VENTURA COUNTY — The California Voting Rights Act of 2001 established the requirements for cities to adopt district-based representation in municipal elections. The Ojai City Council voted to implement district-based representation in December 2018, and has since conducted elections with members elected by district.
Since December 2021, one Ojai City Council Member no longer resides within the district from which they were elected and has not maintained a domicile within their district.
According to Ojai Municipal Code, the seat became vacant thirty days after the Council Member violated the district residency requirement. However, the Council Member continues in that position.
The Grand Jury recommends the following:
- Ojai City officials implement a procedure to ensure ongoing compliance with district residency requirements.
- Ojai City officials acknowledge that the council seat is vacant due to the Council Member’s failure to comply with the district residency requirements.
- The council seat be filled by a person residing in the district, either by special election or by appointment until the next regular election is conducted.
- Should the Council Member refuse to acknowledge the vacancy, the matter be referred to the California Attorney General.
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- The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 local citizens established to investigate public complaints about county, city or special districts management, policies, practices and processes. More information about the Grand Jury can be found here: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/