On November 8, 2016, California voters’ approved Proposition 64, the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” which makes the recreational use of marijuana by those over age 21 legal as a matter of state law. On December 5, 2016, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium on commercial marijuana facilities and prohibiting outdoor cultivation of marijuana for a period of 45 days.

At the council meeting held on Jan.9 , on a 7-0 vote the City Council has approved an interim urgency ordinance, extending for an additional 10 months and 15 days the citywide moratorium on the establishment and operation of commercial marijuana facilities, on commercial cultivation, and on private non­ medical marijuana cultivation. This means people may have to look elsewhere for their bud bargain in the interim period.

The temporary ban allows a resident to grow up to six plants indoors, but prohibits outdoor growing operations as well as any retail business related to recreational use of the plant. For those who are interested in growing their own plants indoors, there are online retailers who are able to cater to them with cultivation equipment if they are interested in looking for equipment they might be interested in something like https://ledgrowlightshq.com/best-full-spectrum-led-grow-lights/ for more information. However, it is important to remember that in some states while medical marijuana is legal, the Cultivation of marijuana is still illegal in some states, if they are caught, they may have to seek to help of a lawyer. If you live in a state where medical marijuana has been legalised, but for some reason, you are n’t able to make it to a dispensary, maybe due to your medical condition, do not worry. With companies like ganja express, a solution may have been found to help solve your problem. You will be able to receive medical marijuana at the comfort of your own home. This way, you won’t have to go anywhere and still get the medication you need to help improve your condition. It is worth looking into, but only if medical marijuana is legal where you live, or you could be in serious trouble for breaking the law.

The council approved the extension because they felt that it was necessary because staff studies are incomplete and ongoing and “absence of this Ordinance would create a serious threat to the orderly and effective implementation of any revisions to the City’s Municipal Code in that the development of uses may conflict with or frustrate contemplated amendments.”

Continuing the moratorium will maintain the status quo while the City explores the issues and options associated with both the commercial aspect of marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

This extension will give city staff time to:

Gather data from studies conducted by other entities regarding direct and secondary effects of commercial marijuana establishments in those communities.

Studying ordinances from other California cities which regulate such uses.

Researching the implications of Proposition 64 and recent changes in state law regarding marijuana on the City’s existing ordinance.

Determining the areas of probable impact to the City, including zoning, planning, permitting, licensing, law enforcement, health, water, etc.

Formulating an interdepartmental working group to address the issues associated with commercial activities related to marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

Time is required for City staff to obtain input from the City Council, the business community, and the public.

Photocell lights up Camino Real Park sports fields.

by Ventura City staff

Ventura is not just any municipal government.  We are passionate about energy conservation and strive to operate more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars.

Committed to preserving the environment, the City developed an Environmental Sustainability Strategy that identifies ways to reduce impacts from municipal operations including projects that; reduce energy, fuel, chemical and water use, reduce solid waste and hazardous waste generation, and increase the purchase of environmentally preferable products.  These environmentally sustainable practices not only reduce the City’s environmental footprint, but also create budget savings by cutting operational costs.

Recently, two City departments – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships, and Public Works – identified a new way to reduce energy use and save City funds by installing a new photocell with light sensor at the Camino Real Park sports fields.

The new photocell sensor with a field lighting switch/relay upgrade adjusts the outdoor lighting loads to a separate meter and significantly reduces electrical costs.  By qualifying for SCE’s AL-2 pricing schedule (money-saving energy plan for outdoor lighting), the energy usage will be billed at “off-peak” rates rather than the expensive “peak demand” rates.

In addition to numerous lighting efficiency projects, other examples of the City’s Energy Saving Program include two large scale renewable energy projects.  The 110 kilowatt solar electric system at the City’s Sanjon Maintenance Yard produces about 45% of the electricity used at the facility; and the co-generation unit at the Wastewater Treatment Plant uses waste gas to produce about 45% of the electricity used at that location.

