| Dear Neighbors,
(Jan. 14)’s Board of Supervisors meeting brought significant developments, and I’d like to share the updates with you. But first, I want to remind everyone that Ventura County remains under a red flag warning. Please exercise caution, avoid activities that could spark fires, and stay informed by visiting vcemergency.com. Your safety is always my top priority—let’s all remain vigilant and prepared during these critical conditions.
Exploring a not-for-profit Municipal Utility
I’m pleased to share that my measure directing staff to explore the feasibility of a not-for-profit municipal utility passed unanimously. This is an important step toward improving energy services for our community. Whether by holding the existing provider accountable or pursuing new and reliable opportunities, my focus is on ensuring Ventura County residents have access to dependable energy solutions. Read my direction to staff here.
A New Role—Vice Chair of the Board
I’m deeply honored to have been voted by my colleagues as Vice Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Serving District 2 and all of Ventura County is a privilege I hold dear, and I look forward to collaborating with Chair Supervisor Janice Parvin to enhance transparency, maximize public engagement and ensure every voice is heard.
As Vice Chair, I remain committed to advancing public safety, fostering job creation, championing environmental stewardship, and practicing effective governance. Together, we’ll continue building a stronger, brighter future for our community.
Borchard Property Easement in Newbury Park
As a proud resident of Newbury Park, every decision affecting our community is one I take to heart. Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation by the County Watershed Protection District, Public Works Department, and the County Counsel’s Office to address the Borchard property flood easement. This carefully considered decision protects our community while balancing environmental and safety needs.
To clarify, this resolution does not grant automatic approval for development. Instead, it updates the language to ensure that any future proposals undergo rigorous environmental reviews and evaluations of flood retention uses. Importantly, the property falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Thousand Oaks, not the County, for development decisions. Should a project proceed, the developer would be responsible for all costs related to mitigating potential environmental impacts—keeping the well-being of our community at the forefront.
This resolution resolves a lawsuit that had lingered for over a year, avoiding prolonged litigation that could have cost taxpayers significantly and risked an unfavorable outcome for residents. I applaud the staff and Board for negotiating a solution that prioritizes our community’s long-term interests.
Stay Connected
If you live in unincorporated District 2, I encourage you to get involved with your local Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). These councils are a great way to stay informed about local issues, share your input, and help shape the future of our community. Think of them as a space to provide feedback to me about issues you care about in your neighborhood.
District 2 is home to four MACs: Casa Conejo, Oak Park, Santa Rosa Valley, and Somis. By participating, you can help ensure your voice is heard on matters that matter most to our community.
As always, I’m here to serve you. Your thoughts and ideas are invaluable to me, so please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime at SupervisorGorell@ventura.org. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for Ventura County.
Thank you for your continued trust and engagement.
Warm regards,
Jeff
Jeff Gorell
Supervisor, District 2
Vice Chair, Ventura County Board of Supervisors |
