Category Archives: City News

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

by Antoinette Mann – City Clerk, City of Ventura

As the election official for the City of San Buenaventura, I want to remind you that voting is one of the most fundamental rights of democracy. Your vote is your voice, so get out and vote on November 6, 2018!

The City of Ventura will hold its first district-based city council elections on November 6th, for Districts 1, 4, 5 and 6. Voters in Districts 2, 3 and 7, are not voting for a city councilmember this election year, however all registered voters will vote on federal, state and other local items. Even if you do not live in a district that is voting for a councilmember, do your part and participate because elected officials in other positions, as well as ballot measures and propositions, affect our community and YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

Voters can save postage by dropping-off Vote-by-Mail ballots at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, Room 204, or at the Ventura County Government Center Administration Building, including their 24-hour drive-up ballot box. You can also drop off Vote-by-Mail ballots at any polling place on November 6. If you are mailing your completed ballot, ensure it is postmarked no later than November 6 (Election Day) and add the correct amount of postage. The last day to request your Vote-by-Mail ballot is October 22 for the November 6th election … so don’t delay!

Unsure of your polling place location? Your polling place location is printed on the back cover of your voter guide. Please note that polling locations adjust periodically. If texting is your preferred means of communication, text “Ventura County” to 28683 to verify that you are a registered voter and to find your polling place. If you’re not registered to vote, you can easily register right from your cell phone via the Ventura County Elections Division website.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and will stay open later than 8 p.m. if you are already in line so that you can VOTE. Stop by the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall to receive a “I VOTED” sticker to wear on Election Day! The City of Ventura City Clerk’s staff can be reached at (805) 658-4787 to assist with any of your election questions. Remember, YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

City Council meeting addresses Thomas Fire rebuilding issues, and three new proposals

by Richard Lieberman

The Ventura City Council after returning from a brief summer break, held a five-hour meeting to address proposed new development changes to rules regulating Thomas Fire rebuilding efforts, and a contract to extend outside legal services with two city employee unions.

Community Development Director Jeff Lambert discussed three new project proposals that came in between May and July, part of his quarterly status reports on major developments.

One proposal involves demolition of a two-story house at 1010 Cachuma Ave. on the city’s east end. Proposed is a 30-unit multi-family housing unit with 76 parking spaces.

Project two would require a general plan amendment to change land just outside the city, but within Ventura City sphere of influence from agricultural to industrial. This change would bring the city’s zoning consistent with the county’s zoning on the property. Proposal is for a recreational vehicle storage facility.

Third project is a proposal to demolish part of an existing Jaguar and Land Rover dealership showroom at the Ventura Auto Center. Proposal calls for adding to the existing building, remodeling and landscaping.

All three proposals are in the planning process.

The council also is considering modifications to building rules that were adopted to help people who lost homes in the Thomas fire.

In April the council adopted and approved an ordinance that was designed to give people additional options to aid the rebuilding process. The passed ordinance was designed to give flexibility to homeowners in the process of rebuilding. Some perceived deficiencies were addressed by 15 homeowners addressing the council. One major issue is the allowance to rebuild a two-story house on what was before the Thomas Fire single story homes. The new process would not require homeowners to obtain a variance and Ventura Planning Commission review. Many of the 15 homeowners addressing the council were concerned about this ordinance. The homeowner’s concerns were largely based on possible loss of view, and some addressed the issue of privacy when an additional 15 feet of height on a stepped lot above theirs could potentially invade their privacy.

The council has proposed that any homeowners wishing to rebuild a one-story home into two stories will require 100% of neighbors to approve. “If the rebuilt property is determined to have no impact on views from an immediately adjacent property or the rebuild owner collects 100 percent support from adjacent property owners”, the proposed ordinance states.

Grade increase was another issue addressed by the council. The modified ordinance will allow for some flexibility in grade increase, based on director approval and without requiring a full variance.

Currently the city has issued 311 repair permits and 22 permits to rebuild. An additional 116 homes were in plan check, a step before building permits are issued according to the city.

The council voted to spend $70,000 total to help stalled negotiations between the city and the Service Employees International Union and the rank-and-file and management fire unions. Last April the city hired an outside legal firm for $45,000 but since negotiations have not concluded, the council voted to extend the contract for $25,000.

