Starting in May, the city of Ventura began to proudly light up in purple, a nighttime display designed to honor the hospitality industry and to also bring a glow of hope in these challenging times.
The message is simple. Purple is the color of the hospitality industry, and tourism will be a major driver in the economic recovery from the damage done by COVID-19.
On May 4, the City Council moved to adopt Water Commission’s recommendation to reduce to a lower stage – declaring a Stage 2 Water Shortage Event with a 10% mandatory water conservation goal.
Each year following the rainy season, Ventura Water staff evaluates the current conditions of each of the City’s water supply sources – Lake Casitas, Ventura River, and local groundwater basins in the Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR). This report also provides an annual look at the City’s current demand trends or the measure of the total amount of water used by customers along with anticipating future needs.
The supply figures are then applied to the triggers outlined in the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP) to determine the City’s appropriate stage. The WSECP was developed in 2014 by staff along with citizen members of the Water Shortage Task Force to provide guidance and actions to be taken during droughts and major emergencies.
Staff stated “We continue to acknowledge that the City’s 100% local water supplies remain vulnerable to environmental, regulatory, operational, and legal constraints. For these reasons, making conservation a way of life remains a top priority. Our customers who have consistently exceeded Stage 3 mandatory 20% savings, conserving an average of 23% over the last five years.”
During Stage 2, Ventura Water will continue to offer rebate and incentive programs to equip customers to maintain water-efficient practices. The Stage 2 rate adjustment will become effective July 1, 2020.
The City’s Public Works Department have launched a Shared Streets for Health and Safety During COVID-19 initiative to help make neighborhood streets safer to walk and bike through the creation of wider spaces using current traffic lanes and sidewalks. This effort in intended to help pedestrians and cyclists practice physical distancing while enjoying healthy outdoor activities and sharing the street with slower-moving vehicles.
During COVID-19, five streets will have “Local Traffic Only” signage posted in neighborhoods to provide more space for physical activity on traffic lanes with slower-moving vehicles. This includes Olive Street, San Nicholas Street, Preble Avenue, Mound Avenue, and Darling Road.
“This initiative provides additional street space for more than just cars. It enhances pedestrian and bicycle safety while maintaining access needs for those who live in the area,” commented Phil Nelson, Ventura Public Work Director. “Sidewalks are typically too narrow to exercise proper physical distancing around others who use the same path. Oftentimes, people walk into the street, which can be dangerous for pedestrians when vehicles are driving by in the same or adjacent lane.”
Traffic patterns will not change on the “Local Traffic Only” and “Shared Streets” configurations. Emergency services will continue to have full access to the street network. Designated street signs for this temporary initiative will include signage or barricades, indicating one of the following designs:
“Local Traffic Only,” open to motorists traveling to a specific destination on that street.
“Shared Street,” open to cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly and be extra cautious.
“Repurposed Street,” temporary parking restrictions or lane changes in select locations to widen key walking and biking corridors.
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the five pilot phase streets as well as share ideas for other areas in the Shared Streets initiative.
Some examples of cities that have successfully implemented similar models include Alameda, Oakland, Burlington, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and more.
For more information on this initiative, the pilot phase, or to let us know if you would like your street considered, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov.
A limited amount of people and horses have beach access.
On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to institute limited closures of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides restricted access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, and Pier in support of balancing residents’ physical and mental health while restricting non-essential activities.
Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated “We want to provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy our amazing resources in a socially-responsible manner while we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking, is permitted as long as those engaging in these activities do not linger in any location. Sidewalks, walking paths, trails and tracks within all public parks are open for use as long as the public adheres to the social distancing requirements outlined in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.
“We know the public desperately wants to bring their families to the beach or the park, but we’re not there yet,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The limited closure access to City parks and beaches will continue as long as the public complies with social distancing rules and there are no group gatherings. Our intent is to provide community members with opportunities to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while continuing to maintain social and physical distancing. All parks have limited closures. We aren’t calling them “open”, we are staying consistent with the ordinance language, per CA’s office direction. To that end, people may use the parks for jogging, hiking, walking, running, but all playgrounds, courts, sport fields, parking lots, basketball courts, and restrooms are closed. Signs are up at each park reminding users what is allowed under a limited closure and that there is no laying down, sitting, or standing, it is active movement only.”
Playgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, restrooms, pools, courts, as well as sports and recreational fields will remain closed. Public gatherings, sitting, standing, fishing, or lingering on the sand will not be allowed. Limited access signage will be prominently posted around parks and beaches to remind the public to comply with physical distancing practices.
For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19. For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.
“We are excited to welcome Heather Sumagaysay to the City of Ventura.”
Following a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 132 applicants, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Sumagaysay as its new Communications Manager. The position reports directly to the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.
“We are excited to welcome Heather Sumagaysay to the City of Ventura,” commented Alex McIntyre, City Manager. “She brings a diverse range of professional experience to the job and will be instrumental in developing engaging communication programs. This next year, we want to better share information about City programs and services while connecting with our residents, local businesses, community organizations, and media partners.”
With more than 13 years of public sector experience, Sumagaysay previously worked for the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) as its lead Public Information and Marketing Officer since 2015. Here, she was responsible for creating and managing day-to-day public information programs, social media outreach, community engagement, media relations, and internal communication programs.
She also managed crisis communication and community outreach efforts in coordination with Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) during the 2017 Thomas Fire, 2018 Woolsey Fire, and 2019 Conception Boat Fire in Santa Cruz. Prior to coming to VCFD, Sumagaysay worked at the cities of Santa Clarita and Beverly Hills.
Sumagaysay earned a master’s degree in strategic communications from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. and has several affiliations with regional and national communications organizations. In 2018, she was recognized by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce as a “40 under Forty” award honoree.
“Heather is an energetic, well-qualified communications professional,” said Barry Fisher, Deputy City Manager. “She demonstrates a strong desire to bring people together and take the city’s communications, marketing, social media, and public outreach to the next level.”
As the City’s Communications Manager, Sumagaysay will be responsible for developing a communications strategy to build public awareness of City initiatives and enhancing public engagement efforts in City affairs. She will serve as the City’s day-to-day media spokesperson and work with other departments, like the City’s Emergency Operations Center, to assist with public information activities during emergencies.
Sumagaysay began her new role on March 30, and will work out of the City Manager’s Office in Ventura. She can be reached by email at [email protected] .
In support of the “Stay Well at Home” order, issued by the Ventura County Public Health Officer, all parks and beaches in the City of Ventura will be closed until further notice in order to support the urgent need for physical distancing during the COVID-19 emergency period. This includes the Promenade, Pier, and Wastewater Treatment Plant wildlife ponds.
The County’s modified Stay Well at Home order asks community members to stay inside their homes, limiting all outside movement beyond what is necessary to take care of essential needs and ordering all non-essential businesses to close. Those orders also include restrictions against non-essential travel and gatherings.
“Closures like this are difficult to hear and hard to share as we navigate through significant changes brought on by COVID-19. Our beaches and parks are an integral part of our community and provide many resources for healthy activities,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “As a City, we need to take extra precautionary steps to help protect the health and safety of our community members, first responders, and public health workers. The efforts and sacrifices we make now will help save the lives of people we know and love in the future.”
In response to recent public health orders, the City of Ventura has taken a series of emergency actions in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, including proclaiming a “State of Emergency” on March 15, 2020. This proclamation included social distancing practices, cancellations of public events, closures of City facilities, and restrictions placed on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, and fitness centers.
Community members are reminded to follow the advice of County Public Health officials and stay home, wash your hands frequently, and practice social and physical distancing of 6-feet or more when conducting essential tasks.
For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19.
For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.
Police Officers are prepared to respond as needed.
It is with careful thought and planning that the City has declared a local Health Emergency in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The declaration allows critical services and operations to continue while reinforcing best practices identified by the CDC and County Health Officials.
This declaration does not relate to any illness within City limits, it is simply a tool to enable the City to coordinate an effective response and allow for access to state and federal funds.
Based on recent recommendations from the State and local health officials, we want to provide you with the following updates connected with City services.
Emergency Services
Food Services
Business Interruptions
Regarding the current guidance from Governor Newsom and the CDC, Mayor Matt LaVere said, “The severity of the impacts to our everyday lives due to the coronavirus is felt by all. These measures reduce potential spreading and help protect our City’s most vulnerable residents. We will be working with all of our community partners to figure out how to best provide the services our residents depend on.”
Social distancing practices are being implemented at City facilities that remain open. Community members seeking City services are encouraged to use email, online, or telephone methods to communicate their need for services.
For the latest updates on impacts to City of Ventura services and facilities, please visit: www.cityofventura.ca.gov.
