Category Archives: City News

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

City Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play an important role in the City of Ventura. By contributing their time, energy, and talents, volunteers support a wide variety of programs and services. From beach clean-ups, to coaching, to leading historical tours, and delivering meals to seniors, volunteers make a huge difference in our community!

Promenade Beachfront Cleanup with Surfrider Foundation – Aug 24.

The Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation hosts events on the 4^th Saturday every month from 9 am – 11 am at the Ventura Promenade beachfront to help clean up one of our most prominent beaches. This event is open to all ages, people under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All adult participants and parent/guardians of minors must sign a City of Ventura Volunteer Release Agreement.

Location: 529 E Harbor Blvd. Check in on the Promenade at California St next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Look for the blue Surfrider canopy. Work gloves and buckets will be provided. For questions, contact Tom Musgrove, Recreation Coordinator, [email protected]. 805-654-7706

Upcoming event dates:

Volunteers in Policing (VIP) Program:

Volunteers are an essential component to the Ventura Police Department’s community problem-oriented policing efforts. Volunteers have an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and help improve law enforcement services. The program increases community pride by allowing volunteers to serve as role models and most importantly, be part of a community program concerned with the common good and well-being of the city we all love.

“Here at the Ventura Police Department, our volunteers are valuable members of our crime fighting team. The work done by our volunteers contributes to the safety of our community and the success of our department,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “We value the dedicated service of those who volunteer their time with us, and we strive to provide opportunities that fit everyone’s abilities, allowing for increased participation and fulfillment in public service.”

There exists a large, untapped pool for support staff, resources, and expertise in the form of citizen volunteers that can provide a valuable service to the Department and the community.

Note: Residents who volunteer with the Ventura Police Department must be in good health, undergo a background investigation, and are carefully screened as to judgement, maturity, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1682/16760/VIP or contact Police Services Officer Natalie Wilkes at 805-477-3747, email [email protected].

Ventura Police host community presentation on military equipment use

The Ventura Police Department invites community members to attend a presentation on the Annual Military Equipment Report. This meeting will occur virtually on Tuesday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. To register, please visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/Transparency.

The presentation will provide an overview of the report, focusing on the specific equipment acquired and its utilization. Department staff will also discuss the policies and procedures that govern the use of military equipment in Ventura, encouraging a dialogue about these valuable community safety tools.

“We recognize the value of keeping communication open and want to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism by providing this information to our community,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “Our goal is to ensure residents are well-informed about how these resources are utilized to protect public safety.”

The term “military equipment” does not necessarily indicate equipment used by the military. It encompasses a variety of tools, including unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, armored vehicles, command and control vehicles, less lethal 40mm projectile launchers, noise flash diversionary devices, and various forms of ammunition.

The equipment used by the Ventura Police Department is common among law enforcement agencies nationwide, enhancing the safety of both residents and officers and helping to resolve incidents that might otherwise necessitate lethal force.

On July 16, 2024, the Ventura City Council received the Annual Military Equipment Report and approved the continued use of the specified equipment.

For questions, please contact Commander Matt Cain at [email protected] or call 805-339-4488.

City Releases Fall Activity Guide – Over 300 Classes and Programs

The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of its next Fall Activity Guide! Registration begins Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies can be found on page 43. Discover over 300 upcoming classes, programs, and events scheduled from September through January at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers a diverse range of classes and programs for all ages, including Beginner Ceramics, a Bus Tour to see Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre, Aikido, and a collection of classes in fitness, art, aquatics, sports, pet wellness, and more.

Every City of Ventura residence will receive a printed copy of the Fall Activity Guide by mail. Additional copies can be picked up during business hours at City Hall and other City facilities, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

“This year’s National Park and Recreation theme is ‘Where You Belong,’ and that is what we strive to create for our residents: a sense of belonging and community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Stacey Zarazua. “Our goal is to provide positive and inclusive programs for all ages, welcoming outdoor spaces, and essential services like food and child-care.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2023 Engagement with Parks Report, 84 percent of U.S. adults consider high-quality parks and recreation essential when choosing a place to live, and 88 percent believe it is vital for local park and recreation agencies to engage with all community members to ensure offerings meet their needs.

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department manages over 800 acres of parks and open space and oversees three community centers, three community gardens, multiple historic sites, and the Ventura Aquatic Center. Learn more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ParksRecreation .

Ventura Chamber of Commerce Applauds Repeal of Net Zero Water Fee Ordinance

City Council votes unanimously to remove Fee

On Tuesday, July 16, the Ventura City Council voted unanimously to remove the Net Zero Water Fee Ordinance and impose an immediate moratorium on the collection of any Net Zero Fees while finalizing the amendment to the ordinance. This decision effectively removes a significant impediment for businesses unique to the City of Ventura. “There is an entrepreneurial spirit in Ventura that wants to be unlocked and the unanimous decision by City Council to repeal ‘Net Zero’ will be a big help in moving the ball forward for the local economy,” said Benedict Koenig IV, founder of Mothers Tacos. Koenig, a successful restaurateur, is expanding his brand and working to bring Mothers Tacos to Ventura. He was shocked to learn that he would have to pay $60,000 in Net Zero Water Fees alone.

