Category Archives: City News

Apply Now to Serve on Ventura City Council Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees

Ventura residents can apply for an exciting opportunity to support their community by serving as a volunteer on one of the City Council Advisory Boards, Commissions or Committees that advise the City Council on an array of issues.  There are open positions on 12 multi-member Council Advisory groups that examine issues and help shape Ventura. The semi-annual recruitment process is now open and applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/involved/advisory or from the City Clerk’s Office, Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Room 204. The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016.

Qualified applicants will undergo interviews with the City Council Appointments Recommendation Committee in May. The recommended appointees will be considered by the City Council and confirmed in June. Volunteers must be willing to serve two to four-year terms; some positions require special qualifications.

Applications are being accepted for vacancies on the following Council Advisory groups:

  • Cultural Affairs Commission
  • Design Review Committee
  • Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
  • Historic Preservation Committee
  • Housing Authority Board
  • Library Advisory Commission
  • Mobile Home Rent Review Board
  • Parks and Recreation Commission
  • Planning Commission
  • Public Art Commission
  • Tree Advisory Committee
  • Ventura Port District

Applications may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 641-1046, by mail to the City Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 99, Ventura, CA 93002, or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

For more information call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 658-4787.

City of Ventura Special Event Grants applications are due May 12

Applications are due May 12 for the City of Ventura “Special Event Permit Fund” – a grant program open to event organizers staging cultural festivals and special events in Ventura that activate public space and increase visitor spending.

Applicants must be a Ventura based nonprofit or an agency partnering with a Ventura based nonprofit planning an event occurring between July 2016 and June 2017. The maximum amount of an award is $2,000. Grants are to be used to cover all or part of the special event permit fees levied by the City of Ventura for special events occurring on public property.

Applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/permits or by contacting Special Event Coordinator Michelle Godoy-Morales at 654-7749 or [email protected].

“The purpose of these City of Ventura grants is to champion community celebrations that attract residents and visitors, strengthen Ventura’s cultural identity and economic vitality, and promote entrepreneurial spirt and innovative partnerships between private sector and public agencies,” said Community Partnerships Manager Denise Sindelar.

Public invited to Ventura City Council’s Community Workshop on Homelessness, April 18

The City of Ventura City Council will hold a Community Workshop on Homelessness, Monday, April 18, 2016 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Island View Room of the Derby Club. The purpose of the workshop is to:

Provide education and promote community ownership and alignment about homelessness

Foster healthy, collaborative dialogue regarding homelessness in our community through cooperative multi-agency relationships

Provide a starting point for renewed multi-agency and community efforts to identify barriers and strategies toward ending homelessness

The community workshop – facilitated by consultant Ken Lee — is intended to be a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue among the many public and private social service agencies, faith-based, business groups, community advocates and public safety agencies that interface with each other and with the homeless and disenfranchised individuals on a daily basis.

Workshop attendees will participate in group exercises designed so all participants will have an active role working toward creative solutions and enhanced programs through cooperation and collaboration. Small, diverse groups will work together to identify the opportunities, challenges and barriers associated with homelessness.

Before attending the workshop, community members are encouraged to review homeless data and materials available on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.net/homelessservices.  The data includes service locations countywide and citywide, population counts, public safety calls for service, affordable housing inventory, zoning for emergency shelters, continuum of care funding, and articles regarding national best practices.

The workshop session will begin at 6:00 pm sharp – seating in the main room is limited, however there will be an overflow space immediately adjacent to the Island View Room.

For more information about the Community Workshop on Homelessness, contact Community Services Manager Peter Brown, 805-658-4707 or [email protected].

City of Ventura accepts the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, April 1 – 30

Cities nationwide are participating in a nationwide contest to be named the “Most Water-Wise” city. Over 3,900 cities are expected to compete and Ventura has its eye on the prize!

In 2015, Ventura took second place for the top-ranked city in the 100,000 – 299,999 population standings.

El Niño has not delivered on its anticipated weather swings and little has changed regarding the status quo facing Southern California’s water supply problem. That’s part of the message behind the upcoming Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, April 1-30, presented nationally by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota.

