Editor's note: This story is one in a series on the Nov. 3 general election. For more coverage, visit vcstar.com/news/elections.
Fourteen candidates are vying for four Ventura City Council seats in contested races on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Incumbent Liz Campos and challenger Crawford Coates are running for the District 1 seat. Incumbent Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios faces Kyle Ryan Clark, Richard Rosin and Scott Shoemake in District 4. Incumbent Bill McReynolds and challenger Vernon Alstot are running for the District 5 seat.
Steven Almcrantz, Danny Carrillo, Kevin James Daly, Karba Eckley, James Loughrie and Noe Aguilar Vega are competing for the District 6 seat left open by incumbent Jim Duran.
The Star asked each candidate in the competitive races to
answer a brief questionnaire. Their responses are below, with editing for space and clarity. City council races are nonpartisan, but The Star asked candidates and checked voter rolls to include party registration information for readers.Early voting begins Oct. 5, the same day election officials plan to start mailing ballots to registered voters. Ventura County's vote center locations will open Oct. 24.
Ventura District 1
Liz Campos
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired teacher
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Master's degree in English from San Francisco State University
Military service: None
Elected office: Ventura City Council District 1, 2022 to present
Website: electlizcampos.org
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
Tenant protections and affordable housing, and improving the city budget by supporting business through event organizing and working with developers to fund parks, public safety and streets in new housing developments.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
If the city is fully invested in growing and welcoming businesses large and small, the jobs will be created. Our community needs to embrace change and accept the city's efforts to improve opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Crawford Coates
Age: 47
Occupation: Marketing
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Master's in public safety and administration from California Lutheran University
Military service: None
Elected office: None
Website: coates4ventura.org
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
Communication and civic engagement: Very few on the Westside know what's going on in City Hall. The result is they disengage from the democratic process and feel like the city doesn't care about them. We need our residents, especially younger residents, more engaged and better informed. I will communicate constantly with my constituents and field their feedback. I will make myself available to local news media, who are so important to our democracy.
Another area where we need more communication is across city departments. I will make myself available to city staff, including police and fire, and empower them to bring any concerns early in the process. Finally, I will gather facts before coming to conclusions, and I will aim to bring clarity in my position.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
I will attract new jobs foremost by taking care of existing businesses. Employers on the Westside feel ignored by City Hall. I will encourage communication between businesses and our economic development team, connecting similar businesses to create networks and efficiencies, but also addressing challenges.
We need to make starting a business in Ventura straightforward. Our permitting process is currently onerous and confusing, and I would work to change that. I will work with city staff to explore grant opportunities to grow our economy, stabilize our tax base, prepare for natural disasters and economic downturns and increase our overall regional resilience. You can't have great local jobs, including union jobs, without strong local businesses.
District 4
Kyle Ryan Clark
Age: 25
Occupation: Guest services associate at Lake Casitas
Party registration: Independent
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from CSU Channel Islands
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: Instagram @clark4ventura
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
Safety must be Ventura's top priority. That means secure streets, businesses protected from break-ins and a fire department equipped to prevent the next major fire before it starts.
Getting there requires action on three fronts: pressing Sacramento to fully fund Proposition 36, fully funding Fire Station No. 7, and ensuring both the Ventura Police and Fire departments have the staffing, equipment and resources they need to do their jobs.
Ventura residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their businesses. That starts with fully resourcing the people who protect us.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Jobs are the lifeblood of Ventura. They keep families together and allow locals to afford living here.
To attract more jobs, we need to prioritize responsible development, cut red tape and streamline permitting for new businesses. Simply put, Ventura needs to become business friendly.
When it's easier to open, grow and run a business here, employers create the jobs our community depend on. That means faster permitting timelines, fewer bureaucratic hurdles and a city government that treats local businesses as partners, not obstacles.
Ventura's future depends on giving people a reason to build their careers here, not leave to find one elsewhere.
Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios
Age: 52
Occupation: Council member
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Doctorate in higher education leadership from California Lutheran University
Military service: None
Political experience: Ventura City Council District 4 from 2021 to present; mayor 2024 to present
Website: www.electjeannette.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is ensuring Ventura remains a safe, affordable and thriving community where all families and businesses have the opportunity to succeed, while protecting the quality of life that makes our city special. I have already taken action by supporting additional officers for our patrol task force and advocating for state and regional resources to address homelessness, housing and infrastructure.
