Ventura · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed data center at Ventura County fairgrounds
Twelve speakers demanded the city ban data centers after the fair board rejected the GlobalStack proposal that morning. The council approved a letter of accountability and will take up a ban ordinance in early 2027.
City Hall East Boiler Replacement and Electrification
Staff wanted to replace 30-year-old gas boilers with new gas units, but a wave of climate advocates demanded heat pumps ($2.5 million vs. roughly $500,000). The council pulled the item and sent it to a reactivated environmental committee to explore heat pumps, grants and lifecycle costs before summer break.
Proposed GlobalStack Data Center at the Fairgrounds
Residents flooded public comment opposing the proposed AI data center, parking garage, and helipad at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, citing water use, noise, and emergency use of the fairgrounds. The council has already directed staff to bring a letter of opposition on September 15.
Water Quality
A resident repeatedly demanded transparency and answers about PFAS 'forever chemicals' in the water supply; the city manager said the water team monitors quality closely with PFAS as a major consideration.
AB 1572 non-functional turf irrigation ban
A new state law bans watering non-functional grass with drinking water at businesses, HOAs, and government properties starting in 2027. Single-family homes are exempt; the city will fold enforcement into its water waste ordinance.
Eminent Domain for Ventura Water Pure Injection Wells
The city is using eminent domain to buy a vacant 2.43-acre parcel near the Auto Center for groundwater injection wells required by a federal consent decree. Some councilmembers worried about taking land in the city's top sales-tax-generating area.
Harbor/Sinclair fuel remediation
Staff reported the stormwater intrusion is fixed, water tests remain non-detect, Monmouth Way has reopened except one lane, and remediation — about 1,000 gallons removed so far — should take about two years.
Surfers Point Managed Retreat Phase 2 Funding Gap
The award-winning coastal retreat project ran $1.5 million over its contingency due to bad soils, failing sewer laterals, and electrical upgrades discovered during construction. The council approved the extra money, expecting reimbursement from the state Coastal Conservancy, but not before a heated debate over staff spending without authorization.
Homeless Encampments in Ventura and Santa Clara River Watersheds
Former environmental investigator Glenn Overly described two-story structures, shopping carts, and motorcycles in the riverbeds near Olivas Links, urging the city to work with county and state partners on cleanup.
Monarch habitat tree removal at KB Home development site
Ventura Coastal LLC cut roughly 35 mature trees at a monarch overwintering site over a holiday weekend without permits to clear the way for a 15-acre KB Home project. Speakers demanded penalties, restoration, or a land-trust purchase to create a monarch preserve.