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115-534: The Ventura River , in western Ventura County in southern California , United States, flows 16.2 miles (26.1 km) from its headwaters to the Pacific Ocean . The smallest of the three major rivers in Ventura County, it flows through the steeply sloped, narrow Ventura Valley, with its final 0.7 miles (1.1 km) through the broader Ventura River estuary, which extends from where it crosses under

230-473: A 101 Freeway bridge through to the Pacific Ocean. The Ventura River watershed encompasses 226 square miles (590 km) consisting of steep mountains and foothills, with altitudes ranging from 6,010 feet (1,830 m) to sea level. Valley floors are home to communities and farms. Conditions in much of the watershed remain natural and undeveloped, with 57% of its land area in protected status. Most of

345-500: A broad range of objectives to be met. Viable populations must be protected as well as the restoration and protection of their habitat . NOAA has established six objectives for the recovery of Southern California Steelhead: Meeting these objectives will have a significant impact of the future of Southern California Steelhead, and ensure successful breeding populations throughout its range. Approximately 23 million people occupy Southern California, and recovery of this species will require

460-500: A component of the more extensive Los Angeles–Long Beach, CA Combined Statistical Area , the second most populous combined statistical area and primary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. In 2019, the county faced a weak economic outlook due to the declining housing affordability and lack of job growth. Southern California Steelhead Distinct Population Segment There are many threats to

575-475: A considerable range in climate because of differences in topography between one part of the county and another. Rainfall is limited in summer and crops have to be irrigated. The average annual temperature is near 60 °F at low elevations near the ocean, in the 50s over most of the northern two-thirds of the county, and less than 45 °F in the Topatopa Mountains . The annual range in temperature

690-492: A diverse array of natural habitats, including grassland, coastal sage scrub , chaparral, oak woodlands and savannas; coniferous woodlands; riparian scrub, woodlands and wetlands; alluvial scrub; freshwater aquatic habitats; estuarine wetlands; and coastal cobble, dune and intertidal habitats. The Ventura River estuary, at the mouth of the Ventura River, is an exceptionally valuable wetland habitat and ecological resource in

805-426: A household in the county was $ 59,666, and the median income for a family was $ 65,285. Males had a median income of $ 45,310, versus $ 32,216 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 24,600. About 6.4% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those aged 65 or over. According to an updated 2005 US Census, median household income

920-539: A matter of hours. Major or moderate floods have occurred once every five years on average since 1933. The most damaging flood recorded in the Ventura River watershed occurred in 1969. The watershed above Ojai received 43 inches (1,100 mm) of rain in nine days in January. The floodwaters and associated debris flooded homes in Casitas Springs and Live Oak Acres. Much agricultural land, primarily citrus groves,

1035-722: A number of factors, including trash, algae, water diversion/pumping, eutrophic conditions, low dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, fish barriers, coliform, bacteria, mercury, and total dissolved solids. The estuary has been on the Clean Water Act 303(d) list for trash impairment for 10+ years. In 2008 the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted the Ventura River Estuary Trash Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to address

1150-481: A pre-historic contact with Polynesians . According to diachronic linguistics , certain words such as tomolo'o (canoe) could be related to Polynesian languages . The dialect of the Chumash language that was spoken in Ventura County was Ventureño . Several place names in the county has originated from Chumash, including Ojai , which means moon, and Simi Valley, which originates from the word Shimiyi and refers to

1265-533: A watershed management plan. Approved in 2015, this comprehensive plan proposed ways to improve the health and sustainability of the watershed. Camping in the Ventura River bottom, which is dry most of the year, was outlawed by the Ventura City Council in 1995 after floods killed one man and prompted the evacuation of 12 other people near the Main Street bridge. The Ventura River Parkway Trail