I will build on that progress by continuing to invest in public safety, pursue practical solutions to homelessness and housing affordability, strengthen our infrastructure and support local businesses. I will continue bringing resources back to Ventura and building partnerships that allow us to accomplish more without placing the burden solely on local taxpayers.
My focus remains on listening to residents, using resources responsibly and delivering measurable results that improve the quality of life in every Ventura neighborhood.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Attracting more jobs starts with making Ventura a place where businesses can start, grow and stay. I will continue supporting our existing businesses while attracting employers that provide good-paying jobs and complement Ventura’s character and economic strengths.
We have already made progress by modernizing and streamlining our permitting process, expanding online services and offering instant permitting for qualifying projects. Ventura now issues more instant permits than any other city in the county. I will build on this progress by continuing to reduce unnecessary barriers and making it easier to invest and do business in Ventura.
We must also strengthen partnerships with education, workforce and regional organizations to prepare residents for local opportunities. By investing in infrastructure, maintaining safe neighborhoods, supporting workforce housing, and preserving our quality of life, we can attract responsible investment, help local businesses grow and create more good-paying jobs for Ventura residents.
Richard T. Rosin
Age: 52
Occupation: High school teacher
Party registration: No party preference
Education: Master's degree in education from National University
Military service: U.S. Army
Political experience: None
Website: www.Rosin4Ventura.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is to win District 4's seat, and I intend to do it by simple grassroots campaigning. If I win, fixing our streets is first on my list.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
I do not intend to attract more jobs. It's not a city councilman's job to "attract" more jobs. I will help new businesses cut through the red tape as fast as possible.
Scott Shoemake
Age: 45
Occupation: Business owner/clergy
Party registration: Republican
Education: Hilltop High School in Chula Vista
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: Instagram @shoemake4ventura
What’s your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is helping Ventura thrive again by getting to common-sense governance: safe neighborhoods, accountable City Hall, wise growth, a strong local economy and making it possible for families to stay here.
The issues we face are connected. A safe, well-maintained city attracts businesses and creates opportunity. A thriving economy gives us the resources to invest in public safety, roads, parks and infrastructure. Responsible development can provide needed housing without sacrificing our unique character that makes Ventura so special.
I’ll bring a business owner’s approach to City Hall by listening first, establishing clear priorities, measuring results, and making sure taxpayers are getting value for their money. I don’t believe government needs to have all the answers, but it should be responsive, accountable and willing to work alongside residents and businesses to solve problems.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Let’s start by making Ventura a place where businesses can truly thrive. I’d streamline permitting and planning, reduce unnecessary delays and red tape and create a more predictable path for businesses, both local and outside, that want to open, expand or invest here.
We should also be taking care of the businesses we already have. As a business owner, I know that existing employers can be our best ambassadors when they feel heard and supported by City Hall.
Finally, Ventura should actively pursue businesses that fit our community and create good local jobs. Projects like the Olivas Park extension create new economic opportunities, and we should be intentional about what follows. I want Ventura to be known as a city that is open for quality businesses, while still protecting the character and quality of life that make people want to live here in the first place.
District 5
Vernon Alstot
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired Ventura police officer and fire battalion chief, business owner
Party registration: Republican
Education: Associate’s degree in administration of justice from Ventura College
Military: None
Political experience: None
Website: Vern4district5.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
I'm running because I believe we need to change direction.
After retiring, I founded a company building mobile showers, laundry facilities, a bunkhouse and a mobile eye clinic to serve our underserved and unhoused neighbors — because real leadership means showing up for the people who need it most, not just the people who are easiest to serve. Leadership also requires listening to citizens and responding to their concerns.
I believe our city's economic strength comes from the private sector, especially small businesses. I'll fight for streamlined permitting and fee processes that let entrepreneurs build here instead of walking away.
I want to see Ventura developed as a true destination location through smarter use of our parks and improved recreational area use. And I'll govern the way I served: with fiscal conservative accountability, with meritocracy and as a servant leader who answers to the people, not the other way around.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Our tourism income is about $39 million a year. Expanding unimproved areas in the city can increase this number. The current number of jobs attached to tourism is 3,400.
Being business-friendly in permitting and fees can and will bring more jobs to the city. The protracted and laborious permitting system pushes business away. Ventura does not have a full in-house permitting system and documents are sent out to a third party for approval. I plan to stop this and ensure that we hire competent persons to address permitting and fees in the city. End the lengthy, back-and-forth, draconian process that currently exists.
We can do better.
