By Rebecca Wicks
Ventura Breeze
Mar. 11, 2009

With a $6.2 million deficit to deal with this fiscal year and a looming $12 million shortfall projected for next year, the city’s economic woes were front and center during Mayor Christy Weir’s State of the City address last month.

“City government must adjust to the economy – we won’t spend money we don’t have,” promised Weir as she addressed a room full of people at City Hall. “We will live within our means.”

In her 20-minute speech which also included a 10-minute video presentation, she warned of steep cuts to city services due to the growing gap between the city’s revenues and its operational costs.

“This level of reduction will impact every citizen,” warned Weir.

Weir did highlight some positive accomplishments. She boasted that the serious crime rate was down 12 percent and that response time for both police and fire had decreased due to an increase in public safety staffing.

The mayor looked optimistically to the future promising the opening this year of a Hyatt Place hotel, a Fresh and Easy market, a Wood Ranch restaurant, the groundbreaking on the County Museum expansion, a new Veteran’s Home and a new Urban Outfitters store.

She praised those who have volunteered their time and given money to local social causes in our community calling it a renewed commitment in light of the current economic situation. She asked that all Venturans do the same.

She pressed that donating money will make a big difference. She urged Venturans to contribute to the homeless relief fund, Friends of the Library or community services youth scholarships.

“Donate,” said Weir. “Even a small amount – coming from many donors – adds up to a sizeable gift that will change someone’s life.”

She added that the arts shouldn’t be forgotten as they “provide much needed inspiration to all of us in troubled times.”

Weir listed off a number of other ways to help care for the Venturan community through service ranging from volunteering time at a hospital or church to keeping the city clean by participating in park and beach clean-ups.

Her final ask of Venturans was to shop locally.

“It’s even more important now to shop at our local stores,” said Weir. “Your sales tax money will be used for services here in Ventura.”