Category Archives: City News

National Police Week May 15-21

National Police Week begins this Sunday, May 15th and runs through Saturday, May 21. The Ventura Police Community Foundation invites all to come out with the Ventura Police Department and help raise money for Community/VPD events, Public Safety and City of Ventura Youth Programs including the Police Activities League by participating in Ventura Restaurant Week.

Please come and dine at the restaurants listed below during the week of Sunday, May 15 – Saturday, May 21. Each restaurant listed will donate 20% of the bill to The VPCF, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) dedicated to strengthening the partnership between the citizens of our community including youth, schools and businesses and the Ventura Police Department.

See event flyer for participating restaurants as well as dates, times and additional information about the fundraiser. Flyer must be presented in hard copy form or on phone to the server for the 20% discount to be donated. For more information about The VPCF, please visit www.venturapolicefoundation.org

Sunday, May 15 Spencer Makenzie's 806 East Thompson Blvd. 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
Monday, May 16 Chick-fil- A 1321 Eastman Ave. 6:30 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, May 17 CPK 3401 East Main 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, May 18 Jersey Mike's 1145 S. Victoria Ave. 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday, May 19 Casa de Soria 1961 East Thompson Blvd. 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday, May 20 Red Brick Pizza 4990 Telephone Road 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Saturday, May 21 Two Trees Cade 7822 Telegraph Road 7:00 am – 9:00 pm

Vol. 9, No. 16 – May 11 – May 24, 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  unless otherwise noted

Line Dance with a Twist  18 years-adult
5/11/6/15         M/W    1-2 pm                         $60      #5684
For experienced line dancers: enjoy fun exercise with a twist of salsa, ballroom and jazz. Instructor Jackie Ringhof. No class 5/30.

Basic Guitar  9 years-adult
5/17-6/28         Tuesday           7-8:30 pm        $55      #5625
Learn folk and pop strums, patterns and chord progressions. Students provide own acoustic or electric guitars. At Dudley House, 197 N Ashwood St. Instructor Randy Covington. No class June 7th.

Dance & Date Night  18 years-adult
5/22-6/26         Sundays                        $69/person      #6460
Learn a new dance every six weeks. Select the hour (5 to 8 pm) you want to attend and the dance you want to learn www. pmhouseofdance.com. Instructor Patricia Monico. Classes held at House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E. To register 658-4726.

Afternoon Delight Ballroom  50 years+5/26-6/30         Thursday          1-2 pm             $69 per person                        #6463
Avoid nighttime driving and join us, couples or singles, to learn three new ballroom dance styles every six weeks. Instructor Patricia Monico. Classes held at House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E. To register call  658-4726.

Intro to Aikido for Youth  7-16 years
5/29-6/19         Sunday             11 am-12 pm   $40      #6384
Students focus on conditioning and basic aikido techniques in a cooperative environment to help gain focus and awareness. Instructor Dennis Belt. Classes held at Aikido Dojo Training Center, 2406 E Main St. To register call  658-4726.

 

Re-opening of the historic Ventura Pier held

City councilmember Christy Weir, Mayor Erik Nasarenko and  Pier Into The Future Board President David Fukutomi cutting the ribbon to re-open the pier.

On December 11, 2015 the Ventura Pier was closed due to structural damage from 20’ high waves. The damages included 20 lost timber piles, 19 loose piles, and loss of 40% of the steel and wooden cross bracings. Originally built in 1872 as a wharf for commercial use and once the longest wooden pier at 1,958 feet the Pier now measures 1,535 feet.

city pier insetAfter four months of extensive repair work the Pier is now open to be enjoyed by Venturans, tourists and those who enjoy fishing off of the Pier.

Community members, dignitaries and visitors attended the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the re-opening of the Pier.

Congratulations were made in remarks by Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko and Pier Into the Future Board President David Fukutomi.

David Fukutomi stated, in part  “Thank you Mayor and councilmembers in attendance Meeks Construction for the great work in repairing the Pier. Pier Into The Future has had a wonderful 23 year partnership with the Ventura. “

“The  Pier Into The Future mission is to serve as an advocate for the pier, raise awareness, and raise funds for enhancements and to help offset operating costs.”

“As the mayor mentioned,  last year we presented a check for almost $140,000 to bring the pier endowment up to $1million.”

“Those funds came from the individuals and businesses in community. Many of you here today have contributed. We applaud the city for taking immediate actions following the damaging storms to prevent further damage.”

“Thank you to everyone who is here today. Thank you for everyone who has supported the pier.”

He also specifically recognized  the Pier Into The Future board members who were present.

Please help ID these robbery suspects

Can you help ID these suspects? They were involved in a Grand Theft at a business in the 800 Block of S. Victoria Ave. 2 unidentified suspects came into Two Trees Optometry during lunch time on Cinco de Mayo and stole estimated $5000 worth of retail eyeglasses.

