Category Archives: News and Notes

Harrison’s Thursday and Friday customers will have trash collection delayed one day for Thanksgiving

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, employees of E.J. Harrison & Sons are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 28. As a result, customers who normally have their trash, recyclables and yard/organic waste collected on Thursday or Friday will have it collected one day later than usual during the week of Nov. 24-30.

The Thanksgiving holiday will not affect customers who have their trash, recyclables and yard/organic waste collected on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The regular schedule for all customers will resume the following week.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

It’s important to recycle your food waste every week. The state of California in 2022 began to require the diversion of food waste from landfills, and your efforts are needed. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal. For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

 

Honor Someone Special with a Commemorative Paver in HSVC’s Memory Garden

This holiday season, honor someone special with a timeless gift: a commemorative paver in the Humane Society of Ventura County’s (HSVC) Memory Garden. Each paver is purchased with love to celebrate a fellow animal lover, a beloved pet, or simply to support the shelter and HSVC’s mission. Pavers are available in three sizes, with prices based on the size selected:

  • Small (65 sq. in.) — $400 (46-character limit)
  • Medium (95 sq. in.) — $700 (46-character limit)
  • Large (120 sq. in.) — $1,000 (69-character limit)

This lasting tribute will be displayed at the shelter, honoring those forever in your heart. To order, visit hsvc.org/paver and complete the online form. A staff member will contact you within 1-3 business days to confirm your order.

X Games Ventura was EPIC. What’s Next?

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.

Volunteers Revive Ropersmith Trail as VLT Seeks Long-Term Solutions

by Ventura Land Trust

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.

‘Tis the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! 13th Annual Festive CAN-tree Food Drive.

Ventura County comes together for the CAN-tree Food Drive – now in its 13th year. Figueroa Street transforms into a magical forest of creative CAN-trees – a fairyland of food! Gather your colleagues and friends, get creative, and help spread holiday cheer while fighting hunger in our community!

Thursday, December 5th

  • 9 AM – 2 PM: Large tree building
  • 2 PM – 4 PM: Community tree building
  • 4 PM – 6 PM: Community tree building

Friday, December 6th

  • 10 AM – 12 PM: Cumulus will be broadcasting LIVE from the event
  • 10 AM – 6 PM: Tree building.
  • 6 PM: Tree Lighting event at Figueroa Plaza

Saturday, December 7th

  • 9 AM – 1 PM: Tree building
  • 8:30AM – 12PM: Farmers Market
  • 12 PM – 8PM: Holiday Street Fair on Main St.
  • 4 PM – 8 PM: Winter Wine Walk

Sunday, December 8th
Trees will then be broken down and cans collected to feed our community.

www.foodshare.com/cantree

Ventura Registrar Launches “Election Smart!” Online Resource Ahead of November 5th Election

One-stop education and information about the elections process now available on VenturaVote.org

Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the launch of Election Smart! and the Election Smart! Blog, a new online resource at VenturaVote.org, to help provide Ventura County voters with accurate, official information about local elections and the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. Election Smart! is part of the Registrar of Voters’ commitment to increase transparency around election laws and procedures while countering the spread of misinformation during election season.

Registrar Ascencion’s larger efforts in public outreach began with the Election Education Series, a four-part series presented from October 2023 to February 2024. The series covered different election topics, such as running for office, election integrity and security, and the unique features of Presidential primaries. Videos of the presentations are accessible on the Election Smart! page.

Ms. Ascencion decided to launch the Election Smart! Blog as a platform to further inform voters about election activities. The blog will cover some of the lesser-known aspects of the election process, including the rigorous checks and balances in place. It also provides insights into the laws at the federal and state level that govern election procedures and equipment, further ensuring the transparency and security of Ventura County’s elections.

“I’m proud to say no one works harder to protect our elections and ensure their security for every legitimate voter than we do in the Ventura County Elections Division,” said Ms. Ascencion. “We uphold over 2,000 pages of election laws to safeguard the integrity of our local elections, and we stand solidly against any form of voter fraud. We want voters to understand that. I think having more access to accurate information will increase their confidence when they cast their ballots.”

Pedestrian safety starts with you: Stay alert to protect people walking

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

October was National Pedestrian Safety Month. The Ventura Police Department reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.

Since January 1, 2023, the Ventura Police Department has responded to 2,470 traffic collisions, including 106 involving pedestrians. These incidents resulted in 915 injuries and five fatalities. Of the pedestrian collisions, three were fatal, and 99 resulted in injury. The high number of pedestrian casualties underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and safety measures for those walking in Ventura.

“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives,” said Corporal David Curtis. “We remind all residents and travelers that safety begins with you, whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions, and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”

To promote the safety of people walking, the Ventura Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout this grant cycle focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.

The Ventura Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

Drivers

  • Do not speed and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
  • Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
  • Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

  • Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
  • Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
  • Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight.

 

Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Ojai Valley Trail Repaving Project 

Ojai Valley Trail Repaving Project has kicked off Phase One – Casitas Vista Road at Foster Park to Santa Ana Blvd during the week of October 21, the contractor will continue tree maintenance for access to the path and begin pulverizing the existing asphalt. New asphalt will begin the week of November 4. Please be mindful of closures and construction equipment on the trail.

