Category Archives: City News

Learn about visiting Ventura’s sister city – Loreto, Mexico

Loreto was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula.

For the first time since former Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann officially exchanged keys to the city with Loreto, Mexico, in 2015, the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee is inviting Venturans to travel with them to explore their sister city.

Planning is underway for biannual visits to Loreto including hotel and non-stop flights from LAX. These trips are meant to promote and strengthen the sister city relationship between the cities, and the cost of the trip includes a donation to support the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee whose objectives include collaboration on tourism, culture, education, environment, and business initiatives.

Loreto is a small city of approximately 17,000 people that sits on the east coast of Baja California, facing the Sea of Cortez. It was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and is the starting point for the historic El Camino Real corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions.

Isla Coronado, Loreto

Loreto is also home to Loreto Bay National Park where Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Santa Catalina Islands are home to over 800 species of marine life. With breathtaking cliffs, spectacular beaches and dramatic rock formations, these islands are a perfect landscape for the ecologically-minded or those who delight in a vast array of marine life.

For more information, visit visitventuraca.com/sistercity. Trip inquiries should be directed to Stephen Joyce with Ventura Travel Professionals at 805-218-1962.

For more information on, or to join the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee contact Fiorella Calderoni at [email protected] or visit visitventuraca.com/sistercity.

Meet some of the candidates for City Council

Lorrie Brown

Lorrie Brown, a local mother, with a local perspective and an invested interest in local issues has announced that she plans a second run for Ventura City Council. Lorrie grew up playing at Barranca Vista Park and graduated from Buena High. She brings a diverse perspective and looks forward to being a strong voice for Ventura families.

Lorrie expressed that it is important that as a council member she remain accountable for every vote and proactive in her leadership. Lorrie Brown still has a heart for people, a mind for business and the resolve to work with the City of Ventura.

Brown said, “The current council has done a good job of keeping the City of Ventura above crisis.  As we move forward our future council must engage a council led approach. Tempered with constructive discussion: all the while being present for every decision and every vote.”

Matt LaVere

Matt LaVere, a native Venturan, has announced that he will be seeking a seat on the Ventura City Council this coming November. His official campaign launched on Saturday, June 25 at the Mini-Park on Main Street in Downtown Ventura. His wife Alicia and daughter Lucia were there to help get his campaign going.

“Having been born and raised here in Ventura, and now raising my own family here, I have a unique perspective and awareness of the issues we face in this community. I understand the need to balance the respect for Ventura’s historic past, with the need to chart a future for Ventura that maintains our quality of life while also ensuring our City remains a safe, prosperous place for our children and those generations yet to come.” stated LaVere.

There were kid’s activities, live music, and food from NOW Ventura.

Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios

Dedicated public servant and seasoned community organizer Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios has launched her upcoming campaign with a Campaign Kickoff BBQ held on Saturday, July 2 at Westpark Community Center.

Among others she was joined by State Assembly member, Das Williams, County Supervisor Candidate, Carla Castilla, City Council Candidate, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios of course, State Senator ,Hannah-Beth Jackson, State Assembly Candidate, Monique Limon, Assembly member, Jacqui Irwin,Democratic Chairperson Shawn Terris, S.B.  and County Supervisor Salud Carbajal.

She stated “For more than ten years, I have built a reputation as an effective leader and trusted advisor for several of Ventura County’s most prominent progressive leaders and non-profit organizations. I am raising my family in Ventura and have cultivated a personal knowledge of the community with a clear vision for how it can be improved.”

Photo by Bernie Goldstein

 

Vol. 9, No. 20 – July 6 – July 19, 2016 – City classes

City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes check out “hundreds more” on web-site
or 805-654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
CAMPS/Classes/Events held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Broadway Triple Threat Workshop: “Cinderella” 9-14 years
7/11-7/15 M-F 9 am-4 pm $180+$15 materials fee #5809
Young performers learn how to be a Broadway Triple Threat (actor, singer and dancer) as they hone their skills for a performance showcase of “Cinderella” for family and friends on Friday at 7 pm.

Computer Animation Fundamentals with PC 8-12 years
7/11-7/15 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #5827
Working in small groups you will learn introductory animation techniques, computer drawing, character creation, interaction and speech and voiceover work to create original characters and develop short animated stories!

Deep Blue Sea Yoga Camp 5-12 years
7/11-7/15 M-F 1-4 pm $150 #5791
Mini yogis learn how to respect and protect our beautiful ocean and the creatures that live in it with games, drum circle and crafts. Yoga Instructor Valerie Pike is certified by Mini Yogis.

