Category Archives: City News

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere announces campaign for Ventura County Supervisor, District 1

A formal campaign kick-off event is scheduled for early September.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere has publicly announced his candidacy for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, District 1. With deep roots in both Ventura and the Ojai Valley, an impressive record of leadership on Ventura’s City Council and a lengthy, diverse group of endorsements, Mayor LaVere is excited to kick-off his campaign for County Supervisor.

“I am running for Ventura County Supervisor for a simple reason: I want to continue working to ensure that the Ventura County my young daughters inherit in 20 years is even better than the Ventura County we know today” stated Mayor LaVere. “That means balancing respect for the County’s unique history, while also having a bold vision for its future. We need to be aggressive in creating and attracting jobs that pay a living wage. We need to build more affordable housing, not by paving over our precious open spaces but rather through redevelopment of blighted properties. We need to plan for a sustainable future by protecting our water sources, agricultural land, hills and beaches. We need to address the local homeless and mental health crisis. These are the issues that will determine the future of Ventura County and will be my top priorities as Supervisor.”

Mayor LaVere’s campaign for County Supervisor has been bolstered by significant support and enthusiasm in the community. He has received over $120,000 in campaign contributions from more than 300 unique donors. He is proud to have earned the endorsements of local elected leaders like Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Cheryl Heitmann, Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Erik Nasarenko, Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Jim Friedman, Ventura City Councilmember Lorrie Brown, former Mayor of Oxnard Dr. Manuel Lopez, VUSD Board of Trustees President Sabrena Rodriguez, VUSD Board of Trustees Vice-President Jackie Moran, VUSD Trustee (and former President) Velma Lomax, and VUSD Trustee Matt Almarez.

“I am proud to endorse Matt in his campaign for County Supervisor. His work ethic and community engagement has been a huge asset to the Ventura City Council, and I know he will serve the residents of Ventura County incredibly well as the next Supervisor for District 1” said former Mayor and current City of Ventura councilmember Cheryl Heitmann.

Mayor LaVere has also earned the support of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, the City of Ventura Firefighters Association, the City of Ventura Police Officers Association, the Central Coast Labor Council, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce political action committee, IBEW Local 952, SEIU Local 721, the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, UFCW Local 770, Laborers Local 585 (LiUNA), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council.

“Mayor LaVere has an exemplary record of serving the residents of Ventura, even in the most difficult of times following the Thomas Fire. He has proven himself to be an incredibly effective and innovative leader while advocating for public safety, economic development and the sustainability of Ventura’s future” said Kevin Aguayo, President of the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association. “We believe a leader like Mayor LaVere will be a great addition to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and we are proud to support his campaign.”

Matt LaVere was elected to the Ventura City Council in November 2016 as the top vote-getter. After serving for one year as Deputy Mayor, he now serves as Ventura’s Mayor. He has also served on the Ventura City Council’s Economic Development subcommittee, Homeless & Affordable Housing subcommittee and the Finance & Budget subcommittee. He has also represented the City Council on the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development subcommittee, the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG), the Association of Water Agencies (AWA), the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21) and as the City Council’s liaison to the Casitas Water District board.

Neal Andrews, Ventura councilman and past mayor, dies

Andrews ran and won a seat on the city council in 2001.

by Richard Lieberman

Neal Andrews long term Ventura councilman and past mayor has died. Neal died on Sunday, August 4, 2019 following a protracted illness. He served his last year on the council as mayor a position he coveted.

Andrews ran and won a seat on the city council in 2001. His election changed the dynamics of the council at that time. His election and subsequent actions led to the changing of city managers in 2004. Neal was a conservative and used his conservative voice for what he believed to be a fiscally conservative approach to city government.

He was a minority on the council but was still able to implement requirements for individual water meters on multi-family housing projects. He also was an ardent supporter of the WAV artist housing project and he sponsored and supported the use of “seed” money for incubator businesses directly leading to the establishment of the Trade Desk.

Neal was instrumental in bringing the Highland Games to the city in 2003. He was a tireless advocate for the homeless and worked to get a permanent shelter established in the city. He was successful in this effort and saw his efforts rewarded shortly after leaving office when the council approved a year-round shelter(which will be coming soon). During his term in office he also was responsible for dealing with and managing the devastation after the Thomas fire. He also hosted a weekly show on CAPS-TV “Conversations with Neal Andrews.”

