Christy Weir's Response
to the 2007 Environmental Questionnaire

1. How do you value city beaches, and what do you see as priority issues for them?

Christy Weir :Our beaches are a top priority to me, because they define the character of Ventura and are a source of enjoyment for our residents. The main issues are safety (dangerous debris and water safety), cleanliness (litter), water quality (storm water runoff) and access (sand covering stairways). With all of these issues, there is a balance between ecological concerns, jurisdiction (State/City) and attractiveness to residents and visitors that the current City Council and staff are working hard to achieve.

2. How will you correct the current lack of safe north/south bicycle routs within the Ventura Avenue community, and the lack of connection to the ocean?

Christy Weir: The city’s Public Works department is currently working with the public on a Bicycle Master Plan that will culminate in the implementation of bike route connectivity throughout the city.

3. The architecture “2030 Challenge”, which was unanimously endorsed by the US Conference of Mayors, calls for energy reduction of all new and renovated buildings incrementally over the next 25 years, until in 2030 they use no more energy to construct and operate than they produce. Should Ventura sign up to take the challenge? How could we begin to accomplish the goal of “carbon neutral” buildings by 2030?

Christy Weir: Green building is possible and preferable. The “greenest” sites are infill properties such as former parking lots and brownfields. Green materials include recycled and salvages materials, toxin-free insulation, low-VOC paints. Natural ventilation is simple in Ventura—building orientation, operable windows, bring fresh air into the house. We can bring natural lighting in using large windows and skylights. Efficient lighting, heating and cooling and water-heating systems—EnergyStar appliances—are available as well as water-efficient fixtures. Vine-covered “green screens” and large trees should shade exterior walls, driveways, patios and other hardscape.

4. What changes would you promote for the Victoria Corridor, and how do they tie into our natural environment and quality of life?

Christy Weir: The new Victoria Corridor Code will be coming to the City Council for approval in the next few months. It will include requirements for a more pedestrian-friendly environment, including wide sidewalks, bike lanes, canopy trees and buildings that front the street.

5. What actions will you take as a city council member to ensure that the greenbelts and farmland surrounding the City of Ventura are protected in perpetuity, and that any future growth is accommodated within the city's existing footprint utilizing the principles of smart growth and sustainability?

Christy Weir: I support SOAR. The farmlands surrounding the city are a vital part of Ventura’s economy and environmental health. Any proposals for development of agricultural properties will need to be approved by the voters, and I will work to ensure that they are fully informed of the impacts of any proposals.

6. Would the protection of the Ventura River benefit the City of Ventura? If so, how?

Christy Weir: It is vital that we preserve and enhance what makes Ventura uniquely beautiful—our beaches, hillsides and the two rivers that border our town.
The creation of a Ventura River Parkway is a way to protect, enhance and increase access to the Ventura River for the public to enjoy.

7. Are you prepared for sea level rise inherent in continued misuse of fossil fuels? (This question was submitted by a youth organization.)

Christy Weir: No, we’re probably not. The goal is to prevent any rise in the sea level through appropriate policies and practices.

8. The protection and improvement of environmental quality affects people from different economic strata in different ways. How will you bring together your vision of social justice and your commitment to environmental issues?

Christy Weir: Most smart environmental practices are equally beneficial to all citizens. We all breathe the same air, swim in the same ocean, appreciate the beauty of our urban forest—we can all do some of the following: recycle, plant trees or other landscaping, cultivate a vegetable garden, walk/ride a bike, plan our car trips more efficiently, conserve water.

9. How will you promote green business, so that a thriving economy and a thriving environment become one in the same?

Christy Weir: The City government in Ventura is increasingly implementing green policies and is an example for businesses. It’s up to each citizen to support green businesses, and City Council members can staff can be examples in that area as well. The City currently offers expedited processing for green building projects and has developed a simple LEED-type checklist.

10. Should the city of Ventura take affirmative steps to implement Community Choice so citizens can purchase locally generated renewable power? Why or why not? (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Choice_Aggregation)

Christy Weir: (Looks like this one was accidentally skipped.)

11. What is your attitude about the city collaborating with civic groups in substantial and meaningful ways on community initiated projects?

Christy Weir: Collaboration is essential for progress. I place a high priority on civic engagement, which includes citizen involvement in city decisions, as well as partnering with various civic groups such as non-profit housing developers, arts and business organizations, neighborhood councils and environmental groups such as the Ventura Hillside Conservancy, the Green Building Council and VCcool.

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