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1380-615: A week not uncommon in the middle and upper basins. Consequently, cycles of drought and flood are the norm: as an illustration, in the main settlement of Ojai since 1906, 67 percent of the years have had less than the mean rainfall. Many parts of the Ventura River stream network are typically dry during much of the year. Surface water readily disappears underground in some stream reaches (segments); in others, groundwater regularly feeds streamflow. The watershed's rugged topography, largely undeveloped status, and Mediterranean climate combine to make for an area of exceptional biodiversity. It supports

1495-412: Is 14.12 inches or 359 millimetres in the lower watershed, 19.20 inches or 488 millimetres in the middle watershed, and 28.74 inches or 730 millimetres in the upper watershed. However, even in the subhumid upper basin, rainfall is infrequent – falling on as few days in a year as in hot, arid Phoenix , Arizona – but when rain does fall it can be extremely heavy with totals of 20 inches or 510 millimetres in

1610-401: Is a unique species found in places not many would expect to find. They have been able to survive in extremely harsh conditions and even change life history patterns when necessary. Anthropogenic impacts are the driving cause for this species status and their decreasing numbers, but with sound planning this species has the potential to survive. It is estimated that this species will be extinct in

1725-458: Is another issue that faces successful reproduction as well as movement of Southern California Steelhead. Reservoirs and water pumping from groundwater and lakes can reduce the necessary stream flow required for all stages of the Steelheads life. Managing water use will be beneficial to these fish. There are many methods that can be employed to achieve this objective. One method would be timing

1840-618: Is another potential threat. Further research is needed to fully understand this species due to small but important variations in their life histories. Southern California Steelhead depend on rain fed streams for their survival, as well as lagoon / estuary type systems that is typical for some Southern Steelhead. Spawning cycles are not fully understood, and many fish will not return to streams for over five years, while some will return after only one year in an attempt to successfully spawn. By fully understanding these fish, management plans can be more precisely developed. Southern California Steelhead

1955-681: Is another problem that Southern California Steelhead face. Those fish that still have natal streams to return to often face degraded water quality. Steelhead eggs require clean flowing water to hatch. Sedimentation of streams from agricultural and urban runoff has the potential to smother eggs in a stream and greatly decrease the number of Steelhead surviving to return to the ocean. Urban runoff can funnel contaminants directly into streams. Runoff containing industrial or urban contaminants can directly cause fish mortality and decreased reproduction. Point and non-point pollution sources also have similar effects. Discharges can also cause thermal stress on

2070-683: Is another step that can be taken to improve habitat and successful spawning. Introduced species such as Largemouth bass, sunfish , carp and catfish have been introduced into streams and native trout and are unable to compete with these voracious predators. Non-native exotics such as these are better adapted to poor water quality and are successful in streams that Southern California Steelhead occupy, increasing pressure on native trout and Steelhead species. Organizations such as TU, in partnership with California Department of Fish and Wildlife , have begun removal and assessment of non-native fish in critical streams such as San Mateo Creek . The lack of data

2185-517: Is between 70 °F and 80 °F on the Coastal Plain and as much as 100 °F in the interior. For July, the average maximum temperature is between 70 °F and 80 °F on the Coastal Plain but exceeds 90 °F in the upper part of the Ventura- and Cuyama River Valleys. For January, the average minimum temperature is near 40 °F on the coast but in the lower 30s and upper 20s in

2300-760: Is creating the problem of not leaving the minimum level of flows for fish in streams. Man-made barriers such as dams remove water from lower sections of streams and rivers as well as restrict migration upstream. Development should be regulated near streams with plans in place for recharge of groundwater to ensure enough water to enhance survival of Steelhead during dry summer months and periods of prolonged drought. Working with local agencies and organizations such as Trout Unlimited has proved beneficial to bringing awareness to Steelhead and their preservation. Removal of invasive non-native vegetation will allow for native vegetation to better compete and provide habitat and services for degraded streams. Removal non-native fish species

2415-407: Is directly impacted by a variety of sources, such as fine sediments and chemical pollutants. Sediment pollution inputs degrade stream bed quality by filling aggregate that Southern California Steelhead need for spawning. These fine sediments can be mitigated by restoring and maintaining streamside riparian buffers, which can reduce the amount of fine sediment deposited into the water, as well as reduce

