Election 2022: Ventura City Council candidates talk jobs, housing, key issues
Editor's note: This story is one in a series on the Nov. 8 general election. For more coverage, visit vcstar.com/news/elections.
Twelve candidates are running for four seats in the Ventura City Council election.
Candidates will face off in Districts 1, 4, 5 and 6 for the Nov. 8 election.
Alyona Brody, Liz Campos, Marco Cuevas and Helen Eloyan are candidates in District 1. Incumbent Sofia Rubalcava is not running.
Candidate Jim Rundle and incumbent Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios will face off in District 4.
Marie Lakin and Bill McReynolds will compete in District 5. Incumbent Jim Friedman is not running.
For for District 6, incumbent Lorrie Brown faces Jim Duran, Danny Carrillo and Steph Karba.
The Star asked each candidate questions inspired by public feedback. Below are their responses, which have been edited for clarity and space.
District 1
Alyona Brody
Age: 25
Occupation: Administrative assistant
Education: Associate's degrees in political science, administration of justice and general studies; enrolled in a bachelor's degree program
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Homelessness is a California issue and policies that have been brought down from the state have only increased this problem. As a city, we can only hope to aid in private enterprises that would apply aggressive tactics to find solutions that do not only depend on charity and food pantries. What we need is actual work for food and housing programs to be developed — basically, something that can benefit the homeless emotionally and physically, providing them with basics such as food and overnight shelter is not enough. We must invest in programs that provide them with dignity and a chance to work as we have seen other cities do across this nation.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
For one what is the purpose to bringing high-paying jobs to Ventura and who does this benefit? That is the major question we should be asking and looking into. Attracting high-paying jobs to the city at this point in our country would only mean to bring in corporate entities which directives are polar opposites of what the majority of the residents of this city want.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
As I see it, the majority of citizens of Ventura are trying to understand the reasoning as to why we are starting to over develop this city is in question. Everyone I have talked to, to this point is disgusted by the amount of building that is going on. I am not talking about private residence homes, I am talking about duplexes, condos and apartments, which will increase Ventura’s population in the densest way possible. Of course, private home values will soar when the bulk population is renting and looking to buy. What the City Council and local politicians seem not to care about is the quality of life that people move to Ventura in the first place for.
Liz Campos
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired teacher
Education: Master's degree in English, bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in plant biology
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
First, a holistic approach, including regulating short-term vacation rentals; followed by a wide-ranging inclusionary housing ordinance with rent caps, tenant protections and incentivizing developments to include units for very low and extremely low-income residents; and finally, a housing-first model to bring the unsheltered inside. We must develop innovative ideas and collaboration to find appropriate solutions.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
I wouldn't focus on attracting high-paying jobs. Ventura should focus on providing training to her intelligent and employable residents. Sometimes bringing in a high-paying industry with its top tier of employees skews the housing market, leaving housing unaffordable. Ventura brought the Trade Desk in, with the highest paid CEO in the U.S, and now my neighbors are working three jobs to pay their rent. We should start training job skills in middle school and high school, teach the skills needed to obtain high level employment without a college education, encourage trade schools and care for our residents. This is how to build our economy, keep our residents housed and have pride in our city.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
Is it necessary to make downtown more dense, increasing the building heights to create the illusion we comply with the state-required expansion of our housing numbers? Do we believe we need taller buildings to house the population that may or may not explode in the next decade? We, as a city, cannot make an isolated decision without the whole picture before us. We have little public transportation in the downtown, and no space for cars, no electric vehicle infrastructure. I don't support high-rise buildings without supportive infrastructure, such as a transit hub adjacent to downtown, and a tram to City Hall, harbor village, government center, etc.
Marco Cuevas
Age: 24
Occupation: Assistant vice president
Education: Bachelor's degrees in business and economics
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Homelessness is a multi-faceted issue encompassing our economy and public safety. With over 66% of the 500-plus homeless residents in Ventura unsheltered, according to the 2020 Ventura County Continuum of Care homeless count, we should increase the capacity to shelter these individuals. Doing so in a central location can create economies of scale and make a “one-stop shop.” Additionally, we need to make sure the services provided are effective in finding a permanent home for them. Some may need transitional housing and help looking for work. Others may need access to mental health services. For housing to be affordable, we need a combination of incentivizing affordable units and bringing more high-paying jobs.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
We need to attract the types of businesses that will bring these high-paying jobs to Ventura. We do can do that through a combination of factors. We need to make sure our infrastructure is of the highest quality. This means having well paved roads, safe walkable sidewalks and brighter lighting. Many companies are increasing their use of technology, so we need to make sure we have broadband internet that can support this. We have local colleges and universities that are increasing our talent pool, so let’s match their skills with new jobs.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
Residents understand the need for housing but are frustrated by issues of traffic and our water shortage. I will work to create a more sustainable infrastructure and bring an economic lens on housing. This is a supply-and-demand issue. I think our limits on development have probably held downtown back from what it could be and kept rents higher than they should be. I support more development because I support ways to make housing affordable. While this may be inevitable someday in understanding residents, we can see how redevelopment of parcels that are below the current acceptable standards goes before we move to six stories.