Andrews was elected mayor on the night the Thomas Fire started in December 2017.

Funeral services were held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.

SCAG honors 6 innovative projects with its 2019 Sustainability Awards

Ventura wins Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability award

Six exemplary and innovative planning projects were honored May 2 as winners of the 2019 Sustainability Awards by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Recipients of the 12th annual awards include municipalities, agencies and non-profit organizations throughout the six-county SCAG region. The Sustainability Awards recognize excellence in coordinating land use and transportation to improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability.

“We’re honored to present these awards, which recognize the best of the best when it comes to

improving the quality of life of our communities and the region,” said Bill Jahn, Big Bear Lake City Council member and President of SCAG. “Sustainability encompasses so much, but at its core is the integration of land use and transportation to improve our lives. As these projects illustrate, there is a tremendous amount of innovative and meaningful work being done across our region.”

The Sustainability Awards winners will be formally honored at SCAG’s 2019 Regional Conference and General Assembly, taking place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert.

Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability: The City of Ventura for the Kellogg Park project.

Nestled into city of Ventura’s Westside neighborhood, Kellogg Park is the result of extensive collaboration between residents and the City. Built on a vacant lot that once cited a rebar factory, the park serves the varied recreation needs of a community short on open space. Residents advocated for a number of amenities to meet the diverse needs of the community, including multi-generational opportunities to exercise, a community garden, and design components that allow for increased safety. The park also features innovative sustainable design such as a sand- filter swale “river” that reflects the nearby Ventura River watershed and provides recreational and educational opportunities.

SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California now and in the future. For more information about SCAG’s regional efforts, please visit www.scag.ca.gov.

Solar workshop offered for Ventura residents

The City of Ventura and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) have launched the 2019 Solarize Ventura Program. This program includes new energy storage systems and options for survivors of the Thomas Fire that are working to rebuild.

The Solarize Ventura 2019 program is designed to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to go solar. This year, the program has selected Coastal Solar as their installer partner, who will offer discounted prices through July 31, 2019.

The program will offer energy storage equipment and education on energy storage for the first time. Storage systems will be available to new solar customers and to existing solar customers who wish to upgrade their systems to include storage.

Southern California Edison’s new “time-of-use” pricing structures benefit solar customers. Under these new rates, many solar customers will benefit by utilizing solar energy stored during the day for peak evening hours, avoiding the need to buy electricity from the grid at the most expensive time, from 4pm – 9pm. Having a battery backup can also give solar customers power in their homes during power outages.

Residents who lost homes in the Thomas Fire are invited to participate in the Solarize Program regardless of the progress of their rebuild. Solarize Ventura will offer community workshops focused on the benefits and details associated with going solar. Workshops will cover solar billing rates, equipment, warrantees, financing, and tax credits. A solar coach will also be available to discuss questions as needed.

The workshops are offered at no cost and are open to the public. A reservation is not required. To learn more visit SolarizeVentura.org or call the Community Environmental Council at (805) 963-0583 x101.

Workshop: July 11th, 5:30 pm City Hall Community Meeting Room, 501 Poli St.

 

Ventura Council votes to switch high usage accounts to Sothern California Edison

by Richard Lieberman

The Ventura City Council, at the June 24th meeting has voted to move Ventura’s high usage electricity accounts back to Southern California Edison. The majority of city accounts will remain with the Clean Power Alliance. Council members responding to a sudden and unexpected substantial increase in high electricity usage categories remained firm in their commitment to move the city to 100% renewable energy with the exception of those high usage categories. The city will not be able to switch from SCE to CPA for 12 months after the decision to switch back to SCE.

On June 6, this year CPA’s board set significant rate increases to close a gap in projected revenues. The rate hikes would have affected 1,800 high-user accounts, about 1% of all customers. The high energy users faced rate hikes of 37% to 47%. The accounts affected relate to street and highway lighting, outdoor area lighting, pumping, and agriculture. CPA’s residential customers faced no increase in rates. They will continue to pay based on the tier set by elected officials in their jurisdictions. For city government and large accounts, the costs amounted to between tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars extra per year.

