Tag: Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA)

Bilingual report — Ribbon cutting ceremony highlights safer pedestrian access to El Rio neighborhood of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), in collaboration with community partners and local leaders, celebrated the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of El Rio.

The event brought together members of the Rio School District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Nyeland Promise Advisory Board, Gold Coast Transit District, construction teams, residents, and other key stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. The celebration featured performances from children of the Mariachi Academy and folklórico dancers from the Rio School District, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the El Rio community.

Bilingual report – Ventura County Public Works Agency recognizes 2025 Employees of The Year

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2025 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 20th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Evan Martinez, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for just over five years, playing a key role in maintaining and operating the water systems across the Agency’s four service districts. His major duties consist of helping the Operations and

Productions team deliver safe drinking water to residents and keeping the water system in excellent working condition.

VC Public Works completes Santa Rosa Road Bike Lane and Pedestrian Improvement Project

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) was scheduled to host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Santa Rosa Road Bike Lane and Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, Jan. 6, at the Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School in Camarillo.

The bike lane improvements — which began in August 2024 — complete a stretch of missing bike lane facilities bridging the gap from Simi Valley to Camarillo. This route is part of the Ventura County Transportation Commission Regional Bicycle Wayfinding Plan to provide countywide regional bike connectivity.

20 May — Ventura County Public Works Agency gears up for its annual Public Works Day

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ventura County Public Works Agency brings on new leadership to Watershed Protection District and Engineering Services

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Department Directors to its leadership team. Now a few months into their respective roles, Jeff Palmer oversees the Watershed Protection District and Anastasia Seims leads Engineering Services, both bringing a variety of professional experience and expertise that will enable the agency to continue providing preventative and proactive support —as well as emergency response — to help keep Ventura County safe.

Ventura County Public Works Agency contracts with Summer Construction to make emergency repairs to Old Telegraph Road in Fillmore

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“The safety of our residents that use this route is our top priority, and I’m grateful to the Public Works Agency for their fast action in assessing the situation and quickly securing a contract to address these much-needed repairs,” said Supervisor Kelly Long. “Having one lane available on the bridge heading east will provide a protected and convenient route into town for residents of west Fillmore. While this construction is underway, please remember to drive safely and be alert in work zone areas.”

Registration has opened for Ventura County Public Works Day on May 21

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

Registration closed March 4

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has announced that registration has opened for Ventura County Public Works Day, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura.

Click here to register.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Announces Four Employees of the Year

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY— The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announced four 2023 Employees of the Year, showcasing the exceptional abilities and exemplary performance of staff who represent VCPWA’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

The four winners were named from a field of nominations across the agency’s departments. The winners are:

Bilingual report — VCPWA takes Crucial Step towards the removal of the Matilija Dam

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and a celebration of the Santa Ana Bridge Replacement Project on Monday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Ana Blvd Bridge at Riverside Road, between Santa Ana Blvd. and Chaparral Rd.

VCPWA started construction of the project in April 2021. The old bridge design created a bottleneck in the river, constricting the floodplain and resulting in an upstream buildup of sand and gravel. VCPWA has now replaced this with a 350?foot?long, three?span bridge, which corrects this constriction, meets current seismic standards, includes a 4-foot-wide sidewalk across the north side of the bridge, and shoulders on both sides of the road as it approaches the bridge.

“Another project completed which is a crucial step towards the removal of the Matilija Dam. This new, wider, longer, and taller replacement bridge will enhance sediment transport and fish passage.” said Glenn Shephard, Director of VCPWA-Watershed Protection. The Santa Ana Bridge Replacement and roadway modifications were a project of VCPWA-Roads & Transportation

Bilingual report — Road Closure Due to Bradley Road Bridge Replacement

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until December 2nd, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible. In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following:

8/26-9/2 – Single lane will be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction

Road Closure Due to Bradley Road Bridge Replacement

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until November 30th, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible.

In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following:

8/26-9/2 – Single lanewill be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction

Bilingual report — From Student Worker to Executive Leadership at Ventura County Public Works Agency

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Matt Ehret, a 20-year employee with the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), has been promoted to Deputy Director for Design and Construction within Watershed Protection (WP). His new role involves planning and managing environmentally responsible flood protection and stormwater management assets throughout the County as well as making continuous improvements to the flood alert system.

Ehret has a unique history with the County. He started his career with VCPWA as a student worker. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he was hired in the Advanced Planning Section of WP, working his way up to the position of Project Engineer.

“It has been a great journey, from student worker through many steps of learning, plus ongoing training in our True North — Dedicated to Innovation and Excellence,” says Ehret. “VCPWA has exceptional leadership and provides employees a way to grow and achieve. I’m excited to return to WP Design and Construction in a new capacity as I’m still committed to designing and building flood control facilities to serve Ventura County.”

Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual events from May 16th

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2022 • Comments Off

To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 15th – 21st , 2022!

Ventura County Community & Students (k-12) can access curriculum featuring information about science, the latest innovations in technology, equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of your community.

Bilingual report — Safety Comes First in the Most Difficult Work

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

A compilation of years of safety training for the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) teams that work with large objects, fast tools, and huge trucks was recognized in February 2022 by the VCPWA leadership team.

