Ventura Voices

Get to know Ventura's new Fire Chief, Kris McDonald, in this special episode hosted by City Manager Bill Ayub. Chief McDonald shares how he got his start in the fire service, what led him to Ventura, and his ideas for improved fire safety in our city.

Hear his take on firefighter recruitment, mental health, mutual aid, and more! Plus, we wrap up the episode with some fun rapid-fire questions that spark some giggles.

This episode offers a closer look at the Ventura Fire Department's evolving priorities and the leadership shaping its next chapter.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:
- Firefighter mental health: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2579/Mental-Health-Wellness
- Fire operations: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1667/Fire-Operations
- Join our team: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2386/Join-Our-Team

In part two of the Ventura Water series, Communications Manager Jennifer Nance continues her conversation with Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington.

They chat about water rates and funding to support capital improvement projects and ongoing maintenance.
Learn more about Ventura Water:
- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water

Get to know more about Ventura's water and wastewater systems in this episode hosted by Communications Manager Jennifer Nance. Ventura Water's General Manager, Gina Dorrington, shares information about daily water and wastewater operations, history of our water supplies, local water sources, environmental protections, emergency responsiveness, and more!
This episode offers a closer look at the department’s priorities and the importance of securing Ventura's water future.
Learn more about Ventura Water:
- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water

The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close beginning March 23, 2026, for a $13 million renovation project.
In this episode, Communications Specialist Taylor Pineda interviews Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram as she shares more about the project's purpose, historical background, funding sources, and impacts on community members. She also talks about the many ways to access library resources during the closure, and how she's seen libraries change lives for the better.
Project updates: www.library.venturacounty.gov/epfoster

Get to know the work of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division in this special episode of Ventura Voices hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar. Environmental Specialists Arriana Rabago and Logan Babcock share how the division has grown from early recycling initiatives into a citywide leader in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.
Hear about the division’s evolving programs, how community programs guide their work, and how initiatives like the Food Waste Recycling Program, Free Compost & Mulch Program, and Green Schools partnerships are helping Ventura build a more sustainable future.
This episode offers a closer look at the department’s programs and the community impact of its efforts.
Learn more about the sustainability topics discussed in this episode:
Environmental Sustainability Division: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/194/Environmental-Sustainability
Food Waste Recycling Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/264/Residential-Services
Free Compost & Mulch Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2524/Free-Compost-Mulch-Program
Green Schools Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1206/Green-Schools-Program