Frequently Asked Questions


What does VCHP do & Other FAQs
Through political action, VCHP advocates for protection of Ventura's remaining open space from development, including the hillsides and the Ventura River watershed.


How does Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation (VCHP) differ from
Ventura Land Trust (VLT), formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC)?

VCHP and VLT are separate nonprofit corporations established under California law. They have their own boards and missions. There is no overlap in board membership. VCHP is a “social welfare” 501(c)(4) organization that educates, informs and advocates for open space, healthy ecosystems and recreational opportunities for our residents. Donations to VCHP are not tax deductible since we engage in political advocacy to support our mission. VCHP is an entirely volunteer organization with no fees or dues.

VLT is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) whose mission is to acquire, manage and protect open space lands for public access. To accomplish these challenging goals it has membership dues and paid professional staff.


What local events does the Ventura Land Trust support?

Initially VLT organized annual fundraising concerts at Arroyo Verde Park, but after 10 years of concerts, it retired that fundraising event and added an annual Wild & Scenic Environmental film festival. VLT holds other local events from work days on its preserves to local gatherings for members and
others interested in learning more about the land trust’s work.

See the VLT events page to stay informed on all of its sponsored events: https://www.venturalandtrust.org/events


In what other local projects does VCHP participate?

VCHP is active in many local causes that influence or affect its mission of preservation of Ventura's hillsides, open space and watershed areas. VCHP participates in Ventura General Plan Updates, campaigns for conservation and is assisting to promote the Ventura River Parkway Plan.


What political action does VCHP take?

VCHP endorses and participates in election campaigning for candidates who support its mission, as well as for propositions & initiatives that advance its cause.


What does the City of Ventura's Vision Statement contain about the hillside area?

In 1999, the City of Ventura completed a collaborative Vision process in which citizens expressed their desire to preserve the hillsides, scenic views, and ridgelines.


What is the zoning of the hillside land?

Except for a small portion of the land within city limits, most of the hillside property is in the county and has a land use designation of "open space" or "agricultural."


What protections are in place for the Ventura Hillsides?

Measure P is a city ordinance that passed by a 77 percent vote in November, 2001.

Measure P requires any residential development proposal for the 9,000 acre Hillside Voter Participation Area be approved by city voters before the extension of city services can occur.

Measure P will ensure that the citizens of Ventura will have the right to vote on any development proposal for the Hillside area.


If the landowners decided to sell the land to a nonprofit organization in order to preserve 100 percent of the open space, how could funds be raised?

Traditional campaigns to purchase open space have included funding in the form of private and government grants, tax breaks for the landowner, state and federal funding, corporate donations, major donations by private individuals, and grassroots fundraising events.