Eureka! The Inventors Camp 6-11 years
7/11-7/15 M-F 9 am-12 pm $179+$35 materials fee #5831
Create catapults, forts, light sticks, light bulbs and circuits with batteries to take home using your own ingenuity and tips from famous inventors (Edison, da Vinci and Rube Goldberg).

The Aerial Studio Summer Camp 6-16 years
$325
7/18-7/22 M-F 9 am-3 pm #5798
Explore all the Cirque arts–trapeze, silks, hammock, dance, acrobatics and more–at our training center and work towards a themed showcase for the last day of camp. Camp held at The Aerial Studio, 4476 Dupont Ct, Ste B. To register call (805) 658-4726.

Best of Broadway “Grease” 9-14 years
7/18-7/22 M-F 9 am-3 pm $180 #5850
Rehearse songs, scenes and choreography from Broadway favorite “Grease.” Kids entering grades 6-8 are especially encouraged to join us.

Popstar Performance Camp 8-14 years
7/18-7/22 M-F 9 am-4 pm $180+$10 materials fee #5810
Think “American Idol” & “The Voice” without the competitive pressure. Learn about pop music performance, stage presence and movement, song preparation and vocal basics as you work on an assigned solo and big group number to perform for family and friends on Friday at 7 pm.

Star Wars Jedi Training “The Force Awakens” 5-12 years
7/18-7/22 M-F 1-4 pm $120+$35 materials fee #5836
Hone your lightsaber skills as you and other Padawans learn techniques and moves from a Jedi Master. Then, put your training to the ultimate test as you do battle against the dark side.

Star Wars Jedi LEGO® Building 5-12 years
7/18-7/22 M-F 9 am-12 pm $120+$35 materials fee #5837
Be a hero or enemy of the Republic as you and your friends build Anakin’s Jedi Starfighter, Droids, Clone Troopers, General Grievous and more!

New firefighters join Ventura Fire Department

Congratulations to Firefighter Paramedic Trainees, Austin Araiza, Austin Foulke, Brian Mulvehill, Alex Ramirez, and Russell Skinner.

After an intensive 18 week fire academy, five new firefighter paramedic trainees have graduated and have joined the Ventura City Fire Department.

city firefighters insetAt the 52nd Ventura County Firefighter Academy graduation ceremony on June 3 Fire Chief David Endaya was quoted as saying “I need efficient, effective, safe firefighters and paramedics from Day 1.  So we’re really looking forward to bringing them on, developing them from the moment they hit the ground, and turning them into future leaders starting right now.  We’re really excited to lead them into the future, so congratulations to them, and we’re really looking forward to them putting on the badge.”

Training Battalion Chief Jack Hansen, who was also in attendance said, “We have to be prepared for any type of emergency or urgent type call to help out the community and serve the public in any capacity, whether it be a major emergency or something where we’re just going to try and help them out.  So any time it’s not a crime, we end up doing that.  I think moving forward, what we need to do is continue to find those calls where we have some weakness and continue to train. “

Chief John Spykerman stated “ One of the things we like to push is that these are core competencies for the fire service that are built here.  We want them to continue to train and develop throughout the future. Over 30 years, as new things pop up that we haven’t done before, we want them to be prepared to be future leaders and build their skills and talents.  The fire academy training process has gotten them ready to serve.”

Orientation being held July 7th to learn about visiting Ventura’s sister city – Loreto, Mexico

Loreto was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula.

For the first time since former Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann officially exchanged keys to the city with Loreto, Mexico, in 2015, the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee is inviting Venturans to travel with them to explore their sister city.

Planning is underway for biannual visits to Loreto including hotel and non-stop flights from LAX. These trips are meant to promote and strengthen the sister city relationship between the cities, and the cost of the trip includes a donation to support the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee whose objectives include collaboration on tourism, culture, education, environment, and business initiatives.

Loreto is a small city of approximately 17,000 people that sits on the east coast of Baja California, facing the Sea of Cortez. It was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and is the starting point for the historic El Camino Real corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions.

Loreto is also home to Loreto Bay National Park where Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Santa Catalina Islands are home to over 800 species of marine life. With breathtaking cliffs, spectacular beaches and dramatic rock formations, these islands are a perfect landscape for the ecologically-minded or those who delight in a vast array of marine life.

The public is invited on July 7 at O’Brien Hall, San Buenaventura Mission, at 6:00PM. For more information, visit visitventuraca.com/sistercity. Trip inquiries should be directed to Stephen Joyce with Ventura Travel Professionals at 218-1962.

For more information on, or to join the Ventura/Loreto Sister City Committee contact Fiorella Calderoni at [email protected] or visit visitventuraca.com/sistercity.

