Category Archives: City News

City Council shows concerns for the homeless and residents

Map illustrates where a permitted overnight shelter with daytime services might be allowed and where shelters are currently permitted.
Map illustrates where a permitted overnight shelter with daytime services might be allowed and where shelters are currently permitted.

More than 250 people gathered for the City Council’s Community Homeless Workshop at the Derby Club on April 18, 2016. Attendees worked in groups to complete exercises designed to define, understand and help the homeless community.

Several attendees commented that increased coordination between the different agencies, to which would include all private and faith-based organizations, might improve the distribution of homeless services.

One problem with providing Ventura’s homeless with overnight accommodations is that zoning does not allow overnight sheltering and other services at the same location. Time consuming and costly city permits also slow the availability of shelters.

At the conclusion of the Workshop, Mayor Erik Nasarenko made a motion that would allow the city to forgo some of the zoning/permitting process. The motion passed 5-2. City Attorney Gregory Diaz said the motion does not change zoning, but allows the city staff to examine the issue further.

At the City Council meeting held on July 11 – in a victory for advocates of the homeless – the City Council voted 7-0 to take the first step toward allowing homeless facilities in Ventura.

They also agreed to continue to work closely with Ventura County on a coordinated effort to help the homeless.

After the final vote, the large crowd at the council meeting erupted into applause (instead of the usual waiving of hands which is the Council protocol).

The vote was mostly symbolic because city staff will now reach out to Venturans, the business community, police and others as the city develops the required zoning to implement the council’s wishes. They directed staff to return to City Council with an ordinance amendment to allow sheltering and services in a new zone or overlay with a targeted timeline to return to City Council by March 2017.

Councilmember Mike Tracy stated that other cities and the county must be involved in the effort so the burden of serving the area’s homeless population wouldn’t fall only on Ventura.

“We need a regional approach,” he said.

The entire council expressed great concern for both the homeless and Ventura residents and asked important questions of the staff and Community Development Director Jeff Lambert and Community Services Manager Peter Brown.

The Ventura Chamber participated in the council meeting and spoke on behalf of the City staff recommendation to change the zoning to allow emergency shelter and day services in the same area. Earlier this year, the Chamber declared homelessness as one of their four key areas of focus.

 

City buys Harbor Community Church for $2.3 million

Harbor Church will be leaving this location after one year.
Harbor Church will be leaving this location after one year.

Quoting from a previous article in the Ventura Breeze written by Rebecca Wicks:

“Harbor Community Church has filed a lawsuit against the City of Ventura signaling the start of the next round in the fight over the church’s controversial homeless program.  The program, which provides meals, showers and religious worship to a primarily homeless population, has been accused of being the source of a significant uprising in criminal activity in a once quiet residential neighborhood.”

“The City’s Planning Commission denied the church a conditional-use permit citing the program, called Operation Embrace, was not appropriate for its location next to an elementary school, park and day care facility.  The City Council deadlocked in a 2-2 vote with Mayor Christy Weir on medical leave and councilmembers Eric Nasarenko and Jim Monahan recusing themselves because of statements they made previously in opposition of the program during their election campaigns for city council.  The church needed an overriding vote, leaving the denial of permit intact.”

“On May 14, two days after the City Council meeting, the church closed Operation Embrace.  On May 15, temporary City Attorney Juli Scott reported Harbor Church pastor Sam Gallucci sent her an email stating he was going to consult with church elders to decide whether the church would sue.  The following day the church filed a lawsuit and restarted its services. “

“The suit argues the church’s First Amendment freedom of religion rights have been violated and also cites the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.”

In a very controversial agreement, the City has agreed to pay $2.3 million to buy the property at 3100 Preble Ave. with Harbor Community Church agreeing to leave Ventura.

Resolving this controversy took almost two years of intense negotiations between the City and the church.

Both parties agreed that the property’s value is only $ 1.6 million but the $2.3 million includes the costs of moving the church.

Harbor Church pastor Sam Gallucci stated that he was pleased with the settlement and agreed to drop the lawsuit against the City..

The agreement won’t settle whether the church was within its legal rights under religious freedom laws to run their homeless program in a residential neighborhood. Many nearby residents complained that the program brought in  crime to the neighborhood and to the nearby school and city park.

In the meantime, the church will lease back the property for a year at $3,000 per month while it looks for a new location in a different city. It may continue to hold its church services there.

The money to buy the building is coming from the city’s public liability fund. The city will eventually sell the property to a developer to recoup some of the expense.

 

New play equipment to be installed in various city parks this summer

stuff park insetThis summer will see new play equipment in many of our city parks. Many of our city play structures are very old (up to 30 years) and even dangerous for kids to play on, or don’t meet new State requirements that require soft rubberized areas under some equipment (monkey bars and jungle gyms for instance).  So some will be eliminated and not replaced because of the cost of installing “fall zones” under them. Plans to replace many of the structures has been in the works for 10 years. The new equipment has bright primary colors that appeal to little kids.

The total cost of the equipment and installation at the eight parks to be improved is approximately  $575,000.00. The contractor is playground specialist Dave Bang & Associates who was chosen through a competitive bidding process.

Photos of Arroyo Verde Park by Bernie Goldstein
Photos of Arroyo Verde Park by Bernie Goldstein

The parks that will be receiving new play equipment are Arroyo Verde Park, Juanamaria Park, Camino Real Park, Chumash Park, Marion Cannon Park, Blanche Reynolds Park and Belaire Linear Park.

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.