• 40% to improve Public Safety;
• 35% to fund Public Works Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment, Transit, and Park Maintenance and restore public transit bus service to reduce traffic congestion, strengthen the local economy be helping workers get to their jobs, and protect the environment by reducing pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions;
• 15% to maintain Clean and Safe Beaches and Rivers; protecting the environment, and our primary economic asset by participating in a cooperative effort with local property owners;
• 6% to keep Wright Library Open and Safeguard Library Services; and
• 4% to maintain and build effective Community Partnerships that work to prevent homelessness, provide senior services and support cultural institutions and events.

4. Life Technologies Receives July 2009 Beautify Ventura Award
Mayor Christy Weir will present the July Beautify Ventura Award to Life Technologies Monday, July 27. Life Technologies will be recognized for their efforts to aesthetically enhance the city of Ventura, particularly for their clean-up work across the city during their May 13 Global Volunteer Day.

In May 2009, employees of the Camarillo branch of Life Technologies, a global biotechnology company that provides systems, consumables, and services for scientific researchers around the world, spent a day in Ventura clearing brush and litter from pathways in Arroyo Verde Park, sprucing up the historic Olivas Adobe, and tending to the Cornucopia Garden. Details

5. City’s Cultural Affairs Division Supports “A Day of Ventura Life” Visual Journalism Event July 31
On Friday, July 31, more than 50 volunteers will lend their expertise to a visual journalism workshop that will document life in the City of Ventura with stories from the community captured on audio, video and still photography. In cooperation with Brooks Institute School of Visual Journalism and the City of Ventura, as well as other partners, the VJ Multimedia Workshop will host 50 laid-off photojournalists and college students from around the country for a tuition-free "capture and production" event that will tell the story of life in Ventura. The volunteer staff consists of Brooks group leaders, alumni producers, student TAs and staff, as well as community partners at the City of Ventura and local businesses. Details 

6. Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at Barranca Vista Park August 9

Don’t miss some “bard lite” family fun for all ages – alfresco and free of charge – on Sunday, August 9, when Classics in the Park performs William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” The play begins at 5 p.m. in Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston Street. Details

6. City Manager’s Blog: Sales tax: where would the money go?

Ventura City Manager Rick Cole gives immediate insight into breaking news. In his latest post, Cole summarizes the November sales tax ballot measure and examines the impacts the spending plan would have on services that have been reduced or eliminated to achieve the currently balanced budget.

“In November, Ventura voters will elect City Council members, School Board members and decide on three ballot measures. Measure A would increase the local sales tax to the same rate approved last year by Oxnard and Pt. Hueneme voters. Here is the actual ballot language:

Shall Ventura adopt a one-half percent sales tax ordinance to expire automatically in four years, with all the money staying local in Ventura, to preserve essential general fund services, such as police, fire and emergency response and provide additional funding for other priorities, including street repair, keeping Wright Library open and protecting local beaches from pollution, with a Citizen's Oversight Committee, mandatory audits and quarterly reports to the Council on how the money is spent? ”

View City Manager Rick Cole’s entire blog entry online

• Find opportunities for community service through Volunteer Ventura!
• Log into My Ventura Access to share your suggestions with the City Council.
• Set up a meeting with a Council member for your community organization, neighborhood group, or club by calling Anne Hallock at 805-658-4739 or e-mailing ahallock@cityofventura.net.