May/June 2016

Serving Up GREEN Business by the cup: Brazuka Coffee Roasters
 
     "Quality, Fairness, Sustainability," is Brazuka Coffee Roasters' motto when it comes to their organic andfair trade coffee. Owners Gregg and Cheryl Butler take pride in the fact that they purchase only the best quality beans that are sustainably farmed. As a newly City of Ventura Green Certified Business, this family-owned and operated business also makes coffee-roasting an art.

     "Several years ago we wanted to take on a new business venture, one that we could have fun at, travel, and that we could do sustainably," said Gregg.

     "As business owners, it's important to be aware of how we're impacting our community as well as the world," continued Cheryl. "We have to consider what we take out of the earth, how we use it, and how we put it back."  READ MORE. 

CONGRATULATIONS: Green School and Watershed Hero Award Winners!  

      On Monday, April 25, 2016, Buena High School was presentedwith the 2016 Green School Award and Mound Elementary School was honored with the 2016 Watershed Hero Award. The two schools received handsome recycled glass awards commemorating their achievements by City of Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko before the City Council Meeting. READ MORE.

     Pictured Right: Buena High School: 2016 Green School Award Winner. Pictured LtoR, Back Row: Michael Yorke (Buena Principal), Lauren Zaragoza, Amanda Richard,  Sally Ellberg, Bobbi Powers, Lynn Harrison (Harrison Industries), Frank Davis.Front Row: Nan Drake (Harrison Industries) and Margot Diehl. 
Solarize Ventura's Affordable Residential Solar Program 

     Every hour the sun's rays provide enough energy to power the planet forone year. Harnessing that solar energy through the installation of solar panels is now a viable way to power your home or business, and it's also good for the environment and your pocketbook. So if you've been thinking about going solar, but question the cost, what exactly going solar might entail, whom to hire, and have other questions about this eco-friendly technology, attend one of the upcoming FREE Solarize Ventura Workshops.

     For the third consecutive year, the non-profit Community Environmental Council (CEC), in partnership with the City of Ventura, is offering the Solarize Ventura program to city residents. Solarize Ventura's 2014 and 2015 programs helped 94 Ventura homeowners go solar and begin saving on utility bills. Given the success and positive reception of the prior programs, CEC and the City are offering Solarize Ventura again in 2016.  Solarize Ventura will be available to homeowners April 20 through July 19. READ MORE.

Smart Business: Going GREEN Made Simple & Easy 
     
 
Contact Environmental Specialist Lars Davenport for a FREE Consult 
      In 2012, the City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability Division implemented the Green Business Certification Program for local businesses as a means to reduce Ventura's footprint and assist localowners with money-saving green practices.
 
     "In her research at the time, Environmental Sustainability Supervisor Courtney Lindberg discovered that many other cities and counties in California were already participating in the California Green Business Network (greenbusinessca.org), a statewide initiative, which at the time, was supported by Cal EPA and the Department of Toxic Substance Control, but run by local governments," said City of Ventura Environmental Specialist Lars Davenport. READ MORE.

Bruce Robison
NEW HORIZONS:  Hats Off to City of Ventura's Bruce Robison

     Bruce Robison, City of Ventura Street Maintenance Lead Worker for 35 years is retired as of April 6, 2016.
 
     Robison began working with the city in 1981. Initially, he worked the downtown area as an equipment operator and in 1991 became a Lead Worker supervising and working with his team. READ MORE.

Environmental Sustainability News & Events
 


Washing Machine Rebates
Get your washing machine rebate while supplies last. Visit: cityofventura.net/waterwise
 





View the New Trash & Recycle Bins 
If you take a walk towards the ocean by the bike path at the end of Main Street you'll see the City's new installation of trash and recycle bins! Litter and scavenging is a problem in this area of the City and these strong containers will help solve those issues.
View more images.

MARCH Highlights

 
  

March 3 & 4 - Wild & Scenic Film Festival
At the Wild & Scenic Film Festival held at Poinsettia Pavilion on March 3 & 4, Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water spoke to attendees about sustainable practices in their booth during the festival's receptions on March 3 & 4.  Pictured LtoR: Environmental Sustainability's Lars Davenport and Ventura Water's Debra Martinez. 





March 26 - FREE Water Wise Gardening
Class Series Kick Off
Pictured Right: Local Permaculturist Eric Werbalowsky speaks to a crowd about "Permaculture and Design" at the first Water Wise Gardening Class for 2016 held at the Avenue Adult Center. Find out about other classes, visit: cityofventura.net/waterwisegardeningclasses 
 


APRIL Highlights 
 
 
 
  
April 5 - Green Drinks at Aqua Beachfront Bar  
Ventura Chamber's Green Task Force Green Drinks Event on April 5 took place at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach's picturesque Aqua Beachfront Bar.  Pictured Left to Right: Brad Hudson (Senior Field Rep for Congresswoman Julia Brownley's Office), Environmental Sustainability Supervisor Courtney Lindberg and Crowne Plaza GM Doug Wood.  
 



 



April 6 - "Unleash the Clean" Event    
Viva Towels, along with The Boys and Girls Avenue Thrift Store, and some staffers from the City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability Division, participated in an "Unleash The Clean Event." Watch the Sustainable Ventura News Story.  
        



April 23 - Earth Day Eco-Fest 
Inside the Environmental Sustainability Booth at the 2016 Earth Day Eco-Fest in Promenade Park. Pictured Left to Right:  Environmental Sustainability's Stephanie Junda, and Environmental SpecialistsTobie Mitchell and Lars Davenport. View More Images. 
 






 
April 25 - NEW Green Business Certifications
Ventura Visitor's Center, Y.C.E., Inc. and Spice-Topia received their Green Certified Business plaques from City of Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko last night on April 25 at the City Council meeting. Congratulations! Pictured LtoR: Marlyss Auster (President & CEO, Ventura Visitor's Center), Marta Alvarez (Owner, Y.C.E., Inc.) and Ashley Pope (Owner, Spice-Topia).
 
 
 
 
 
  

  
April 27- FREE Solarize Ventura Workshop   
The First 2016 Solarize Ventura Workshop was held at Ventura City Hall's Community Room on April 27. Pictured Left: April Price, Energy Program Associate for the Community Environmental Council speaks to a crowded room.  Visit: SolarizeVentura.org 
      
 
 
Programs, News & Events       
              
        Green Certification       Watch SV News            Free Classes               Text "Tips"        Free Sustainability Kits
Rain Barrel Discount
Rain Barrel Discount program for City of Ventura residents is available through Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water.  Working in cooperation with Smith Pipe and Supply at 3060 Sherwin Avenue in Ventura, the Channel/Bushman 50-gallon rain barrel (with a retail value of $92.00), will be available for $45.00 plus tax at their store with a Rain Barrel Discount Voucher.  Two rain barrel discounts are available per residential address with the voucher. READ MORE.

$92.00 Rain Barrel available for $45.00 plus tax with Discount Voucher