Category Archives: City News

Five Ventura Police Officers set to participate in the 2020 Police Unity Tour

Police Unity Tour riders Retired Captain Paul Kofman, Officer Tyler Bevan, Officer Rebecca Kofman, Corporal Casey Sutherland, and Officer Greg Knupp to participate.

On May 10, 2020, Ventura Police Corporal Sutherland and Officers Bevan, Knupp, Kofman, and Reginato will join more than 2,500 law enforcement officers from throughout the country for the 24th Annual Police Unity Tour Memorial Ride. All participants will bicycle along varying routes, each nearly 300 miles, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. This year, the Police Unity Tour- Southern California Chapter will have over 400 police officers representing California Highway patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and police departments from Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Estates, Pasadena, and Ventura.

On May 13, 2020, the team will join over 50,000 people at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil. During the ceremony, the names of every officer who died in the line of duty in 2019 will be read and his/her name officially added to the Memorial, which already contains the names of over 21,000 fallen heroes.

The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness about the police officers who have died in the line of duty. The Police Unity Tour’s motto is, “We Ride For Those Who Died.” The funds raised for this event will go towards the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Since its’ inception in 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised over $25 million to support the Memorial. It is because of the incredible level of support from various communities that officers are able to participate in the 2020 Police Unity Tour and ensure that the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten.

Corporal Casey Sutherland has been leading VPD’s team for the past six years. “I ride because many years ago, an L.A. County Deputy and high school friend of mine was killed in the line of duty. I have carried his memory with me my entire career,” said Corporal Sutherland. “I learned about the Tour from a co-worker who had ridden previously and once I rode in my first tour, I was hooked. It’s an amazing way to honor those officers and their surviving family members and I’m proud to be a small part of it.”

For more information about the Police Unity Tour Southern California Chapter, please visit www.socalput.com. All donations to the Police Unity Tour are tax deductible (Tax ID#22-353-541).

Ventura and other large water users continue working together on physical solution

The City of Ventura has requested a six-month extension for property owners to decide whether to file an answer in the Ventura River Watershed lawsuit. The City expects the court will make a decision on the City’s request at a court hearing on February 27, 2020 at 1:45 p.m. in Los Angeles Superior Court. To date, the City is unaware of any parties that oppose the City’s request for the extension.  The City will share the court’s decision as soon as possible after the hearing.

Stemming from a 2014 lawsuit filed by environmental nonprofit Santa Barbara Channelkeeper against the City of Ventura and the state of California, the City — who reached an interim settlement agreement with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper in 2019 – is in ongoing discussions with the large water users to develop a collaborative, local “physical solution” to protect the Steelhead population and maintain its least expensive and oldest water resource, the Ventura River. If a settlement is reached, the City’s cross-complaint, an action taken to initiate the collaborative solution, would not be litigated.

In January of this year, notices and summons were sent to 10,472 and 1,701 property owners respectively, as a result of a court order requiring the noticing in order for the court to recognize any settlement agreement. City officials acknowledged the inadequate messaging efforts prior to sending out the notices. The City has taken rapid strides in developing a new communications approach to reach those impacted and ensure the public has accurate information about the pending litigation and settlement talks, and more importantly, understands what’s next and how it impacts water users.

The City has developed a website dedicated exclusively to providing information about this topic, which includes a comprehensive FAQ section, a resources page that includes links to the recordings of the public meetings the City has held on this topic, and a news section which will be regularly updated.

In the meantime, the City is asking the court for a six-month extension for property owners to file answers, to allow those who received Notices or Summons additional time to decide if they would like to join the lawsuit. The case is not being actively litigated during the mediation process. The City is optimistic that it will make sufficient progress toward a settlement agreement during that time.

 

To learn more about the proceedings, please visit http://www.venturariver.com.

 

Tidying up for the new year

Ventura residents are invited to make a fresh, clean start in their homes.