The Public Works Agency Safety Program recognizes individuals and work teams who are taking extra steps to promote health and safety to reduce accidents that cause injury and work-time loss. Beginning January 2017, VCPWA started tracking ‘No Loss Workdays’ at operations and maintenance facilities. 2022 marked the first time a ceremony was held to celebrate the year’s recipients.

“These awards signified one of our biggest achievements here at VCPWA. It is a credit to all involved that these milestones are achieved, and further proof of our dedication to innovation and excellence,” said Agency Director, Jeff Pratt.

Through May 21 — Bilingual Report — Ventura County Public Works Agency to host one of Ventura’s Largest Annual Educational Event

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is celebrating the resilience of its staff with its annual educational event for National Public Works Week (NPWW) 2022. Based on the hugely successful virtual Public Works Week in 2021 when over 1,500 Ventura County students took part, this year’s event promises to be even better. On Monday, May 16th, 2022, students, faculty, and the public can access a robust curriculum featuring new video demonstrations, educational materials, and interactive projects via the VCPWA website.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Appoints New Director of Roads & Transportation

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named retired U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps’ Chris Kurgan, to the position of Director of Roads & Transportation. In his new role Chris will oversee the building, operating and maintaining of the public’s billion-dollar investment in the county road system. He will also be responsible for the public transit needs for the county’s unincorporated areas.

“I am very excited to join the Ventura County Public Works Agency as the Director of Roads and Transportation. After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy and being assigned here four times, I look forward to serving the citizens of the county and those who serve to make our community a better place to live,” said Kurgan.

Chris served in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 31 years, and before retiring as Captain he served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps Officer’s school and Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering where he was responsible for the technical, character, and leadership development training for nearly 30,000 Facilities Engineer professionals and tradesmen. During his Navy career, he was responsible for the public works, transportation, environmental, capital improvements, and real estate responsibilities of the Navy across 11 northwest states.

Bilingual report — Decade Long Career with Ventura County Public Works Agency Leads to Promotion to Assistant Director

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named Director of Roads & Transportation’s David Fleisch as?VCPWA’s?Assistant Director. In his new role, he will oversee operational departments in Roads & Transportation, Water & Sanitation and Watershed Protection, assisting the three operational Department Directors to advance specific projects and programs.?

In the past year, under his leadership,?VCPWA?partnered with the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC)?to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation?and received the first ever statewide grant for the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project.?

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Offers Largest Annual Educational Event as a Customizable Virtual Curriculum for Local Schools

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

As students transition back into school after the many challenges the county has faced over the past year, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is celebrating the strength and resilience of the community by gearing up for its largest annual educational event for National Public Works Week (NPWW) for the second year in a row. While VCPWA is unable to accommodate an in-person event, on Monday, May 17, the agency will launch a dedicated webpage featuring a virtual tour of the multi-faceted agency and its five departments.

Growing upon the success of last year’s event, VCPWA took another innovative approach to its digital curriculum by incorporating feedback from the participating teachers, allowing a more customized experience for not only students but members of the public as well. During the week, students, faculty, and the general public can access a virtual tour with a robust curriculum featuring video demonstrations, educational materials and interactive projects.

Bilingual report — Employees recognized at Ventura County Public Works Agency for outstanding job performance

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) awarded longtime personnel, Sean Hanley, Kelly Hahs and Tony Sheppard as the 2020 Employees of the Year. Each year, peers recognize fellow employees for their skills and outstanding job performance in the respective categories of operations & maintenance, office, and management.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency and Southern California Edison Enhance Safety by Upgrading Streetlights

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2020 • Comments Off

In an effort to make unincorporated streets safer, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) are working together to begin work on May 26 to replace existing high pressure sodium vapor fixtures with energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights.

Bilingual report: Strong Leadership Delivers over $9 Million in Cost Savings

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency Director Jeff Pratt awarded CEO’s coveted “Champion for Change” VENTURA COUNTY – The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) was recently recognized at the Ventura County Management Council’s annual award luncheon for outstanding leadership and success in…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Public Works Agency ensures community safety with annual disaster simulation training

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2019 • Comments Off

Annual Storm Day 2019 training focuses on preparing for flooding due to a natural disaster VENTURA — While Ventura County’s weather patterns can be unpredictable, it is key to always be prepared when a natural disaster hits, such as a fire…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Joan Araujo as the new Director of Central Services

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has appointed Joan Araujo as the new Director of Central Services. Araujo replaces J. Tabin Cosio, who recently accepted a Human Resources position in the County Executive Office. She will oversee the…

Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Transportation Department resurfacing of Box Canyon Road to improve quality of life and bring lasting results for residents

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2019 • Comments Off

The Box Canyon Road Project is to enhance the road with resurfacing and other site improvements while minimizing inconvenience to the traveling public VENTURA COUNTY — Beginning in March 2019, the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will conduct a project…

Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Derrick Wilson as the new Strategic Operations Manager for the Central Services Department

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named Derrick Wilson as Strategic Operations Manager to lead the newly formed division within the Central Services Department (CSD) concentrated on planning, execution, analysis and knowledge (PEAK) management for VCPWA.…