The Ojai Valley Trail, a cherished local asset that spans from the City of Ventura through the City of Ojai and provides a vital connection for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, will receive significant upgrades. The project includes resurfacing existing paths, tree maintenance, and adding new signage to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all users.

To ensure minimal disruption, the County will implement phased closures of the trail during construction, with closures clearly marked. Phase One will consist of the trail section from Casitas Vista Road at Foster Park to Santa Ana Road in Oak View. Community members are encouraged to stay informed through the County Parks Department website and social media channels for real-time updates on the project’s progress. These improvements will provide a lasting benefit to residents and visitors, making the Ojai Valley Trail an even more inviting destination.

For more information about the project or to sign up for updates, please visit ventura.org/parks-department/ or email [email protected].

Agromin Launches “Healthy Soil Heroes”

Compost delivery at Tierra Vista Elementary School.

Agromin, California’s largest organics waste recycler and manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, has launched its “Healthy Soil Heroes,” ambassador program by partnering with five founding members. The founding members represent a diverse range of agricultural and community-focused businesses, including a native plant nursery, flower farm, community garden, agricultural education ambassadors and an edible garden design company.

“We created Healthy Soil Heroes as a way to recognize businesses and nonprofits that are promoting sustainable gardening, farming and landscaping practices,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO. “They are creating healthy food, beautifying landscapes and improving our planet.”

The Founding Five

Meiners Oaks Community Garden is a new 7,500-square-foot community garden located a few miles from downtown Ojai. Its grand opening is October 20. The garden is made of 38 3’x6’ raised garden beds. Community members can rent space to create their own gardens and participate in gardening-based workshops and events. Rental fees include soil, tools and water. To sign up, attend the October 20 grand opening or go to www.meinersoakscommunitygarden.com for more information.

MiniNature Reserve, a nonprofit organization based in Oxnard, began in 2021 by Diego Magaña who was inspired by the beauty of natural parks. He started a native plant nursery in his backyard, and with a team of volunteers, he planted the first of several “MiniNature Reserves” in Ventura County. These reserves are pockets of nature within an urban setting aimed at creating green spaces while providing habitats for native plants, pollinators and animals. MiniNature Reserve’s plant nursery is now at 1,500 square-foot location in Oxnard and is open to the public.

Grow With Mo, based in Ojai, is a garden design, consulting and education company specializing in edible gardens, permaculture and regenerative design. Founder Morgan (Mo) Visalli helps her clients grow vegetable gardens, healthy fruit trees, and create more ecologically friendly landscapes by using organic growing practices.

Ventura County Farm-2-School works with 12 school districts throughout Ventura County supporting over 50 school gardens. More than 30,000 students participate each year in Farm-2-School programs where students learn about nutrition, agriculture, the environment and healthy cooking.  Farm-2-School also provides technical assistance and training to teachers so they can incorporate school gardens into their teaching curriculum. Its Ventura County School Food Hub, with partner Farm Cart Organics, delivers fruits and vegetables from local farms to schools so the produce can be included in daily student meals.

Killdeer Farms in West Sacramento is a small, family-owned farm that grows mostly flowers and lavender. Owners Christine and Scott Killdeer sell their flowers once a month from their five-acre farm during their harvest season. Flowers are also available through subscriptions and in bulk. They offer workshops where community members receive hands-on planting instructions and get to take home bouquets of fresh-cut flowers.

As a benefit of being a member of Healthy Soil Heroes, members receive a free supply of Agromin compost, mulch and other soil amendments plus a 15 percent off coupon code that members can share with customers and colleagues. Members, in turn, highlight their success stories using Agromin materials through their social media channels.

Healthy Soil Heroes membership applications are closed for 2024 but will open in 2025 for agricultural-related businesses and organizations. For more information, go to https://agromin.com/community or contact Cody Cain (805-850-8797, [email protected]).

 

Community Invited to E-Bike Safety Workshop Hosted by Ventura Police Department

Ventura Police to Address E-Bike Safety and Laws in Second Public Workshop

The Ventura Police Department will host a free community workshop on Tuesday, October 22, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street. This event is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address the growing concerns about illegal electric bicycle use in Ventura.

“E-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement have become significant concerns in Ventura, and we are committed to addressing these issues head-on through education and enforcement,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “This workshop is an opportunity for residents to learn about safe and legal e-bike use and to engage directly with our officers. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and foster a culture of responsible e-bike use in our community.”

Electric bikes with pedals propelled by human power and an electric motor are classified as class I, II, or III e-bikes. Vehicles without pedals, driven solely by an electric motor, are classified as electric motorcycles and must meet the same requirements as traditional motorcycles, including proper state licensing, registration, and insurance.

The workshop will cover e-bike classifications, regulations for electric motorcycles, and state and local laws. Key points include:

  • E-bikes must have a class identification sticker permanently affixed to the device.
  • Modifying an e-bike to increase speed, reckless riding, and fleeing law enforcement are illegal.
  • Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a properly fitted and secured helmet at all times.
  • All cyclists, including e-bike riders, must follow the rules of the road.

To address community concerns, the department is taking a proactive approach to education and previously hosted a workshop in July, distributed informational mailers to residents, participated in radio interviews, published an editorial in the Ventura County Star, attended Ventura Unified School District events, and increased social media messaging.

A video recording of the workshop will be posted to the City’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CityofVentura