The City of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division is hosting the first Community Cleanup & Recycling Event of the year on January 25th at 765 S Seaward Ave (corner of Seaward and Alessandro.) Ventura residents are invited to make a fresh, clean start in their homes by dropping off unwanted items at the event from 9 a.m. to noon. Accepted items include but are not limited to household items such as furniture and appliances, yard waste, and electronics. The only items that will not be accepted at the event are household hazardous wastes such as paint, fluorescent lights, and batteries. Goodwill Industries will also have a truck available to accept items in good condition, if attendees wish to donate.

These quarterly events are held as part of the franchise agreement with E.J. Harrison & Sons. During last year’s events, the City collected over 130 tons of waste, over 55% of which was recycled. These events are an important service that help residents properly dispose of hard-to-manage items that may otherwise become a household safety issue or wind up in the public right-of-way.

Residents are highly encouraged to register for the event online at https://ccrejanuary2020.eventbrite.com.

Additionally, on the same date and time, the Environmental Sustainability will also be hosting a free Shred Event to help ensure the safe destruction and recycling of sensitive documents. The Shred Event will be held at the City Maintenance Yard Parking lot at 336 Sanjon Road in Ventura on January 25th from 9 a.m. to noon. There is a limit of 5 file-type boxes per vehicle and is open to City of Ventura residents only. Residents should register for this event online at https://shredeventjanuary2020.eventbrite.com.

Business waste is not accepted at either event. Residents are required to show proof of residency such as a Photo I.D. or a utility bill.

City of Ventura Selects Chief Building Official

Livingston comes from a family of builders.

City of Ventura is pleased to announce the promotion of Building Inspection Supervisor, Ian Livingston to the position of Chief Building Official for the Community Development Department. Currently serving as the City’s Interim Building Official, Ian has worked for over 20 years in the construction industry. “Ian Livingston’s leadership will help guide the Building and Safety Division’s integration of technology and process efficiencies to reinforce the City’s customer service focus,” said Community Development Director Peter Gilli.

Ian comes from a family of builders; both his father and grandfather were carpenters and contractors in New England and California. Following in those footsteps, he began his career as a finish carpenter, and superintendent, working on residential and commercial projects including historical renovations and seismic retrofits, restaurants and custom homes. Ian’s resume includes over ten residential and commercial inspection certifications.

In 2014, Ian became a Building Inspector with the City of Ventura, and eventually, the Building Inspection Supervisor. In addition to his hands-on inspection expertise, helping Ventura residents complete their projects safely and according to State Building codes, Ian teaches at Ventura College’s Construction Technology department, helping the next generation of builders and contractors learn about accessibility and building codes and methods.

Following the Thomas Fire, Ian led a group of 20 volunteer professionals to evaluate the burn area. Together they evaluated and posted over 2000 sites and provided data to expedite the rebuild and repair process.

“I am thrilled and humbled for this opportunity. I look forward to helping Ventura build and rebuild in a timely, reasonable manner, while ensuring the safety of our residents,” said Ian.

King Tide coastal walk

Ventura announces coastal walk during highest high tide

Community members are invited to join the City of Ventura for a walk along the promenade to learn about tides and how sea level rise is impacting our local coastline during the king tide. The walk will take place on Saturday, January 11 from 9 am to 10 am. Please meet at Promenade Park along the Ventura Promenade at the end of Figueroa Street and Shoreline Drive.

The term king tide is used to describe an especially high tide event, when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between the sun and moon. When king tides occur during floods or storms, water levels can rise higher and have the potential to cause great damage to the coastline and coastal property. King tides are expected along the Ventura coast on the following dates and times: January 10, 8:18 am, January 11, 9:00 am, January 12, 9:43 am, February 8, 8:10 am, and February 9, 8:52 am.

Can’t catch the walk but want to learn more? California State Parks will be hosting a Facebook Live broadcast of the king tide along the California Coast from San Diego to Mendocino. Tune in on January 10 from 10 am to 11 am at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks/. Questions? Call 805-339-4317.

Police Chief Ken Corney announces retirement

For more than three decades, Chief Corney has served our community with honor and distinction.

