VCCool Newsletter July 12, 2012 Dear Local Food Friends, If you have, or plan to have backyard chickens in Ventura, CA – Read on! It’s time to let your voice be heard! Ten cheers for sustainable cities! Hearing on Proposed Chicken Ordinance Wednesday
Yesterday the staff at the Planning Department let us know that a new ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in one week. We are concerned! The Planning Commission Hearing is: Calling All People Who Care About Chickens!! We will prepare well-researched materials for the Commission, and mobilize as many people as possible on such short notice, to come to the hearing. We find numerous key problematic issues with the proposal. Because there has been no chance for public dialog on this important issue, save staff bringing it to the community councils within a long list of other code issues, and because the item is slated to be heard late in the evening past when most families can stay, VCCool has requested an extension to allow for public involvement. We may not get the extension – and we won’t know till Monday because the City is closed this Friday. VCCool has been having informal discussions with the City of Ventura for the past four years. We have researched chicken laws near and far, held educational events, and proposed ordinance language. It is disappointing to see that our extensive work and broad citizen input is not reflected in staff notes about what the “public concerns” are, nor in the new ordinance. For example, this new ordinance prevents anyone living in duplexes, collective housing, condos, or anything other than single housing, from having chickens. This unusual restriction ignores the success of such arrangements nation-wide and is a social justice infringement. Whether you have lots of experience with the little clucks, or are just excited about raising food in town – PLEASE come help us make this a friendly city to raise birds and get fresh eggs.
VC Star article land photos "Group helps Ventura bicycle owners get their fix." Ventura Bike HUB – Has New Hours
2nd Saturday – 204 E. Thompson Blvd. Sandbox Coffeehouse 4th Saturday – Wildcard! Come learn how to work on your bike! Use our tools and stands, and get one-on-one coaching from the HUB mechanics. It's way fun! 25% of our participants are female, so sisters - don't be shy!! VC Star article land photos "Group helps Ventura bicycle owners get their fix." |
