Rep. Carbajal and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the construction of VenturaWaterPure.
The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108 million.
The funding will support critical Ventura Water projects, including the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Project at the City’s decades-old wastewater treatment plant and the development of the VenturaWaterPure advanced water purification facility. Once operational, these combined efforts will provide up to 20% of Ventura’s total water supply—equivalent to approximately 3,600 acre-feet annually—by recycling and purifying treated wastewater.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is protecting the Central Coast’s access to clean water for generations to come through investments like the ones announced this week. I’m proud of my work delivering this landmark law for communities like Ventura, and I am grateful for the dedication of the Biden-Harris Administration to continue rolling out these overdue investments in our infrastructure,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I will keep working in Congress to protect this law’s programs in the next Administration.”
“This funding is a game-changer for Ventura,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “With federal support, we’re upgrading critical infrastructure and creating a sustainable, high-quality water supply that will serve our community for generations.”
“This critical funding underscores the importance of local and federal collaboration in addressing the challenges of water scarcity,” said Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. “Ventura Water’s innovative solutions help meet legal mandates, protect the environment, and ensure long-term water reliability for our city.”
The Membrane Bioreactor Project is a key component of the upgrades at Ventura’s wastewater treatment plant, enhancing its ability to process wastewater efficiently while meeting stringent environmental standards. The VenturaWaterPure advanced purification facility will take this treated wastewater and further purify it to create a new, sustainable and drought-resilient water source for the city.
Ventura Unified’s clean energy program delivers solar, sports LED lighting, and STEM internships, setting a precedent for schools across the Central Coast.
Comprehensive energy program will leverage Federal funding to implement integrated solutions at all 27 school sites and capture an expected $106 million in net energy savings.
Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) approved a contract with ENGIE North America (ENGIE) for comprehensive solar, LED building lighting, customized sports facility LED lighting, and an integrated STEM internship and student engagement program. As the first K-12 school district along the Central Coast to leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding, VUSD will also utilize bond funding to help pay for the project and expand its technical scope which will positively improve sustainability outcomes across the District.
Serving approximately 15,000 students across 27 school and campus facility sites, VUSD leadership and the supporting community have long prioritized the design of a financially-viable energy program to capture energy savings and align with local and state climate action goals. ENGIE worked with the District to lock in favorable Net Energy Metering 2.0 rates for the next 20 years. VUSD is also committed to delivering sustainable solutions across all school sites – many of which are located in economically underserved parts of the city.
This project is financially attractive for the District and will reduce its overall electricity costs by 70 percent over 30 years. This work will be done across schools with a Southern California-based team of ENGIE project engineers. The combined project scope will include:
• 4,708 kW solar PV scope across 25 sites and parking canopy solar structures;
• Interior/exterior LED lighting and occupancy sensor controls at nine sites;
• Sports Field LED lighting at Buena High School and Ventura High School, reusing existing lighting infrastructure poles to minimize extended construction impact on the fields; and
• Integrated STEM offerings aligned with real-time project data production, including professional development for teachers, hands-on engineering design learning for students, and six dedicated summer intern opportunities for local students.
The VUSD program is expected to save $133 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the project. The District should be eligible for $14 million in IRA federal funding dollars that will go directly to it after the project is completely constructed.
“As thoughtful stewards of our community’s resources, Ventura Unified has been interested in solar energy and high-efficiency LED lighting systems for many years. Unfortunately, making those changes was cost-prohibitive until recently,” stated Board President, Sabrena Rodriguez. “Thanks to the generosity of our community by passing Measure E, a general obligation bond to update our schools, we can now make these changes a reality. These changes are not only a positive step towards sustainability and resilience for the District, but they will also provide opportunities for our students and staff to learn about how green technologies can be good for the financial bottom line — creating a win-win for the community and our schools.”
“The IRA is a true gamechanger for our ENGIE customers – now that we are seeing local leaders like VUSD start to directly build out projects that leverage potential IRA funding, it is clear what a win-win this is for energy communities across the U.S.,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “We are excited to help VUSD expedite their plan for long-term sustainability that will enhance and elevate the District’s financial and environmental impact through our range of comprehensive solutions.”
Have any archival stuff that shows an Oil Rig By Chance?
by Richard Senate
Ventura’s connection to oil runs deep—both literally and historically. The Chumash people, the region’s original inhabitants, knew of the natural oil that seeped from the earth. They ingeniously used it to waterproof baskets and seal the seams of their plank canoes, known as tomols. They even discovered how to harden the tar for securing arrowheads to shafts.
