City of Ventura - Government

Today, on National Lifeguard Appreciation Day, we honor the heroes of the water, our dedicated lifeguards! 🏊‍♀️🌊

From early mornings to late evenings, they tirelessly watch over us, ensuring our safety at pools, beaches, and water parks. Their vigilance, bravery, and quick thinking save countless lives every year.

To all our Ventura Aquatic Center lifeguards, thank you for your commitment, hard work, and professionalism. You are truly lifesavers, and we appreciate everything you do! 💙👏

Drop a comment below to thank a lifeguard you know!

That's a wrap on National Parks & Recreation Month! 💙🌴🤸‍♀️

Across the country, Parks & Rec departments support their communities' health and well-being through outdoor spaces, recreational activities, employment opportunities, food assistance, child care, environmental stewardship, and human connection.

We hope to have provided and continue to provide, safe spaces for all of our neighbors in Ventura. Explore more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

🌟 This summer, there's plenty of opportunities to sign up for volunteer activities that spark your interest, including:

🍽️ Senior Meal Delivery at Ventura Avenue Adult Center
🍎Food Share at Westpark Community Center
🌊 Beach Clean-Ups for the Promenade & Marina Park
🎶 Outdoor Concerts at the Olivas Adobe Historical Park
🌱 Community Gardens at Cornucopia, Kellogg & Westpark

And more! Get involved and help improve the lives of those around you! Details at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Vilma Thornton! ✨🌱

Vilma has been volunteering at the Westpark Community Garden since it was built in 1993! She was also involved in the original design. Vilma says the garden has been very therapeutic for her and other local residents over the years. We're so thankful for her active involvement in our garden program and help communicating garden news among staff and fellow green thumbs!

Thank you, Vilma, for your hard work & dedication to the thriving Westpark Community Garden! 💚

🎾 Welcome our new Tennis Instructor Erik Glasser! 🎾

Coach Erik brings 40+ years of playing experience and 30+ years of teaching expertise to our Parks & Recreation team. Starting his tennis journey at just five years old, Erik is passionate about coaching students of all ages and skill levels.

With a deep understanding of psychology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and nutrition, Erik integrates his knowledge to help athletes optimize their performance.

📅 Ready to elevate your game? Sign up for classes in our Fall Activity Guide: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

Tickets available now - Dirty Cello Live on August 10 at Olivas Adobe Historical Park! 🎻

Experience the cello like never before! Imagine the virtuosic wail of Jimi Hendrix, the soulful sound of BB King, and the fiery energy of Bill Monroe, all combined with the dynamic and powerful performances led by the electrifying cross-over cellist Rebecca Roudman.

🎫 All details at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MUS

Did you know the City joins KVTA News AM 1590 on Thursday mornings between 7:30-8am to share City updates and programs with the community? This is one of the many ways we keep the public informed. Tune in and stay connected! 📻✨

This morning, Recreation Supervisor Kathryn Dippong-Lawson was in the studio to talk about all things Olivas Adobe Historical Park, including Music Under the Stars, free Sunday events, and volunteer opportunities. 🎶🏞️

Discover more at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

Let's take a look at Parks & Rec By The Numbers. We're celebrating with a glimpse at the annual impact on our community. 👩‍🏫🌳🍎⚽🧘‍♀️🤸‍♀️📚🤽

Together we maintain over 800 acres of park, plan 2,000+ classes, provide 30,300+ free meals, teach 4,000+people to swim each year, care for 30,000+ trees, clean up 90,000+ sq ft of graffiti, offer childcare for 550+, and create new enrichment opportunities every season.

Our work is all about fostering community, friendship, and individual well-being. There's something for everyone, and all are welcome! Discover it all at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ParksRec 💙

🍂 Fall is right around the corner, but the Fall Activity Guide is already HERE! www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide
We know, it feels like summer just started, but make sure you save your spot in our fall programming this September - January.
🗓️ Registration opens Tuesday, August 6 at 12pm noon.

Ice cream solves everything! 😋🍦

Join Ventura PD for 'Cones with a Cop' on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Coastal Cone in the Ventura Harbor!

