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:

1. September 28, 2024
2. October 26, 2024
3. November 16, 2024
4. December 14, 2024

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].

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.

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.

Reasons to get involved with your Neighborhood Community Council:

1. Connect with your neighbors
2. Learn what’s happening in your area
3. Get updates and information from City staff
4. 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.

The Ventura City Council unanimously adopted a balanced $531 million operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 following the City’s annual budget hearing at its meeting on June 25. The budget outlines significant investments to maintain and improve the City’s aging infrastructure and deliver core services and programs.

The budget spans from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and focuses on the City Council’s highest priorities, sets aside funds for future infrastructure needs, and maintains the City’s high level of service. This includes addressing priorities such as reducing homelessness and enhancing environmental protection while accounting for rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues.

“This year’s budget highlights the City’s dedication to strategic investments in infrastructure and community programs, ensuring Ventura’s financial stability and enhancing public services,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By addressing critical needs such as storm-related repairs, library rehabilitation, and facility replacements, we are laying a strong foundation for the future and strengthening our community for years to come.”

The FY 2024-25 budget highlights include total General Fund resources and expenditures balanced at $149.3 million, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of funds to maintain and improve city services. The General Fund budget includes funding for major projects such as the EP Foster Library rehabilitation, storm-related repairs at the Buenaventura Golf Course, and facilities replacement at the Olivas Links Golf Course.

“We commend our executive leadership team and finance staff for their diligent work in developing a budget that addresses our community’s needs and ensures the delivery of essential services,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “This budget allows the City to continue supporting critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street and park maintenance, and sustainability efforts, all aimed at improving the quality of life in Ventura.”

In addition, the $193 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget allocates substantial resources to ongoing VenturaWaterPure projects, includes $16 million in grant funding for improvements at Surfers Point, and increases funding for citywide maintenance of roads, sidewalks, medians, and public spaces by approximately 30%. This increase includes an additional $5.5 million, bringing the total budget for road repairs in Fiscal Year 2024-25 to $13.3 million.

The voter-approved Measure O initiative has allocated $28.3 million to support critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street maintenance, park maintenance, and environmental sustainability. Since its inceptThe Ventura City Council unanimously adopted a balanced $531 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2024-25 following the city’s annual budget hearing on June 25. The budget outlines significant investments to maintain and improve the city’s aging infrastructure and deliver core services and programs.

Spanning from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the budget focuses on the City Council’s highest priorities, sets aside funds for future infrastructure needs, and maintains the city’s high level of service. It addresses priorities such as reducing homelessness and enhancing environmental protection while accounting for rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues.

“This year’s budget highlights the city’s dedication to strategic investments in infrastructure and community programs, ensuring Ventura’s financial stability and enhancing public services,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By addressing critical needs such as storm-related repairs, library rehabilitation, and facility replacements, we are laying a strong foundation for the future and strengthening our community for years to come.”

The FY 2024-25 budget highlights include total General Fund resources and expenditures balanced at $149.3 million, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of funds to maintain and improve city services. The General Fund budget includes funding for major projects such as the EP Foster Library rehabilitation, storm-related repairs at the Buenaventura Golf Course, and facilities replacement at the Olivas Links Golf Course.

“We commend our executive leadership team and finance staff for their diligent work in developing a budget that addresses our community’s needs and ensures the delivery of essential services,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “This budget allows the city to continue supporting critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street and park maintenance, and sustainability efforts, all aimed at improving the quality of life in Ventura.”

In addition, the $193 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget allocates substantial resources to ongoing VenturaWaterPure projects, includes $16 million in grant funding for improvements at Surfers Point, and increases funding for citywide maintenance of roads, sidewalks, medians, and public spaces by approximately 30%. This increase includes an additional $5.5 million, bringing the total budget for road repairs in fiscal year 2024-25 to $13.3 million.

The voter-approved Measure O initiative has allocated $28.3 million to support critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street maintenance, park maintenance, and environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2016, Measure O has generated over $103 million, funding more than 65 initiatives to improve the quality of life in Ventura.

The city presented a preliminary draft budget to the City Council at its meeting on April 23 and hosted a workshop on June 4 to answer questions and hear comments from residents.

For additional information about the City of Ventura’s budget process or to download financial documents, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.

• Pothole Hotline:  805-652-4590
• Streetlights/SCE Outages: 800-655-4555
• Graffiti Hotline: 805-654-7805
• Report tree limb obstructing a sidewalk, traffic sign, streetlight, or public right of way: 805-677-6519
• Replace the garbage can or recycling bins: Contact E.J. Harrison & Sons at 805-647-1414.
• Report illegal dumping: 805-677-3999
• Report an abandoned vehicle: 805-339-4432
• Report an abandoned shopping cart: 888-992-4778

In partnership with the City of Ventura, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Collaborative Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub, SCORE will hold a second in-person no cost workshop that will help local entrepreneurs and business owners.

The workshop, entitled “Google and Social Media Paid Advertising Strategies” will be held on August 7 at the Ventura City Hall Community Meeting Room at 8:30am. The workshop will be led by Steve James who is a Digital Marketing Consultant with the firm RevLocal and will cover topics such as the best advertising platforms to use, the differences between search ads and display ads, and how to use analytics to improve results.

The August 7 workshop is a continuation of the March 27 Marketing Strategies workshop that was also presented by SCORE, hosted by the City of Ventura, and led by Mr. James. The prior workshop was well attended and very well received by the business community.

After the event, Cary Glenn, Management Analyst with the City of Ventura Economic Development Division, commented, “I did hear from one of the attendees, who is a tough critic mind you, who found tremendous value in the information and went back to their business, called a team meeting, and immediately began implementing some of the tools learned at the workshop.”

For workshop information, including how to register, go to: https://www.score.org/ventura/event/google-and-social-media-paid-advertising-strategies