The COMMUNITY of Ventura exists on three levels.
These are the areas I focus on:

1. Physical Structure.

Streets need to be well-paved and clean, for safety and appearance. Sidewalks and landscaping need to be upgraded and maintained. We need more bike paths. Historical buildings should be preserved and renovated to remind us of the importance of Ventura's heritage. New buildings should conform to strict quality and design standards, to enhance the beauty of our natural setting. There should be limits on "high density" and mixed use development to prevent over-urbanization. Protecting open space, greenbelts and orchards should be a priority.

2. Community Services.

Police and fire services should never be compromised by budget cuts. Developers should be required to plan for parks and bike paths in future building proposals. The new community park needs to receive adequate funding from the city for completion. Downtown needs a cultural arts center, whether it be a new building complex, or the use of several existing buildings. More attention should be paid to attracting tourism through marketing, as well as making our downtown and harbor areas more attractive to tourists through quality dining, shopping, recreational and cultural opportunities. Hotel and sales tax revenues from tourism bolster the city's economy, benefiting all residents.

3. Community Relationships.

In any vital community, healthy relationships between residents, groups, churches, schools, business and government are essential. Positive change can be made only when people work together. Avenues of communication need to be strengthened and mutual respect fostered.