Category Archives: City News

The drought continues

by Shana Epstein, Ventura Water General Manager

So far this winter, the rain and snow have really helped northern and central California, but Santa Barbara County and Ventura County have not experienced the down pour, which many of us have been hoping to receive. An easy indicator to see how much the rain affected our water supply is to check out the Lake Casitas levels on Casitas Municipal Water District’s website (www.casitaswater.org and click “Lake Level”). Currently, Lake Casitas is at 35.3%. As we experience the rain, keep your irrigation systems off to conserve our supply for the hotter, dryer weather later this year.

Ventura Water customers continue to amaze with their steadfast commitment to conservation. In 2016, they conserved more than 20% when compared to their usage in 2013 before calls for conservation.

For those of you still looking for ways to conserve, the City of Ventura offers free water surveys, waterwise incentives for turf removal, weather based irrigation controllers and free sprinkler nozzles as well as rebates for rain barrels (we’re happy to have rain to collect this winter!) In addition, if you would like to utilize recycled water, Ventura Water offers a residential recycled water mobile reuse program. Visit www.venturawater.net to get access to any of these programs.

Adult Use of Marijuana Act

On November 8, 2016, California voters’ approved Proposition 64, the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” which makes the recreational use of marijuana by those over age 21 legal as a matter of state law. On December 5, 2016, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium on commercial marijuana facilities and prohibiting outdoor cultivation of marijuana for a period of 45 days.

At the council meeting held on Jan.9 , on a 7-0 vote the City Council has approved an interim urgency ordinance, extending for an additional 10 months and 15 days the citywide moratorium on the establishment and operation of commercial marijuana facilities, on commercial cultivation, and on private non medical marijuana cultivation. This means people may have to look elsewhere for their bud bargain in the interim period.

The temporary ban allows a resident to grow up to six plants indoors, but prohibits outdoor growing operations as well as any retail business related to recreational use of the plant. For those who are interested in growing their own plants indoors, there are online retailers who are able to cater to them with cultivation equipment if they are interested in looking for equipment they might be interested in something like https://ledgrowlightshq.com/best-full-spectrum-led-grow-lights/ for more information. However, it is important to remember that in some states while medical marijuana is legal, the Cultivation of marijuana is still illegal in some states, if they are caught, they may have to seek to help of a lawyer. If you live in a state where medical marijuana has been legalised, but for some reason, you are n’t able to make it to a dispensary, maybe due to your medical condition, do not worry. With companies like ganja express, a solution may have been found to help solve your problem. You will be able to receive medical marijuana at the comfort of your own home. This way, you won’t have to go anywhere and still get the medication you need to help improve your condition. It is worth looking into, but only if medical marijuana is legal where you live, or you could be in serious trouble for breaking the law.

The council approved the extension because they felt that it was necessary because staff studies are incomplete and ongoing and “absence of this Ordinance would create a serious threat to the orderly and effective implementation of any revisions to the City’s Municipal Code in that the development of uses may conflict with or frustrate contemplated amendments.”

Continuing the moratorium will maintain the status quo while the City explores the issues and options associated with both the commercial aspect of marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

This extension will give city staff time to:

Gather data from studies conducted by other entities regarding direct and secondary effects of commercial marijuana establishments in those communities.

Studying ordinances from other California cities which regulate such uses.

Researching the implications of Proposition 64 and recent changes in state law regarding marijuana on the City’s existing ordinance.

Determining the areas of probable impact to the City, including zoning, planning, permitting, licensing, law enforcement, health, water, etc.

Formulating an interdepartmental working group to address the issues associated with commercial activities related to marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

Time is required for City staff to obtain input from the City Council, the business community, and the public.

Ventura City Fire units respond to fire at multi-story condo complex

On Jan.14, Ventura City Fire units responded to a reported structure fire in the 800 block of Casmalia Lane. The first arriving unit reported black smoke showing from behind a closed metal door to a 2-car garage, located on the ground floor of a multi-story condo complex positioned above, possible smoke also coming from the third story directly above.

Occupants of the involved condo had exited the structure prior to arrival of Fire personnel, and were reporting two feline pets unaccounted for and possibly in the garage. Fire attack crews deployed hose lines while the support company used gas-powered rotary saws to force open and remove the garage door. Additional crews thoroughly searched the upper four floors and other adjoining units to assess for possible extension of fire and/or smoke.

The fire was knocked down quickly, confined to the garage and its contents, with minimal smoke intrusion into the remainder of the involved condo unit. The two feline pets were eventually located, hiding but apparently unharmed. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation, one civilian with minor injuries was treated and released by an ambulance at the scene. No other injuries were reported at the time of this release.

City of Ventura selects Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships

Nancy O’Connor as the new director of PRCP.

Ventura City Manager Mark Watkins has selected Nancy O’Connor as the new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships (PRCP). Ms. O’Connor has been the City of Ventura’s Parks Manager since 2011 and in July of this year, she began serving as the City’s interim director for the PRCP department. Her new role as the permanent director began on December 3, 2016.