District 5
Bill McReynolds
Age: 55
Occupation: Residential homebuilder
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Bachelor's in political science from CSU Long Beach
Military service: None
Political experience: Ventura City Council District 5, 2022 to present
Website: www.facebook.com/billforventurad5
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priorities for Ventura are public safety, infrastructure and economic development.
I’m committed to ensuring that Ventura remains a safe community by supporting our police, fire and emergency response services while investing in technology, staffing and proactive community partnerships that prevent crime and improve emergency preparedness.
I’ll continue to focus on maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. This includes improving roads, sidewalks, stormwater systems, water infrastructure, parks and public facilities. I will continue to advocate for responsible financial planning, pursue state and federal funding opportunities, and prioritize projects that enhance reliability, safety, and quality of life for residents.
I’ll continue strengthening Ventura’s economy by supporting local businesses, attracting investment and encouraging redevelopment that creates quality jobs and expands the tax base. By streamlining processes, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting Ventura as a premier place to live, work and visit, we can build a stronger and more resilient future for our community.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
To attract more jobs to Ventura, I’ll continue focusing on fundamentals businesses need to succeed: public safety, reliable infrastructure, housing and a strong local economy. Companies invest where employees feel safe and communities are maintained. I will continue to support our public safety professionals, ensuring Ventura remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
I’ll continue to prioritize investments in broadband, roads, water, stormwater and public facilities to support growth and improve efficiency. Modern infrastructure lowers costs for businesses and makes Ventura more competitive for investment.
I’ll continue as a champion of economic development by streamlining permitting, supporting entrepreneurs, revitalizing commercial corridors and attracting industries that create high-quality, well-paying jobs. I’ll support workforce housing so teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and families can afford to live in Ventura. By partnering with schools and employers, we can develop the workforce needed to strengthen our economy and create prosperity.
District 6
Steven Almcrantz
Age: 31
Occupation: Public works inspector
Party registration: No party preference
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Kansas
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: www.stevenforventura.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is making sure Ventura delivers the basic services residents depend on every day: safe streets, well-maintained sidewalks, reliable infrastructure, attractive parks and responsive public service.
As a public works inspector, I see firsthand how good planning, careful budgeting, quality construction and consistent follow-up turn taxpayer dollars into visible results. I have spent my career helping move public projects from plans to completion and responding when residents raise concerns about conditions in their neighborhoods.
On the City Council, I would push for clear maintenance priorities, realistic project schedules, strong cost control, and accountability for results. Residents should know what is being done, when it will be done and who is responsible. My commitment is simple: be available, listen carefully, follow through and help deliver quality public improvements Ventura residents can see and rely on.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Ventura should be a city where businesses want to invest, expand and create good-paying local jobs. My approach starts with making City Hall a partner, not an obstacle. We should streamline permitting, provide businesses with clear timelines and expectations, adequately staff plan review and assign staff who can help employers navigate the process from their first conversation through opening day.
We also need to actively recruit employers that complement Ventura’s strengths and pursue responsible commercial and industrial development that expands our tax base without placing unnecessary burdens on neighborhoods.
Economic development also means supporting the businesses already here. When local companies want to expand, the city should work with them to identify solutions instead of allowing unnecessary delays to drive investment elsewhere. Ventura should compete for jobs and investment. I want businesses to hear a simple message from City Hall: Ventura is open for business, and we want you here.
Danny Carrillo
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired college personnel commissioner
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration from CSU Northridge
Military service: U.S. Marine Corps
Political experience: None
Website: dannyforventura.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
Maintaining public safety – police and fire – including our water, wastewater, streets and trees. Making sure we retain and attract employees, if needed, in these fields so that our city will provide a safe city to businesses, residents and all visitors.
Related to a safe city is also maintaining and improving our infrastructure that allows for safe and repaved streets, along with the delivery and receipt of water and wastewater through quality equipment and systems.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders that will provide clean jobs and use local hires that will help our local economy. We should look at other local jurisdictions to partner in building or researching projects that will welcome countries outside of the U.S. or manufacturers into our cities. The proposed test range at Navy base Point Mugu could bring jobs and businesses here.
Kevin James Daly
Age: 49
Occupation: Vice President of the international nonprofit called the Mossyfoot Project
Party registration: Republican
Education: Juris doctor degree from Southern California Institute of Law
Military service: Did not respond
Political experience: None
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is fixing the roads in District 6. We can come up with money for road repair by going through the budget line by line and cutting unnecessary and triplicate spending on budget items.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
I plan on attracting more jobs and businesses to the area by working with my fellow council members to cut bureaucratic red tape and reduce permitting fees and the time necessary to get businesses open.
