Get to know the work of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division in this special episode of Ventura Voices hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar. Environmental Specialists Arriana Rabago and Logan Babcock share how the division has grown from early recycling initiatives into a citywide leader in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.

Hear about the division’s evolving programs, how community programs guide their work, and how initiatives like the Food Waste Recycling Program, Free Compost & Mulch Program, and Green Schools partnerships are helping Ventura build a more sustainable future.

This episode offers a closer look at the department’s programs and the community impact of its efforts.

Learn more about the sustainability topics discussed in this episode:

• Environmental Sustainability Division: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/194/Environmental-Sustainability

• Food Waste Recycling Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/264/Residential-Services

• Free Compost & Mulch Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2524/Free-Compost-Mulch-Program

• Green Schools Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1206/Green-Schools-Program

Get to know Ventura’s new Chief of Police, David Dickey, in this special episode hosted by City Manager Bill Ayub. Chief Dickey shares how he got his start in law enforcement, what led him to join the Ventura Police Department, and his vision for the future of public safety in our city.

Hear his take on the importance of community policing, how trust and transparency guide his leadership, and what the new Mounted Patrol Unit means for Ventura. Plus, we wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions to help you get to know the person behind the badge.

This episode offers a closer look at the department’s evolving priorities and the leadership shaping its next chapter.

Learn more about the policing topics discussed in this episode:

- Chief David Dickey: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/817/Command-Staff

- E-Bike Safety: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2541/Electric-Bicycles

- Mounted Patrol Unit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2693/Mounted-Patrol-Unit

- Patrol Task Force: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2630/Patrol-Task-Force

In this episode of Ventura Voices, we're diving into one of Ventura’s most urgent issues—wildfire prevention. With memories of the 2017 Thomas Fire still fresh and new wildfires threatening communities across California each year, we sit down with two wildfire safety leaders to discuss how Ventura residents can prepare and protect.

Ventura Fire Marshal Brett Reed and Stephen Watson, Executive Director of the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, join Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala to unpack the tools and tactics that help prevent the next big fire. From creating defensible space and hardening your home to understanding CAL FIRE's draft fire hazard severity zone maps and the power of Firewise USA communities, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring local stories.

Let this episode be your spark for change.

Resources from the episode:

- Fire Hazard Reduction Program: Cityofventura.ca.gov/FHRP 

- CAL FIRE's draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura: Cityofventura.ca.gov/FHSZ 

- Free Home Wildfire Assessments: venturafiresafe.org/home-wildfire-assessments/ 

- Firewise USA: https://venturafiresafe.org/firewiseusa/ 

- VC Alert: https://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/

Public Information Officer Jennifer Nance sits down with Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington for an insightful discussion on the intersection of fire and water and how both departments work together to protect Ventura.

In light of the recent destructive Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, and Mountain Fires, they explore the critical role of fire suppression, water infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. The conversation also takes a look back at the Thomas Fire, reflecting on its lasting impact and the significant changes made over the past seven years to strengthen Ventura’s resilience.

Learn more about emergency preparedness in Ventura at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EmergencyPreparedness.

Find details about water conservation, rebates, and incentives: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Conservation
Opt-in to receive emergency notifications through VC Alert at vcalert.org.

Deputy City Manager Brick Conners joins Communications Specialist Taylor Pineda to discuss one of our most requested topics yet—golf.

Brick shares updates on multiple projects at the City's two municipal golf courses, Buenaventura and Olivas Links. Learn about the progress and challenges in rebuilding Buenaventura after severe flooding in 2023, a temporary solution for golfers this spring, and upcoming facility improvements at Olivas Links.

Stay up to date at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Golf

Communications Specialist Emily Ayala sits down with PIO Jen Buckley, Emergency Services Manager Mack Douglass, and newly promoted Fire Battalion Chief Shawn Hughes for an in-depth conversation on emergency communications in Ventura.

In this episode, they dive into the importance of timely and accurate information during crises, sharing insights from recent local incidents, including the Pierpont gas leak and major flooding events.

The team also breaks down how VC Alert works, why it's crucial for residents to stay informed, and the collaborative efforts between City departments that keep our community safe.

Learn more about emergency preparedness in Ventura at CityofVentura.ca.gov/EmergencyPreparedness.

Opt-in to receive emergency notifications throguh VC Alert at vcalert.org

Recommended apps to download:

- Watch Duty app for nearby wildfire and firefighter response information: app.watchduty.org/

- MyShake app for earthquake early notification: myshake.berkeley.edu/

Communications Specialist Emily Ayala interviews Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya as he provides an in-depth look at the structure of the Ventura Fire Department, highlights recent success stories, and discusses key initiatives to enhance community safety.

Chief Endaya also shares exciting details about the upcoming build of Fire Station 7 and its importance in preparing for the future of fire response in Ventura.

Learn more about the Ventura Fire Department at CityofVentura.ca.gov/Fire.

Join Homeless Services Manager Leona Rollins and Ventura Police Sergeant Eric Vazquez with Communications Specialist Emily Ayala to discuss homelessness and vagrancy in Ventura.

Leona highlights the decrease in local homelessness, the rise in people accepting shelter beds, and the five-year homelessness plan. Eric details the Patrol Task Force's efforts, distinguishes vagrancy from homelessness, shares success stories, and addresses a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Tune in to learn about local City services and the Police Department's actions to improve quality of life.

For resources, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/HomelessServices 

City Clerk Michael MacDonald and Public Information Officer Heather Sumagaysay discuss the upcoming elections.

They dive into the city's upcoming elections and the voting process.

In this episode, we cover:

Don't miss this comprehensive overview from the City Clerk, designed to keep you informed and engaged in Ventura's democratic process.

Ventura Police Traffic Corporal David Curtis joins Communications Specialist Emily Ayala to discuss electric bicycles.

E-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement have become a significant concern for our community, and we want to address these topics head-on. In this episode, we cover the various e-bike classifications, electric motorcycle regulations, state and local laws surrounding appropriate use, and information about what the Ventura PD is doing to educate residents and enforce laws on this topic.  

This episode is especially great for parents of teens and adolescents.

Learn more about the e-bike regulations in Ventura at CityofVentura.ca.gov/EBikes