Ventura · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The fire department drafted the city's first community wildfire protection plan and wants your input at workshops on Feb 18 and Feb 26, or via an online survey through Feb 27.
Nuisance abatement cost recovery ordinance
A new municipal code chapter lets the city recover attorney fees when it must sue over persistent code violations — a cost-saving tool most California cities already have.
Flock Camera Security Breach
A vendor configuration error let two out-of-state police agencies query Ventura's license plate reader data for months in 2025. The chief says pathways are now blocked and daily audits are running, but residents are calling for the contract to be revisited and a human rights commission created.
Police-Fire Headquarters Locker Room Renovation
Police officers described raw sewage in showers, one toilet serving the whole women's locker room, and 200+ facility failures — pressing the council to keep the headquarters project funded and on track for fall bidding.
El Niño Storm Preparedness
Councilmember Campos said only about 10% of the unsheltered population got hotel vouchers during the Christmas Day storm and called for emergency shelter options like the fairgrounds.
Foothill Tech High School solar array concerns
Neighbors Randy and Marilyn Cook say the school district's $40 million solar project removed buffering trees, exceeds promised heights, has unshielded security lights, and raises fire safety concerns; they asked the city to push for transparency and an audit.
Technology disruption policy for public participation
A new state-required policy spells out what happens if Zoom or streaming fails during a meeting — a one-hour recess, restoration efforts, and a council finding before continuing without remote participation.
SAFER grant for firefighter staffing
The fire department will apply for $6.6 million in federal funding to keep 11 firefighter/paramedic positions. Without it, the two paramedic squads launched in 2024 — credited with faster response times and big drops in overtime and fatigue — would face elimination.
Jackalope event accountability and future city support
A resident described an altercation, safety failures, and credential problems at the 2026 Jackalope event and asked the council to require a formal review before supporting the event in 2027-28. The council approved support anyway but noted after-action reviews are underway.
Kratom and nitrous oxide sales bans
Two new ordinances ban retail sales of nitrous oxide and kratom, aimed at youth misuse, while leaving personal possession legal. Chronic-pain patients pushed back hard on the kratom ban, asking for regulation of dangerous 7-OH synthetics instead.
2025 Crime Trends and Homelessness Response
Crime dropped 12.3% to near-record lows; property crime fell 16.4%, though crimes against persons rose 12.7% on more assaults on officers and domestic violence. Homelessness-related calls fell 18.2%, with 132 people reconnected to services.
Harassment of homeless residents downtown
A public commenter said homeless people are being harassed, including by minors on e-bikes, and asked police to investigate a vehicle vandalism incident and online threats tied to a 'Cleanup Ventura' social media account.
Storm flooding and homeless shelter capacity
Councilmember Campos said only about 10% of the unsheltered population got hotel vouchers during the Christmas Day storm and called for emergency shelter options like the fairgrounds.