Helen Eloyan
Age: 27
Occupation: Environmental/land-use planner
Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental science and resource management, master's degree in public policy and administration
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Housing and homelessness issues require a collaborative approach to be effective and the following options are a good start:
Facilitate lower-density housing solutions like accessory dwelling units or tiny homes, for example, offer pre-approved plans.
Reimagine dwelling units, that is, units that are reduced in size but offer communal living areas.
Offer a “one-stop-shop” development program for property owners who are interested in developing ADUs in exchange for long-term affordability.
A multidisciplinary approach to homelessness that incorporates supportive services at each touch point with unsheltered individuals.
A tailored approach to meet each unhoused individual’s unique needs, whether it be mental health services or addiction counseling.
Transportation options to return individuals home after they are discharged from the county jail or hospital.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
I intend to create an incubator zone within District 1 to foster the development of a highly skilled workforce and supply local job opportunities for residents. I believe we can leverage the creative and entrepreneurial nature of our community to create more job opportunities that offer higher pay. For example, the development of a vocational school specializing in healthcare, construction trades, culinary arts, business management, etc. would inherently diversify and create a highly skilled workforce that can directly contribute to our local economy. This setting would be attractive for the development of new local businesses and would give residents a chance to pursue their desired employment opportunities.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
I do not believe that increasing building heights is a feasible option for the downtown area. The community character and historic nature of downtown are incredibly important to our community, and it is imperative that we seek options that fit best with our existing built environment. I also believe that the parking and traffic circulation issues need to be addressed first, before adding additional density to the downtown area.
District 4
Jim Rundle
Age: 55
Occupation: Emergency medical technician
Education: Bachelor's degree in history
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
I believe the homeless issue is of great concern, and we as the City Council — and myself specifically — need to look to having a closer relationship with the organizations who are already addressing this issue, such as Ventura Social Services Task Force and Homes for All. I would like to have a close relationship with these organizations and look for ways to continue the work they are already doing, as well ask work together to see how we can go forward to address the homeless problem even further and find solutions to their problems, not just band-aids.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
In my opinion, Ventura has a lot of higher paying jobs already. We have many jobs in the government center as well as through our hospitals and health care systems. I don't know that attracting more high-paying jobs is the problem. I would like to focus more on retaining our small businesses and addressing the needs of our local businesses that are already a part of our community. There are many fees that these businesses pay that are pure government overreach and need to be addressed, such as the fee charged just to hang a sign up at a place of business. We should be working with these businesses to encourage their growth and opportunity, not making it harder for them to even exist.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
I definitely do not think increasing the density of downtown is a good idea nor increasing building heights. We are not L.A. nor do any of our residents want to be. Enough said.
Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
Age: 48
Occupation: Councilwoman, district director for state lawmaker
Education: Bachelor's degree in women’s studies with a minor in political science, master's degree in public administration and enrolled in educational leadership doctoral program
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Housing affordability and homelessness challenges will not be solved overnight. However, strengthening partnerships with public housing agencies, private partners and nonprofits can help produce a collaborative solution. Land-use policies can be re-imagined with all stakeholders at the table to promote affordable and inclusive communities. Lastly, allowing denser development in compatible areas for affordable and mixed-income housing developments.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
One way of attracting businesses to the city is to be responsive to businesses when they want to come to Ventura. Recently, the council voted to further streamline our building permit review process by cutting down on outside contractors by using three firms rather than a multitude of contractors. This allows for cohesion, efficiency and improved customer service. Another way of creating high-wage jobs is by investing and supporting entrepreneurship. The city of Ventura is the headquarters for businesses like Patagonia, The Trade Desk and two major hospitals. The city must continue supporting start-up businesses as well as major corporations by providing resources that help start, retain or grow businesses in Ventura. Lastly, working with the chamber, visitors bureau and other community groups to collaborate on attracting businesses to Ventura is also fundamental.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
Local zoning regulations in the city of Ventura already allow six-story buildings in many parts of the city. Regarding downtown, I think it’s too early to decide. We need lots of public input before we make that decision. I am in favor of developing additional housing in Ventura to create diverse options for all income levels. Since Ventura is running out of space to build, dense housing is one of our few options, as well as height options. I encourage a mix of uses, including dense housing to create robust neighborhoods. Dense housing, however, should be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and be aesthetically appealing.
District 5
Marie Lakin
Age: 62
Occupation: Nonprofit president
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Much of the housing we are currently building in Ventura is market rate and expensive. We are in need of affordable and workforce housing for the families who work in this community. Ventura should look at an inclusionary housing policy which mandates a portion of every new rental project include affordable units or an in-lieu fee paid to build it elsewhere.
I spent two days with the people working to combat our homelessness and criminal vagrancy issues. They need more resources. The city should prioritize partnering with the county on permanent supportive housing efforts such as building out the floors above the ARCH shelter. Project Roomkey, which currently houses 198 people in local motels, is set to expire soon. A replacement or extension of this program must happen.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
People and companies can now choose to locate wherever they want. Those with choices want Ventura’s lifestyle. We need to invest in what people already love about this city — the beach, open space, downtown, neighborhood centers and parks. We aren’t doing enough of that.
New businesses want certainty and timeliness when opening new facilities. Our community development department suffers from staff shortages and tech problems. We need to do better.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
The state legislature has passed a number of bills that incentivize denser housing. Priority should be given to denser growth in our more urbanized walkable commercial centers near transit opportunities, but at the same time maintaining neighborhood compatibility through form-based code and specific plans. Our existing 2007 plan for downtown should be followed.
Infrastructure improvements to handle the influx of new housing should be a paramount concern. Staff reports for our housing element point to aging water infrastructure which must be upgraded. Developers need to take on these costs. Nearby streets and freeway access should also be improved.
Bill McReynolds
Age: 51
Occupation: Residential builder
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
To ensure the creation of affordable housing, Ventura needs to update its inclusionary (affordable) housing ordinance to include rental units. That update will lead to the creation of low-income housing where the demand exists the most. The council needs to advocate to our state legislators for the creation of a dedicated affordable housing funding source, which we have not had since 2011. The opening of the ARCH emergency shelter in Ventura was a step in addressing homelessness. We need to continue working with our public and private partners to expand the social services offered at the ARCH, while continuing to expand the patrol task force, the frontline police officers that are addressing vagrancy.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
As we enter a post-COVID world, finding a sense of community in a potential location has become more important to businesses as they look to relocate or start-up. This is one of Ventura’s strengths. Ventura needs to market this strength to the business community. That marketing effort must include the story of Ventura’s most successful start-up Trade Desk. Trade Desk started in Ventura for this reason and has committed to remain in Ventura because of the community here. We need to assist Trade Desk in starting construction on its headquarters in Ventura, as this will add to our community and create an energy that will attract other businesses with high-paying jobs.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
Right now, I do not think it makes sense to build six-story buildings or alter the historic charm of downtown. The demand for housing can be met in other areas of the city closer to the services we use every day. Our focus should be on completing the active transportation plan, then locating the housing at or near Ventura’s transportation centers.
District 6
Lorrie Brown
Age: 47
Occupation: Government service
Education: Master's degree in public policy and administration
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
I plan to continue being an unapologetic advocate for affordable housing on the dais, in committee and through policy.
I have already done many things in these three positions as chair of General Plan Advisory Committee, delegate to the Southern California Association of Governments and as former chair of the Housing Opportunities, Proactive Engagement, and Solutions committee. It has been my intent to make sure the opportunity for affordable housing alternatives were seriously considered and discussed while furthering the idea that housing is needed for our residents, our workers, our seniors and our children. I will continue this fight.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
Ventura is attractive because of all it has to offer. Moving into the future, it would be beneficial to partner with the county for workforce investment initiatives, promote local hiring, support skilled apprenticeships, advocate for healthcare requirements to keep our workers healthy and continue to support our vibrant small business community. Many industries in this county are faltering because skilled employees turn down lucrative job offers after discovering they are unable to find a place they can afford. Continuing the fight for housing affordability for starter families, graduates coming out of college and seniors on a fixed income is integral in sustaining a strong workforce.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
First, I want to acknowledge that increased building heights and density is a highly controversial issue.
Do I personally believe that the city should only promote infill developments all over downtown that result in six-story buildings? The answer is no.