Robbers2If you recognize them, the Ventura Police Department would like to hear from you, but if you’d rather remain anonymous you can submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS, text “BUSTED” plus your message to CRIMES (274637), or go online to www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

If your information leads to an arrest you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Robbers3You can also contact Sgt. Medina with the Ventura PD with any information at 805.339.4325.

Sign up for free “Responsible Beverage Serving”class on May 3

The City of Ventura Office of Special Events and Project Safer on Responsible Beverage Serving will co-host a free “Responsible Beverage Serving” class on Tuesday, May 3, at 6:30 pm, in the Community Meeting Room at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street.

The class is mandatory for special events where alcohol is served or sold.

A short presentation will take place on how to apply for a City of Ventura Special Event permit and grant funding.

Registration in advance is required. Class size is limited to the first fifty people who sign up by May 2.

TO REGISTER contact: Kim O’Neil at [email protected].

For more information contact Michelle Godoy-Morales at [email protected] or 805-654-7749.

 

Vol. 9, No. 15 – April 27 – May 10, 2016 – City 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 St. unless otherwise noted

Basic Dog Obedience 14 years-Adult
$70 + $5 Supply Fee
4/30-5/21         Saturday           9-9:50 am         Dogs under one year    #5555
4/30-5/21         Saturday           11-11:50 am     Dogs over one year      #5556
Covers: name recognition, sit, down, basic stay, leave it, watch me, find it, and basic come commands. Problem solving/socialization as time permits. An adult must accompany handlers under 18. Proof of vaccinations required (Rabies/DHPP). No retractable leashes, please. Participation is at the discretion of instructor.

The ABCs of Estate Planning  18 years-adult
4/30     Saturday           1-3 pm                         $25      #5719
Learn about wills, living trusts, planning for incapacity, the probate process and common pitfalls. Instructor Attorney Jef Coyner.

Belly Boot Camp  18 years-adult
5/2-6/13           Monday                        6-7 pm                         $65      #5525
Lose weight and feel great with a fun cardio workout as we shimmy, twist and tone to the beat. Dress comfortably in workout attire and optional hip sash. Bring 2 or 3 lb hand weights and a towel or mat. Included: brief diet discussions. Instructor Anja Christy. No class 5/30.

Simple Machines using LEGO®  5-10 years
5/7       Saturday           10 am-12 pm   $30      #5731
Build racing cars, launching catapults, lifting cranes and more as we explore Simple Machines in Lego.® Students will learn about how the Six Simple Machines (Lever, Pulley, Wedge, Screw, Inclined Plane, Wheel & Axle) help engineers get the job done

Ballroom Dancing  16 years-adult
5/10-6/14         Tuesday           7:30-8:30 pm   $55      #5657
Enjoy the magic of smoothly moving across the floor with the waltz, fox trot, swing and rumba! Price includes a free dance-step DVD so you can practice at home. No partner needed.

Heat Up the Night Latin Dance Workshops  16 years-adult
5/10-6/14         Tuesday           8:30-9:30 pm   $55      #5682
Learn sensuous and steamy Latin dances in six weeks. Price includes a free dance-step DVD so you can practice at home. No partner needed.

Don’t miss the first of our FREE Fairytales in the park performances the second Saturday of each month May ~ September 4:00pm Barranca Vista Park 7050 Ralston street, in Ventura

May 14 show is Cinderella meets the Avengers. Bring a blanket or a low lawn chair and a picnic! Performances are for all ages out on the lawn. www.fairytalesinthepark.com

Westpark celebrates its new fitness facility

Members of the public are invited to join Westpark Community Center youth, parents, staff, sponsors and dignitaries at 450 W. Harrison Ave. on Tuesday, May 3, 4-5 pm, to celebrate the new fitness opportunities now available to the Westside community thanks to the completion and installation of the center’s new fitness facility, flooring and equipment.

The new fitness facility will host a variety of programs such as boxing, exercise fitness, martial arts, step classes and Zumba. Westpark serves 120 youths daily, ages 6-17, and more than 1,100 children annually through free and low-fee, scheduled and drop-in programs for fitness, enrichment and homework.

The mission of Westpark Community Center 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 to the Westside. The building hosts a computer lab, arts and music studios, game and teen rooms and fully equipment kitchen that serves Westpark-registered children a free snack and dinner funded by a USDA food grant.’

“It has been a dream and an amazing journey to see all the growth, changes and improvements at Westpark,” says Youth Programs Coordinator Anita Diaz who has been center director for more than a decade and a half. “As a teen I attended games here with my dad who was a sports official at WP. It has been very gratifying to partner with so many generous community organizations and city departments to make Westpark a true community center creating a legacy that we all can be proud of.”

Aera Energy sponsored the facility’s new flooring. The business has actively supported the center’s youth academic and physical fitness programs for many years, especially through startup seed money for the Ventura Police Activities League (PAL).

 

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].