Enjoy ice cream and friendly conversation with officers. This is a great opportunity to meet the Chief, connect officers who patrol your neighborhood, and get questions answered. Plus, we’re giving away 100 free kids’ cone tickets! See you there! 🚓

Part-time job opportunity! 🥪🍎🍴 The Senior Nutrition Program is hiring an assistant to help at our Ventura Avenue Adult Center and ensure no senior is without food.

⏰ Hours: This position is Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm (flexible).

📝 Duties: Conduct home assessments for potential homebound seniors and assist with congregate meal duties.

💙 Requirements: We're looking for a caring individual who is comfortable working with seniors, has knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office, and has excellent phone etiquette!

If interested, please contact Recreation Coordinator Cheryl Bucklin at 805-654-7557 or [email protected]

🚴‍♂️ Attention - Residents with electric bicycles

Join the Ventura Police Department for a free community workshop on Tuesday, July 23, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the VPD HQ, 1425 Dowell Drive. Parents of adolescents and teens are encouraged to attend! Learn more: bit.ly/3sIqQ6E

Officers will discuss e-bike safety, electric motorcycles, reckless riding, and enforcement, offering insights into e-bike classifications, regulations, and local laws. For a quick listen to top community concerns, check out episode 4 of the Ventura Voices podcast.

Heading into junior year of high school? 📚 Get a head start on the college application process this summer. Write your narrative essays and more with a college admissions professional! ⏰ Register now for College Application Boot Camp: August 5-9 at: https://bit.ly/3LtTMFF

A BIG thank you to our inspiring residents who have volunteered their time and energy to serve on our City Council appointed Boards, Commissions, and Committees! 🌟 Your dedication to our community's policies and decisions makes a significant impact.

Last week, we reappointed 5 members and welcomed 9 new members to the following groups:
💧 Water Commission: Susan Mulligan, Lara Shellenbarger, Burt Handy, Alex Namikas & Jim Ackerman
🌳 Parks & Recreation Commission: Derek Turner & Chad Christensen
⛵️ Ventura Port District Board: Elizabeth Howell
🎨 Arts & Culture Commission: Ryan Senter
📃 Design Review Committee: Albert Antelman, Yves Radames Culqui & Laura Kay Dunbar
🏛 Historic Preservation Committee: Ann Huston
🚧 Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee: Kathleen Paulson
🏘 Planning Commission: Hollee King Winegar

Want to get involved? Learn more at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Recruitments

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a cherished member of our community, Ed McCombs, a former City Manager, on June 28 at the age of 90. His legacy lives on in the historic City Hall site, which he was instrumental in acquiring from the County. Last night's City Council Meeting was adjourned in his honor.

Opening to the public in 1974, he shared his passion for this iconic building with our community, stating, "People are always bringing visitors through and taking photos." His vision and dedication continue to inspire us. A service will be held at 2 pm on August 18 at Poinsettia Pavilion at 3451 Foothill Road.

Ventura City Council approves this year’s budget with a 30% increase of funding for roads, sidewalks, medians, and public spaces🌟 Learn more: conta.cc/3xQ20ox

A $531 million budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 was unanimously approved on June 25, focusing on aging infrastructure and essential services. Key projects also include:

📚EP Foster Library rehabilitation
⛳️ Buenaventura Golf Course storm repairs and Olivia’s Links facility upgrades
💧Ventura Water projects
🌊 Surfers Point restoration
& more!

Watch LIVE on our YouTube channel, join us in Council Chambers, or join virtually tonight at 5PM for the next City Council meeting. View tonight's agenda at bit.ly/3riqC2O

Some items to be discussed tonight:
🎡 2024 Ventura County Fairgrounds Special Presentation
🚨 Emergency Evacuation Plan Adoption
💳 Policy Consideration – Repeal of Net Zero Fee

🏛 LIVE Spanish interpretation services are offered at City Council meetings. For more: bit.ly/44GVCuJ

How to participate during a public meeting:
1️⃣: Review the agenda
2️⃣: Submit a public comment via email by 4:00 p.m. to [email protected]
3️⃣: Join the Webex Meeting using the URL posted on the agenda to provide LIVE public comments or watch as listed on the agenda. The meeting can also be watched on the City's YouTube channel.