City of Ventura and State Parks Urge Safety for July 4th Holiday

Enhanced beachfront patrol to ensure a safe and clean Ventura

The City of Ventura and State Parks urge citizens to ensure a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday by observing local laws that prohibit fireworks in the city of Ventura. Ventura Police, Fire and State Parks will provide increased law enforcement presence on the sand and beachfront area to mitigate the use of illegal fireworks and keep citizens and their property safe.

Given the dry and potentially dangerous conditions from the ongoing drought fire safety is a priority. Even a sparkler can cause injury or start a fire from dying embers hitting dried out vegetation or a shake shingle roof. Residents are encouraged to attend a professional fireworks show such as the Ventura Rotary Club Fireworks Show & Family Picnic held at Ventura Community College.

“On behalf of the fire department, we wish residents and visitors an enjoyable and safe holiday,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We urge everyone to refrain from using fireworks, especially with the dry conditions.”

Fireworks pose a significant risk to health and safety and civil infractions for possession or use of fireworks in the city of Ventura carry a penalty of $424. Violators are liable for damages and fines. Ventura police and fire departments will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout the city for fireworks violations.

The City and State Parks are also gearing up to keep Ventura beaches clean from litter that is often left behind by beachgoers and visitors on the 4th of July weekend. The City will be placing more than 100 temporary trash bins, donated by Harrison Industries, on the sand and public areas at Ventura’s busiest beaches including two miles of San Buenaventura State Beach. Convenient and readily accessible bins will help prevent litter from adversely impacting water quality and our beaches.

“We want to keep Ventura beaches looking good,” said State Parks Ventura Sector Superintendent Tyson Butzke. “The holiday always brings more guests and trash to the shoreline. We want to remind visitors to protect our shared environment by picking up their trash.”

The City is also hosting a Volunteer Beach Cleanup July 5, to clean up leftover debris in key areas. Volunteers can sign up at www.cityofventura.net/volunteer.

City of Ventura Imagination camps & classes

heck out hundreds more on web-site
Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
CAMPS/Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Puppy Care: Raising a Happy Puppy 18 years-adult
6/25 Saturday 10 am-12 pm $20 #6419
Learn from Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Professional Dog Trainer Shannon Coyner what to look for in a puppy, how to prepare your home, when to start training and much more. No dogs at class. Class held at Ventura Pet Wellness, 3521 Arundel Circle #B.

Animation Creators: Stop Motion Animation! 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #5824
Work with your favorite toys to create fun and original stop motion animations as you learn basic concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme as well as voiceovers and a musical score.

Filmmaking: From Script to Premiere! 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #5825
Learn directing, story development and acting skills as you produce an original film using handheld video cameras and editing software and integrating special/sound effects and a musical score.

Minecraft Build Adventure Game Using LEGO® 5-7 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #5816
Resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation come together in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources to build special items to help in our adventures. Camp held at Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206.

Minecraft Build Survival Game Using LEGO® 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #5817
Bring Minecraft to life using LEGO® as well as resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources, craft tools, and watch out for Creepers! Camp held at Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206.

Rock & Roll High Guitar Building Camp 10-18 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $100+$99 materials fee #5803
Design and build your own custom electric guitar to keep and rock out with. No experience necessary. At Arroyo Verde Park Center.

Star Wars Hip Hop Dance Camp 5-9 years
7/5-7/8 Tu-F 1-4 pm $104 #6703
Make light sabers and masks. Dance to Star Wars music. C3PO could not handle all this excitement, don’t let him short circuit! Camp held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillan Ave.

Projects in Physical Science 8-12 years
7/5-7/8 Tu-F 9 am-12 pm $155+$10 materials fee #5847
Explore the physical science basics of motion, light, sound and magnetism with lots of take home projects. Instructors Rich & Joan Borgioli.

Fairytales in the Park
7/9 Saturday 4pm free
Fairytales in the Park is celebrating its 22nd season! Join us at Barranca Vista Park for a production of Little Red Riding Hood. Performances are the 2nd Saturday of every month. Bring a blanket, picnic and low lawn chairs.

City of Ventura announces appointment of City Clerk

Antoinette Mann comes to Ventura from Thousand Oaks
Antoinette Mann comes to Ventura from Thousand Oaks

Ventura City Manager Mark Watkins is pleased to announce the appointment of Antoinette Mann to the position of City Clerk.

Ms. Mann brings over 20 years of experience to the City Clerk profession.  Most recently, she has served as a Deputy City Clerk for the City of Thousand Oaks, where she has experience in an array of City Clerk services, including preparation of the City’s public agenda process, Brown Act compliance, municipal election administration, records management, and Public Records Act administration.  Ms. Mann has also served as a Records Manager consultant to other local government organizations and is an expert in the field.

