Business Profile: Family-Owned C.D. Lyon, Inc. Embraces Green Energy with Innovative Solar Installation

Celebrating their Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony on July 11, 2024.

C.D. Lyon, Inc. was founded in January 2011 by siblings Jeff and Kiki Lyon. At that time, they were working for their parents’ company, C.D. Lyon Construction, Inc., established in 1985. Seeking to stay in the industry, they started their own company. Their parents have since retired, and the original company was dissolved. Jeff and Kiki are proud to be the third generation of business owners on the westside, following their parents and their uncle Harry Lyon, who also ran a business on the Avenue. In honor of Harry Lyon’s community contributions, the Harry A. Lyon Park in Ventura bears his name.

C.D. Lyon, Inc. is a full-service general engineering contractor capable of handling a wide range of construction and maintenance services. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured to work both onshore and offshore, with USL&H coverage. Their mission is to build long-term relationships and conduct business safely, to specified quality standards, on schedule, and within budget. Their core values include safety, integrity, dependability, unity, and productivity. Their multi-skilled personnel provide clients with exceptional service.

Continuing their parents’ legacy, Jeff and Kiki have elevated the company to new heights by diversifying its energy sources. This ensures operational resilience and promotes a cleaner, more efficient future for the community.

In a transformative step towards sustainability, C.D. Lyon partnered with Wicks Roofing and Solar to install a 104kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Energy Storage System (ESS). This system marks a significant milestone in Ventura’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The installation was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11, 2024, hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and attended by Ventura’s mayor, council members, and state representatives. Jared Bobb, CEO of Wicks and a Ventura Westside resident, said, “For Ventura, this project represents more than just a technological advancement; it signifies a shift towards energy independence and environmental responsibility.”

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley Visits CARL Kennel Facility

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley recently toured the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL) kennel facility in Santa Paula. She met with CARL Executive Director Sharon Clark to discuss grants and how CARL helps the community by taking in relinquished dogs that otherwise would be dropped off at high-kill shelters. Clark also described how CARL pulls dogs from high-kill shelters to help keep the euthanasia rate down. CARL is a nonprofit, no-kill rescue and takes in all breeds of dogs.

CARL has been rescuing dogs since 1996. If you would like to help, please send your tax-deductible donation to P.O. Box 5022, Ventura, CA 93005. You can also donate through their website at carldogs.org or via Venmo at @carl_dogs.

Business Profile: The Willows Apartment Community Celebrates Grand Opening in Ventura, CA

The Willows Apartment community proudly announces its grand opening, marking a significant addition to Ventura’s vibrant residential landscape. The highly anticipated event, held on Wednesday, July 26, 2024, showcased the community’s modern amenities, sustainable features, and unique lifestyle offerings, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of prospective residents, local dignitaries, and community leaders.

Nestled in the heart of Ventura, The Willows Apartment community offers a blend of luxury and convenience, providing an unparalleled living experience. Attendees at the grand opening enjoyed guided tours of the stylishly designed apartment homes, which feature state-of-the-art appliances, spacious floor plans, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The community also boasts an array of on-site amenities, including a resort-style pool, fully-equipped fitness center, serene walking trails, and a resident clubhouse.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, The Willows incorporates eco-friendly building practices and energy-efficient technologies. The community’s green initiatives include solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and a comprehensive recycling program, underscoring a dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

Prospective residents can choose from a variety of floor plans, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to spacious three-bedroom units and townhomes, each designed with modern living in mind. Leasing information and virtual tours are available on The Willows’ website, making it easy for interested individuals to explore their new home from the comfort of their current residence.

For more information about The Willows Apartment community or to schedule a tour, please visit www.willowsventura.com.

Ventura City Council Adopts Balanced $531 Million Budget for FY 2024-25

The Ventura City Council unanimously adopted a balanced $531 million operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 following the City’s annual budget hearing at its meeting on June 25. The budget outlines significant investments to maintain and improve the City’s aging infrastructure and deliver core services and programs.

The budget spans from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and focuses on the City Council’s highest priorities, sets aside funds for future infrastructure needs, and maintains the City’s high level of service. This includes addressing priorities such as reducing homelessness and enhancing environmental protection while accounting for rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues.

“This year’s budget highlights the City’s dedication to strategic investments in infrastructure and community programs, ensuring Ventura’s financial stability and enhancing public services,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By addressing critical needs such as storm-related repairs, library rehabilitation, and facility replacements, we are laying a strong foundation for the future and strengthening our community for years to come.”