The padres at Mission San Buenaventura were also aware of the area’s oil seeps along the Ventura River. They used the substance as grease for their ox carts—their version of pickup trucks—and even distilled it into a crude fuel for lamps. By the 1860s, as the demand for whale oil dwindled, crude oil emerged as a replacement. In 1865, one of California’s earliest oil wells was dug near Sulphur Mountain in the Ojai Valley, reaching an impressive 700 feet with the limited tools of the time. Though it was a gusher, the oil was too thick for practical use.
Ventura’s higher-quality crude oil, found near the Ventura River, proved more promising. In the late 1800s, George S. Gilbert, a former whale oil merchant, established one of California’s first commercial refineries on Main Street in Ventura. This early venture marked the beginning of the city’s oil legacy.
However, it wasn’t until January 10, 1914, that Ventura truly became an oil town. That day, the “Lloyd Number One” well struck oil at a depth of 2,558 feet. The gusher erupted with such force that it destroyed the drilling rig. This discovery brought Shell Oil to the region and led to the formation of Central Petroleum in 1917. By the early 1920s, additional wells, like Lloyd Number Nine and Lloyd Number Sixteen, were producing 5,000 barrels a day.
At its peak, the Ventura River Oil Field was second only to Signal Hill, producing an astounding 90,000 barrels a day. Oil became the lifeblood of Ventura’s economy, spurring not only extraction but also innovation. The city became a hub for oil tool manufacturing and new drilling technologies, cementing its status as a leader in the industry.
During World War II, Ventura’s oil fields were deemed so vital that a battery of coastal guns was installed at Seaside Park to protect the area from potential Japanese attacks. The cannons, mounted on circular platforms, could defend both the city and the oil fields.
The postwar era brought an unexpected visitor: a former Navy pilot and his wife, who stayed at the Pierpont Inn while learning about Ventura’s oil industry. Armed with newfound knowledge, the young man returned to Texas, became a successful oilman, and later ascended to the highest office in the land. His name? George H.W. Bush.
From its early days of tar pits and primitive wells to its boom as an oil production powerhouse, Ventura’s history is inextricably tied to the black gold beneath its soil.
The Corporate Games hosts a diverse line-up of competitions to bring your company together in a unique and friendly atmosphere. Happening March 22–May 3, 2025, this action-packed six weeks of business-to-business team sports competitions is something you won’t want to miss. This year’s theme is Capture Team Spirit!
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Corporate Games can’t operate without the support of our sponsors. The city is currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 games! Receive special recognition during the games, print and media promotion, plus more! To learn more about becoming a sponsor, [email protected].
Important Dates:
Sponsor Applications Open: August 1, 2024
Registration Begins: January 7, 2025
Company Coordinator Meeting #1: January 16, 2024, 6-7pm
Company Coordinator Meeting #2: January 30, 2024, 6-7pm
Registration Ends: February 14, 2025
List of competitions: Eventsoccur after regular business hours on weekday evenings and weekends.
5K Run (in-person & virtual)
Basketball
Billiards
Cornhole
Dodgeball
Flag Football
Golf
Kickball
Pickleball
Six-A-Side Soccer
Softball
Tug-O-War
Volleyball – Beach
Volleyball – Indoor
And many more to get excited for!
About the Corporate Games
The Corporate Games program is a business-to-business team sports competition for companies and organizations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties. Teams are welcome to sign up to compete in a diverse line-up of activities including pickleball, soccer, bowling, and much more. The Corporate Games began in 1989 and is designed to build camaraderie and team spirit amongst professional work groups in a unique and friendly atmosphere. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/645/Corporate-Games.
Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting donations for Mountain Fire relief, with 100% of funds aiding local residents and nonprofits.
In response to the Mountain Fire, the County of Ventura and Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) have launched an emergency relief fund to aid those most impacted by the wildfire. Donations can be made to the Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund at vccf.org/donate, with all proceeds supporting community members and local nonprofits on the front lines of relief and recovery.
The wildfire, which began on November 6 near Moorpark, quickly expanded to over 20,500 acres due to strong Santa Ana winds. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund will ensure that 100% of contributions are directed toward immediate and essential relief efforts. VCCF has previously coordinated millions in relief for fires like the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey fires, ensuring impactful and meaningful support reaches those most affected. As the Mountain Fire’s status evolves, VCCF will continue to work closely with government and nonprofit partners to respond effectively to community needs.
“Through this fund, our community has a vital lifeline for those impacted by the wildfire,” said Ventura County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. “This fund exemplifies our county’s commitment to provide swift and direct support to individuals and nonprofit organizations on the front lines.”
VCCF also encourages everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety. For updates on evacuation zones and shelter information, visit vcemergency.com or call (805) 465-6650.
“Ventura County’s resilience and generosity have always been stronger than the devastation of wildfires,” said VCCF Board Member Leah Lacayo. “We’re grateful to the County and first responders for their dedication. VCCF stands ready to help our community during these times of need.”
About Ventura County Community Foundation
Since 1987, VCCF has connected philanthropic resources with community needs, ensuring donor legacies are protected and directed to critical areas. By managing charitable capital, VCCF supports scholarships, grants, and initiatives that strengthen Ventura County for future generations. Learn more at vccf.org.
Clynk photo by Sarah Sarah Szanton. Similar recycling systems by Clynk are already in use, like this one in Maine.
by David Goldstein, VCPWA/IWMD
An unexpected problem arose in California’s way to a better recycling future. Buyback centers disappeared.
Those who recycle only through their curbside programs may not have noticed, but many people need their California Redemption Value (CRV) money back, and many more see convenient buyback recycling as a matter of basic fairness. The five to ten cents we pay per bottle or can was not meant to be a tax; it is supposed to be available as a payment for consumers who choose to sell back their recyclables. Where recycling works well and recycling centers compete for business, customers might even receive additional payment for scrap value.
However, since the passage of California’s “bottle bill,” AB 2020 in 1986, a lot has changed. One major change is that supermarkets are more sensitive to the complaints of neighbors and less tolerant of the litter, odor, and clientele associated, sometimes unfairly, with operations that sort recyclables on site and pay people in cash.
A new technology provides hope recycling centers can overcome these problems and be welcomed back to supermarket parking lots and perhaps even to community centers and the parking lots of government buildings. The new technology involves machines guided by artificial intelligence which count and sort recyclables dropped off in mixed bags, attribute the appropriate CRV payment to the person who dropped off the material, and credit the consumer’s electronic account.
Customers attach identifying tags to bags, which they drop off in secure, sealed structures or temporary, staffed trailers. Companies then pick up the bags, transport them to processing locations, and use the artificial intelligence vision technology to identify CRV material, sort, and credit the payment to accounts matching the tags.
The entire footprint for either the temporary, day use buyback trailers or the solar powered drop-off structures is little more than one parking place, but for now, supermarkets and other traditional locations for recycling buyback are still suspicious. Prospective site owners have been reluctant to sign up for the new recycling initiative.
ExoXP image courtesy of recycletek Rendering of Recycletek’s AI-guided buyback trailer, designed to streamline and modernize CRV recycling.
To spur the process, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, CalRecycle, awarded grants to companies trying to set up these new recycling buyback sites in a variety of locations under-served by buyback recycling, including Ventura County. One of those companies is CRV Recycle Center, Inc, which has conventional buyback centers in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, and plans to partner with Recycletek, a provider of the new recycling technology, for multiple winners of CalRecycle’s Redemption Innovation Grant (RIG). Recycletek has been operating these clean and innovative centers with secure transactions in the Bay area since last year.
Conditionally awarded projects have only until November 25 to verify agreements with sites willing to host new drop off sites. Because initially proposed sites for recycling are not responding as hoped, CRV Recycle Center and its vendor, Recycletek, are seeking alternative sites within the same unserved areas proposed in their grant application. Among these alternative sites are properties owned by local governments. “Public agencies know how important can and bottle recycling is, not just for the environment and to meet State mandates, but as a public service. The people served by the city want their redemption value payment back, and it is a public service to help your constituents get this money,” said Maria Khachiyan, owner of the CRV Recycle Center locations in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. “That’s why we are asking cities and counties if we can use public parking lots, at city halls and community centers, for one-day-per-week drop-off recycling.”
A demonstration of the Recycletek technology will take place at the County of Ventura’s America Recycles Day event on November 15, from 8 AM to 4 PM, at the Service Building of the Ventura County Government Center. Although Recycletek will not buy back cans and bottles at this event, the public is invited to drop off electronics for recycling by another vendor to the Ventura County General Services Agency. Electronics do not include appliances nor batteries. While supplies last, attendees may receive, free of charge, two pre-filled bags of mulch per person, made by Peach Hill Soils, of Somis, and provided by the Ventura County Public Works Agency. To learn more, visit recycletek.co and www.clynk.com.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at [email protected] or (805) 658-4312.
If you haven’t explored the recently opened path in the California Ramble, you’re in for a treat. The new trail leads visitors through open slopes graced by native California walnut trees, foothill penstemon, and chaparral mallow, along with toyon, chamise, bush poppy, lupine, ceanothus, and manzanita. These plants create vibrant seasonal colors and textures, showcasing the beauty of the native chaparral environment.
A highlight of this new path is a walk through a maturing native pine woodland, where towering Torrey pines, planted only a few years ago, now provide much-needed shade. Visitors can pause on a stone seating wall in the heart of the California Ramble zone, or take stone steps leading up the hill to rejoin the main path. The trail eventually leads to the pine woodland, directly across from the South African Fynbos garden. As the native plant community flourishes, wildlife and pollinators have returned, enhancing the Gardens’ natural ecosystem.
This project was made possible through grants from the WHHF family foundation and the City of Ventura’s Community Partnership Grants Program (CPCG), both supporting the creation of accessible paths for visitors with limited mobility. The path features gentle grades and modified curbs for easy navigation.
In other exciting news, Ventura Botanical Gardens is pleased to introduce Isabel Callaway as the new Director of Development. With a decade of experience on the Board of Directors, Isabel has been integral to the Gardens’ mission, particularly in fundraising for the Chilean Garden and its reconstruction after the Thomas Fire. Originally from Chile and fluent in both English and Spanish, she is a Ventura County resident committed to advancing the Gardens’ Phase II development under the 40-year master plan.
The Gardens also have new signage for the Chilean, Mediterranean, and Ramble Gardens, designed by Barbara Brown, Noah Greer, and Searle Creative, with installation by Signarama. These signs present sponsorship opportunities, with sponsors’ names featured on the signage.
Lastly, thanks to the generosity of donors, the Gardens exceeded their spring fundraising goal by raising over $42,000. These funds will support essential upgrades, including new electric carts, a storage container for Summit Plateau, and an irrigation line for the Diversity Olive Grove.
Skateboarder catches big air at the thrilling 2024 Ventura X Games
by VisitVentura
X Games Ventura – it brings a smile to our faces every time we hear it. Our hometown next to an international brand. On t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, skateboards, and gold medals broadcasted on live TV repeatedly.
X Games brought so many memories, jaw-dropping action, and smiles. And there’s so much to be proud of. Our efforts brought X Games back to California, where skateboarding has its roots. X Games California 2023 turned into X Games Ventura because of OUR community and how we came together to celebrate the X Games – we heard so many times from X Games staff that “No other destination has ever done this for us!” Amid California’s exciting sporting events line up in the coming years, it is amazing that Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics TWICE since 1932. In many ways, the X Games was our Olympics, and we hosted it twice back to back! That’s sure something to be proud about!
Ventura was launched worldwide and earned media impressions grew from 5 billion to 9.3 billion in 2024 — yep, that is BILLIONS with a B! Seeing X Games Ventura replays on ESPN always captures our attention to watch again and say, “We all did that! That’s our home!”
So…now what? What is next? We get this question daily.
What is next for the X Game brand is the X Games League (XGL), a new global, team-based format. The X Games competition is changing as a result of the XGL. This means no future X Games event will look like what we hosted in Ventura in 2023 or 2024.
XGL is a team-based format set to launch in 2026. X Games leadership is starting to build out their new path next year, 2025.
This means there will not be an X Games Ventura 2025. While we have made great friends with the X Games leadership, athletes, and sponsors, difficult decisions were made. XGL is taking X Games down a different path and we wholeheartedly cheer on their future business endeavors — and you never know what the future will hold! After all, we’re stoked about the construction of the new Westpark skate park; we have been discussing this project with them since the City started the grant writing process.
As our partners, you are among the first to know. Our public announcement will be this Thursday, 10/10, through ads in our local publications, thanking our community at large for welcoming the X Games to our hometown and celebrating the history we made together. Our team has worked hard on the communication strategy to celebrate our community’s accomplishments. We ask that you limit sharing this news so we can once again work on the plan. We appreciate your patience and support!
There are exciting times ahead for OUR Ventura! And we know what our community is capable of. We can own our own space on the global platform and collaborate to make incredible things happen, setting us apart from any other destination. We’re capable of celebrating our community and embracing a variety of awesome ideas brought to the table.
X Games has changed the landscape of our business community and city for many years to come. We’re proud of making history in our hometown. We did this TOGETHER as partners and as a community… and that’s how the magic happens. And that’s what Ventura is all about.
The City of Ventura invited the media to commemorate the groundbreaking for the second phase of the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the end of Shoreline Drive, near the dunes at Surfers Point.
The morning event included a ceremony featuring remarks from Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder, alongside local officials, key stakeholders, and community representatives.
Surfers Point, a beloved destination for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking, boasts vital walking, running, and biking paths that benefit all Ventura residents. This $16.2 million project, funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy, aims to enhance beachgoer safety and protect the shoreline from erosion, rising sea levels, and climate change. Planned improvements involve a new multi-use path, redesigned parking with an attendant station, public art, enhanced lighting, upgraded drainage, improved landscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Building upon a successful first phase completed in 2013, recognized globally for its innovative coastal resilience strategy, this second phase will also remove damaged infrastructure and introduce dunes, native plants, and a cobble berm to protect both City and Fairgrounds infrastructure.
Mayor Schroeder noted, “When agencies collaborate effectively, remarkable achievements occur,” emphasizing that Ventura has become an international model for coastal preservation. Supervisor Matt LaVere of District 1 expressed gratitude for the Phase 2 project, which aims to “safeguard the coastline from erosion, restore habitats, and address rising sea levels.”
Dan Long, president of the Ventura County Fairgrounds, highlighted the project’s community-focused vision, while Paul Jenkins, President of the Surfrider Foundation and Ventura Campaign Coordinator, acknowledged the earlier phase’s recognition as a successful green infrastructure solution against climate change’s challenges.
Chairman Matt Vestuto, a Cultural Specialist Consultant from the Band of Mission Indians, believes this project will help preserve the Ventura coastline as a sacred space for future generations and appreciates the collaboration of all involved agencies as they embark on this next chapter for Surfers Point.
The last few wet seasons were quite challenging for Harmon Canyon Preserve. The Preserve weather station recorded over 35 inches of rain during the 2023/2024 wet season, more than double the typical amount for a season. This rainfall resulted in the remarkable recruitment of native species, lush growth of coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), and significant damage to the beloved roads and trails. After the wet season ended, Ventura Land Trust (VLT) conducted a thorough survey of the roads and trails, finding the most severe impacts in the upper canyon, north of the 1.5-mile gate.
Repairing the roads is complicated by their location within Southern California Edison’s (SCE) easement area, which allows SCE access to high-tension power lines and requires them to maintain the roads to a certain standard. If VLT were to perform maintenance on the roads, and they subsequently failed, VLT would be held liable for any damages which poses great financial risk for VLT. As a result, VLT has refrained from maintaining the damaged roads in Upper Harmon Canyon.
With this in mind, VLT staff worked closely with SCE to expedite repairs to the roads in Harmon Canyon during 2024. Simultaneously a group of cycling enthusiasts approached VLT and volunteered to rebuild Ropersmith by hand. VLT agreed to support this volunteer initiative by providing supplies, hoping it would coincide with SCE’s road repairs, leading to the reopening of Long Canyon Road and Ropersmith Family Trail at the same time. However, things rarely go as planned.
In early September VLT received news from SCE. They were reclassifying the Long Canyon Road “maintenance” project as an “improvement” project, placing it under the oversight of SCE’s civil engineering department, which means there is no set completion date in sight. This sent VLT on the hunt for a new solution to opening trails in the Upper Canyon.
With Long Canyon Road remaining off-limits, VLT had to either pause volunteer efforts on Ropersmith or make the trail bi-directional. Given the nearly 300 hours of volunteer labor already invested, VLT decided to honor these volunteers’ hard work and open Ropersmith Family Trail as a bi-directional trail on October 11, 2024.
The reopening is on a trial basis. If reports of user conflicts increase or if injuries strain Ventura’s first responders, VLT will close the trail. To mitigate these issues, VLT encourages users to remember essential trail etiquette: go slow, be respectful, and keep in mind that Harmon Canyon is a nature preserve. We understand that Ropersmith Family Trail is important to many in the community, and we are excited to reopen it, but not at the expense of the plants, animals, and other visitors who deserve a safe, welcoming environment. We appreciate your help in making nature accessible for everyone!
If you have questions about the Ropersmith Family Trail or would like to learn more about VLT’s work in Harmon Canyon, please reach out to [email protected]. To stay up to date on what’s happening in our preserves, check the Preserves Update section of www.venturalandtrust.org.
