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1. State Budget: Adjusting to Reality
2. The Fair is in Town! Use Shuttles to Avoid Traffic through Aug. 16
3. Nonprofits: City’s Affordable Sustainability Center Accepting Proposals until Sept. 28
4. Music Under the Stars: Lisa Haley & the Zydekats Aug. 8
5. Donate New Swimsuit and Enjoy Free Admission to Family Float Night on August 8
6. 2009 Mayor’s Arts Award Honorees Announced
7. City Manager’s Blog: Building a sustainable Ventura economy: Economic Summit Update
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To close the huge gap in the State budget, legislative leaders and the Governor struck a deal that would have grabbed local property tax revenues; local property tax from redevelopment areas; and the local share of gas taxes. At the last moment, the State Assembly balked at the gas tax theft, which would probably have been thrown out by the courts anyway.
That still leaves the City of Ventura having to “lend” the State of California $2,760,358. This is a “one-time” diversion of local property taxes. Under the State Constitution, the State must pay this back within three years – with interest. We must also send the State $1,150, 913 of local redevelopment revenue, with more next year.
To balance our budget this year, the City Council cut $11 million – from $96 to $85 million. This was done in March, by unanimous vote. No IOUs, no tax increases. Just “living within our means.”
In November, local voters will be asked if they want to join Oxnard and Pt. Hueneme in temporarily raising local sales tax revenue to help restore vital services. But regardless of the outcome of that vote, Mayor Christy Weir spoke on behalf of the entire Council when she vowed in the annual State of the City address: “We will not spend money we don't have.”
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2. The Fair is in Town! Use Shuttles to Avoid Traffic
Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the 2009 Ventura County Fair now through Sunday August 16th. To avoid traffic congestion, motorists are encouraged to park remotely and utilize complimentary shuttle services.
Free shuttle service is provided daily during the Fair from 10:30am until 11:00pm from five off-site parking locations; Ventura County Government Center, Ventura High School, Schooner and Harbor Blvd, Pacific View Mall, and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
In addition to the service being free of charge, an additional benefit is the drop off point and return pick-up points being in close proximity to the front entrance gates. The shuttle buses are also capable of accommodating wheelchairs and strollers.
Details on parking
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3. Nonprofits: City’s Affordable Sustainability Center Accepting Proposals until Sept. 28
The City of Ventura’s Cultural Affairs Division is collaborating with other departments to offer affordable office space to qualified nonprofits.
The City is seeking local cultural and social service nonprofit organizations that are interested in leasing space in the Nonprofit Sustainability Center at 505 Poli St. (the office building behind City Hall). Submissions may be mailed or hand-delivered to the address below before 4 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2009.
Details
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4. Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series at Olivas Adobe Celebrates “Tom Spence Appreciation Night” on August 8
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5. Donate New Swimsuit and Enjoy Free Admission to Family Float Night on August 8 A celebration kickoff will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, August 8, at the Ventura Aquatic Center at 901 S. Kimball Road. Speakers will include Mayor Christy Weir; Dr. Manuel Marquez, Assistant Area Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente; and Gail Knight, Interim Medical Group Administrator, Kaiser Permanente. Details |
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Image credit: Lis Schwitters
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6. 2009 Mayor’s Arts Award Honorees Announced
A reception to honor the recipients will be held in November at the Working Artist Ventura (WAV) site. Each honoree will be awarded with a special edition work on paper created by local artist Lis Schwitters entitled Mark of Excellence. See the list of honorees |
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6. City Manager’s Blog: Building a sustainable Ventura economy: Economic Summit Update “This week, three months after the Economic Summit, the City Council heard an update on how much has already been accomplished – and what comes next. Fifty-four ideas emerged from the May session. Every one of them is being pursued and progress is already visible. Two weeks ago, the Council unanimously voted for a set of major changes to the development entitlement process to provide more expeditious reviews... ” |
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