Could there be a few select areas across the city that could allow for it? I invite the public to join the General Plan Advisory Committee conversation by visiting Planventura.com and give your opinion because I believe that is what truly matters. Future city planning should continue to come from the voice of community citizens.
The question that should be asked is, are six stories already allowed? The answer to that question is technically, per state law, yes. The next question is, does any city plan require that six stories be built? The answer to that question is a resounding no.
The currently proposed plan would decrease the number of higher heights and denser projects than currently allowed across the city, by identifying specific core areas where certain heights and density are not just possible but feasible. This is a better approach.
Danny Carrillo
Age: 61
Occupation: Regional director for local union, personnel commissioner for college district
Education: Associate's degree in liberal studies, bachelor's degree in business administration
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
We need to make sure the builders are in fact providing new housing that fits in to the affordability range where local workers and residents have an opportunity to live where they work. In lieu fees should not always be accepted as a way out for developers to only build high-end homes here. I believe there are many programs, both in this State and throughout the country, where we do not have to reinvent the wheel to help our homelessness problem. This problem didn’t happen overnight. and a remedy will not be produced overnight either. We have to look at the three components that exists in addressing this problem. Number one is the law; number two is the mental health of those who choose to remain in the streets; and number three is making sure we have enough workers and professionals who deal in case management today and have been.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
There are opportunities to continue teaching a better green environment to not only our students who will be learning these programs but to our communities as well. Continuing to explore uses of solar, wind, the ocean and other technological fields will help attract not only green jobs but higher paying jobs. Working with our local school districts and community and university colleges will help to fill up that pipeline for generations to come.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
I need to study the pros and cons of this latest option as I do know that space for building more housing and making it more affordable is at a premium here in Ventura. I think there are areas in the city where we can have mixed use buildings/housing where residents live above business on the ground floor. On the surface, I do not believe building higher to six stories in the downtown area is the right way to go.
Jim Duran
Age: 61
Occupation: Pastor, executive director of nonprofit
Education: Associate's degree in Biblical studies, bachelor's degree in ministry, master's degree in theology
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Homelessness comes in all shapes and sizes, and we cannot implement a one size fits all to solve this problem. We have some amazing programs, and I plan on continuing to support those programs that are making a difference. We need to deal with the top two reasons for homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction.
With respect to affordable housing, I will support our inclusionary housing plan. I will also work with my colleagues in developing a plan for workforce housing. I recommend that our state money set aside for homelessness be used for affordable housing. If more affordable housing is not built, our homelessness challenge will only increase.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
In order to attract more higher-paying jobs, we need to attract the companies paying these wages. I am a lifelong resident of Ventura, and I have had the opportunity to manage, own and operate several businesses in our city. I am committed to supporting a strong local economy to ensure we have the money to pay for the things we need.
I will work hard at decreasing obstacles in our current process that keep businesses from opening and prospering. I believe we need to treat every business as a customer and do what we can to help them succeed. Because when businesses prosper, so does our city.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
I believe there is a place for high-density structures but not in downtown Ventura. We need to keep the uniqueness of our downtown. This is why it is so important that our community get involved in the general plan process. Be engaged so you do not wake up one day and find yourself in the middle of six-story buildings.
Steph Karba
Age: 32
Occupation: Environmental researcher
Education: Bachelor’s degree in hydrology in 2012, master’s degrees in environmental science and management
What three ideas do you have to address housing affordability and homelessness?
Housing is a human right. If elected, I will push for a rent control ordinance to protect vulnerable renters, as well as work to complete the city’s inclusionary housing policy. On behalf of the unhoused, I will also encourage the establishment of an ordinance wherein the city has to create a three- to five-year roadmap plan for expanding a full range of emergency shelters, transitional housing and permanent housing units. I will also invest in the creation of a transparent, online dashboard that shows the open bed count and availability in city-wide emergency shelters.
What do you intend to do to attract more high-paying jobs to the city?
We can’t put the cart before the horse. Affordable housing is a crucial step in attracting new employers into the city. However, I will also heavily focus on building out universal, broadband internet in Ventura to lay a foundation for the future of remote and tech-based work.
Do you think it's a good idea to make downtown more dense and increase building heights to six stories?
I firmly believe that development in the downtown area should align with the downtown specific plan and the westside vision plan those residents have already drafted. And while Ventura needs to expand affordable housing and increase densities throughout, it also needs to retain the charm and community feel that Venturans have come to love. If elected, I will push the city to establish design standards so that new developments fit an architectural style, sit further back from the street and have appropriate parking designations or are transit oriented.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura City Council candidates talk homelessness, jobs, building heights
