General Plan Survey-
Deadline Extended!

Please join other Ventura residents and help plan Ventura for the next generation by sharing your thoughts and ideas for the future of our city! Don't miss out on your opportunity to help shape the future of Ventura and take our quick survey available in English and Español at www.planventura.com.The deadline to respond is Friday, January 15, 2021.
Help Stop the Spread
of COVID-19

Help stop the spread of COVID-19 happening throughout our City and County by taking safety precautions and working together. Every day counts!

Your actions do make a difference in helping protect our most vulnerable populations. Please remember, avoid crowds, wear a mask when outside your home, stay 6 feet or more apart, and stay home as much as possible.

Visit www.venturacountyrecovers.org for COVID testing sites or public health information. For business compliance questions or concerns, call the hotline at (805) 202-1805.
Sign up for Parks and Recreation Classes

The City of Ventura is offering a number of exciting virtual and modified parks and recreation classes, programs, and one-day workshops for youth and adults.

For more information or to register, visit the Parks & Recreation Department's Class & Programs webpage.
Protect Yourself

Our Ventura Police have seen an increase in “Fake Check Scams." To help keep our community safe, they offer a few tips to protect yourself. Although there is variation, the premise is fairly consistent – in one form or another, you are asked to deposit a check and then send some of the money back. These scams work because fake checks generally look just like real checks, and can take weeks for the fraud to be discovered. 
 
How to Avoid a Fake Check Scam: 
💰 Never use money from a check to send gift cards, money orders, or wire money to strangers or someone you just met. It’s almost impossible to get back. 
💰 Toss offers that ask you to pay for a prize. If it’s free, you shouldn’t have to pay to get it. 
💰 Don’t accept a check for more than the selling price. You can bet it’s a scam.
Apply to Serve on the
Ventura Planning Commission

The City of Ventura is currently accepting applications to fill three vacancies on the Planning Commission as appointments for Council members Doug Halter, Mike Johnson and Joe Schroeder. The deadline to apply is January 11, 2021.

The Planning Commission advises and makes recommendation to the City Council on land use related matters, such as General or Specific Plans, Changes of Zone, and Ordinance Amendments.

It's comprised of seven voting members and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.
Virtual Public Meetings

Join the City of Ventura on Monday, January 11, 2021, at 6 p.m. for the first City Council Meeting on the new year.

Here’s how you can participate: 
📝 Step 2: Submit a public comment
📺 Step 3: Watch/ listen live on
 
Click here for direct links to review, watch or participate in the City Council meeting. To view the complete 2021 public meeting schedule, click here.
COVID-19 Relief Grant for Small Businesses
*Application deadline extended to January 13, 2021*

The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, have been allocated for small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program is NOT first-come, first-serve; therefore, applicants are encouraged to take their time, gather all necessary documentation, and carefully review their application before submitting. The Economic Development Collaborative recommends that you follow these steps:

  • REVIEW: Click HERE to view the business guide & step-by-step instructions prior to starting

  • ATTEND: Virtually attend a California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Daily Webinar to discuss the grant program, eligibility requirements, the application, and who to contact for assistance. Click HERE to register for webinars hosted at 11a.m. on January 8, 11, 12, and 13.

  • APPLY: Once ready to apply, visit www.CaReliefGrant.com, and choose your appropriate language/county to view partners to apply through.

  • ASSISTANCE: For assistance, call EDC SBDC office at (805) 409-9159 to speak with a member of the EDC staff. For assistance in Spanish, call (805) 309-5874.

  • INFORMATION: Businesses and nonprofits will be selected based on priority key factors, including the following:
  • Geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions
  • Industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic
  • Underserved small business groups

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read through the FAQs and to work with one of the partners designated for Ventura County. Both EDC and WEV are among the partners identified for Ventura County and for working with Spanish speakers. You must apply through one of the designated partners.