Keeping You Informed on Public Policy and Politics 5 Things to Know on July 27, 2020

#1 - Westlake Village City Council Approves the North Business Park Specific Plan The North Business Park Specific Plan is a proposal to allow mixed use development in certain areas in the northern part of Westlake Village currently zoned for business and industrial uses. The result will be a walkable downtown area within the city. The Chamber of Commerce spoke in support of the proposal. See more information about the North Business Park Specific Plan at the City of Westlake Village Website .

#2 - Conejo Valley Businesses Allowed to Reopen Utilizing Outdoor Spaces In response to the Governor’s order requiring many businesses in Conejo Valley to operate only using outdoor space, local governments have been working on permitting to allow businesses to use spaces outside of their store fronts, like sidewalks and parking lots, to conduct their businesses. The cities of Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks have approved policies to allow for no-cost permits for businesses. Agoura Hills allows permits for restaurants and is working to also include additional business types. For Outdoor Expansion Permits in Thousand Oaks, click here . For Outdoor Permits in Westlake Village contact City Hall at (818) 706-1613.

#3 All Breweries, Bars and Wineries in Ventura County May Reopen - Outdoors Only with a Food Partner The County of Ventura modified their rules for outdoor operations at breweries, bars and wineries on July 16 after aligning with the current State of California guidance. The Chamber advocated on this issue with County of Ventura staff after learning that the requirement for on-site prepared meals was preventing certain breweries, bars and wineries to open for outdoor operation. Now breweries and bars that do not serve food may partner with a food truck or caterer to meet the food requirement. Wineries are not required to have food. See the County’s updated order with information for Bars, Breweries and Wineries.

#4 Ventura County Businesses Get A 99% Compliance Rating from California’s Coronavirus Strike Team Inspectors The State of California is sending “strike teams” of inspectors to businesses across California -- including Ventura County. After inspecting more than 630 businesses in Ventura County, the inspectors announced that 99 percent of businesses were compliant with the safety measures that are required to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses in our community are doing their part to help stop the community spread of COVID-19. See the announcement about the report on the County of Ventura Facebook Page .

#5 Chamber Foundation Provides $65,500 in Grants to Conejo Valley Small Businesses The Chamber’s Small Business Relief Fund awarded grants of up to $2,500 to 35 small businesses in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The businesses, who were not required to be Chamber of Commerce members include restaurants, retailers, personal care, auto repair, educational services, healthcare, fitness and art businesses. For more information about the Chamber’s Small Business Relief Fund, visit the Chamber’s website .

If you have questions regarding Capitol Connection, contact Dan Garcia at 805-370-0035 or dgarcia@conejochamber.org for more information.