The campaign, now in its fifth year, kicked off April 1, from the city of San Diego with a clarion call to mayors nationwide to use the power of their post to spread the word about the importance of water conservation.

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko is calling on all Ventura residents to respond.

“I am joining mayors across the country in asking local residents to make a commitment to conserve water,” Nasarenko said. “Ventura is leading the way on water conservation and last year was the runner-up in the nationwide competition, finishing second to the City of Torrance. For the month of April 2016 and beyond, join me Venturans in this challenge, by continuing to reduce water usage and conserving our most precious resource.”

The annual competition rewards residents who take the pledge with a chance to win a Toyota Prius, home irrigation makeovers, environmentally friendly clean products, and hundreds more eco-friendly prizes.

Last year, mayors from 36 states encouraged residents to make over 390,000 pledges to promote drought resiliency, protect watersheds, and ultimately reduce stress on aging water infrastructure.

Ventura residents make their pledges online at www.mywaterpledge.com throughout the month of April. Cities with the highest percentage of residents that make pledges in their population category qualify for over $50,000 in prize drawings.

Answer the call and help Ventura be the most waterwise city in America. Simply go to www.mywaterpledge.com, and pledge either with your Facebook account or email address, and type in Ventura as your city.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/venturawater or www.cityofventura.net/water/mayorschallenge.

City Center brings awareness to domestic violence

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko  holds the ribbon while Alissa and children  cut it.

stuff city center insetOn March 31 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the City Center located at 837 E. Thompson to celebrate the opening of the Purple Room to house Alissa and her children.

In welcoming the large gathering Board Member Jim Duran, and Lead Pastor of The River Community Church in Ventura stated “In October of last year the City Center brought awareness to Domestic Violence.  Through that event, we were able to raise $10,000 to designate one of our rooms specifically to domestic violence victims and survivors.  The Oxnard Monday Club ponied up $7,500 of the $10,000 raised.  We are thrilled to be  giving the keys to the Purple Room to a mother and her two children that are currently involved in a domestic violence situation. We are moving Alissa and her children, Isaiah and Noah into the City Center in order to keep them safe and get them on the road to recover and self-sufficiency.”

Said Charleen Morla, OMC Board Member “The Oxnard Monday Club is honored and blessed to be part of the City Center’s history in sponsoring The Purple Room, a room in honor of domestic violence survivors. Our members are excited to witness the progress of the lives who come will come into the Purple Room over the years to heal, recover and succeed. Thank you to The City Center staff and board on the amazing job they do in serving these families and to the new family of The Purple Room. Welcome Home”.

Members of the Filipino Community of Ventura County, Inc.(FCVCI) partnered with the Oxnard Monday Club  to paint the Purple Room.

Stephanie Caldwell Ventura Chamber President & CEO stated “As Ventura’s only transitional housing center that does not receive government funding, the City Center is changing lives and making a difference every day.”

“Each resident who walks through the doors of the City Center will be touched in ways that many of us will never understand.  On behalf of our 650 member companies and our 24 member Board of Directors, it is my honor to recognize the leadership of Jim Duran and his team at the City Center for the monumental work that you are doing.”

“Congratulations Jim on the opening of the Purple Room, this newest addition to the incredible wrap-around support and services that you provide for our community, with a specific focus on victims of domestic violence.  We are proud to have you as a part of the Ventura Chamber family and blessed to have you as a part of our community.”

In helping with the cutting Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko told the gathering “Last October, The City Center held a fundraiser and public awareness dinner to assist victims of domestic violence.  I, and a number of you in the audience this evening, attended that event, where $10,000 was raised, including a $7,500 donation from the Oxnard Monday Club.  Tonight marks the fulfillment of that collaborative effort as we dedicate “The Purple Room” to domestic violence victims and their families.  As many of you know, the City Center provides hope, opportunity and basic necessities to those in need of housing, with its children and adults staying in this former motel space anywhere between three months and two years.  Upon leaving the City Center, participants go out into the world with a savings account, a job, and a car.  More importantly, they graduate with resolve, strength and dignity.  It is a pleasure to join all of you in the cutting of the ribbon tonight, and my thanks on behalf of the City of Ventura to the City Center for its ongoing and successful efforts to positively transform the lives of Ventura residents.”

