Category Archives: City News

Ventura launches its 150th anniversary celebrations on November 8

A special reception, free and open to the public, officially launches the city’s 150th anniversary celebration on Sunday, November 8, from 2 to 4 pm at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street.

Attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and special limited edition 150th anniversary souvenirs as they take part in a rich menu of festive activities: stories by a panel of descendants of historic families (Chaffee, Harrison, Smith-Hobson, and Tumamait), a presentation on our local history and performances courtesy of the Ventura Music Festival.

A video created by (CAPS-TV) Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura will introduce the Ventura Legacy project. Also on display will be simulations of the 1860 census, finalists in the poster contest presented by the Boys and Girls Club, Friends of the Library and the Ventura Unified School District and the museum’s current “Portraits” exhibit featuring local historic photos.

Guests are encouraged to bring copies of family photos from past decades to post on special photo boards which will travel to various events and be on display at the Pacific View Mall. The sesquicentennial finale on April 2 will be a free community fair and picnic in downtown Ventura, followed by a concert in Mission Park by “hometown boys made good,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a partnership between the City and the Ventura Education Partnership to benefit arts in our schools.

The City’s 150th anniversary is made possible by the generous donations of the Ventura Auto Center Dealers and Ventura Townehouse; and this inaugural event is supported by EJ Harrison and Sons.

The City of Ventura turns 150 on April 2, 2016. To observe this milestone the city is working with community partners to present a series of special events, programs and activities over five months (150 days) celebrating the amazing span of Ventura history and culture reaching before and after the California State Senate approved “An Act to Incorporate the Town of San Buenaventura” on March 10, 1866 that took effect on April 2 – from the indigenous Chumash to the waves of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, European, Yankee and today’s international immigrants who have enriched our city over the years.

Ventura Fire Department responds to another fire in Ventura River bottom

Photo by Breezy Gledhill

On Nov.3, at 8:30am Ventura City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in the Ventura River bottom adjacent to the Ventura Fair Grounds. First arriving fire crews discovered a 50’ x 50’ fire burning 20’ tall brush and arundo directly adjacent to a railroad trestle. Train service was halted while crews from both Ventura City Fire and Ventura County Fire extinguished the fire. As crews were finishing operations and exiting the area an additional fire was started 100 yards south of the initial start. Fire crews extinguished the second fire within 30 minutes.

Fire investigation revealed an intentional start in the second location and also a third location where burning material was placed on top of a debris pile. Ventura Police department assisted with a search of the area; however, no suspect was located.

School students clean up Ventura in Trash-A-Thon Nov. 10th

SCHOOL STUDENTS CLEAN UP VENTURA IN TRASH-A-THON
Environmental Fundraiser to be held November 10, 2015

Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education will hold its eighth annual Trash-a-Thon on November 10th. Kindergarten through eighth grade students will collect pledges, and in cooperation with the City of Ventura’s Environmental Services division, work to clean up several litter “hot spots” throughout Ventura, chosen on the basis of need, student accessibility, and safety.

“Volunteer Ventura! is excited to celebrate the 8th anniversary of this unique fundraiser and City partnership. The Ventura Charter School Trash-a-Thon transforms a traditional fundraising concept by raising awareness of our impact on the environment and beautifying it at the same time. It’s a win-win for the School, the City, and the community at large!” said Rosie Ornelas, Volunteer Ventura! Coordinator.

For the event on Nov. 10th, the City will provide gloves, bags, litter sticks, rakes, and shovels. After the clean-up, the students will assemble back at the school campus to assess the amount of litter collected and to celebrate the efforts of everyone involved.

Ventura Charter School is a progressive, K-8 public school that created this unique fundraiser to promote the development of a strong sense of responsibility for protecting, preserving, and restoring the earth for future generations. Ventura Charter School provides an innovative curriculum which encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and to make connections between their classroom learning and the larger world around them.

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are allowed to be more innovative and are held accountable for improved student achievement. For more information, contact: Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education,(805)648-5503 or visit www.venturacharterschool.org

Veterans Day at Government Center Nov. 11th

November 11: Veterans Day at the Government Center this year commences at 11:00 AM. The location is outdoors at the corner of Telephone and Victoria Avenue in Ventura, near the flags that represent every branch of the military. Wreaths will be laid by friends and family members , one at each flag. This annual event is provided by the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation and a collaboration of city officials. Held or shine! In the event of rain it move indoors.

There is plenty of parking and we suggest arrival between 10:15-10:30 AM as we begin promptly at 11:00. The 11 o’clock hour represents the exact time the War ended.

Mayor Heitmann and many other dignitaries will attend. Lyn Fairly is Master of Ceremonies.

Community invited to important Ventura Water Stakeholder Meeting Nov. 3rd

Community members invited to attend important Ventura Water Stakeholder Meeting, November3 at 11am

Santa Clara River Estuary Stakeholder Meeting
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 11am
Community Meeting Room at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 202
Who should attend: Community members who are interested in learning about how the City plans to provide a sustainable water future for Ventura residents while addressing the complex interests and opinions surrounding the Santa Clara River Estuary.

