Category Archives: City News

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 4th 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].

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:

  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.

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.

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, 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!

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/265/Elections.

 

Ventura City Council Adopts Balanced $531 Million Budget for FY 2024-25

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.

 

City Request Phone Numbers

  • 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