By El Latino Newsroom
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The Ventura City Council appointed Dr. Jeanette Sanchez-Palacios as Mayor and Doug Halter as Deputy Mayor during its regular meeting on Dec. 17, and both will serve two-year terms, as outlined in the City of Ventura’s charter
The Ventura City Council has appointed Dr. Jeanette Sanchez-Palacios, Deputy Mayor and District 4 Councilmember, as the city’s new Mayor, and Doug Halter, District 3 Councilmember, as the new Deputy Mayor.
The appointments were made during the Council’s regular meeting on Dec. 17, 2024. Both will serve two-year terms in their respective roles, as outlined in the City of Ventura’s Charter.
Dr. Sanchez-Palacios, who joined the Council in 2021 and was elected to a full four-year term in 2022, brings a wealth of experience in public service and education. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from California Lutheran University, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies from UCLA.
“As your Mayor, I will bring energy, passion, and thoughtful leadership to help our city meet its challenges and seize its opportunities,” Sanchez-Palacios said. “Together with the Council, we will build on the strength that comes from our unity. I am committed to leading with that strength every step of the way.”
Her career includes serving in the County of Ventura’s Chief Executive Office and as District Director for the California State Assembly. Sanchez-Palacios has partnered with organizations such as the Turning Point Foundation, Ventura Education Partnerships, and the Police Activities League, and has led as President of the Ventura Women’s Political Council.
Doug Halter, the newly appointed Deputy Mayor, has been a member of the City Council since his election to represent District 3. He is recognized for his contributions to Ventura’s growth and sustainability efforts.
The Council also welcomed two new members: Ryyn Schumacher, representing District 3, and Alex Mangone, representing District 7. Both will serve four-year terms through December 2028.
NEW POLICE CHIEF IN VENTURA
The Ventura City Council has appointed Tony Lee as Interim Police Chief, effective December 28, following a unanimous decision finalized on December 17.
Lee, a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience, will serve in the role until a permanent chief is hired.
Lee’s extensive career includes six years as Chief of Police at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he led the largest of the 10 University of California Police Departments.
His leadership supported a daytime campus population of over 100,000 and a community of nearly 50,000 students, faculty, and staff.
“Tony’s leadership at UCLA demonstrates his exceptional ability to manage complex operations while fostering community trust,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios.
Before his tenure at UCLA, Lee spent 26 years with the Beverly Hills Police Department, where he rose to the position of second in command, led Field Services, Investigations, and Administrative Services and frequently served as Acting Chief of Police.
Lee also commanded the Intelligence Unit and managed high-profile events including the Golden Globes, Los Angeles Marathon, and Vanity Fair parties.
City Manager and former Ventura County’s Sheriff emphasized, Bill Ayub, the value of Lee’s experience.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Tony’s caliber and dedication to public service His extensive law enforcement experience and proven leadership will ensure our Police Department continues delivering exceptional service to the Ventura community,” Ayub said.
Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University and a master’s degree in public administration.
He has completed executive training at the FBI National Academy, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Point Leadership Program.
As Interim Chief, Lee will oversee the Ventura Police Department, which includes over 250 sworn officers, staff, and volunteers.
The department manages Patrol Operations, a Task Force for homeless outreach, the K9 and Traffic Units, Dispatch, Investigations, Crime Analysis, School Resource Officers, Records, and Training.
VENTURA C. NAMES NEW HEALTH OFFICER
Dr. Uldine Castel has been named Ventura County’s new Health Officer, following an extensive recruitment process that considered internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin, who retired in June after years of service to the county.
“Since assuming the interim role, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care makes her the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health challenges,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Kelly Long.
Dr. Castel brings over 15 years of experience with Ventura County Public Health, where she has served as Tuberculosis Controller. In this role, she directed countywide TB care, managed contact investigations, and upheld high standards of patient care.
She also established a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic for underserved populations and a Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Clinic for HIV prevention.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the health and well-being of Ventura County residents,” Castel said.
“I look forward to being part of the continued success of Ventura County’s health initiatives and system of care.”
Beyond public health administration, Castel’s career includes roles as a Family Physician and Chief Medical Officer at Primary Medical Group, where she led quality control initiatives, created evidence-based care standards, and provided comprehensive services to patients of all ages.
She also serves as a faculty member at the Ventura County Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program, mentoring residents in preventive medicine, prenatal care, and chronic disease management.
As Health Officer, Castel will oversee critical programs and initiatives to address existing and emerging public health issues in Ventura County, ensuring the community’s health and resilience for years to come.
VC VOIDS FEES FOR VICTIMS OF FIRE
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a series of fee waivers designed to ease the financial burden on property owners rebuilding after the recent Mountain Fire.
The initiative, which targets nearly 200 damaged properties, is projected to save property owners an estimated $20,000 per dwelling, with a total countywide impact of up to $4.91 million.
County officials stated the waivers apply to a wide range of construction-related fees, including building permits, wastewater treatment systems, grading, floodplain management, and landscape plan reviews for defensible space.
Administrative fees, such as those for expedited plan reviews and code enforcement cases, will also be waived.
“These fee waivers will deliver crucial financial relief to residents affected by the Mountain Fire, enabling them to focus on rebuilding and recovery without the added financial strain,” said 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
“By eliminating these costs, we aim to accelerate the path to stability for impacted individuals and families, showing our unwavering commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time.”
The waivers are particularly significant for property owners who may be underinsured or facing steep rebuilding costs.
The Board of Supervisors emphasized that this measure is part of a broader effort to help the community recover quickly and efficiently.
“The Mountain Fire has had a profound impact on the residents of my district, and my priority is ensuring that residents receive the support they need to rebuild and recover,” said 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell.
“Waiving permit fees and streamlining the rebuilding process are critical steps to help families return home as quickly and smoothly as possible. This is just the beginning. I am committed to standing with our community throughout this journey.”
In addition to the fee waivers, the county is working to expedite the permitting process to further assist property owners.
These efforts include improved coordination among county agencies, establishing clear communication channels, and providing a single point of contact for residents navigating the recovery process.
By streamlining these procedures, the county hopes to minimize delays and ensure residents can return to safe, secure living conditions as soon as possible.
The Board of Supervisors’ actions reflect a commitment to helping affected residents recover and rebuild with fewer financial and logistical barriers.
The fee waivers are expected to play a key role in facilitating the recovery process for the hundreds of families impacted by the fire.
