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1. What is happening in the Ventura River?

Illegal camps in the Ventura River will be dismantled to remove debris, prevent permanent camp build-up, and create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone. In addition, property owners will clear invasive arundo to reduce fire hazards and impede the reestablishment of encampments.

2. Why is this happening and why now?

It is both illegal and dangerous to camp in the Ventura River.

Crime, drug use and brush fires are widespread in this area. The river flow is dangerous during winter rains and has claimed lives; public safety personnel have rescued several homeless people from the rising water in the past at significant risk and expense.

Trash and waste generated primarily by illegal encampments is accumulating at an alarming rate. Illegal camps degrade river and beach water quality with bacteria, nitrates, nutrients and trash. Stringent regulations to protect public health and the environment include legal mandates that result in penalties for noncompliance.

Owners of the property in the Ventura River have been mowing the arundo (invasive non-native plant species) that grows in the river. The clearing of the arundo must be done in late summer/fall for environmental reasons, and the upcoming winter rains make this the appropriate season to remove debris and illegal encampments.

3. When will the illegal camp removal begin?

Illegal camps that are not located in the Ventura River are already removed on a regular basis. Efforts to clear the illegal camps in the Ventura River began in September 2012 and continue on an on-going basis.

4. How will the clearing take place and how will this affect me?

The Ventura County Human Services Agency, in coordination with local non-profits, has already begun outreach efforts to assist people living in the river bottom; campers that remain are being notified of the changes. Permanent “No Trespassing” signs are posted in the river and formal trespass noticing will begin to be posted on all the camps in August, giving campers 72-hour notice to vacate the Ventura River. Social service providers will be available during illegal encampment removal for humanitarian assistance. The community and surrounding area may be affected by the shift that could occur from the removal of illegal encampments. These conditions may be intermittent, short-term or long-term.

During the trash and arundo removal from the river bed, the County and social service providers have made every effort to be sensitive to the needs of those who are camping there and who may not be aware of resources to help them end their homelessness. Social service providers seek to assist individuals to find appropriate housing in Ventura, or unite them with family or friends if they desire, and get them the medical attention and other services they need to mitigate the impact on our community. While it is not illegal to be homeless, it is illegal to camp on public or private property without written permission.

5. Who will dismantle the illegal camps?

City and County staff or contractors, volunteers, and property owners will remove the illegal camps on an on-going basis.

6. Where will the people who live in the river bottom go?

How and where an individual resides is a matter of personal choice. Local agencies and organizations that work with the homeless population strive to provide assistance within the limited resources that are available. County agencies do not make value judgments on who deserves public assistance. Providers such as The Salvation Army and Turning Point Foundation endeavor to allocate assistance-based resources to individuals that are willing to address barriers of self-sufficiency (most often those are either addictions or mental illness or both).

7. How will the removal of illegal camps be sustained or reinforced?

Regular patrols of the river will occur. The complete and total closure of the Ventura River at all times is not feasible. The goal of this operation is to eliminate and prevent built and entrenched homeless camps in the Ventura River.

8. Who made the decision to remove the camps?

San Buenaventura Municipal Code Section 10.150.50 prohibits sleeping, camping or storing of personal property in the Ventura or Santa Clara or Flood Plain Overlay Zone. The current existence of illegal camps in these areas indicates that this ordinance has not been enforced.

9. Who owns the property in and around the Ventura River?

There are 21 parcels and 9 property owners of the Ventura River area. The owners are a mix of City, County, State, private and non-profit entities.

10. What can I do to help?

Support local charities (see list below) that provide meals, medical attention, case management and housing services to get people focused on long-term solutions. Reducing homelessness also requires all of us to say, “No,” to panhandlers, and yes to charities. Residents can also volunteer for programs and initiatives that keep our community Safe and Clean by signing up for service opportunities on the Volunteer Webpage.