Tag: City of Ventura

Bilingual report — Ventura names Mike Shaffer as the new Chief Technology Officer

VENTURA — After a competitive, nationwide recruitment, the City of Ventura has selected Mike Shaffer as the new Chief Technology Officer in the Information Technology (IT) Department.  

“Mike brings over 15 years of experience in public sector technology and already has a deep understanding of our City’s needs,” shared City Manager Bill Ayub. “With a proven track record of implementing innovative solutions that drive efficiency and improve user experience, I am confident that Mike will lead Ventura’s technological future with excellence and vision.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases second episode of Ventura Voices podcast featuring Police Chief Darin Schindler

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to release the second episode of its new podcast series, Ventura Voices. This episode features an insightful interview with Ventura’s Police Chief, Darin Schindler and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, or watch the podcast video on the City’s YouTube channel.

The episode explores local crime rates and homelessness and shares the positive news that Ventura has seen its lowest crime rate in over three decades.

Chief Schindler also discusses his 34-year career in law enforcement and reflects on his first year as chief, having stepped into the role during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura secures major grant for VenturaWaterPure

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce that after a national competitive solicitation process, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) awarded the City an additional $30 million under its WaterSMART large-scale water recyclingprogram to support the VenturaWaterPure project.

City of Ventura names Tim Fiske as the new Chief Building Official

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Fiske as the new Chief Building Official in the Community Development Department. Mr. Fiske, who joined the City of Ventura in 2019, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Over the years, he has held several key positions within the department, including Building Inspector, Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspection Supervisor, and Building Division Supervisor.

“We welcome Tim Fiske as our new Chief Building Official. Tim’s extensive experience and commitment to innovation have already significantly impacted our department,” said Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director. His vision for a customer service-oriented division aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting safety and economic development in Ventura. We look forward to seeing continued positive changes under his leadership.”

Bilingual report — Community invited to participate in online survey for Surfers Point project

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to actively engage in the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project by participating in an online survey. This survey will be open until Friday, May 31, 2024, and is available in English and Spanish, providing flexible options for individuals to share their insights and preferences.

Through the online survey, residents and stakeholders can play a pivotal role in shaping the amenities and potential themes of public art at the Surfers Point site, as well as other key aspects of the project.

Bilingual report — A collaborative approach to addressing homelessness

VENTURA — On March 26, 2024, the Ventura City Council approved a five-year plan to address homelessness. This plan, developed through collaboration with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, and City of Thousand Oaks, outlines a strategy tailored to Ventura’s needs. LeSar Development Consultants played a crucial role by providing extensive research to inform the plan.

The Point in Time Count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as a crucial tool for communities seeking federal grants to address homelessness. Results from the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, conducted by the Ventura County Continuum of Care, showed a significant change. The number of sheltered persons increased by 14.7% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 927 individuals, while the number of unsheltered persons decreased by 12.4% to 1,431.

Bilingual report — Share the Road and Look Out for One Another During Bicycle Safety Month

VENTURA — May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and The City of Ventura is encouraging everyone to get active and safely take bike rides while at the same time reminding drivers to be on the lookout for more people biking and walking.

“Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” Public Works Director, Charlie Ebeling said. “Unfortunately, there has been an increase in bicycle fatalities and injuries over the last few years. Bicyclists do not have the same protections as people in a vehicle so if you see a bicyclist — slow down.”

Local business information

> The Office of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, District 44, has announced a regional workshop designed to help business owners understand the application process to apply for the “California Competes Tax Credit” from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 6 at…

‘From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets’ opening reception to be held at Bell Arts Factory on March 7

VENTURA — The City of Ventura, the Big Read and Bell Arts Factory will present “From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets” featuring the works of Vietnam veterans Jess Gutierrez, Orlando Menchaca, James Graca and Michael Arndt from 5:30…