A big welcome to Valerie Barroso, our new Human Resources Director starting August 3! 🎉 Valerie has been with the City since 2018 serving as our Assistant HR Director. Read more at: https://conta.cc/4cXMxli

With 27 years of experience in labor and employee relations, recruitment, training, benefits, classification and compensation, leave and disability management, and workers’ compensation, Valerie is more than prepared to lead us forward.

Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management, a Master of Science degree in Business Organizational Management focusing on Human Resources Management and Development, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

We look forward to her continued leadership and positive impact! 💙

🚴‍♂️ E-bike workshop for families! 🚴‍♀️

Join the Ventura Police Department for a free community workshop on Tuesday, July 23, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Ventura Police Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive. Parents of adolescents and teens are encouraged to attend! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3sIqQ6E

Officers will cover e-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement, providing insights into e-bike classifications, regulations, and local laws. For a quick listen to top community concerns, check out episode 4 of the Ventura Voices podcast.

Chill with Ventura PD at 'Cones with a Cop'! 🍦👮‍♂️

Join local officers for ice cream, shakes, and floats at Coastal Cone on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.! Enjoy a relaxed chat and get your questions answered! Plus, the first 50 kids get a free cone! Don't miss out! 🌟 Details: conta.cc/4bDAkkI

Ventura Police Department
Ventura Harbor

🌟 Attention Ventura residents 50+! Join the Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) for an 'Understanding Low Vision' presentation with the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara. 💙 Don't miss out on this informative event Tuesday, July 16 from 4-5pm at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Ave.). 🤓 Call 805-648-3035 with any questions. See you there!

Howdy volunteers! 🤠 The Olivas Adobe Historical Park is looking for guides to help conduct tours of the historic 1847 hacienda! Are you interested?

If so, swing by our Volunteer Open House this Sunday, July 14 at 10am - 4200 Olivas Park Drive. We look forward to sharing all our volunteer opportunities with you! 💛

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

📣 Filing period for Ventura City Council candidates now open! Voters in Districts 2, 3, and 7 will elect three City Council members for four-year terms in the November 5th election.

📅 Join us on Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at City Hall in the Community Meeting Room for an informational session hosted by the City Clerk. Learn about the steps to run for office and get involved in making a difference!

To learn more, read the City's news release: https://conta.cc/4cW4qRA

Watch LIVE on our YouTube channel, join us tonight in Council Chambers (or virtually) at 5PM for the next City Council meeting. View tonight's agenda at bit.ly/3riqC2O

Some items to be discussed tonight:
Appointment recommendations for the commissions & committees: Water, Planning (District 5), Parks & Rec Commission, Ventura Port District Board, Arts & Culture Commission, Design Review Committee, Historic Preservation, and Measure O
Five-Year Economic Development Strategy (2025 – 2030)

🏛 LIVE Spanish interpretation services are offered at City Council meetings. For more: bit.ly/44GVCuJ

How to participate during a public meeting:
1️⃣: Review the agenda
2️⃣: Submit a public comment via email by 4:00 p.m. to [email protected]
3️⃣: Join the Webex Meeting using the URL posted on the agenda to provide LIVE public comments or watch as listed on the agenda. The meeting can also be watched on the City's YouTube channel.

According to NRPA, residents who find their parks and recreation facilities to be inclusive visit these areas nearly two times as often as those who do not hold this view. We're proud to offer spaces like our award-winning Inclusive Play Area at Arroyo Verde Park, designed for everyone to play and grow together! 💚🌳

National Recreation and Park Association

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center will remain closed for construction through July 9 due to flooding caused by an unexpected plumbing issue.

Meals are still available for pick-up at the facility Monday - Friday from 11:30am - 12:30pm.

The facility is set to reopen on Wednesday, July 10. For further assistance, please call 805-648-3035