City staff continues to identify ways to reduce our environmental footprint, be more efficient and create budget savings by cutting energy use at our facilities and other parks, such as Ventura Community Park and Aquatic Center.

Ernie Ferrer, City Civil Engineer, Loree Pryce , City Construction & Survey Division Manager and Mike Roberts, General Contractor were instrumental in the design and construction of the bridge. Photo by Richard Lieberman

by the City of Ventura

Why is the California Street Bridge being enhanced?
The enhancement project will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by replacing the existing low height railing with taller (six-foot high), 250-foot long decorative, lighted railing for a safer pathway. The new bridge enhancements will also help visually distinguish the California Street off-ramp — a highly-visible entry to our historic downtown and provide a more attractive connection between our downtown and beachfront.

What makes this bridge so important?
The link between our historic downtown and beachfront promenade is one of the most significant pathways in our city, and will be a signature bridge along US Highway 101. “This project connects two of Ventura’s greatest assets and economic drivers, our historic downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Creating a more walkable environment encourages pedestrians to explore downtown and patronize businesses,” said Mayor Erik Nasarenko.

According to Caltrans, more than 91,000 vehicles travel along U.S. Highway 101 under the California Street Bridge each day. For motorists traveling through and to Ventura, the CA Street Bridge is a distinctive welcome marker to our beachside community.

How is the project being funded?
More than half of the funding (57%) for this project is from transportation grant funding with 53% from Federal Transportation grant funding and 4% from local Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. The balance of the funding is from state gas taxes (37%), and the City’s Public Art Fund (7%).

The estimated project cost is $2.7 million, which includes design, administration, public art, construction management/inspection, construction, labor compliance monitoring, Caltrans permitting fees and contingencies.

When did the construction begin?
Construction began in February 2016.

Why is it taking so long to complete?
With so many jurisdictions involved, each entity needs to perform difficult technical work safely and properly. Unforeseen issues during construction, such as shallow rebar, required additional structural review for safety reasons.

Railing installation was delayed because it was determined in the field that parts had to be adjusted at the fabrication factory and re-coated.

City staff and artist Michael Davis performed a fabrication visit prior to approving the decorative railing mock-up and determined the kelp panel powder coating sample was too light (did not provide enough contrast to the anodized aluminum). Using powder coating will extend the lifetime of the metal as it makes the metal more resistant to chipping, fading and any other damages that may occur because of the elements. Powder coating companies in Los Angeles like Power Coating Plus can clean parts of rust and grease before powder coating, prolonging the usage of the metals. It creates a long-lasting and durable colour, as well as being eco-friendly. There is a vast variety of powder coating types to choose from too. As there are different textures of powder coating, a new, shade darker color was identified while on site and the change order was submitted to make the modification. This correction resulted in a slight delay (less than two weeks) to order the new color.

When will it be completed?
All the structural bridge work has been completed and the new, lighted railing has been installed. In December, the contractor resurfaced the sidewalk, and removed the “falsework” (construction support fencing) which required US Highway 101 closures on both the southbound and northbound lanes. The sidewalk with lighted railing will re-open to the public this month.

Fabrication process of the overhead lighting is underway and installation is delayed until late spring 2017. CalTrans safety requirements for lighting poles over freeways necessitated that the fabrication vendor must be reviewed and audited. Currently, the welding quality control plan is in the approval process. Caltrans review is important to ensure that any safety-related issues are addressed. Part of this process will involve ensuring safety provisions such as a welding safety jacket are available for all members of construction site staff.

What will the new bridge look like?
Pedestrians and cyclists crossing the bridge will notice a safer environment with significantly improved lighting, and attractive decorative “kelp” railing panels designed by southern California based artist Michael Davis. Bridges are part of Ventura’s aging infrastructure. These enhancements make the California Street Bridge a stunning signature bridge for locals and visitors to our city.