In December of 2011, the Ventura City Council voted on a final settlement agreement and consent decree with Heal the Bay, and Wishtoyo Foundation/Ventura Coastkeeper to resolve legal actions associated with the City’s Reclamation Facility discharges of tertiary treated water into the Santa Clara River Estuary. In this agreement, the City agreed to further investigate and determine how best to utilize this water resource for the future, while preserving the natural habitat of the Santa Clara River Estuary.

By the end of December 2015, the City must propose a project or projects that would eliminate 100 percent of the discharge from the existing Reclamation Facility to the estuary. The City is hosting a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday November 3, 2015, at 11 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall to discuss proposed solutions and to clarify what 100 percent diversion represents.

For more information contact Craig Jones at Ventura Water, 223-4378

4th Annual Water: Take 1 Online Short Film Contest

Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Shanna Epstein enjoying the Take I kick-off

On Oct.14 Ventura Water celebrated the launch of the 4th installment of its annual Water Take 1 Online Short Film Contest with a kick-off reception emphasizing collaborative community efforts in water conservation and sustainability. The reception was held at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and the contest, which highlights our relationship with water, through the powerful medium of film, draws attention to the growing challenges facing our water supply locally and internationally.

“This year Water: Take 1 is putting a focus on the importance of collaboration in achieving goals and solving problems in ways that are truly sustainable.” Said Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. “The drought has been a great reminder to Californians that we must work together to resolve existing water shortages not only for today but for future generations. This is accomplished only through local government agencies partnering up, businesses and government cooperating with each other and communities working together to achieve integrated and sustainable outcomes.”

Guests at the Kick-Off Celebration were presented with an overview of several of the City’s most popular initiatives including the Water Wise Free Gardening Classes and Incentive Program, The Direct Potable Reuse Demonstration Facility and some fun and entertaining programs such as the ‘Hey Ventura, What’s Your Shower Song” Campaign.

Short film submissions, up to 5 minutes in length, are being accepted via direct upload at the contest site – www.watertake1.com – and must address the topic of water in any genre including drama, documentary, comedy, animation, sci-fi or experimental. Films are posted online and a jury of entertainment and environmental experts vote to award prizes in categories such as the Grand Jury Prize, Ventura Vision Award and Best Student Short Film.

The public is also encouraged to take part by voting online for their favorite film and awarding the Audience Choice Award. The deadline for film submissions is December 15, 2015 with voting for the Audience Choice Award open through January 14th. The winning films we be presented at an Awards Celebration in March of 2016 at the Downtown Ventura 10 Movie Theater.

Receivership used to clean-up deplorable Ventura property

The neighbors are delighted.

For the first time, the City of Ventura used its receivership abilities to take over a blighted property. A judge appointed a receiver to take control of four small houses located on one lot at W. Ramona Ave. Tenant conditions were deplorable. Cockroaches, rats and pit bulls resided at this property. A lack of water flow, or no water, was the norm. Plugged and rotted out sewer and water lines, little or no electrical service, rickety rotted wooden stairs, hand rails, and platforms, junk and trash lining the outside perimeter and many more people than bedrooms were found living inside, outside, and even under the houses. Open evidence of drug use was also found.

This was one of the worst (if not the worst) blighted parcels in Ventura.

The houses were remodeled and cleaned to comply with city codes. Water, sewer, electrical service, code violations, safety hazards have all been corrected. Interiors and exteriors have been freshly painted, new electrical and plumbing fixtures have been replaced as needed and each house has been provided with a new refrigerator and stove.

The property was sold to MTICapital Inc. They will be required to pay the City and the receiver’s costs that were spent to make the property livable. The receivership company assumes full control of the property, provides funds for the projects evicts tenants, hires contractors to correct the deficiencies and coordinates with the city to insure appropriate changes and corrections are completed to health and code standards. Any legal residents at a property are helped to find new living accommodations, but in this case there were only squatters.

The previous property owner was unable to correct the conditions and was reportedly in jail. To add to the dilemma, public records indicate that he was in default of his mortgage. Neighbors were thrilled that the City took this action.

Fall City of Ventura Classes, check out hundreds more at www.cityofventura.net

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

Cemetery Park Tour teen-adult
11/1 Su 8-10 pm $20
We’ll explore the stories of our city’s pioneers at rest (and some at unrest) in Memorial Park as well as Ventura’s Day of the Dead traditions. Meet at the cemetery parking lot off Poli St near Crimea St. Course# 41828

Basic Guitar 9 years-adult
11/3-12/8 Tu 7-8:30 pm $55
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. Course# 42158

Mixed Media Art Creations 8-18 years
11/4-1/13 W 4-5:30 pm $70+$20 supply fee
Create a variety of fun art projects with household found objects and art supplies including art cards, mini paintings, sketchbooks and more. We will develop a variety of skills that can be applied to other art projects. No class 11/25, 12/23 & 12/30. Instructor Jen Livia. At Red Brick Art, 4601 Telephone Rd #112. Course# 42146

