A Ventura Vision of Open Space

The city of San Buenaventura is at an important crossroads. The time has come for a true vision of our future to emerge out of the controversy regarding the annexation by the city and development of the more than 5,000 acres north of Ventura known as the hillside properties.

Our city government believes that a true vision for the future of Ventura was created during a number of “Seize the Future” workshops initiated by Ventura City Council in the fall of 1998. However, many Venturans like myself were surprised recently to discover that the document resulting from these workshops is being considered as an important component of a revised comprehensive plan for the city. This revision could lead to Ventura being increased significantly in size and changed in character--and without a public vote.

Our City Council could at any time undertake actions that would have a permanent effect. Citizens need to learn more about the process of city government and participate in greater numbers. Only by doing so can we ensure that the future of our community is that envisioned by citizens and not dictated by outsiders or those without the best interests of their fellow Venturans in mind.

As many visions of Ventura’s future may exist as there are citizens. In broad terms, the decisions soon to be made can be seen as a choice between Ventura becoming an urban metropolis or remaining a relatively small town by the sea.

Under one vision, which I believe to be the incorrect choice for our future, Ventura would become a city of well more than 500,000, with city limits stretching past Ojai and Santa Paula. This is the vision of those who believe that for a city to prosper, it must spread in every possible direction.

The other vision of Ventura is the one that I’d choose, for myself and for my family’s children. This Ventura would preserve open spaces as a tie to our historic past and a resource for the future. Greenbelts would remain between communities, and each would retain a unique and separate identity.

If you agree, then you’re probably wondering what you need to do to ensure that it becomes a reality. I believe that a good place to start is to stop the City Council from annexing the 5,000 acres of hillside land and ensure that the issue is brought to a public vote.

To accomplish this, approximately 200 Venturans, including myself, recently formed Citizens Against Hillside Development. Our group, also known by the motto “Hill No, We Won’t Grow!,” was created by those of us who became concerned after attending the first of several workshops required by City Hall to be conducted by the landowners and developers. The large number of people who have turned out for the landowners’ meetings and those organized by our group make it obvious that this is an issue of great concern.

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This show of concern probably came as a surprise to the landowners, their supporters and the City Coucil. And although some council members have now said that the issue of developing the hillsides would be put to public vote, we should keep in mind that they are under no legal obligation to make this happen. Their statements are similar to politicians’ campaign promises.

The mission of Citizens Against Hillside Development is to promote the preservation and prevent the development of the remaining hillsides in and around the Ventura. Our goal is to ensure a unified voice as discussions about these properties proceed. We intend to keep this voice alive consistently, respectfully and factually throughout discussions on the fate of our hillsides involving the landowners, elected officials who will make decisions and other concerned citizens.

Through our group, the collective voice of hundreds of citizens has been heard at Planning Commission meetings, landowner workshops and City Council meetings. But much more needs to be done to ensure that the views of all Venturans are brought into the process.

Do as we’ve done and become involved. For more information, visit the Hill No, We Won’t Grow! Web site at www.hillnoventura.com.