Brennan Takes Over as Ventura’s Mayor

Brian Brennan began his first day as Ventura’s mayor Tuesday by paddling out to catch a few waves before heading up to City Hall.

The beach was a logical starting place for the leader of a seaside city, particularly one known for his environmental advocacy and passion for coastal protection.

Brennan, 51, intends to focus on those issues as mayor while taking an aggressive stance to shelter the city from statewide budget cuts. He also intends to play a role in the grass-roots movement to preserve the hillsides surrounding the city and wants to advance plans for a cultural arts center.

“I am excited about the leadership opportunity,” Brennan said Tuesday, adding that he was looking forward to working with the two new members on the seven-member Ventura City Council.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “Everyone on the council, they want to see this community get better, and that is not just verbiage. That is the truth. We have a great group of people to lead this city.”

Brennan, an Irish-born restaurateur who has spent six years on the council, was unanimously appointed to the mayoral seat Monday night by his colleagues. The action followed a formal swearing-in of incumbent Carl Morehouse and newcomers Bill Fulton and Christy Weir, who were elected last month. Morehouse, 52, was named deputy mayor.

Fulton, 48, and Weir, 50, replace outgoing Mayor Ray Di Guilio and Councilman Jim Friedman, who each decided not to seek reelection after two terms. The pair were lauded during Monday’s meeting for their contributions to the city during the past eight years.

Later this week, the new council will meet in closed session to discuss one of the most urgent issues facing Ventura: hiring a new city manager.

By the end of the month, Brennan said, council members hope to pare down a list of candidates to replace Donna Landeros, who will step down Jan. 2. Additionally, the council early next year is expected to begin a lengthy process of revamping the city’s Comprehensive Plan, a state-mandated blueprint for development.

There will be no time for slacking off, Brennan said.

“People say it’s a ceremonial position,” he said of the mayoral seat. “But I think folks in the community should look for a lot more than that.”