ventura.”

In June 2021, this community-driven initiative gained significant engagement, with input from the Active Transportation Focus Group (ATFG), which provided valuable insight into City needs, shaped plan goals, and amplified outreach efforts. This group comprised various stakeholders from the City’s Public Works Department, Police Department, Environmental Sustainability Department, Community Outreach, Bicycle Advisory Committee, all seven Community Councils, and Bike Ventura. Additionally, the City of Ventura has been actively engaged with the Ventura Unified School District to update the city’s Safe Routes to School Plan. This collaboration further ensures the safety and accessibility of walking and biking routes for students and families in the community.

Throughout the planning process, the City has been dedicated to engaging with diverse groups, including low-income and minority households, homebound seniors, youth, young parents, and individuals with direct experience in walking and biking in Ventura. This inclusive approach has allowed the plan to address the unique needs of all community members.

“The City of Ventura invites residents to share their diverse perspectives to ensure the Active Transportation Plan reflects the community’s needs.

Whether you choose to participate online or in person, your input will play a crucial role in shaping a safer and better use for all road users,” stated Public Works Director Phil Nelson.

For more information and to submit your feedback, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/atp.