The city did reach agreement on the terms of a two-year contract with members of the city’s maintenance union. The contract gives raises just over 5 percent, the same raises police rank-and-file and management unions received.

The two-year cost of the raises for the three labor groups is just over $2.5 million, based on city staff reports.

City of Ventura files amended cross-complaint in Ventura River Litigation

The City of San Buenaventura (City) filed its amended cross-complaint in the Ventura River litigation brought by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (Channelkeeper) against the City and the State Water Resources Control Board. The City did not start this case but it has no choice but to defend itself. The City’s filing brings into the litigation all water users in the Ventura River Watershed.

In the litigation, Channelkeeper singled out the City’s use of the Ventura River, even though there are many other water users in the Watershed. The California Court of Appeal agreed with the City in a ruling earlier this year that it could bring in other users given that Channelkeeper’s claims could impact the City’s long-held rights to Ventura River water.

The City is bringing in all water users in order to protect its water rights and to ensure that everyone is part of the solution in the event that cutbacks are needed for sensitive species and habitat. Legally, in order to determine water users’ respective rights, all users must be parties to the same lawsuit. For this reason, the City named many cross-defendants. This is not a step that was taken lightly and only because it is to protect the City’s ability to serve its community.

The City is committed to environmental sustainability and will continue being a good steward of its local water resources. The City believes that all water interests, City residents, other water users, and environmental needs, must cooperate and compromise in using and preserving this precious resource. The City wants to be pro-active and is working to develop solutions to the competing interests in the Ventura River Watershed. The City would prefer to resolve these issues without litigation, and recognizes that only by all interests working together can we resolve these critical challenges.

Background on the City of Ventura’s Ventura River water supply

One of Ventura’s key water supplies is provided from the Ventura River at Foster Park. Water from the Ventura River is diverted through the City’s Foster Park facilities and treated at the City’s Avenue Water Treatment Plant. The extraction facilities include a subsurface intake and three shallow wells within the Ventura River riparian corridor. The City has maintained water rights on the Ventura River for more than a century.

Ventura Rebuilds

The City streamlined the rebuilding process.

by City staff

Signs of rebuilding are popping up in the neighborhoods impacted by the Thomas Fire. As of September 4th, 32 Thomas Fire building permits have been issued with another wave coming as 131 homes are currently in plan check review awaiting approval.

In addition to the building permits, 311 repair permits have been issued as well as 199 temporary water permits. “We are spending quality time with residents and architects to quickly work through issues and ensure that their homes are approved with no extra time or costs,” said Community Development Director Jeffrey Lambert.

Individual meetings are vital to promoting clear communication between the City, the resident and the architect. In fact, the Planning Division has held more than 250 appointments with Thomas Fire rebuild applicants and continues to provide personalized assistance throughout the process.

Given the large-scale devastation created by the Thomas Fire, the City streamlined the rebuilding process by adopting an ordinance intended to facilitate expedited redesign, repair, and replacement of structures within the proposed Thomas Fire Rebuild Overlay Zone that were damaged or demolished by the Thomas Fire.

In February, the Ventura City Council adopted an Emergency Ordinance to expedite the review and first plan check of Thomas Fire building permit applications within fourteen business days (the turn-around time is currently taking ten business days). The City Council also approved more than $1M in contract services to retain architects, civil engineers and other professionals to provide this important service.

Helping those affected with the rebuilding process is a top priority for the City of Ventura. The Community Development Department is working diligently with parcel owners to build as safely, and quickly as possible. Property owners, with their design team, are encouraged to call (805) 677-3901 to make a Plan Check Submittal Pre-screen appointment with officials in the Building and Safety Division. For more information visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/thomasfirerebuild.

How can I prepare for an emergency?

Fire Chief David Endaya, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Brock, and Fire staff at Station 1 during the official launch of Medic Engine 7 (ME7).

Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time, and the time to be ready is now. This September, in celebration of National Preparedness Month, the Ventura Fire Department is asking you to recommit to being prepared for a crisis.