Ms. O’Connor has more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation management. As the director of the PRCP department she will be responsible for arts and cultural services, special events, parks and urban forestry, youth services, recreation, adult and senior programs, library services, history and nature programs, and volunteer opportunities.

“Nancy has a strong background and we are very excited about having someone of her ability join our leadership team,” said City Manager Mark Watkins. “She is innovative, works collaboratively and is passionate about parks and recreation–she is a great fit for our community.”

Prior to her employment with the City of Ventura, Ms. O’Connor served as the Manager of Park Services in North Las Vegas, Nevada. She oversaw a $5M annual budget and her duties included implementation of long-range capital improvement projects, and maintenance/landscaping of more than 700 acres of park land.

Ms. O’Connor also served as the Superintendent of Cultural and Leisure Services for 11 years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she administered diverse programs including beaches, parks, landscaping, golf courses and sports tourism events.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

Newly installed photocell at Camino Real Park

Photocell lights up Camino Real Park sports fields.

by Ventura City staff

Ventura is not just any municipal government. We are passionate about energy conservation and strive to operate more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars.

Committed to preserving the environment, the City developed an Environmental Sustainability Strategy that identifies ways to reduce impacts from municipal operations including projects that; reduce energy, fuel, chemical and water use, reduce solid waste and hazardous waste generation, and increase the purchase of environmentally preferable products. These environmentally sustainable practices not only reduce the City’s environmental footprint, but also create budget savings by cutting operational costs.

Recently, two City departments – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships, and Public Works – identified a new way to reduce energy use and save City funds by installing a new photocell with light sensor at the Camino Real Park sports fields.

The new photocell sensor with a field lighting switch/relay upgrade adjusts the outdoor lighting loads to a separate meter and significantly reduces electrical costs. By qualifying for SCE’s AL-2 pricing schedule (money-saving energy plan for outdoor lighting), the energy usage will be billed at “off-peak” rates rather than the expensive “peak demand” rates.

In addition to numerous lighting efficiency projects, other examples of the City’s Energy Saving Program include two large scale renewable energy projects. The 110 kilowatt solar electric system at the City’s Sanjon Maintenance Yard produces about 45% of the electricity used at the facility; and the co-generation unit at the Wastewater Treatment Plant uses waste gas to produce about 45% of the electricity used at that location.

City staff continues to identify ways to reduce our environmental footprint, be more efficient and create budget savings by cutting energy use at our facilities and other parks, such as Ventura Community Park and Aquatic Center.

City of Ventura “Special Event Permit Grants” workshop on January 19

Find out what’s required to qualify for a Special Event Permit Grant during a mandatory workshop on Thursday, January 19, at 6 pm, at Ventura City Hall in the Community Meeting Room. An RSVP by January 12 is required for attendance. Notify Special Event Coordinator Michelle Godoy-Morales at [email protected] or 654-7749.

New and returning special event organizers (or their designated representatives) who wish to apply for the next July 2017 to June 2018 cycle of funding must attend this review of new city requirements for all special events. Annually the City of Ventura Community Partnerships Division offers up to $10,000 in awards to event organizers to stage festivals and special events in Ventura that activate our city’s public spaces and increase visitor spending. The grants cover all, or a portion of, City of Ventura Special Event Permit fees. The maximum grant per event is $2000.

To qualify, applicants must be either a (1) Ventura-based nonprofit or (2) a for-profit agency with a Ventura-based nonprofit as a partner. Applications are due April 27. Apply online links:

Guidelines – Application – Nonprofit Partner Commitment Form – Website

Carl Morehouse retires from City Council after 17 years

Mayor Erik Nasarenko presented many congratulatory certificates to Carl Morehouse. Photo by John Ferritto

At the Ventura City Council meeting on Dec. 12 Carl Morehouse was recognized for his years of contribution to the City and to many other organizations as he leaves the Council.

In his 17 years on the Ventura City Council he stated that there are three things that especially stood out to him.

Serving as president of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The only Venturan to ever do that.

Being mayor and using that position to help bring “his” look alike singer Kris Kristofferson to perform two charity concerts to raise money for farmworker housing.

And being adopted twice, first as a 9-day-old baby in Indiana and then by Ventura for more than three decades.

“This town was kind enough to adopt me,” Morehouse said. “I really do care about this community a great deal. We are truly in one of the best places in the universe to live.”

Many organizations and individuals were there in person to congratulate and thank Morehouse for his service to Ventura, to Ventura County and to the good of all. Many thanked him for mentoring them in planning issues which is his field of expertise.

Recognizing and applauding him (or their representative ) were Ventura City manager Mark Watkins, Ventura City attorney Greg Diaz, Council members (except Neal Andrews who was not present), Mayor of Camarillo, United States Representative Julia Brownley, Gold Coast Transit District (who presented him with a personalized bus stop), Ventura County Transportation Committee, Ventura Council of Governments, SCAG (which presented him with tie with city logos on it, seemed to be an inside joke), Santa Paula Mayor John Procter, Mayor of Oxnard, Senator Beth Jackson, California League of Cities and Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett represented by his senior executive aide Brian Brennan, who served with Morehouse on the council.