The FY 2024-25 budget highlights include total General Fund resources and expenditures balanced at $149.3 million, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of funds to maintain and improve city services. The General Fund budget includes funding for major projects such as the EP Foster Library rehabilitation, storm-related repairs at the Buenaventura Golf Course, and facilities replacement at the Olivas Links Golf Course.

“We commend our executive leadership team and finance staff for their diligent work in developing a budget that addresses our community’s needs and ensures the delivery of essential services,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “This budget allows the City to continue supporting critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street and park maintenance, and sustainability efforts, all aimed at improving the quality of life in Ventura.”

In addition, the $193 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget allocates substantial resources to ongoing VenturaWaterPure projects, includes $16 million in grant funding for improvements at Surfers Point, and increases funding for citywide maintenance of roads, sidewalks, medians, and public spaces by approximately 30%. This increase includes an additional $5.5 million, bringing the total budget for road repairs in Fiscal Year 2024-25 to $13.3 million.

The voter-approved Measure O initiative has allocated $28.3 million to support critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street maintenance, park maintenance, and environmental sustainability. Since its inceptThe Ventura City Council unanimously adopted a balanced $531 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2024-25 following the city’s annual budget hearing on June 25. The budget outlines significant investments to maintain and improve the city’s aging infrastructure and deliver core services and programs.

Spanning from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the budget focuses on the City Council’s highest priorities, sets aside funds for future infrastructure needs, and maintains the city’s high level of service. It addresses priorities such as reducing homelessness and enhancing environmental protection while accounting for rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues.

“This year’s budget highlights the city’s dedication to strategic investments in infrastructure and community programs, ensuring Ventura’s financial stability and enhancing public services,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By addressing critical needs such as storm-related repairs, library rehabilitation, and facility replacements, we are laying a strong foundation for the future and strengthening our community for years to come.”

The FY 2024-25 budget highlights include total General Fund resources and expenditures balanced at $149.3 million, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of funds to maintain and improve city services. The General Fund budget includes funding for major projects such as the EP Foster Library rehabilitation, storm-related repairs at the Buenaventura Golf Course, and facilities replacement at the Olivas Links Golf Course.

“We commend our executive leadership team and finance staff for their diligent work in developing a budget that addresses our community’s needs and ensures the delivery of essential services,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “This budget allows the city to continue supporting critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street and park maintenance, and sustainability efforts, all aimed at improving the quality of life in Ventura.”

In addition, the $193 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget allocates substantial resources to ongoing VenturaWaterPure projects, includes $16 million in grant funding for improvements at Surfers Point, and increases funding for citywide maintenance of roads, sidewalks, medians, and public spaces by approximately 30%. This increase includes an additional $5.5 million, bringing the total budget for road repairs in fiscal year 2024-25 to $13.3 million.

The voter-approved Measure O initiative has allocated $28.3 million to support critical programs, including public safety, homelessness, street maintenance, park maintenance, and environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2016, Measure O has generated over $103 million, funding more than 65 initiatives to improve the quality of life in Ventura.

The city presented a preliminary draft budget to the City Council at its meeting on April 23 and hosted a workshop on June 4 to answer questions and hear comments from residents.

For additional information about the City of Ventura’s budget process or to download financial documents, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.

 

City Request Phone Numbers

  • Pothole Hotline:  805-652-4590
  • Streetlights/SCE Outages: 800-655-4555
  • Graffiti Hotline: 805-654-7805
  • Report tree limb obstructing a sidewalk, traffic sign, streetlight, or public right of way: 805-677-6519
  • Replace the garbage can or recycling bins: Contact E.J. Harrison & Sons at 805-647-1414.
  • Report illegal dumping: 805-677-3999
  • Report an abandoned vehicle: 805-339-4432
  • Report an abandoned shopping cart: 888-992-4778

SCORE Announces Next In-Person No Cost Workshop for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

In partnership with the City of Ventura, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Collaborative Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub, SCORE will hold a second in-person no cost workshop that will help local entrepreneurs and business owners.

The workshop, entitled “Google and Social Media Paid Advertising Strategies” will be held on August 7 at the Ventura City Hall Community Meeting Room at 8:30am. The workshop will be led by Steve James who is a Digital Marketing Consultant with the firm RevLocal and will cover topics such as the best advertising platforms to use, the differences between search ads and display ads, and how to use analytics to improve results.

The August 7 workshop is a continuation of the March 27 Marketing Strategies workshop that was also presented by SCORE, hosted by the City of Ventura, and led by Mr. James. The prior workshop was well attended and very well received by the business community.