Planning ahead can help you and your family stay safe during a natural disaster or emergency. You should have an emergency kit ready and stocked with enough water, food, and medication for you, your family, and pets for at least 72 hours. Your kit should also include items such as a first-aid kit, tools and supplies, hand-crank or battery operated radio, sanitation items, clothing, and any other unique needs. It’s also a good idea to keep a backpack or plastic tote with basic items at work and in your car in the event that there is a disruption in your ability to commute home.

During a disaster, you may receive critical information from VC Alert, the notification system used to deliver messages to your landline telephone number in the event of an emergency. Ensure that you and your loved ones stay informed and connected by registering to receive alerts on your cell and work phone, email, text, fax or instant messaging. Residents should not rely solely on this system, but should also follow instructions from public safety officials, and seek information from official sources such as details posted on city, county and government websites.

You and your family also need an emergency communications plan in place so that you know how to contact each other and where you will meet if you are not together when emergency strikes. Our dependency on technology has grown to the point that many of us can’t recite our kids’ or partners’ phone numbers. Take the time to think about which phone numbers you need to know (including an out-of-area contact as local phone lines may be jammed) and carry these contacts in your wallet or backpack. Remember, when cell networks are inundated, it will be easier to communicate by text message rather than a voice call.

Part of being prepared for a disaster also includes safeguarding important financial, legal, and insurance documents. Securing these items now will ensure that you can focus on safety, and not worry about searching for documents at the last minute. Learn your area’s evacuation route before an alert is issued and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Chances are that after a large-scale disaster, a bystander or neighbor will be the first one to help you until emergency workers arrive. When we are prepared to help ourselves and our neighbors, we also increase our community’s disaster recovery success. I am proud to say that during the Thomas Fire, Ventura residents were and continue to be a powerful example of neighbor helping neighbor.

Emergency preparedness is a joint effort between citizens, businesses and city government, and we look forward to working with you to keep you and your family safe.

Register for VC Alert at www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/, and visit Readyventuracounty.org to learn how to prepare for a disaster.

City of Ventura appoints interim City Manager

The Ventura City Council has selected retired City Manager Don Penman to serve on an interim basis as Ventura’s city manager. Penman retired in 2011 from the City of Arcadia after serving for 13 years. Since retirement, Penman served as interim city manager for Azusa, Covina, San Fernando and Temple City.

“I look forward to serving the public in Ventura and working with the City Council and staff in moving the city forward,” said Don Penman.

Mr. Penman will work in a limited term appointment while the recruitment process for a permanent city manager is completed.  City Manager Mark Watkins held the position until December 2017 when he retired, and Assistant City Manager Dan Paranick served as interim city manager until August 24, 2018, when he resigned to accept other employment. An interim city manager is needed to complete objectives established by city council.

Mr. Penman will serve for six months or until the new city manager assumes the position. There are no proposed benefits for Mr. Penman in accordance with CalPERS requirements.

Ventura’s first unique elections

What, no Jim Monahan?

Why is this election different than the last 40-years? After over 4 decades Jim Monahan will not be seeking another term in the November 15 elections. Fifteen candidates will appear on the ballot to fill four city council seats plus candidates for the Ventura Unified School District board in Ventura’s first district elections.

The council and school board will have a new look with several new members guaranteed.

This election will be the first since Ventura moved to district-based elections. Ventura now has seven council districts. Each represents a different part of Ventura and replaces the at-large system of voting where voting was for every elected official.

City council candidates:

District 1: Irene Henry, Marcos Cuevas, Kevin Clerici and Sofía Rubalcava.

District 4: Incumbant Erik Nasarenko, Spencer Noren, Ed Alamillo, Mike Marostica, Alec Gasca and Wayne Morgan

Disrict 5: Marie Lakin, Jim Friedman and Jack Selby.

District 6: Charles Kistner Jr. and Lorrie Brown. This was Monahan’s area.

Leaving the council will be council member Mike Tracy and Mayor Neal Andrews. Both lose their seats because they are in Districts 2 and 3, neither of which is on the ballot this year. Should they decide to run in the future they can in 2020.

Ventura Unified school board candidates:

Seven candidates have qualified to run for three Ventura Unified School District board seats. The school district has five areas, 2 less than the council.

Area 1, 4 and 5 each has a seat up for election.

