Rails with Trails Project | May 2024 Meetings

The City of Ventura’s Rails with Trails Project will provide a 4-mile Class I multi-use path alongside the existing Santa Paula Branch Line. The walking and biking trail will provide a new, direct route for residents to travel safely between Montalvo, North Bank, Cabrillo Village, and Saticoy. Project benefits include increasing safety and mobility for non-motorized users to reduce vehicle miles traveled, advance greenhouse gas reduction goals, and enhance public health. The project press release and additional meeting information will be made available by the end of April. For more information about the project and to sign up for project notifications please visit: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/SPBL

Parcel-Specific Feedback Form Deadline- May 12, 2024

Now is your chance to share comments on the City Council-endorsed land use designation map!
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Share input on the Parcel-Specific Feedback Form by May 12 
After an extensive community engagement process, the City Council endorsed a draft land use designation map in the Fall of 2023. The new land use map includes a land use designation map that identifies the allowed land use and building intensity for every parcel in the City. 

At this point in the process, the General Plan Team is seeking parcel-specific feedback from the public on the endorsed land use map. The feedback should focus on corrections or modifications to specific parcels rather than broad comments or concerns. Suggestions for changes will be brought to the City Council for review and endorsement at a future meeting. 

If you have parcel-specific corrections or modifications, here’s how to complete the feedback form: 
1.   Download descriptions of new land use designations
2.  Open the Land Use Designation Map
3.   Explore the map and select the parcel you’d like to make a comment on
4.  Find the parcel number “APN” and enter it on the feedback form
5.   Complete the full form and submit it by May 12, 2024
Take the survey in EnglishEnlace a la encuesta en español
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To stay involved in the General Plan Update process, catch up on conversations, and subscribe for email notifications at www.PlanVentura.com.
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Visit the Plan Ventura WebsiteJoin the General Plan email list
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VUSD Parcel Tax Committee

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is actively recruiting members to join the VUSD Parcel Tax committee to oversee expenditures of Parcel Tax funds. The District is accepting applications from interested citizens to serve on the Committee. The Committee will consist of at least five members who meet, review, and report on expenditures of tax funds to ensure money is used only for voter-approved purposes. VUSD is explicitly looking for someone active in the following areas: 

  • Member who is active in a business organization representing the business community located within the school district
  • Member who is active in a senior citizen’s organization
  • Member who is the parent or guardian of a child currently enrolled in the school district
  • Member is active in a bonafide real estate/landowners’ organization
  • Community members at large

Interested persons may download the Parcel Tax Committee Application at https://www.venturausd.org/services/business-services  or obtain a paper copy from the Business Service’s office at 255 Stanley Avenue, Ventura, California. Applications are due by Wed. Feb. 21, 2024, by 4 pm either by email to Victoria.cortez@venturausd.org or in-person or by US Postal Mail to:

Ventura Unified School District
Attn: Victoria Cortez
255 W. Stanley Ave.
Ventura, CA 93001

Ventura Homelessness Survey [ Closes 1/19/24]

Click to visit the City of Ventura’s website
City of Ventura survey invites community members and businesses to share insights on homelessness
Ventura, Calif. – In a proactive move to address homelessness and enhance public involvement, the City of Ventura has initiated two public surveys. These surveys aim to gather insights from residents and local businesses to shape the city’s plan to effectively combat homelessness.

“Together with the local government, businesses, community members, and nonprofit organizations, we can address and combat homelessness,” stated Leona Rollins, Ventura Housing Services Manager. “This survey allows the community to provide feedback and recommendations on future initiatives and programs to improve the lives of our most vulnerable community members.”

The surveys aim to gather input, experiences, and potential solutions for housing and homelessness challenges in Ventura from community members and local businesses. Topics range from homelessness initiatives, funding priorities, and views on existing housing and homelessness programs.

Additionally, the business engagement survey focuses on understanding the impact on local companies. It explores difficulties faced and solutions considered from the perspective of business owners. Topics include difficulties faced, solutions considered, and opinions on who should be responsible for addressing homelessness from a business perspective.

“This is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to a collaborative housing and homelessness solution,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “We encourage everyone to participate so that diverse perspectives are included in our efforts to develop an inclusive and impactful Homelessness Plan.”

Ventura acknowledges homelessness as a multifaceted issue affecting individuals, families, and the business community. Feedback from the surveys will be instrumental in crafting an effective strategy to address homelessness, aligning with the City Council’s 2023-2024 goals of establishing a comprehensive City-wide homelessness plan. Residents and businesses are urged to participate actively, contributing valuable insights to inform policies, programs, and initiatives targeting the underlying causes of homelessness.

The surveys are available online now through January 19, 2024. To participate, visit the City’s website at www.Cityofventura.ca.gov/HousingServices.# # # 
Community Engagement SurveyBusiness Engagement Survey
 PDF of the release PDF del comunicado

Stuff-A-Sleigh 12/1/23

Bringing holiday cheer to Downtown Ventura: Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive supports local families in need

Ventura, Calif. — In a groundbreaking holiday season collaboration, the Ventura Fire Department is proud to partner with the Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, ABC7, Food Share of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to host Ventura’s first Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive. 

This initiative, geared towards supporting children and families in need, will be hosted on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street at Figueroa Plaza. 

Community members are invited to participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy, book, sporting equipment, and nonperishable food items to the event. 

“This partnership and holiday donation drive offer our community a chance to unite, exemplifying the genuine spirit of the season through acts of goodwill and generosity for those in need this season,” said Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are honored to be part of this event and extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in making the holidays brighter for all.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Fire Departments of Ventura County will attend, offering the public an opportunity to engage with fire engines and interact with local firefighters and staff. “

The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer at Food Share of Ventura County. “Strong partnerships and the incredible generosity of our community are the backbone of events like this. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.”

Community members unable to join the Stuff-a-Sleigh event can participate in the Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive, happening through December 20, 2023. 

How to donate new, unwrapped toys and food: 
-Drop off at the Ventura Fire Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive, or a participating business.  
-Contribute monetary donations online through the Ventura Fire Foundation. All proceeds are tax-deductible. 
-Purchase a gift on the Amazon Wish List registry.

Find a complete list of participating businesses, online donation information, and Stuff-a-Sleigh event updates at VCFD.org/SparkofLove.