In a 4-3 vote at Monday’s council meeting, it was decided to move the city’s biggest accounts (those related to street lighting) to Southern California Edison. Several other city accounts while still impacted like pumping and large facilities like City Hall will remain with the CPA, but will change to a 36% renewables energy mix, reducing the original plan that called for use of 100% renewables which the council had previously adopted.

Based on early estimates, it will cost the city $100,000 to $160,000 more, Finance and Technology Director Michael Coon said. Exact amounts, however, remain unknown at this early stage. The city only had weeks notice to prepare for the rate increases, he added. Coon said the city planned to work with CPA to “narrow down the exact impact.”

CPA said the unexpected rate increases were associated with a series of rate changes and a sharp spike in exit fees, which Edison charges to customers who leave the investor-owned utility for the power it purchased on their behalf. Colin Cushnie, vice president of power supply, said a main driver of the streetlight increase was peak pricing, which used to be noon to 6 p.m. So just as streetlights are turning on, power rates are at their highest. Rates in the past were highest during midday when demand was at its highest said Cushnie. But there is so much solar energy being produced it isn’t until the sun sets that usage really goes up.

CPA officials have stated that the exit fees were increased to make up for Edisons $825 million under collection in 2018, which is being charged as part of a 12-month rate hike that went into effect in April. CPA protested that decision to the Public Utilities Commission but lost the appeal.

The city council was split on paying more for the same amount of usage. Mayor Matt LaVere and members Jim Friedman and Erik Nasarenko voted no, partially because moving all impacted accounts to Edison, the city would have saved money and ended with the same mix of renewable energy (Edisons base rate includes 36% renewable energy. The council also voted 6-1 to keep just under 400 accounts not affected by the rate hikes with CPA at the 100% tier, which means they will pay 9% more than Edisons base rate on those accounts. Friedman voted no. He supports staff’s recommendation of returning all the city’s electricity back to Edison. He wanted a pause to give the city time to better analyze the financial implications and said Ventura had too many “obligations and responsibilities” to consider spending more when the true costs were unknown.

The city committed to CPA when costs were going to increase around 9% above Edison, said Friedman, not over 20%. Council member Christy Weir, the city’s representative on the 32-member board that oversees the Clean Power alliance. Weir had hoped to keep all accounts with CPA. She said she wanted to “stick with CPA because they are our future here”.

“The city made a commitment to the CPA.” She and others said. Council member Cheryl Heitman said the city had made a pledge to use more renewable energy. “I’m not in favor of going back to Southern California Edison in any way.”

Though he supports staying with CPA, Nasarenko voted against moving tiers for its high use accounts because he was concerned the money to cover the difference would need to come from money being set aside for infrastructure and other city improvements from a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.

Mayor LaVere said keeping the unaffected accounts with CPA but moving the others to Edison accomplished three goals: sup[poting CPA, committing to a future of renewable energy and showing fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers. He also said Edison’s base rate still provided 36%renewable energy, the same as CPA but without the cost.

The Clean Power Alliance was founded in 2017 with a $10 million loan from the County of Los Angeles. The city council voted in February 2018 to join CPA, that now has 31 governments in Ventura and Los Angeles County. CPA procures renewable energy and Edison distributes its existing power lines. All residents and businesses located in CPA’s jurisdiction are automatically enrolled in CPA unless they opt out.

4th of July community events and public safety

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair continues its proud 44-year tradition on Thursday, July 4, from 10 am to 5 pm in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. “We Have Liftoff!” is this year’s theme, in honor of the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo Program.

The Independence Day event regularly draws more than 50,000 residents and visitors. The showcase of handmade arts and crafts by more than 200 artisans, multiple food booths and live music stretches along five blocks of Main Street from Chestnut Street to Mission Park. This year’s event will also feature a children’s fun zone at Mission Park where children can enjoy rides, bounce houses and a visit with Ventura City Firefighters.

The day kicks off with the annual Pushem Pullem parade sponsored by the Ventura East Rotary Club. The parade assembles at Cemetery Park at Main Street and Crimea Street at 9 am and begins to parade down Main Street at 9:30 am with a Ventura Police Motorcycle escort. Participants decorate bicycles, strollers, scooters and wagons and dress up in festive Fourth of July attire for the parade while also incorporating the Street Fair NASA Theme of “We Have Liftoff!”. Participants receive a free commemorative button while supplies last. There is no application or RSVP required to participate in the parade it is a fun community tradition of celebrating the holiday and our community.