Area 1: Velma Lomax is the incumbent and is seeking another term. Tomas Luna and Anthony Krzywicki.

Area 4: Incumbent John Walker will not be seeking another term. Jerry Dannenberg, Deborah Meyer-Morris and Madhu Bajaj.

Area 5: Has no incumbent and only one person has qualified Matthew Almaraz.

To find out what district you are in go to https://map.cityofventura.net/java/ccvd/ and type in your address.

New Recycle Coach App Helps Ventura Residents Maximize Waste Diversion

Ventura residents can now easily reduce their household waste and become even better recyclers with Recycle Coach, an easy-to-use mobile app designed to take the guesswork out of recycling.  Citizens can quickly access local disposal information for thousands of household items by downloading the free app at the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

The City of Ventura offers a variety of convenient ways to recycle, such as curbside collection in the blue bin, free monthly Household Hazardous Waste events, authorized drop-off locations, quarterly community cleanup events for bulky items and shredding, and certified collection centers. Recycle Coach makes these waste reduction resources and other important information, right at users’ fingertips to improve recycling and diversion.

Outreach and education are key to improve recycling,” said Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere. “This is another tool that will help our residents and businesses become greater stewards of the environment.”

Recycle Coach helps residents:

  • Know when to put out recyclables and solid waste for curbside collection
  • Receive collection reminders and real-time updates on potential service disruptions such as during holidays and emergencies
  • Access useful recycling tips, tricks and tools to become recycling experts with local disposal information and collection requirements for common and uncommon items
  • Use the problem-reporting tool, equipped with geolocation, to notify municipal customer services about issues like missed collections

Residents can access Recycle Coach from their desktop computers, mobile devices, or through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

 

 

Ventura City Fire Department presents launch of Medic Engine 7

Photo by Michael Gordon

Fire Chief David Endaya, Fire Captain Lou Manzano, Firefighter/ Paramedic Hermès Carbajal , Fire Engineer Logan Hughes(peeking out) and Assistant Fire Chief Matt Brock at the launch of ME7.

On Tuesday August 7, at Fire Station 1, located at 717 N. Ventura Ave. the Ventura City Fire Department presented the official launch of Medic Engine 7 (ME7), the Department’s new 40-hour per week Roving All-Hazards Fire Engine Company.

ME7 is designed provide additional resources during peak incident hours and will be available to respond to all types of emergencies, provide station coverage, improve departmental training opportunities, and provide additional community risk reduction to the citizens of Ventura. The vehicle features roll-up, aluminium doors, not unlike roll-up gortite doors that are durable, space-efficient and secure; they are common on emergency vehicles such as this.

 

ParkMobile app provides convenient way to pay for on-street parking in Downtown Ventura

Using her mobile device to pay for Downtown parking.

ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the US, is partnering with the City of Ventura to allow drivers to pay for metered on-street parking spaces Downtown using their mobile devices. Beginning July 17, customers can register for free through the app for iPhone, Android or online at Parkmobile.IO.

The ParkMobile app allows motorists to park, pay for parking via their mobile device, and not be required to stop or wait in line at a pay station to pay for or add time. Drivers can set up alerts via email, text message, or in-app notifications to remind them when their parking time is about to expire. A 35-cent transaction fee, in addition to parking rates, is charged per parking transaction and per parking extension.

Drivers can also load an account balance using ParkMobile Wallet so that future parking transactions are deducted from that balance. To sign up for ParkMobile Wallet, users simply choose the Wallet as the payment method via the mobile app; a 15-cent transaction fee is charged per parking transaction and per parking extension.

To set up an account, users simply download the ParkMobile app, follow the prompts and enter a credit card number. Users are required to enter a four-digit zone number from the green ParkMobile stickers on the meters. Drivers can also access the system by calling (877) 727-5932 to activate the payment service by phone. Paying by coin or credit card at the pay stations remains an option. Local parking enforcement can view driver’s mobile payment on their handheld device.

There are 344 on-street metered parking spaces, and 2,900 free parking spaces Downtown. All net revenue from the parking pay stations goes back into Downtown and funds a Police Officer who is dedicated to making downtown a safer and cleaner place to visit, as well as other improvements. The pay stations help to create turnover and open parking spaces allowing customers to find parking close to merchants.