City Manager message

As we embrace the arrival of 2024, I am enthusiastic about the months ahead, focusing on building and strengthening connections while elevating our community’s quality of life.

The "Ventura Vibes" newsletter is a unique blend of City news, community stories, and events delivered to your inbox bi-weekly. It’s packed with uplifting news and moments that make calling Ventura home so special. 

In this era of misinformation, ensuring residents have access to accurate information is no small feat. This newsletter offers a fun and engaging recap of how to delve deeper and ways to engage with local government services and initiatives. Register today and get ready for a dose of Ventura Vibes!

Thank you, Ventura, for your continued collaboration. Your voices remain critical in guiding decisions, shaping goals, and charting the course for Ventura – a place we're proud to call home!

Bill Ayub, City Manager

Join an Advisory Group

Interested in water, parking, and housing in Ventura? We have four openings across the following volunteer groups: 

• Water Commission
• Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
• Housing Authority Board 

Applications are due by February 2. Housing Authority Board applications are due February 9. More: CityofVentura.ca.gov/Recruitments.

Call to local artists

Apply to create a public art mural on the Ventura River Trail. We're seeking proposals for a 320-square-foot mural that celebrates the surrounding community and landscape. Applications due online by February 8 at 4pm: CityofVentura.ca.gov/PublicArtOpportunities.

Last chance: Homeless Survey

The City has initiated two public surveys to gather insights from residents and local businesses to shape a plan to effectively combat homelessness. The surveys are available online in English and Spanish, and open now through January 19. To learn more, visit the City’s website at Cityofventura.ca.gov/HousingServices.

Swift action in response to severe high surf events

Responding proactively to recent severe high surf events, the City of Ventura has officially declared a local state of emergency.

This move allows the City to expedite disaster response and seek emergency funding from the state to aid recovery. The City Council ratified the local state of emergency on January 9, 2024, and it will remain in effect for the next 60 days.

Join CERT

Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared, we have launched a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in partnership with Santa Paula. Spots are limited for this FREE program. The deadline to apply is January 24. Learn more at: CityofVentura.ca.gov/CERT.

Dive into spring fun

Registration is live for 300 cool classes, camps, and programs, hosted February to May. Sign up online, by phone, or in-person at City Hall. Explore activities for all ages at: CityofVentura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. CityofVentura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.

Corporate Games

Spring into action at the 2024 Corporate Games! Registration's open now through March 2. Unleash your inner competitor in epic games like pickleball, kickball, dodgeball, and more. This is your ultimate place to boost office vibes, build camaraderie, and score some serious fun! Visit: CityofVentura.ca.gov/CorporateGames.

Ventura High School CIF Champions

On January 9, the City Council recognized the Ventura High School Girls Cross Country team for their recent State Championship victory.

City Council also recognized their coach, Josh Spiker, and Sadie Engelhardt ('25) who won the individual title and broke the Division II course record.