Community members are encouraged to enjoy the approved and legal firework displays that are offered throughout Ventura County. The Rotary Club of Ventura’s Fireworks Show and Family Picnic will be offered at Ventura College from 5 pm to 9 pm. Tickets can be purchased online, at local Vons stores, at the 4th of July Street Fair Information Booth from 11 am- 2 pm on July 4 or at the gates of the event.

Fireworks are illegal in the City of Ventura. Please report firework disturbances to the Ventura Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency number at 805-650-8010. Please be prepared to provide detailed information of the firework activity including the address and suspect being reported. For emergencies please call 911.

The beach areas in the Pierpont and Keys neighborhoods of Ventura will have controlled traffic patterns for public safety on July 4. Visitors and residents will be able to access the State Beaches Parking Lot via San Pedro Street but will not be able to access Pierpont Blvd from San Pedro Street. Pierpont and Keys area beaches, homes and businesses will be accessible via Seaward Ave. Other road entrances including Monmouth Way, Peninsula Street and Oyster Street will be closed for entering and rerouted to Seaward Ave. for entering the area. All roads will be open for exiting the area. Those wishing to enjoy fireworks by the beach should consider attending the public fireworks display offered by Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard at 9 pm. Those attempting to use fireworks on Ventura beaches or anywhere in the City of Ventura are subject to fine. Let’s work together to make it a safe and fun holiday for all!

Six new appointments slated for Ventura

City Manager Alex Mcintyre announces six new appointments.

by Richard Lieberman

Alex Mcintyre Ventura City Manager announced six new appointments to the executive staff. The appointments include assistant city manager, deputy city manager, community development director, finance and technology director, public works director, and Ventura water general manager.

This past January Alex McIntyre committed to complete the hiring of an executive team by June, the new hires will begin their roles next month. Filling these positions was part of the city council’s goal to strengthen and stabilize the executive team.

“These experienced managers stood out in their fields as leaders and professionals,” said McIntyre. “Their talent and, management skills will help the City achieve our current goals, focus on the future and emphasize excellent services to our residents,” he added.

These newly appointed managers will complete the City’s 12-member executive team.

The new executive team members include:

Community Development Director Peter Gilli. He has more than 20 years of experience serving as Deputy Director of Community Development, Acting Planning Manager, Zoning Administrator, and Senior Planner during his tenure with the cities of Thousand Oaks, Santa Maria, Mountain View, Cupertino, and San Jose. The Community Development Director oversees more than 42 employees who are responsible for planning and zoning, building and safety, code enforcement and housing and redevelopment.

Assistant City Manager Akbar Alikhan appointed to the position after a national search. He is a Ventura County native and recently worked as General Manager for Channel Island Beach Community Services District for two years, prior to that he worked with Raftelis Financial Consultants, where he provided financial planning and utility rate consulting services to agencies throughout the state.

Alikhan will oversee three City department operations including Community Development, Public Works and Ventura Water.

Deputy City Manager Barry Fisher will fill a newly created position of permanent Deputy City Manager. Mr. Fisher has served as the acting Assistant City Manager.

Fisher will oversee the offices of Economic Development, Safe & Clean, Communications, and Disaster Preparedness. He will also manage the City’s state and federal legislative programs.

Finance and Technology Director Michael Coon has served as City Manager of Richwood Texas for two years and Assistant to the City Manager in the city of Lake Jackson before that he started his career with the City of San Antonio, Texas Office of Management and budget.

Coon will be responsible for for the development and oversight of the City’s $301 million budget

Phillip Nelson has been appointed Public Works Director. He has more than 30 years of engineering services experience in the private and public sectors. During his tenure with the County of Ventura, he served as manager of facilities projects, director of facilities and engineering, director of engineering services and director of planning and facilities, among other assignments.

The Public Works Director oversees more than 90 employees who design, construct, inspect, improve and maintain the City’s infrastructure, including traffic lights, sidewalks, street lights, roadways, land development, solid waste, stormwater, and parking operations.

Susan Rungren has been promoted to Ventura Water general manager. She has been serving as interim general manager since January. Prior to that, she has served as Ventura Water Assistant General Manager.

Rungren will manage a staff of 108 full-time employees. She will oversee the water and wastewater operations, and work to meet long term water supplies.