Ms. Mann has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State Northridge, and holds professional certificates as Master Municipal Clerk, Certified Municipal Clerk, and Certificated Records Manager.  She is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the California City Clerks Association, the Association of Records Managers and Administrators, and the International Institute of Certified Records Managers.

“The City is looking forward to Antoinette being a leader in our continuing efforts to meet the City Council Goal of enhancing public trust.  She brings the qualities and experience that we were looking for to carry the City Clerk Office into the future and we look forward to her joining our management team,” said City Manager Mark Watkins.

In her role as the City Clerk, Ms. Mann will oversee the council meeting agendas and minutes process, manage recruitment for appointments on city boards and committees, coordinate regular municipal and special elections, serve as the custodian of official records and oversee the citywide records management program including preparing and maintaining records of council legislative actions, along with a host of other responsibilities of the Office.

Mann was selected through an open, competitive recruitment process and will assume the position on June 20, 2016.

Conservation fatigued? Ventura Water to offer new drought-busting conservation tools

“ filling up with high-quality recycled water is saving us lots of money.”
“ filling up with high-quality recycled water is saving us lots of money.”

by Shana Epstein-Ventura Water General Manager

On the heels of winning the Mayor’s Challenge and being recognized as one of the most water wise cities in America, it’s clear that Ventura residents are extremely mindful of water conservation and the need for continued resiliency. As a catalyst to help reduce conservation fatigue during these extended drought conditions, Ventura Water is proud to equip residents with more water-saving tools!

Coming at the end of June we are excited to announce the grand opening of our Recycled Water mobile use hauling program, where residents can come and get training, pay a fee, and be permitted to fill up containers with high-quality recycled water to be used for landscapes – instead of having to use their potable water. Training sessions will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility (VWRF), 1400 Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. The first training session was held on June 21. Contact the VWRF to sign up at 677-4131.

And that’s not all! In July 2016, we will bring you another tool in the water conservation tool belt! Ventura Water will launch WaterWise 2.0, a new turf replacement program that offers more ways to save water. Everything from turf replacement to free sprinkler nozzles and smart irrigation timers will be offered to participants who qualify! So hold off on starting that yard project and stay tuned for more information coming in July on the launch of this exciting program!

Finally, what inspires you to make sacrifices and go above and beyond the call of duty to minimize your water footprint? Also coming in July 2016 – just for fun and as a part of our annual summer awareness campaign – Ventura Water will launch Capture Conservation, a local photo contest that offers residents who have battled to conserve during the drought an opportunity to capture what they’ve done in a photo and be entered to win some really cool prizes! Whether it’s a fancy rainwater harvesting system or simply a reusable water bottle, share how you and your friends are “capturing conservation!” It’s easy… Save water, take a photo and enter to win! Check your monthly Pipeline for more details to come in July.

Hail Mary! — Net Zero is here!

by Save Our Water Ventura

A “Hail Mary” is a last-ditch attempt to score as time runs out, generally considered a miracle if it succeeds. Yet, on June 6, the Ventura City Council passed by 6-1 the Net Zero Ordinance despite strong opposition from the building industry. While some developers tried to defeat it, other pro- development forces tried to delay it. Save Our Water Ventura (SOWV) supported the ordinance and did not want a delay.

SOWV chair, Charles Spraggins said: “We did not get everything we wanted. However, the ordinance was a fair and reasonable compromise — so most of our members supported it. Net Zero is a plus for the city and for current residents. It requires new developments to be water neutral or pay a fee (known as an impact fee or an in-lieu fee). The fee will help pay for new water supplies. Until now current residents have subsidized water supplied to most new developments.”

During the contentious city council meeting, Carl Morehouse, an urban planner and a Ventura City Council member since 1999, admitted that Ventura City Councils have been negligent in properly planning for the City’s water requirements — and for the funding of those requirements.

Net Zero would not have passed without the extensive labor of the Ventura Water Commission whose members have given up their personal time, working without compensation, on behalf of our city. Last year, with the urging and support of SOWV, the Ventura City Council formed the Ventura Water Commission.

The top managers of the Ventura Water Department and an outside consulting firm worked with the Water Commission over a period of nine months to formulate the ingredients of the Net Zero Ordinance. During the lengthy process, the Commission listened to all stakeholders. Keeping water affordable is one of SOWV’s goals. The new ordinance will contribute to that end. Our thanks to the Ventura Council, Ventura Water Staff and Ventura Water Commission.

www.SaveOurWaterVentura.org