After more than 33 years of service with the City of Ventura, Police Chief Ken Corney has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2019. In reflecting on his career, Chief Corney said that “it has been a tremendous honor to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Ventura Police Department, and to serve our community.”

“For more than three decades, Chief Corney has served our community with honor and distinction. He is a model of integrity and professionalism and it has been an honor to work with him,” stated City Manager Alex McIntyre. “He epitomizes the values of teamwork, leadership and public service. He has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life in our community and responding to the significant public safety issues faced by cities throughout our state. The City of Ventura is a safer community thanks to the work of Chief Corney. He has led the Ventura Police Department with heart and humility transforming the service of the agency.”

Chief Ken Corney joined the Ventura Police Department in 1986. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995, Commander in January 2000, Assistant Chief in December 2003, and appointed as Police Chief in December 2009.

Mayor Matt told the Breeze “Chief Corney’s intelligence and ability to think outside the box earned him national recognition. And as someone who was raised in this community, he cared deeply about Ventura and his number one priority was always the safety of Ventura residents. He was an incredible Police Chief and he will be sorely missed. But the strength of the department he leaves behind is a true testament to his leadership and professionalism.”

City Manager McIntyre has recommended that City Council selects Chief Corney to serve as the Interim Police Chief while a professional recruitment is conducted to select the next Ventura Police Chief. “The Ventura Police Department has great leadership,” said City Manager McIntyre. “An open recruitment to the process is important for transparency and community input. This process doesn’t preclude an internal selection. The recruitment will help determine the best individual to lead the agency.”

The City will retain a professional recruitment firm to conduct a search in order to find the best candidate to fill the Police Chief position.

Retired Ventura Police Chief and ex-city council member Mike Tracy stated.
“For the last 33 years Police Chief Ken Corney has committed himself 110% in service to the City of Ventura.  It was my great fortune to work with Ken for almost 20 of those years, and I can truly say he is one of the very best. His legacy is evident in the people he has developed, encouraged, and mentored.  Because of his leadership, the Ventura Police Department is prepared to face every future challenge.  My hope for Ken in his retirement is that he will follow in my footsteps and run for City Council—NOT!  Congratulations, Chief Corney, on your many years of exemplary service to our community.  All the Best to you and your family in the years ahead”

Ken Corney moved to Ventura from League City, Texas in 1970 when his father, a Grumman Aerospace engineer, was transferred from the Lunar Module project to the F14 Tomcat jet fighter project. Ken attended elementary school, middle school and high school in Ventura, and Ventura College. After his sophomore year at Ventura College, Ken accepted an athletic scholarship to California University Long Beach where he competed in track and field and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism – Public Relations.

Ken joined the Ventura Police Department in 1986. As an officer he served in the Patrol Task Force, SWAT hostage negotiator and field training officer. He was later promoted to Corporal where he served in patrol and later was as a gang investigator in addition to a collateral assignment as an entry team member of SWAT. Ken was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and after a tour as a Patrol Sergeant was assigned to the Special Enforcement Team – Gang Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team Leader as well as President of the Ventura Police Officers Association.

Ken was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000 and served as a patrol Watch Commander and later the department’s first Special Operations division Commander where he was responsible for Special Enforcement Team, SWAT Operations and Grant program management. In 2003 Ken was promoted to Assistant Chief and appointed to be the Chief of Police in 2009 by City Manager Rick Cole after the retirement of Chief Pat Miller.

In a previous Ventura Breeze, he was asked what he likes most about Ventura.

“Ventura is truly a post card community – from the ocean to the mountains. We are near enough many of the great things Central and Southern California has to offer, but far enough away to appreciate the uniqueness of our community. When I first arrived in East Ventura in 1970, the City’s population was around 50,000 and the east end was just beginning to develop. The town had the same rural feeling that still exists today. I think the feeling is the same because of the people that call Ventura home. I am blessed to have been provided the opportunity to work and raise my family in Ventura.”