Sewing by Hand 9-12 years
11/6-12/18 F 4-5:15 pm $60
Learn hand-sewing skills to make dolls, folk pictures, purses and more Perfect for holiday gifts. Instructor Judee Hauer. No class 11/27. Course# 42267

Dance-tastic! Dance Boot Camp 9-16 years
11/6-12/11 F 7:15-9:15 pm $70
A dance boot camp for all levels exploring tap, ballet, jazz and hip-hop! The first hour will focus on technique; the second on performance choreography. Wear comfortable clothes and dance or tennis shoes. Bring a snack and water. No class 11/ 27. Instructor Cindy Bassett. Course# 42270

Clay for the Holidays 7-10 years
11/9-12/14 M 6:15-7:30 pm $67
Kids create from their imagination and learn to build projects out of clay. We will make individual projects to keep and thoughtful gifts for others to give for the holidays. Instructor Michelle Solorio. Course# 42136

Bling and Everything In-Between Holiday Boutique
11/14 Sa 10 am-4 pm
Unique artists and vendors join together for a fabulous shopping experience! Come shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, and maybe find something special for you too!

Reserve a spot for Ventura Corporate Games now

by Eric Burton, Ventura Corporate Games Director

Registration officially opens on January 11 for the 2016 Ventura Corporate Games, but you can reserve your spot now! The registration and event selection form — easy to fill, save and send — plus all the essential information for 2016 are now online at www.venturacorporategames.org. I also invite you to consider joining our family of sponsors by November 18.

I look forward to welcoming back our family of agencies, businesses and companies that return to “The Games” year after year. These organizations already know the value of Corporate Games to their employees.

But if your organization has never taken part, this is my personal “pitch” and invitation to you to consider joining us for the 2016 Corporate Games to be held from March 19 to May 7.

There are so many reasons why you should make this investment, but here are my top three: participation in Corporate Games will increase employee (1) productivity, (2) teamwork and (3) fitness within your organization.

Over the past 26 years of its existence, I’ve seen 80 to 90 companies come to include participation in Corporate Games as an essential part of their wellness culture each year. And I’ve seen this culture grow from the simple “let’s go out and have fun” to a more profound “let’s get healthy and break down barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential.”

But, make no mistake, Corporate Games remains the fun way to build your team and provide your employees with the benefits of improved health, efficiency and unity. What better “bottom line” investment can you make in the single most important resource in your company?

I invite you to call me at 658.4738 or contact me at [email protected] to make your commitment early or discuss your possible participation in Corporate Games next year. I look forward to hearing from you.

Fall City of Ventura Classes & Camps

Fall City of Ventura Classes & Camps – check out hundreds more on web-site.
Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston St unless otherwise noted.

Fridays with Friends: Beach Hike Plein Air 18 years-adult
10/16 F 9:30 am-12:30 pm $40+$10 materials fee
Enjoy Friday mornings with a hike, an art project, camaraderie and a new perspective on our great beach community. Meet at Ventura City Hall Atrium, 501 Poli St. Please wear sturdy shoes that lace. Bring water and sunscreen. We may go into lunchtime (a self-paid meal) we are having so much fun. Facilitator Alison Mytych. On our hike from City Hall to Ventura Pier we stop to sketch ocean waves, the Channel Islands, and animals along the way! Course# 42178

Mad Science Fall Break Camp: Eureka! The Inventors Camp 6-11 Years
10/19-10/23 M-F 9 am-12 pm Half Day $220+$35 materials fee Course# 42249
10/19-10/23 M-F 9 am-3 pm All Day $370+$40 materials fee Course# 42250

Mad Science sparks every child’s imagination and curiosity with fun interactive and educational activities that instill a clearer understanding of how science affects the world around us. Our fall break camp is designed to inspire the inventor and scientist within! Each day campers will overcome challenges using basic materials. Send a non-perishable snack or lunch, water and sunscreen with your child daily. Select link for “$35” or “$40” to pay materials fee online at register.madscience.org/losangeles.

Dynamic Singers Children’s Choir 5-12 years
10/26-12/7 M 4:30-5:30 pm $75+$5 materials fee
Learn basic music warm-ups, fundamentals and theory through different genres of music, languages and dance moves for a concert on the last day of class. At BFC, 6950 E Ralston St. in Ventura. No class 11/23. Instructor Daniela Flores-Palomino. Course# 42020

Tap and Jazz 3-5 years
10/27-12/1 Tu 2:30-3:30 pm $70
Learn tap and jazz fundamentals, rhythm and small motor skills to fun music. Wear comfortable clothes to move and bring tap shoes. Instructor Marni King. Course# 42288

Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop 6-10 years
10/27-12/1 Tu 3:30-4:30 pm $70
Learn tap, jazz and age appropriate hiphop. Wear comfortable clothes to move in and bring tap shoes and clean sneakers. Instructor Marni King. Course# 42289

Sidebar