"Main Street Moves" moves to a long-term installation

After much support from the public and the downtown business community, the City Council unanimously approved extending Main Street Moves to 2024.

The City and Downtown Ventura Partners are working with property owners, restaurants, and retailers in the impacted downtown area to continue to gather feedback on participation within the different operating models. The proposed models have ranged from the current full street closure to the previous full open street model.

To learn more about Main Street Moves and view reports or survey results, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OutdoorDiningProgram.

Community invited to 

Coffee with a Cop on May 19

During National Mental Health Awareness Month, you're invited to join VPD for Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks, located at 4710 Telephone Road. This free event will be held on May 19, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

This event offers a friendly, informal environment to discuss community concerns, strengthen relationships, and learn about the department’s Wellness Program, including time to meet Asher, the VPD's new comfort therapy dog!

Learn more about the Ventura Police Department and their expanded wellness program at www.VenturaPD.org.

Ventura River Trail community bike ride

on Saturday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m.

The community is invited to join Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava, local officials, the City of Ventura, and Caltrans for a community bike ride on Saturday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m. at Westpark Community Center, located at 450 W. Harrison Avenue.

The bike ride celebrates the $5 million Clean California Grant awarded for

the Ventura River Trail.

Bike ride participants are encouraged to RSVP for the event.

Michael MacDonald

hired as new City Clerk

After a highly competitive, open recruitment process, the City of Ventura has hired Michael MacDonald as the new City Clerk.

With over five years of experience working in municipal government and two years with the state senate, MacDonald joins Ventura from the City of Berkeley where he served as the Assistant City Clerk. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from CSU Channel Islands and is a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC).

For more information about the City of Ventura’s City Clerk’s Office, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov.

Applications open for annual Special Event Grant Program

Awarded annually, the Special Event Grant Program (SEGP) was established to champion community celebrations that attract residents and visitors, strengthen Ventura’s cultural identity and economic vitality, and promote entrepreneurial spirit and innovative partnerships.

The 2022-2023 Special Event Grant Program grant cycle is for special events taking place from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. To learn more, visit Cityofventura.ca.gov/Grants

Brush management deadline reminder: May 18

Defensible space helps keep our community safe. Residents can help firefighters protect Ventura by reducing vegetation density around their homes. Defensible space provides the best defense in slowing the spread of wildfire.

If you received a notice in the mail, please complete manage your vegetation density by May 18, 2022.

Find program guidelines, the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, resources in Spanish, and more on our website at 

www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FHRP.

Photo credit: Jake Sandall