Many other certificates of recognition of those not present were presented to him by the Mayor.

Christy Weir presented Carl with a photo book of Ventura County, a Ventura logo beach towel “to remind you to relax” and a 150 anniversary decorative tile.

Newly elected council members begin four year terms

New city councilmembers swearing in at the City Council meeting. Photo by John Ferritto

At the Ventura City Council meeting held on Dec.12 three “new” councilmembers Matt La Vere, Christy Weir and Cheryl Heitmann were sworn in for four-year terms. Matt La Vere is the brand new councilmember and Weir and Heitmann are returning members who were re-elected to a fourth and second term.

Per the city’s charter, the new members have to be sworn in after 8 p.m. so the council had to take a long break to wait until the appropriate time, a few minutes after 8 p.m.

La Vere, the top vote-getter (with over 23,000 votes) is a native Venturan whose grandparents moved here 70 years ago.

La Vere told the Breeze “To me, Ventura has always been a city of opportunity. It’s the reason my grandparents settled here nearly 70 years ago to raise their family. It’s the reason my parents returned here after college to raise their family. It’s the reason my wife and I have chosen to make our lives in Ventura. And it is precisely the reason why I am so excited about the future of this great city for my daughter, and your children and grandchildren.”

“I’m honored to have a voice on the council as we make the decisions today that will create the future Ventura we all desire: a safe and prosperous city with ample jobs for its citizens, a city that protects its open space while also providing housing that ordinary Venturans can afford, a city that advocates for its small businesses, and a city with clean and safe parks, trails and beaches. I cannot wait to begin work on fulfilling Ventura’s amazing potential, and to create a city that future Venturans will be proud to call home!”

Cheryl Heitmann stated “ Let me begin by welcoming Matt to the Council. Congratulations and I am looking forward to working with you. I want to begin by thanking my supporters, my campaign committee and my family. Your support during the campaign was invaluable. Also, a big thank you to all those who voted for me. I am honored by your support and confidence in me and I take this obligation very seriously.”

“And to our city staff, it is not always easy to be a public servant, but I want the citizens of Ventura to know that we have a very professional and dedicated staff who care about this city and work hard to make it the best. It is a pleasure to work with you.”

“And to my Colleagues on the council, I appreciate our collegial collaboration and I am looking forward to the next 4 years.”

“I also want to thank the voters for Measure O. It is never easy to vote to raise taxes but I think the passage of measure O shows the majority of our residents share the council’s vision of providing more for our city.”

“My priorities in the next 4 years are:

Economic Development, supporting our local businesses and working to create additional jobs.
Services for Seniors and supported housing for Veterans
A safe and sustainable water supply so that we can continue to grow but do it in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Adequate funding to meet our core services including public safety as well as our aging infrastructure
And most importantly continued Engagement and partnership with this incredible community.”

“I look forward to serving on this council for the next 4 years and once again thank you for re-electing me. I want you to know that I will work very hard on your behalf.”

Westpark’s “Lion Fountain” unveiling

Ventura Downtown Lions Club made the lion fountain possible. Photo by Tyler Stevens City of Ventura Parks Facilities Maintenance

On Dec.19 families, friends and the public attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the colorful new lion sculpture that is actually a drinking water fountain at Westpark Community Center at 450 West Harrison Street in West Ventura.

“We thank the Ventura Downtown Lions Club for donating $5,000 to make the lion fountain possible,” said Youth Programs Supervisor Mario Robinson. “This is another great project that helps us continually enhance and upgrade Westpark Community Center.”

“Westpark youth are very excited about drinking from the new water fountain because its spout is inside the lion’s open mouth,” said Westpark Coordinator Anita Diaz. “Its whimsical design will encourage kids to stay hydrated while enjoying outdoor play.”

Westpark’s mission is to provide a variety of safe, educational and affordable youth programs and services that develop self-esteem, leadership, character development, sportsmanship and health and physical fitness.

For 93 years the Ventura Downtown Lions Club has launched many successful fundraising projects including camperships for deaf children, DARE programs, student scholarships and Thanksgiving food baskets. It has also supported other organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Project Understanding, Habitat for Humanity, and, most recently, the new Pediatric Eye Center to be established at the Ventura County Medical Center.

The Lions’ donation of $41,675.28 will purchase a retinal imaging camera to screen babies for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) as well as other needed equipment for the Ventura County Medical Center. The Ventura Downtown Lions Club also founded The Cottage Home in 1969 – it’s the only foster home in the United States founded and supported by a local Lions Club.

“Each Lion member has special and unique talents and skills, that, when combined with the talent and skills of others, allows us to do more as a club than we could ever do as individuals,” said Lions President Randy Jewell, commenting about the club’s long record of success.

Ventura Unified School District Board of Education swears in new members

Sabrina Rodriguez and Jackie Moran have been sworn in as the two newest members of the Ventura Unified School District Board of Education. Two of the five seats on the Board were up for at-large general election on November 8. No incumbents filed to run for re-election, guaranteeing that two newcomers joined the board. Seven candidates ran for the open seats who are elected to four-year terms.

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