After the event, Cary Glenn, Management Analyst with the City of Ventura Economic Development Division, commented, “I did hear from one of the attendees, who is a tough critic mind you, who found tremendous value in the information and went back to their business, called a team meeting, and immediately began implementing some of the tools learned at the workshop.”

For workshop information, including how to register, go to: https://www.score.org/ventura/event/google-and-social-media-paid-advertising-strategies

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Scamp Club

Hi, I’m Poppy! I was rescued from a feral cat colony in 2016 by the amazing Surfcat Cat Rescue. I was heavily pregnant, but a kind woman named Leslie Ann Weiss, who is also the executive director and president of Surfcat Rescue, set me up with a “maternikitty” suite and everything I needed to deliver and nurse my kittens. Due to my very hard start in life, I was understandably not the friendliest kitty, but Leslie managed to get me and my daughter, Izzie, a wonderful forever home together. I quickly became a slightly chonky lap cat. Life is good—thanks, Leslie! Visit www.Surfcatcafe.com to learn how you can help Leslie save more cats like me!

Ventura Community Councils

Reasons to get involved with your Neighborhood Community Council:

  1. Connect with your neighbors
  2. Learn what’s happening in your area
  3. Get updates and information from City staff
  4. Participate in projects that make a difference in your neighborhood

College Area Community Council:
https://caccventura.com

Downtown Ventura Community Council:
https://downtownventura.org

East Ventura Community Council:
https://eastventura.org

Connecting Communities
The City of Ventura’s Eastside Neighborhood Greenway Project proposes an Active Transportation initiative spanning south of Highway 126, extending from Ventura Community Park at Kimball Road to the gateway of unincorporated Saticoy at Wells Road. This project aims to enhance connectivity along Thille St, Medford St, Waco St, and Darling Rd.

Improving Accessibility

The proposed improvements link residents to vital destinations, including local job hubs, educational institutions such as Citrus Glen Elementary, ATLAS School, and Sacred Heart K-8, and essential amenities like grocery stores. Furthermore, the project aims to facilitate access to recreational areas such as Ventura Community Park, Chumash Park, and the Huntsinger Sports Complex.

How can you help?

This project is a grant application for the Caltrans ATP Cycle 7 Program which would provide all project funding with no City matching funds. To support the grant application and future development of the Eastside Neighborhood Greenway, we invite you to take the project survey

Promoting Active Transportation

Active transportation encompasses human-powered modes of travel such as walking, wheelchair rolling, biking, scootering, and skateboarding. It is a cornerstone of our transportation system, fostering personal health benefits, reducing carbon emissions, and offering enjoyable, affordable, and efficient travel options for all.

Creating Neighborhood Greenways

Neighborhood greenways are characterized by low-traffic, low-speed streets prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and rollers. Utilizing various enhancements such as speed humps and mini traffic circles, these greenways cultivate a serene environment conducive to walking, cycling, and rolling by mitigating vehicle speeds and deterring traffic.

A Step Towards Sustainable Mobility

This project aligns with the broader Ventura Active Transportation Plan (ATP) adopted in January 2024, which serves as a strategic framework for implementing priority projects and programs. By enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, the Ventura ATP aims to make walking, bicycling, and transit attractive for residents, workers, and visitors.

For more information about the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and other priority projects, visit cityofventura.org

Midtown Community Council
https://www.midtownventura.org/

Pierpont Bay Community Council:
https://pierpontcouncil.org
Meeting times: 7PM, Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, 7:00 PM Pacific. Meetings will also be live on zoom – see website.

  • Thursday, September 19, 2024
  • Thursday, November 21, 2024
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025

Montalvo Community Council:
https://montalvocc.wordpress.com/

Westside Community Council:
www.westsidecommunitycouncil.org
Meetings: First Wednesday of every month. Bell Arts Factory – Community Room, 432 N. Ventura #101, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

County Career & Resource Expo

The County of Ventura invites the public to the Career & Resource Expo. The event is open to the public and parking are free. The expo will be held in the main courtyard of the Ventura County Government Center, located between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

Attendees will be able to explore a wide array of career opportunities in fields such as County administration and support, engineering, environmental protection, planning, agriculture, health care, law enforcement, public safety, public works, recreational services, technology, and more.

Representatives from the County’s Human Resources Department and most County agencies and departments will be available to discuss career paths, hiring processes, benefits, and the many advantages of joining the County workforce.

  • What: County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo
  • When: Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Where: County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA

More information on County jobs can be found at hr.ventura.org.