Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation has officially endorsed four candidates for Ventura City Council and is also endorsing Measure B, the View Protection Ordinance. Brian Brennan, Camille Harris, William Knox, and Ed Summers were selected by the Board of Directors because of their avowed support to protect Ventura hillsides and open space from development.

“Of the candidates who sought our endorsement, the four individuals selected expressed the strongest support for the preservation of our hillsides and open space,” said Diane Underhill, Board President.

Brian Brennan and Camille Harris were both active in the 2002 campaign to stop the construction of 1,390 houses in the hills. Like Brian and Camille, Ed Summers and William Knox stated their commitment to prevent development in Ventura’s hills and support efforts to purchase open space for recreational purposes.

The organization is also endorsing Measure B, which would create a View Resources Board to draft a view protection ordinance that could be adopted by the City Council or put to the voters for approval. “VCHP endorses the concept of trusting voters to play a role in deciding the issue of view protection,” Underhill said. “We hope that a view protection ordinance will balance the need for good infill development with the need of the community to retain its sense of place and protect some of our cherished public views to the hillsides and ocean.”

Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation, VCHP, a nonprofit 501(c)(4) is a separate entity from the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, VHC, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. VCHP is focused on protecting the hillsides from development through political action, such as monitoring City Council agendas, endorsing candidates who agree with its mission statement, informing and requesting action from supporters in regard to impending legislation that affects its mission.

VHC is a land trust and works with landowners, conservation organizations, and government agencies to acquire land or easements for the purpose of permanent protection. Its goals for preservation of the Ventura hillsides and other open space in the Ventura region are focused on acquisition, restoration, and public access. They have acquired two conservation parcels since their founding in 2003. VHC cannot endorse political candidates.