Amber Stevens, Director of Aquatics and Youth Programs at the Ventura Family YMCA who presented Isaiah and Noah with Y swimming lessons said “We’re going to make sure the kids are water safe and we’re going to get them free swim lessons.  The Y has also made a promise and that promise is to strengthen communities. And to help you in your next step, in the next chapter of your life, we’re giving you a six month membership to the Y. Where you can come, where the kids can swim, where you can work out, or they can be in the children’s area. And you guys can just have fun with us in our community.”

Also representing the YMCA were Amy Bailey Jurewicz, Executive Director at the Ventura Family YMCA and Alicia Cattoni, Marketing and Communication Director .

 

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – City of Ventura classes

City of Ventura Imagination classes check out hundreds more on our web-site

Call  658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net

Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Art and Architecture using LEGO®  5-10 years
4/16     Saturday           10 am-12 pm   $30      #5730
Explore great works of art and architecture through LEGO® Collaborate in small groups to build grand structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the tree houses of Papua New Guinea, and New York’s Empire State Building. Teamwork and creativity take “high culture” to the next level!

Stop Motion Animation Workshop  7-11 years
4/19-5/17         Tuesday           3:45-5:45 pm   $125    #5605
Students work together on an original story using their favorite toys to create fun and original stop motion animations – learning basic concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme as well as adding voiceovers and musical scores to their completed project.

Introduction to Video Game Design  13-16 years
4/21-5/19         Thursday          3:45-5:45 pm   $125    #5635
Teen game developers work together to create a side scrolling video game platform adventure. Give your characters gravity and create interesting and original bad guys to challenge you working with design, animation and programming tools. At Bible fellowship Church, 6950 Ralston St Room 206.

Drawing & Painting for Youth  8-18 years
4/21-5/19         Thursday          3:30-4:45 pm   $64      #5520
Explore relevant artists and their styles to create your own acrylic paintings and pencil and charcoal drawings. Instructor Catherine Broger.

Ballet  6-10 years
4/21-5/26         Thursday          4-5 pm                         $70      #5570
Students will learn fundamental ballet techniques, positions and exercises for the development of flexibility, core strength, balance, poise and grace. Girls wear leotard, tights and ballet shoes. Boys wear a white t-shirt, black shorts and black ballet shoes. Instructor Marni King.

My Parent & Me Ballet/Tumble Combo  18 months-3 years
4/22-5/27         Friday               9:45-10:30 am $65      #5596
This is a fun upbeat class for you and your child to dance, tumble, stretch, play with instruments and more! Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

Hip Hop Class  3-5 years
4/22-5/27         Friday               10:30-11:15 am            $70      #5691
Calling all boys and girls for high-energy hip hop dance fun! Dancers develop musicality, creativity, listening skills and coordination. All music and moves are age appropriate. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

 

Former and current Ventura mayors compete in pie eating contest at 150th anniversary party

A pie eating contest featuring former and current Ventura mayors was held at the recent 150th anniversary party at Plaza Park. Jim Monahan, Greg Carson, Jack Tingstrom, Jim Friedman, Sandy Smith, Brian Brennan, Carl Morehouse, Christy Weir, Bill Fulton, Ray DiGulio, Cheryl Heitmann and current mayor Erik Nasarenko were the combatants.

city pie eating inset2

Mayor Erik Nasarenko was the runaway winner while former mayor Cheryl Heitmann looked cute with a mustache she didn’t fair very well.

city pie eating inset

 

 

Apply Now to Serve on Ventura City Council Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees

Ventura residents can apply for an exciting opportunity to support their community by serving as a volunteer on one of the City Council Advisory Boards, Commissions or Committees that advise the City Council on an array of issues.  There are open positions on 12 multi-member Council Advisory groups that examine issues and help shape Ventura. The semi-annual recruitment process is now open and applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/involved/advisory or from the City Clerk’s Office, Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Room 204. The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016.