For the latest updates on the situation in Ventura County, please visit www.vcemergency.com.
Darin Schindler to lead the department.
After a two-month search, Ventura City Manager Alex D. McIntyre has selected Ventura Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler to lead the department following the retirement of Chief Ken Corney who has held the position since 2009.
Darin was born and raised in Ventura County and has called the City of Ventura, and the Ventura Police Department, home for the past 25 years. He began his career with the Port Hueneme Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 1989 and was hired as a full-time police officer in 1990. He then joined the Ventura Police Department in 1995 and has worked in various ranks and assignments, including the Assistant Chief of Police, for the last five years. Darin holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration.
Darin told the Breeze “As Ventura Police Department’s next Chief of Police, I am committed to proactive and innovative policing strategies while continuing to enhance our community responsiveness, collaboration, and problem solving efforts. I am proud of the amazing work done every day by the men and women of our Department and am grateful for this exciting opportunity.”
“Darin Schindler has been a strong leader in the Ventura Police Department for many years, and I am excited to see him take over as our next Police Chief” said Mayor Matt LaVere. “Although Chief Corney leaves behind very big shoes to fill, there is no one I trust more than Darin to lead the department and continue our mission of building a safe and prosperous Ventura.”
City Manager McIntyre said, “Darin has a solid reputation locally as a progressive and transformational leader. He will build a team of professionals to continue to serve and protect our community. I know he can lead the department through whatever challenges lie ahead.” Darin will start his new position on April 4, 2020.
by Richard Lieberman
Single use and Polystyrene food containers will no longer be allowed in restaurants in the city after the City Council voted to ban their use.
Commonly called Styrofoam and regularly used in the food service industry the containers are now prohibited in the city. The ruling designed to help reduce litter and potential harm to marine animals will be based on a similar ordinance already in place in Santa Barbara. The material Polystyrene found in single-use plates, cups and takeout food containers is neither biodegradable nor recyclable.
After heavy rains, polystyrene items are often seen in storm drains and on beaches, where tiny pieces often end up in the stomachs of seabirds and marine animals.
During a regular Monday evening council meeting a vote was taken on the ban and passed 6-0 (Sofia Rubalcava was absent). City staff will begin drafting an ordinance requiring all restaurants to use biodegradable or recyclable food packaging. City staff has also been asked to research how other cities have banned food retailers from selling coolers, plates and cups containing Polystyrene. Retail stores in the city may also face a similar prohibition.
“What’s extra special is current users even agree that it’s the right thing to do,” Mayor Matt LaVere said. “There’s community-wide support for this. We all walk on the beach and see it all the time.” LaVere told the council.
The city also announced it will use Santa Barbara’s ordinance as a road map to be planning and initiating its own ban. In Santa Barbara all food providers and retailers are required to use containers and packing material, including “peanuts” and shipping boxes that are compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable, according the ordinance.
Food providers in Santa Barbara may be exempt from the rule for up to one year if the food vendor applies for an exemption showing a potential financial hardship. Food currently prepared or packaged outside the city and brought into Santa Barbara including raw meat, fish and other raw food are also excluded from the ordinance.
At this time there are more than 130 cities that have implemented similar bans, including Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach.
The council hopefully will design the ordinance so that it will avoid a problem that San Diego has had with its ordinance. San Diego previously voted to ban the use of Polystyrene but had to revoke the ordinance after a lawsuit was filed by the restaurant industry.
The council and city staff must take into account the failure of San Diego’s effort and make sure the local ordinance will stand up to a courtroom challenge.
At a hearing the Los Angeles Superior Court granted the City of Ventura’s and the City of Ojai’s requests for a six-month extension for property owners to decide whether or not to file an answer in the Ventura River Watershed lawsuit. The new deadline to respond to the lawsuit and file an answer is September 8, 2020.
Over the course of the next few weeks, the City of Ventura will mail a postcard to everyone who received a Notice or Summons, notifying them of the court’s decision. The extension will allow those who received Notices or Summons additional time to decide if they would like to join the lawsuit. The City is optimistic that it will make sufficient progress toward a settlement agreement with the other parties during the next six months.
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. Property owners who received the Notices or Summons now have an additional six months to decide whether to file an answer to the lawsuit.
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.
To learn more about the proceedings, please visit: http://www.venturariver.com
This release is available on the City of Ventura website at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov
