Filing Period for Ventura City Council Candidates Now Open, Nomination Window Available until August 9
On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This election will be held in conjunction with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a pivotal day for our community.
If you’re a registered voter aged 18 or older in Districts 2, 3, or 7 and are passionate about serving your community, now is your chance to step up! The Nomination Period runs from July 15 to August 9, 2024. Should an incumbent decide not to seek reelection, this period will extend by five days, ending on August 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
To kick off your candidacy, you must obtain your nomination papers from the City Clerk’s Office during
office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am–5 pm). Note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 26, and Friday, August 9 as part of its alternate Friday closure schedule. To accommodate the close of the Nomination Period, the City Clerk’s Office will be open by appointment only on August 9. Make sure to book an appointment to pick up your papers.
Elected City Councilmembers will each represent their respective districts. Candidates must reside and
be registered voters in the district they wish to represent when they receive their nomination papers, in accordance with Elections Code 10227. If a Councilmember moves out of their district, their seat will be vacated unless they establish a new residence within the district within 30 days.
For more details and to schedule your appointment, contact the City Clerk’s Office today!
Contact the City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment with Michael MacDonald during the nomination period: call (805) 658-4745 or email [email protected].
From left to right: Fair Poster Winners: Laura Jespersen, Terence Ulrich, Chris Forde, Stephanie Garcia, Zamara Huerta and Mayla Genovese. Photo by by Patricia Schallert.
by Patricia Schallert
The 2024 Commemorative and Youth Poster Contests, commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Ventura County Fair, were recently launched by the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The winners in both the Youth and Adult Commemorative categories were celebrated on July 12.
Open to residents of Ventura County in grades 5 to 12, the Youth contest centered around the theme “Fair-ever Young.” Submissions were accepted until April 15, with judging criteria focusing on theme interpretation, originality, composition, and artistic skill. Megan Hook, the media director of the Ventura Fairgrounds, “praised the community’s artistic talents and imaginative interpretations.” This year saw a record-breaking 340 entries, a significant increase from the previous year’s count of under 75 entries in 2023, showcasing the community’s vibrant creativity.
The Commemorative poster contest was open to individuals aged 18 and above, with a $20 entry fee. Winners of the contest will be featured at the upcoming Ventura County Fair, scheduled to run from July 31 to August 11, 2024. Cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500 were awarded to the top three entries, with Christopher Forde earning first place, Terence Ulrich securing second place, and Laura Jespersen taking third place.
In addition to the Commemorative poster contest, congratulations were also extended to the talented winners in the Youth category! Stephanie Garcia clinched first place, Zanara Huerta attained second place, and Maya Genovese achieved third place, representing grades 5 to 12.
Seventeen-year-old Stephanie Garcia, an aspiring artist, utilized watercolors as her chosen medium for her prize-winning poster. She cited her art teacher and family as major sources of inspiration during the creation process, drawing from the joyful memories of attending the fair with her loved ones. Stephanie aimed to capture the essence of fun and family bonding through her artwork, which seamlessly combined watercolors and digital art techniques.
On the other hand, Christopher Forbes, the talented winner of the Commemorative poster category, drew inspiration from his favorite fair rides and the sight of seniors relishing their time at the fairgrounds. Opting for colored pencils to bring his vision to life, Christopher sought to depict the sheer joy and excitement experienced by seniors as they immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere of the fair.
Youth Poster Contest
1st Place – Stephanie Garcia, 17 years old
2nd Place – Zamara Huerta, 17 years old
3rd Place – Mayla Genovese, 11 years old
Number of entries: 345
Commemorative Poster Contest
1st Place – Christopher Forde
2nd Place – Terence Ulrich
3rd Place – Laura Jespersen
Number of entries: 42
Judging panel (for both contests) included:
City of Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder
Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler
Ventura County Fire Department Chief Dustin Gardner
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Sheriff Andrew Salinas
Carley Logue, Carbar Designs
Cynthia Frutos, Director Ventura Office of Education
Dean Kato, California Strawberry Festival Chair
Greg Wray, Rotary Club of Ventura & retired Master Illustrator for Disney
Betsy Chess, 31st District Agricultural Association Board member
Chris Dryden, Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation trustee
Will Pidduck, Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation trustee
Jim Naylor, Owner of the Jim Naylor (Ventura) Raceway
With more than 36 million pickleball players in the U.S., most everybody knows at least one person who has caught the pickleball bug.
“A cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is a sport for all ages. Anyone from age 5 to 95 can play and have fun,” said Brandon Mackie, cofounder of Pickleheads.com, an online resource that provides useful information about the sport, including where to play.
In Ventura, the four courts at Juanamaria Park and the six at Harry A. Lyon Park are packed with pickleball players every day.
“Last Sunday, at DeAnza [Harry A. Lyon] Park, we had 20 people waiting on six courts, with four players per court!” said Leonard Andrews, of Ventura Pickleball Club and a local representative of the U.S. Pickleball Association. As part of a core group of volunteers who assist at the local pickleball courts, arriving early to set up the nets and pass out extra paddles, Andrews has watched the sport explode in popularity since he began playing 10 years ago.
“The biggest reason it’s so popular is that you can play at any level—you can be terribly out of shape and play a friendly game, or you can play at a serious level,” explained Andrews, noting that most of the players he sees at Ventura’s courts are over 60 years old.
“It’s a very wonderful, friendly group—not competitive—and it’s a great way to get to know other people,” he said, adding that newcomers are welcomed. “Everybody’s very friendly and helpful. We also have extra paddles, and we supply the balls, supplemented by the Parks and Rec Department—they’ve been very helpful in that regard.”
Ventura residents and visitors can also learn the basics of the fastest growing sport by registering for classes at the City of Ventura Parks and Recreation. Sessions cost $100 ($110 for nonresidents) for four classes and include all equipment.
“We currently offer six classes each week, and enrollment is 16 people per class—it’s always full!” says City of Ventura Recreation Coordinator Lauren Chumbley, who also enjoys playing pickleball.
Noting the popularity of the classes, Chumbley said the city plans to keep offering more varieties of classes, in addition to the current Level 1 and 2 classes for beginning and intermediate players.
“People can start at the beginning and work their way through,” said Chumbley, noting pickleball’s appeal for all levels.
“I think overall it’s great for all skill levels,” she said. “It’s easy to get into, and it also offers a challenge. It’s good for working on agility and balance and also helps with hand-eye coordination. It’s also a very social sport,” Chumbley noted. “One thing I’ve noticed in Ventura is the community-building that happens with pickleball. The average age is 50 to 75, retirement age, when people may be looking for an additional hobby.”
As pickleball’s popularity continues to grow, so does the demand for more locations to play.
“We desperately need more courts,” said Andrews.
Chumbley agrees. “That is the number one question I get. I think it’s something the City of Ventura is eager to jump on,” she said, pointing to talk of plans to build new courts at Ventura Community Park and Camino Real Park and hopes for grants and funding.
The Ventura Pickleball Club aims to promote and grow the sport, including keeping players informed about local pickleball news and events on their Facebook page: facebook.com/VenturaPickleBall/.
Chumbley advised residents to voice their support for additional courts in the city by making their voices heard.
“Go to city council meetings and keep showing up where it counts,” she said.
Dorene Cowart, a longtime Ventura resident, retired coach, and early advocate of pickleball, spoke at a recent City Council meeting. “A lot of people have pickleball fever, and more and more people are getting into it in Ventura. The city has one sport that needs more support: pickleball. For the health and well-being of the community, we need more facilities. Ventura could be the pickleball capital of the world due to its seaside location and great weather. Instead, players are going to other facilities outside the city to play on good courts. Beyond the health and well-being of the community, there are financial benefits to building good courts in Ventura.”
Ventura Pickleball Drop-in Schedule JuanaMaria Park, Kimball Road and Loma Vista Road
4 courts
Thursday, 3 p.m. to dusk
Sunday, 2 p.m. to dusk
Harry A. Lyon Park, 150 De Anza Drive
6 courts
Tuesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to dusk
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m. to dusk
All other times, subject to first-come, first-served basis for pickleball and tennis
Pickleball Rules
Court and Equipment
The Court: The game is played on a rectangular court measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a net set at 36 inches in the center.
Paddles: Players use solid paddles, which can be made from wood, composite, or graphite. These paddles are smaller than tennis rackets but larger than ping-pong paddles.
Ball: The ball is made of plastic and is similar to a wiffle ball.
Game Rules
Starting Play: Pickleball is usually played in doubles, with two players on each team. The game begins with one player serving the ball diagonally across the net to the opponent.
Serving: The serve is performed underhand from behind the baseline, and the ball must be struck below the waist. The server must aim diagonally, landing the ball within the opposite service box.
Scoring: Points can be scored by either team, and games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, with a requirement to win by two points.
Faults: A fault occurs if the server fails to get the ball over the net, steps into the non-volley zone during a volley, or hits the ball out of bounds.
Non-Volley Zone: Also known as the “kitchen,” this 7-foot area on each side of the net is off-limits for volleys. Players can only enter this zone to play a ball that has bounced but must move out before being able to hit again.
Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This rule helps to prevent aggressive play at the net immediately after the serve.
Side Switching: Players switch sides at agreed upon scores (typically after one team reaches 6 points) to ensure no one has an advantage due to environmental factors like wind or sun.
Let Serves: If the serve hits the net but still lands in the correct service court, it is a live ball. It cannot hit the kitchen line on the opposite side of the net.
Out of Bounds: Any ball that lands outside the boundary lines is out. If the ball lands on a boundary line, it is in.
Serving Rotation: In doubles, the serving team alternates sides after scoring a point, with the server switching positions with their partner.
Etiquette and Sportsmanship
Fair Play: Good sportsmanship is essential. Players should always be respectful and avoid any unsportsmanlike conduct.
Line Calls: Players are responsible for calling their own lines. If there is a dispute, it’s customary to replay the point.
Enjoy an evening of alfresco tastings inspired by the distinctive cultures of two climate regions represented in the gardens. At each hosted, adults-only event, you’ll be guided through the unique characteristics of two wines, three cheeses, and a specialty food sampling unique to each region. Surrounded by stunning garden and panoramic coastline views, Executive Director Joe Cahill will share details about the Garden’s conservation efforts in the plant collections surrounding each event location.
California Tasting
Sunday, August 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
$75 per person, age 21+.
Parking included – golf cart shuttles will be available.
Bonsai Exhibit
Saturday, August 3 | 10-4pm
3rd Annual Bonsai Exhibit and Demonstration, hosted by the Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara and other bonsai artists. The event will take place at the Welcome Center with Demonstration lectures at 11 AM and 1 PM. Plants suitable for pre-bonsai will be available for purchase. Come and enjoy the beauty of bonsai! You are welcome to explore the gardens before or after viewing the exhibit.
Saturday, August 3 | 10 AM to 4 PM
Free for members, non-members are $7 per person
Visit VenturaBotanicalGardens.com for more information.
Front row left to right; Aiyana Kohler, Ellie Vonburger, Alana Barlow, Brooklyn Sheff, Korie Mulhall and Madisyn Taminich. Second row left to right; Camilla Duran , Kylee Martinez, Mallory Van, Morgan Scarlett and Natalia Hernandez. Coaches standing back row left to right; Dustin Mulhall, Geno Taminich, Jeremy Scarlett and Robert Hernandez.
Over the July 4th weekend, the 8U Ventura Girls Fastpitch All Star Softball team competed in the Southern California State Championships. The tournament took place in Lancaster, California, in 113-degree weather. There was a lot of controversy about the tournament continuing (155 teams competed), which included news coverage on CBS!
The Ventura 8u Gold team went undefeated, 6-0, and took 1st to become the 2024 Southern California State Champions. With a record of 29-4 to date they headed to regionals in San Diego last weekend. To learn more
X Games, the leading action sports competition and lifestyle brand, returned to the beaches of Ventura from Thursday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30. The festival featured three days of non-stop action sports and music.
In addition to watching some of the world’s best action sports athletes, X Games Ventura showcased musical guest performances, art installations, cultural activations, brand experiences, and a variety of California’s favorite food trucks. The music lineup included:
Friday, June 28: Wiz Khalifa, AG Club, and Oxymorrons.
Saturday, June 29: Kaskade, Devault, Mija, and Emo Nite with a special guest appearance by Machine Gun Kelly.
Sunday, June 30: Fever 333, Blame My Youth, and Metalachi.
Image by Mark Brown
From world-class competitions to lifestyle and culture, X Games has been at the forefront of action sports for 30 years. X Games debuted in June 1995 in Rhode Island. Known that first year as the Extreme Games, the event was devised, owned, and operated by ESPN. The name was changed to X Games for the 1996 summer games.
The X Games are an international sporting competition featuring sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and freestyle motocross. Competitors compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals. X Games California 2023 returned to Southern California after a 10-year absence from the region.
Jim White, a member of the Board of Directors for the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, said, “X Games participants were outstanding! There was so much talent and dedication from everyone who competed. There were a lot of positive reactions from attendees, and it seemed even better overall than last year with the expanded space.”
Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura, added, “Visit Ventura was thrilled to coordinate with X Games to donate tickets to our local nonprofit organizations, giving hundreds of children who wouldn’t have had the means to see a world-class event the opportunity to see X Games Ventura right here in their own hometown. You never know — maybe seeing athletes at the X Games inspired one of our local skateboarders or riders to become the next X Games gold medalist!”
As someone who attended his first X Games almost 20 years ago, I can say X Games Ventura was one of the best I have seen. The X Games are the “Olympics” of action sports, according to several of the families and athletes I spoke with. Each day, fans watched the world’s best action sports athletes competing for gold.
Image by @jseemayerphoto
Here are some highlights from X Games Ventura:
Pacifico Men’s Skateboard Vert Final In a thrilling Skateboard Vert final on Friday, June 28, longtime X Games competitor Tom Schaar earned his first gold medal in Vert at the age of 24. With seven-time Vert gold medalist Jimmy Wilkins sitting in first place in the fourth and final runs, Schaar executed a flawless run in the last 10 seconds of the competition. Moto Shibata, who was just off the podium heading into his fourth run, landed a nearly perfect run to knock Wilkins into bronze.
Moto X Best Whip Final In the final competition of the day on Friday, June 28, American Patrick Evans earned gold in just his second X Games appearance, surpassing 2022 gold medalist Julien Vanstippen. Riding an electric Stark Future bike, Evans defied gravity with his corked-out whip.
Image by @jseemayerphoto
Skateboard Park on the SONIC Park Course On Sunday, June 30, the world’s biggest stage featured a field of eight finalists, all under 18 years old. Among them was defending champion, 14-year-old Arisa Trew, aiming to uphold her title after a perfect rookie year where she clinched two gold medals in park and vert disciplines. Trew impressed from the start, unleashing a series of intricate combos, including a backside air on the extension, McTwist, and backside Smith, nosegrind to fakie. After a dominant first run, Trew outperformed the rest of the field with an 11-point lead and maintained her edge throughout, displaying a relentless drive to push the progression of what was possible. Even in her victory lap, she continued to challenge herself, highlighting her commitment to progression in her sport.
Monster Energy Men’s Skateboard Street Final In his 24th X Games appearance on Sunday, June 30, Nyjah Huston again reigned supreme in skateboard street, winning his second gold this weekend, his 23rd overall X Games medal, and his 15th gold medal, tying Shaun White in the Skateboard Street Final. With his win in Saturday’s Street Best Trick event, Huston earned his first on-site gold medal since X Games Minneapolis 2019 and surpassed Bob Burnquist’s record for the most skateboard golds at X Games.
Image by @jseemayerphoto
Samsung Galaxy Moto X QuarterPipe High Air It was a showdown between the two favorites for this event on Sunday, June 30: Australian competitor Corey Creed and USA’s four-time X Games gold medalist Colby Raha. Raha, who won last year with a 56’3” jump and is a four-time MTX QuarterPipe High Air champ, was edged out by Creed by two feet at 53 feet and seven inches. Now, both rivals own four X Games gold medals apiece.
Monster Energy Men’s Skateboard Street Best Trick On Saturday, June 29, 22-time X Games champion and favorite Nyjah Huston matched legend Bob Burnquist’s record for the most skateboard gold medals of all time. Huston is the most decorated skateboard street medalist of all time and just one gold behind Shaun White and Garrett Reynolds for the most overall gold in history.
Image by @jseemayerphoto
Pacifico Women’s & Men’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick In the debut of Pacifico Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick on Saturday, June 29, nine-year-old Mia Kretzer earned her first X Games gold. In a field where the oldest competitor was just 20 years old, Kretzer became the youngest athlete and medalist in X Games history, beating out Ema Kawakami, who held the record for one day. Kretzer landed a cab 720 on her second try.
In the men’s competition, Gui Khury added his ninth overall gold medal and third Vert Best Trick gold medal with a body varial 900 on his first try. On the 25th anniversary of Tony Hawk’s 900, both Khury and newcomer Kawakai landed 900s.
Stephen Gregory Reid, 61, known as “Racer,” from Ventura, California, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for his role as a prolific fentanyl distributor, announced the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division last week.
The sentencing marks the culmination of a multi-agency investigation that began in fall 2022 and concluded in August 2023 with a search warrant executed at Reid’s Ventura residence. Law enforcement seized over one pound of fentanyl powder, nearly one pound of crystal methamphetamine, and a small quantity of M-30 fentanyl pills. Reid’s residence is located just one block north of an elementary school.
The investigation, led by the DEA Ventura Resident Office in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Ventura and the Ventura Police Department (VPD), identified Reid as one of Ventura’s primary fentanyl traffickers. Reid, with a history of prior convictions for state drug offenses and lengthy prison terms, was a significant distributor of the dangerous drug within the community.
DEA Ventura Resident Agent in Charge Ryan Olson praised the joint efforts of all involved agencies, emphasizing their commitment to eliminating fentanyl distribution in Ventura. “This investigation underscores our relentless pursuit to rid our streets of lethal drugs like fentanyl and hold offenders accountable,” Olson stated.
Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that led to Reid’s sentencing. “Reid played a major role in the spread of fentanyl in our community. This sentencing underscores our commitment to safeguarding Ventura from the devastating impact of this deadly drug,” Chief Schindler affirmed.
John Pasciucco, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Los Angeles, highlighted the critical partnerships essential to combating the nationwide fentanyl crisis. “Collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is vital to ensuring the safety of southern California residents,” Pasciucco remarked.
Fentanyl, known for its potency and lethal potential, has become a leading cause of death among young Americans. With its high potency compared to morphine and heroin, even minuscule amounts pose significant public health risks. In 2023 alone, DEA seized over 80 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, equivalent to more than 381 million lethal doses.
Assistant United States Attorney Suria Bahadue of the General Crimes section is prosecuting Reid’s case.
Mayor Joe Schroeder hailed the pier’s return as a “remarkable comeback.” Photo by Patricia-Schallert and Yana Khynod
by Patricia Schallert
Residents were excited to have the pier open again. Photo by Patricia-Schallert and Yana Khynod
Nestled along Ventura’s picturesque coastline in California, Ventura Pier holds a cherished place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Beyond its role as a scenic landmark, this historic pier has witnessed countless milestones—first kisses, engagements, and anniversaries—making it a timeless backdrop for cherished memories.
In 2023, Ventura Pier faced a formidable challenge when a powerful storm swept through, causing significant structural damage and necessitating its closure for essential renovations. The safety of visitors was paramount, prompting a united effort within the community to support the pier’s restoration. Recognizing the pier’s profound cultural and historical value, Ventura rallied together to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Ronda Holden President of Pier Into the Future welcomes residents. Photo by Patricia-Schallert and Yana Khynod
Leading the charge in the pier’s reconstruction was Jilk Heavy Construction Inc., renowned for their impeccable safety record and expertise in coastal infrastructure. Under the stewardship of Barbara McCormick, Fleet and Facilities Manager, alongside Joe and Jim Jilk, the company spearheaded meticulous repairs and upgrades.
The culmination of these efforts came to fruition on June 29th, 2024, as Ventura Pier proudly reopened its gates to the public. The grand reopening was a testament to resilience and community spirit, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to once again savor its panoramic ocean views, fishing opportunities, and leisurely strolls along its storied planks.
Mayor Joe Schroeder hailed the pier’s return as a “remarkable comeback,” embodying the enduring spirit and unity of Ventura’s coastal community. Ronda Holden, President of Pier Into the Future, emphasized that Ventura Pier transcends its physical structure—it symbolizes the very essence of coastal California living.
A group effort: The City Council, Jilk Heavy Construction Inc. and others were excited about the Pier’s reopening. Photo by Patricia-Schallert and Yana Khynod
On June 25th, Mayor Schroeder expressed gratitude to the collaborative efforts of community partners, including Barbara McCormick, Josh Jilk, Jim Jilk, Tio Larios, Ronda Holden, and Bill Ayub. Their dedication, alongside the city council and numerous individuals, ensured that Ventura’s heritage remains safeguarded for generations to come.
As Ventura welcomes back its beloved pier, Mayor Schroeder eagerly anticipates the community’s return to create new memories under the sun that rises and sets upon this beloved coastal landmark.
Summer Event Spurs Community Involvement and Economic Growth
Visit Ventura, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing visitor expenditures, tourism revenues, and local employment through promoting Ventura as a travel destination, has announced that this year’s X Games will celebrate Ventura even more than last year. Multiple local businesses, vendors, and contractors will participate in the world’s leading action sports competition. This year’s X Games Ventura event takes place from Friday, June 28, 2024, to Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Local businesses, including Spencer Makenzie’s, Happy Place Eatery, and Rocket Fizz, will serve as food vendors on-site, giving thousands of fans the chance to taste Ventura favorites. Over 20 local businesses with special X Games offerings will be featured in the X Games Ventura spectator guide given to every attendee.
Local integration and support in this year’s event take many forms. From contracting with Ventura-based labor crew I Am The Phoenix Labor and Production to teaming up with local PR representatives for regional marketing efforts, Ventura businesses are working behind the scenes to make X Games Ventura a success. Bike Ventura and Revolution Skateshop will again run the free, first-come, first-serve bike and skateboard check at the venue.
“A global event like the X Games brings unparalleled excitement and energy to Ventura while showcasing a strong commitment to our local community,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The X Games, Visit Ventura, and our community partners recognize that our local restaurants, shops, and vendors capture the unique flavor and spirit of Ventura. Hosting such an event is a collective effort, and we are thrilled to see it come together. The infusion of this energy into our local economy allows everyone to share in its benefits.”
“Feel-good events like the Ventura Land Trust and Surfrider community clean-ups next week demonstrate that the X Games is not just an event coming to town, but a celebration of our shared values and spirit,” said Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura. “I am so excited to see so many partners and community members involved. Home pride is once again beaming!”
Event Schedule:
Wednesday, June 26: Ventura Harbor Village Seaside Summer Kickoff — Waterfront Wednesdays at the Ventura Harbor start with a special X Games celebration. Fans and visitors can enjoy an X Games ticket giveaway, a Big Lawn Concert, and the FIRST-EVER Visit Ventura Drone Show at Ventura Harbor.
Wednesday, June 26: EXtreme Boogie Night — Get moving for X Games Ventura with a special Boogie Nights 5k run along the beautiful Ventura Promenade.
Wednesday, June 26: Ventura Roller Disco — Tap into nostalgia under a dazzling disco ball at Ventura’s FIRST-EVER Roller Disco, presented by Ventura Coast Brewing Company. Bring your skates or rent on-site for an introduction to skates workshop, a guided dance lesson, live DJ sets, skate community vendors, and more.
Thursday, June 27: Ventura Skate Jam — Downtown Ventura and the City of Ventura present the second annual, all-ages free Ventura Skate Jam to kick off X Games Ventura. Local skate shop BlackHole Skate Shop will host and bring the setup for both young and old to show their skills on the ramps. Young skaters can join in on the fun at Skate & Create, taking place during the Skate Jam, where they can skate a mini park, make their own t-shirts, and more.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Visit Ventura Drone Show — Visit Ventura is proud to announce the return of the Visit Ventura Drone Show, an eco-friendly display of 500 drones to celebrate X Games Ventura. Two shows have been added this year, making a total of five shows to dazzle and delight.
“The Visit Ventura Drone Show will be a fantastic kickoff to the summer season here at Ventura Harbor,” said Brian Pendleton, the Port District’s general manager. “It will draw visitors to Ventura Harbor midweek in support of our local merchants, including restaurants, retail, entertainment, and boating, and will also showcase Ventura Harbor Village as the vibrant seaside shopping destination it is.”
For more information about community events for X GAmes Ventura, check out the Visit Ventura Blog atwww.VisitVentura.com.
Pictured left to right: Jim Duran, Councilmember; Sandy Sanchez, Senior Developer; Mike Johnson, Councilmember; Jim White, Vice Chair; Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer; Joe Schroeder, Mayor, Salud Carbajal, Congressman; John Polanskey, Board Chair; Sierra Atilano, Executive Vice President of Development, Bridge Housing; Katherine Simonson, Commissioner; Marcia Vega, HUD Regional Public Housing Director Region 9 & 10; Barbara Keller, Commissioner, Diana Sparagna, Commissioner. Courtesy of Jessie Carmody
Housing Complex is largest in the City of Ventura and Furthers the Vision for the Entire Westview Village Development
Westview Village, 11, a 50-unit affordable rental development. Courtesy of Patricia Schallert
The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) and nonprofit BRIDGE Housing hosted the Grand Opening of Westview Village II, a 50-unit affordable rental development which broke ground in the spring of 2022.
The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and BRIDGE Housing partnered to redevelop Westview Village, the HACSB’s oldest public housing development, over four phases of development. All residents pay 30% of their income as rent.
“The timing of this next phase of Westview Village is significant as it is our 75th Anniversary year and this was our first public housing project,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, HACSB. “The success of this particular project is emblematic of our successful housing programs across the City and we are very proud of it,” said Lambert.
Interior of a Westview Village II resident’s unit. Courtesy of Jessie Carmody
Westview Village Phase II replaced 10 public housing units with 50 modern one- and two-bedroom apartments. The property is located on a 2-acre site on the Westside of Ventura. The development includes 44 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments. Five of the units will be reserved for persons who are experiencing homelessness.
Westview Village II will also include a state-of-the-art community center, a commercial kitchen, two early childhood development classrooms, multipurpose rooms, a rooftop community garden, and a public park. This will complete the third phase of the vision for the Westview Village redevelopment. There will be 286 new affordable rentals and this phase of development will be the hub for this new housing campus. 50% of the Westview II units are fully accessible (mobility accessibility features), and 2 units have audio/visual features for blind/deaf/hard of hearing tenants.
Westview Village I, completed in 2019, was the initial phase of the redevelopment which includes 131 apartments with one to four bedrooms, management offices, a community room, and a public park. Phase I is all electric and 50% net zero. It provides for greywater reuse in landscaping. All residents pay 30% of their income as rent. All residents were temporarily relocated during construction and had the right to return. As part of Phase I, a new street, Village Way, was designed and built to connect all phases of the redevelopment.
Westview Village III construction started in September 2020 and was completed in December 2022. Phase III includes 105 apartments with one to four bedrooms, a community room, and public park. Phase III is all electric and 100% net zero and makes a major contribution to addressing climate change including by reducing vehicle miles traveled. The project’s storm drain system allows for the capture and infiltration of storm water. Twenty-one apartments are set aside for families who are experiencing homelessness.
Historical Significance As the oldest public housing development, housing units at this location were developed in two phases (100 units and 80 units), ten years apart in the 1952-1960s. This original development housed residents displaced from “Tortilla Flats,” a neighborhood that consisted of working-class families who were displaced when the 101 Freeway expanded north from Los Angeles through Oxnard and Ventura. The original 180 units are being replaced with 320 units by the time Phase IV is completed.
The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to, literacy and education, health and wellness, and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.
On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This election will be held in conjunction with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a pivotal day for our community.