Alex McIntyre “The past 18 months have been a turbulent time for the City,” said McIntyre. “These important changes in leadership will provide the necessary settling affect the city needs right now,” he added.

New Lighting on California Street Bridge

The new lights improve safety

New pedestrian safety light poles designed by artist Michael Davis are being installed on the west side of the California Street Bridge over Highway 101 to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The improvement project moves into the much-anticipated final stage of construction with the contractor scheduled to complete the installation of eight new pedestrian safety lights in one-week depending on weather conditions.

“The new lights improve safety and welcome residents and visitors alike to Downtown Ventura,” said Mayor Matt LaVere. “Furthermore, connecting our beautiful beach promenade with our historic Downtown will provide enhanced benefits to the many small businesses in the area that are so important to our local economy.”

The California Street Bridge Pedestrian Enhancement Project includes demolition and replacement of the low-height pedestrian railing along the bridge with a six-foot high 250-foot long decorative railing, electrical installation, preparation and installation of eight new decorative pedestrian lighting fixtures, and resurfacing the sidewalk area to create a safer environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists crossing the bridge.

The overhead pedestrian lighting fabrication was approved by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The majority of the project is being funded using a federal transportation grant with matching funds paid from Gas Taxes and the City’s CIP fund.

Public invited to attend Solarize Ventura Program free workshops

The City of Ventura and the Community Environmental Council announced the launch of the 2019 Solarize Ventura program that makes it easier and more affordable for homeowners to go solar. Coastal Solar, the installer partner, will offer discounted prices through July 31, 2019; the date will be extended for survivors of the Thomas Fire that are working to rebuild. To learn about the benefits and details associated with going solar, such as billing rates, equipment, warrantees, financing, and tax credits, residents are invited to attend one of the following community workshops: 

Tuesday, May 14th 5:30 PM
Ventura City Hall Community Meeting Room, 501 Poli St, Ventura 

Wednesday, June 12th 5:30 PM
Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura 

Thursday, July 11th 5:30 PM
Ventura City Hall Community Meeting Room, 501 Poli St, Ventura 

A solar coach will be on-hand to discuss options and answer questions. 

This year’s program will offer energy storage equipment, and education on energy storage for the first time.  Storage systems will be available to new solar customers and to existing solar customers who wish to upgrade their systems. Having battery backup will give solar customers some power during power outages. 

“There are two main reasons that people are really beginning to invest in energy storage for their homes – economics and resiliency,” explained CEC’s Renewable Energy Manager April Price. Southern California Edison’s new “time-of-use” pricing structures have made battery storage more attractive from a financial standpoint. Under these new rates, many solar customers will benefit by being able to store the energy that is produced by their solar systems during the day and then using that energy in the evening, avoiding the need to buy electricity from the grid at the most expensive time, from 4-9 p.m.  

To learn more, visit SolarizeVentura.org or call (805) 963-0583 x101.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Ventura Summer Open House

The City of Ventura Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships Division is hosting a free Summer Open House at Barranca Vista Park, on Saturday May 11, 1-5 pm.  This fun event is an opportunity for families to learn about all the exciting summer camps, classes and events being offered by the City of Ventura and its partners. Meet camp staff and preview summer camps and classes at more than 20 information booths each with hands-on activities for kids.

Make slime with Mad Science, play with Legos® with the Play-well Teknologies , taste test Tomato Basil Bruschetta with Lift Enrichment Cooking, learn how to play electric guitar with Rock & Roll High, catch fish in the Ventura Aquatics “fishing pond”, sing along to Disney songs and learn some dance moves with our Best of Broadway theater Camp, test your skills on a balance board with Ohana Surf Camps, see how to make a robotic vehicle with PEAK Enrichment, give climbing a try on the mobile rock wall from My Ventura Day Camps and much more! 

Enjoy live entertainment from 1:00-3:30 featuring dance studio partners, Billy Clower, Cassie Lawhead Jackie Ringhof and Kelya’s Performing Art Center plus gymnastics demos, rock & roll music from Aaron Burch and more.  Make plans to bring a blanket and sit on the lawn for the first in the series of our Fairytales in the Park performances at 4:00 pm. Kids and adults will be dazzled by the story of Rapunzel Meets Spiderman.  

For more information about the Open House contact Wendy VanHorn at  805-654-7552