Qualified applicants will undergo interviews with the City Council Appointments Recommendation Committee in May. The recommended appointees will be considered by the City Council and confirmed in June. Volunteers must be willing to serve two to four-year terms; some positions require special qualifications.

Applications are being accepted for vacancies on the following Council Advisory groups:

Cultural Affairs Commission

Design Review Committee

Downtown Parking Advisory Committee

Historic Preservation Committee

Housing Authority Board

Library Advisory Commission

Mobile Home Rent Review Board

Parks and Recreation Commission

Planning Commission

Public Art Commission

Tree Advisory Committee

Ventura Port District

Applications may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 641-1046, by mail to the City Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 99, Ventura, CA 93002, or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

For more information call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 658-4787.

Vol. 9, No. 13 – March 30 – April 12, 2016 – Ventura City Classes

City of Ventura Dance classes check out hundreds more on our web-site

Call (658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net

Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Dancer’s Body Cardio Barre and Sculpt  18 years-Adult
4/5-5/10           Tuesday           12-12:45 pm    $60      #5528
Sculpt muscles, trim fat, tone and lift the entire body with a challenging no-impact strength and flexibility workout using the ballet barre and techniques from Pilates, Yoga Ballet and Lotte Berk. Bring towel & water. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood.

Polynesian Dance with Elaine Tavares  5 years-adult
4/6-5/25           Wednesday      5:30-6:15 pm   $60      #5477  5-8 years
4/6-5/25           Wednesday      6:15-7:30 pm   $55      #5478  9 years-adul
Bring a skirt and/or sarong to class and have fun learning songs and steps to Hula, Tahitian, and Poi Balls.

Beginning Tap  12 years-adult
4/6-5/25           Wednesday      7:30-8:30 pm   $80      #5532
Get great exercise and improve your balance while learning the basic steps for tap as well as combinations and routines set to upbeat rhythms and music. Classes are progressive but designed for the beginner dancer. Come to class with tap shoes and wear exercise type dancewear including loose pants and t-shirts. Instructor Elli Busch.

Line Dance with a Twist  18 years-adult
4/6-5/9             M/W    1-2 pm                         $60      #5661
For experienced line dancers: enjoy fun exercise with a twist of salsa, ballroom and jazz. Instructor Jackie Ringhof.

Parent & Me Creative Movement  2-4 years
4/6-5/25           Wednesday      10-10:45 am     $50      #5658
Explore dance together as you move in different directions, levels, tempos and shapes using imaginative play. Wear comfortable clothes for easy movement. Instructor Jenae Kartawidjaja

Pre Ballet I & II with Cassie  3-7 years
4/11-6/6           Monday                        4-4:45 pm        $65      #5652  3-5 years Pre K
4/11-6/6           Monday                        4:45-5:30 pm   $65      #5653  5-7 years Grades K-1
Basic steps, coordination and balance are combined with playful instruction and friendly tunes. Leotard, tights and ballet shoes recommended. Parents may stay for first and last class only. No class 5/30. Instructor Cassie Lawhead.

 

Kellogg Park takes a small step with groundbreaking

City dignitaries from the City Council and Recreation & Parks and other employees and well-wishers  dig Kellogg Park.

On March 12 Kellogg Park held a groundbreaking ceremony that included a Chumash Blessing for the land, music from local middle school DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts, Mariachi Los Halcones, brightly colored Aztec Dancers and martial arts and boxing demonstrations.

The event presented by the Westside Community Council, and sponsored by SoCalGas included a traditional groundbreaking ceremony with the flavor of the Historic Westside.

Activities included community booths with activities including a mosaic play-station with Kevin Carman, the artist designing a public art piece for Kellogg Park, seedling planting, button making, carnival games, bubbles, interactive art activities, fish bean bag river toss, walking beams, hula hoops, bracelet making, book crafts, and more.