Karba Eckley
Age: 36
Occupation: Energy policy consultant
Party registration: Democrat
Education: Master's degree in environmental science and management from UC Santa Barbara
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: karbaforventura.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
My top priority is making sure Ventura stays a multi-generational city, where young families can put down roots instead of being pushed out because they can't afford to raise a family here. That means real progress on increasing the supply of workforce housing, tempering rent increases and strengthening economic development.
I'd start by prioritizing workforce housing on infill and empty lots already zoned for development, so we're building where it makes sense rather than sprawling outward. I'd also streamline our business permitting process. Ventura's delays and red tape discourage the kind of investment that creates jobs and housing. Cutting that friction lets local businesses grow and brings in new development, strengthening our tax base without raising costs for residents.
Finally, I'd raise the transient occupancy tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals, so tourists cover more of the cost of city services they use.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Attracting jobs starts with taking care of the basics. For decades, District 6's streets have been in decline, with 2026 seeing some of the worst street conditions in the whole city. That deferred maintenance sends the wrong signal, both to residents and to businesses deciding where to invest. Showing that we're responsible stewards of what we already have builds the credibility we need to bring in real investment.
Prioritizing road repair matters, but it also needs to happen alongside making Ventura genuinely business-friendly. Streamlining our permitting process is key, so companies aren't stuck waiting months for approvals. We should treat businesses as partners instead of obstacles, continue hosting exciting events like the X Games to put Ventura on the map, and revitalize Main Street into a destination that draws people and investment.
A city that maintains its infrastructure and moves efficiently is a city that attracts investment and jobs.
James Loughrie
Age: 46
Occupation: Special education teacher
Party registration: No party preference
Education: Master's in education from Arizona State University
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: JamesforVentura.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
We have to fix our roads; there’s no way around it. We’ve deferred maintenance on this for too long. The pavement is crumbling on these crowded streets and prioritizing Ventura's rebuilding must be a focus for the next council. But how do we do it?
- Utilize the existing pavement management plan. Presented to the council earlier this year, it provides a detailed map of which roads need the most attention.
- Prioritize our spending on road projects. Maintain constant vigilance with spending to ensure funding goes toward pavement and repair. This will take years of making choices about how we spend taxpayer money in a manner that reflects residents' wishes.
- Provide regular updates and communication, through city channels, social media and public meetings to hear from and inform residents. Promote a dashboard with current and future road projects and share it with the public at regular intervals.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
We have a unique opportunity to shape Ventura's future, provide good jobs and create more opportunities for people who live here to work here.
About two-thirds of the people who live in Ventura do not work here. So when we rebuild this beautiful city, let’s prioritize hiring local contractors for the work. Let’s empower our own young people through Ventura College and partner with agencies like Ventura Adult and Career Education. This provides three benefits:
- Money stays in the community, and those wages go to local businesses and services.
- Workers can establish an employment foundation here in Ventura where, hopefully, they can use their experience with the road reconstruction project to establish their own homes and businesses.
- A sense of pride in our community. A person who helps literally lay the groundwork for this city is invested in its success.
Noe Aguilar Vega
Age: 32
Occupation: Business owner
Party registration: Republican
Education: Associate's degree from Ventura College
Military service: None
Political experience: None
Website: Votefornoe.com
What's your top priority and how do you intend to accomplish it?
Reducing homelessness by working to bring together all organizations located within Ventura that work to help Ventura’s homeless community for the purpose of coming up with solutions to better our efforts in reducing homelessness.
Such organizations would be those that work with mental illness, homeless housing, drug addiction and law enforcement. This effort would also include working with environmentalists to help assess the impact homelessness has on the environment.
How do you intend to attract more jobs?
Streamlining our city’s building permitting process by making it smooth and not lengthy in time for entrepreneurs looking to provide new business development opportunities. Doing so will attract entrepreneurs to want to build in our city, resulting in creating more open locations for businesses, which then creates more jobs.
Also, streamlining our city’s permitting process for business owners looking to start businesses in Ventura, with the objective of making the process smooth and not lengthy in time which will allow business owners to obtain their business permits within an appropriate time so that they can begin to run their business. Doing so will attract business owners to establish their business here in Ventura, resulting in creating jobs.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Meet the 14 Ventura City Council candidates | election