The recently adopted Economic Development Strategy specifically pointed out the Net Zero fee as a threat to economic development. Many examples of these onerous fees were provided in the policy consideration brought forward by Councilmembers Doug Halter (District 2) and Mike Johnson (District 3). The Ventura Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for the repeal of this fee since its inception. “I believe the timing was right, with the release of the Economic Development Strategy, a focus from city leadership on customer service, and the continued improvements in the permitting process, this was the next logical step to help improve our city’s competitiveness,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “I commend the courage of Councilmembers Halter and Johnson to bring this forward and the leadership exhibited by the entire City Council to support it with a 7-0 vote. This is a win for business, a win for Council, and most importantly, a win for Ventura!”

The City of Ventura adopted the Water Rights Dedication and Water Resource Net Zero Policy, Ordinance No. 2016-004, effective on August 11, 2016. The intent of the ordinance was to provide a framework to address future water supply for future development within our community. At the time, a detailed analysis of the city’s water supply and demand concluded that the city’s water supplies were being used at or near full capacity. In 2016, total demand for water was 14,262 acre-feet (AF). The 2016 Comprehensive Water Resources Report projected that demand would grow substantially to 17,523 AFY (acre-feet per year) in 2020 and 18,657 AFY by 2030. Instead, demand has not increased but decreased and has never peaked above 15,000 AFY.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that advocates on behalf of the business community. With nearly 700 members, representing more than 24,000 employees locally, the Chamber engages on a variety of issues that help to drive a strong local economy as The Voice of Business. www.venturachamber.com.

Filing Period for Ventura City Council Candidates Closes August 9

On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms.

If you’re a registered voter aged 18 or older in Districts 2, 3, or 7 and are passionate about serving your community, now is your chance to step up! The Nomination Period runs from July 15 to August 9, 2024. Should an incumbent decide not to seek reelection, this period will extend by five days, ending on August 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. To kick off your candidacy, you must obtain your nomination papers from the City Clerk’s Office during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5 pm). Note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, August 9 as part of its alternate Friday closure schedule. To accommodate the close of the Nomination Period, the City Clerk’s Office will be open by appointment only on August 9. Make sure to book an appointment to pick up your papers.

Elected City Councilmembers will each represent their respective districts. Candidates must reside and be registered voters in the district they wish to represent when they receive their nomination papers, in accordance with Elections Code 10227. If a Councilmember moves out of their district, their seat will be vacated unless they establish a new residence within the district within 30 days.

Contact the City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment with Michael MacDonald during the nomination period: call (805) 658-4745 or email [email protected].

For more information on the 2024 General Municipal Election, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Elections.

Ventura Community Councils

Reasons to get involved with your Neighborhood Community Council:

Connect with your neighbors
Learn what’s happening in your area
Get updates and information from City staff
Participate in projects that make a difference in your neighborhood

College Area Community Council:

https://caccventura.com

Downtown Ventura Community Council:

https://downtownventura.org

East Ventura Community Council:

https://eastventura.org

The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually on 15
August 2024 at 7 PM. Visit the EVCC website at
https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link. The agenda
includes the East Ventura police report, followed by a presentation
from Ventura Water on the Ventura Water Pure project status and other
water department updates.

The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East
Ventura problems, needs and expectations, and to recommend, initiate
and/or participate in the development and implementation of programs
or solutions. The EVCC facilitates communications between the
community and government or other service agencies.

Midtown Community Council

https://www.midtownventura.org/

Pierpont Bay Community Council:

https://pierpontcouncil.org

Meeting times: 7PM, Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, 7:00 PM Pacific. Meetings will also be live on zoom – see website.

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Montalvo Community Council:

https://montalvocc.wordpress.com/

Westside Community Council:

www.westsidecommunitycouncil.org

Meetings: First Wednesday of every month. Bell Arts Factory – Community Room, 432 N. Ventura #101, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

Become a City Council Member:

Filing Period for Ventura City Council Candidates Now Open, Nomination Window Available until August 9

On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This election will be held in conjunction with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a pivotal day for our community.

To kick off your candidacy, you must obtain your nomination papers from the City Clerk’s Office during
office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am–5 pm). Note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 26, and Friday, August 9 as part of its alternate Friday closure schedule. To accommodate the close of the Nomination Period, the City Clerk’s Office will be open by appointment only on August 9. Make sure to book an appointment to pick up your papers.

Elected City Councilmembers will each represent their respective districts. Candidates must reside and
be registered voters in the district they wish to represent when they receive their nomination papers, in accordance with Elections Code 10227. If a Councilmember moves out of their district, their seat will be vacated unless they establish a new residence within the district within 30 days.

For more details and to schedule your appointment, contact the City Clerk’s Office today!