News from your City Council

by Council Member Christy Weir

On December 2, the Ventura City Council approved the Olivas Park Specific Plan, which will extend Olivas Park Drive to Johnson Dr, to provide a better connection between East Ventura and the Harbor area. This will be a “complete street” project, and include wide sidewalks, a landscaped median, separated multi-use trail for bicyclists, in addition to the traffic lanes. The Olivas Park Plan specifies opportunities to make improvements to this vital area adjacent to the Santa Clara River, golf course and Auto Center, to benefit the residents of Ventura.

In response to the growing public health crisis caused by vaping, especially among teens, the Ventura City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, establish a tobacco license fee and prohibit the sale of all tobacco products within 1000 feet of schools. We affirmed that the City of Ventura continues to prioritize the health of our youth above the profits of businesses that sell harmful teen-targeted products.

City of Ventura repurposes water for local park landscapes

City’s Urban Forestry Department’s new 4,000 gallon water truck doing its job.

Over the next month, Ventura Water and Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships (PRCP) will work together to repurpose an estimated 200,000 gallons of water during the annual main line flushing program to irrigate City parks and trees rather than discharging water into streets and storm drains. The City’s water service area is a complex system of 380 miles of pipelines ranging from 4 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Routine maintenance is required to flush out sediment, corrosion and remove “bio–film” that adheres to pipes over time.

“Water main flushing is a necessary part of maintaining and operating a drinking water distribution system to ensure high quality drinking water. Ventura Water is committed to innovative solutions that maintain water quality standards and limit water waste,” said Ventura Water General Manager Susan Rungren.

In recent years, the City of Ventura has taken a proactive approach to minimize water waste during mandatory waterline flushing. In 2017, Ventura Water began operating the Neutral Output Discharge Elimination System (NO-DES) unit, a state-of-the-art truck that connects to fire hydrants and circulates, filters, and puts water back into the distribution system saving millions of gallons of water.

Beginning on the Westside and moving East, the City of Ventura will be flushing at approximately 200 locations where water mains end and pose water quality challenges. Instead of running the water to waste it will be captured and transported using the City’s Urban Forestry Department’s new 4,000 gallon water truck and applied to turf and trees at Arroyo Verde Park, Camino Real Park, Barranca Vista, Chumash Park, Hobert Park, and Community Park in addition to linear park spaces and city trees.

“Overseeing Ventura’s 42 parks and being water efficient remains a top priority for the Parks Department,” Nancy O’Connor Director of PRCP explained. “We share common goals as public servants to be good stewards of our precious local resources. It’s always a win for both the City and our community when we collaborate with other city departments like Ventura Water to save money and water.”

Ventura Water welcomes new Wastewater Utility Manager!

Vince is a valuable addition to Ventura Water.

Vince Ines is an Oxnard native. In 2002, he started working for the City of Oxnard as an Operator in Training and worked his way up to Operations Manager and Chief Plant Operator where he oversaw the Oxnard Wastewater Plant & Advanced Water Purification Facility. He currently holds certifications as a Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator and a Water Treatment Operator Grade 2.

Vince is a valuable addition to the Ventura Water team. In his new role, he hopes to continue to educate the community about the benefits of wastewater and recycled water.

In his free time, Vince enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his kid’s sports teams.

Water Year Summary 2019

Ventura residents continue to do an outstanding job exceeding the 20% water conservation requirement of a Stage 3 Water Shortage Event! In 2019, Ventura Water customers have conserved an average of 26% when compared to pre-drought years.

During the 2019 Water Year (October 2018 through September 2019), the City of Ventura received 20 inches of rain. Unfortunately, a single wet winter with above average rainfall does not neutralize the impacts of several consecutive years of persistent drought conditions. Before the 2019 winter rains Lake Casitas dropped as low as 30.4% (November 2018) of its capacity. Currently Casitas is at 41% capacity dwindling from this year’s high of 45%. Additionally, Ventura’s local water sources continue to be challenged by environmental, regulatory, operational, and legal constraints.

Each year following the rainy season staff evaluates the City’s water supply and demand while considering challenges, uncertainties and reliability associated with Ventura’s water sources through the annual Comprehensive Water Resources Report.