Ventura · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
$302 Million Wastewater Treatment Plant Rebuild
The council locked in the funding to finish replacing the 70-year-old treatment plant, reusing existing tanks to avoid $16 million in demolition costs. Ratepayers will fund it through low-interest loans and bonds — and one commenter warned loudly about water rates and PFAS concerns.
Glue trap sale and use ban amendment
The council adopted the glue trap ban 4-2 but the county Ag Commissioner warned it could ban official invasive-pest insect traps, risking more pesticide use. Staff will bring back a clarifying amendment April 28, possibly as an urgency ordinance.
E-bike harassment and safety at Kimball Park
A fire captain described targeted harassment of swim families by a group on e-bikes and asked for an emergency ban. The police department is developing ordinance upgrades, and the council referred the e-bike issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Main Street revitalization
The council adopted the long-term vision for the pedestrianized downtown — activity nodes, mosaics, a stage at California Street — plus a parklet replacement deadline and near-term ADA and furniture spending from ~$600,000 in rollover funds. Farmers market and merchants raised compatibility concerns.
Beach Closure
Two Ventura beaches are temporarily closed due to a sewage spill. This means you'll have to find another spot to enjoy the ocean for a bit.
Trade Winds Apartments tenant conditions and garage-to-ADU conversions
Tenants allege pressure tactics, defective notices, retaliation, and unresolved life-safety hazards while the new owner converts garages to ADUs. They're asking the city to suspend construction.
Personnel Appointment
Ventura has a new interim fire chief, and it's a big deal for how our city handles emergencies. This change could shake up how our fire department operates and responds to fires and other critical situations.
Sinkhole
A massive sinkhole just opened up near a Ventura construction site, and it's already swallowed cars! Residents are worried about their homes as city officials try to get a handle on the situation.
Civil Rights Ordinance
Ventura is passing a new ordinance to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants, creating a local safe haven. This is a direct response to potential federal policies that could impact these communities.
City Attorney Termination
Ventura's city attorney was fired following an investigation into indecent exposure allegations at a local Chick-fil-A. This shocking incident raises questions about leadership and public trust within the city government.
City Management Hiring
Ventura's got a new City Manager, and it's the former Sheriff! This leadership shake-up means big changes are likely coming to how the city is run.
Cannabis Retail Licensing
Get ready for weed shops in Ventura! After a long wait and some legal battles, the first cannabis retailers are finally opening their doors. It's been a bumpy road, but the green light is on.
City Management Changes
Top city leaders are suddenly out in Ventura, and nobody's spilling the beans on why. This sudden shake-up leaves residents wondering what's really going on behind closed doors at City Hall.
Public Art Removal
Ventura is taking down those old Junípero Serra statues. It's part of a bigger conversation about who we honor in public spaces and if these figures still represent our values.
COVID-19 restrictions
Ventura County is easing up on some COVID-19 rules, allowing businesses to open their doors again with safety precautions. Get ready for more places to visit, but remember to keep being careful!
Eviction Moratorium
Ventura may join other California cities in banning evictions through Jan. 1. If you rent and you're worried about losing your place, this could keep you housed; if you're a landlord, it means new rules to figure out.
Rent Control Ballot Measure
Ventura voters are weighing a ballot measure tied to Prop 10 that would let the city decide whether to adopt rent control. If passed, it could cap rent hikes for tenants and change income and investment rules for landlords.
Autonomous Vehicle Regulations
Self-driving cars are about to get a lot more accountable in Ventura. New rules starting July 1 mean companies can be ticketed for things like blocking traffic or emergency vehicles, finally bringing some order to the autonomous vehicle chaos.