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2530-558: Is highly fragmented and unsuitable within its range. Most streams and rivers are heavily impaired by development and are located in densely populated areas but still hold habitat that has high potential to sustain the species. Connectivity of these habitats could allow the Steelhead to repopulate these areas, and would require that these streams receive adequate water. The large human population of Southern California also contributes pollutants to important streams and habitat. Water quality

2645-777: Is important to steelhead, for both returning fish as well as young fish migrating to the sea. Lowered stream flows can impede passage for fish in both directions, as fish are unable to breach sand bars that form at the mouths of rivers and streams during the summer months. Natural flows flush fine sediment and silt and provide for better spawning surfaces for the Southern California Steelhead. Higher flows also bring water to riparian areas , which rejuvenate vegetation that provides shade and habitat for spawning fish. This riparian habitat will also better regulate water temperatures. Anthropogenic structures such as dams also impede passage upstream. Water quality

2760-526: Is in greenbelts between the cities. Because of this, its private low-key location, its country feel, and its proximity to Los Angeles, the Conejo Valley area has become a very attractive place to live. Like most areas of Ventura County, it once had relatively inexpensive real estate, but prices have risen sharply. For example, real estate in Newbury Park has increased in price by more than 250% in

2875-505: Is known for its steep coastal terrain with little beach access, nearby County Line Beach in the south coast community of Solromar is part of the fabled Malibu coastline. Ventura County has plenty of other surf spots along the coast including the notable surf spot, Rincon Point , on the Santa Barbara County-line. The Channel Islands in Ventura County are Anacapa and San Nicholas Islands . Ventura County has

2990-590: Is lacking". Also on this expedition was Father Junípero Serra , who later founded a mission on this site. On March 31, 1782, the Mission San Buenaventura was founded by Father Serra. It is named after Saint Bonaventure , one of the early intellectual founders of the Franciscan order. The town that grew up around the mission was originally named San Buenaventura (and retains the name officially), it has been known as Ventura since 1891. In

3105-742: Is protected by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), the Ventura Land Trust, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Ventura County Parks, and the City of Ventura. The Ventura River Preserve, owned by the OVLC, protects 1,600 acres (650 ha) of land in and adjacent to the river, including 3 miles (4.8 km) of the river. The Ventura River Watershed Council, which includes government agencies, nonprofit groups, businesses, community groups, and individuals, prepared

3220-422: Is small, conserving water and obtaining water from additional sources outside of Ventura County are vital concerns. The climate, though mostly mild and dry, varies because of the variations in topography through for instance differences in elevation and physical geography. The Santa Clara River is the principal waterway. Lake Casitas , an artificial reservoir, is the largest body of water. The highest peaks in

3335-566: The Chumash Wilderness in the northernmost portion, adjacent to Kern County , as well as the large Sespe Wilderness and portions of both the Dick Smith Wilderness and Matilija Wilderness (both of these protected areas straddle the line with Santa Barbara County). All of the wilderness areas are within the jurisdiction of Los Padres National Forest. The coastal plain was formed by the deposition of sediments from

3450-631: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined there had been discharge to navigable waters of the United States in violation of the Clean Water Act . The EPA's site assessment found that there were numerous leaking pipelines, leaking tanks and leaking production vessels throughout the abandoned property. The site was also out of compliance with Los Angeles Water Quality Control Board's Ventura River Estuary Trash Total Maximum Daily Load. The EPA issued an order that

3565-539: The National Marine Fisheries Service student programs which recruits students to assist in issues such as this, as well as better communicating actions that can be taken at all levels of government and public organizations to better educate the public of this species and its life histories. This will allow for the public to be better informed as well as being able to provide information to government agencies on this species. Within many of

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3680-421: The Pacific Ocean . The smallest of the three major rivers in Ventura County, the Ventura River's source stream is Matilija Creek , from its confluence with North Fork Matilija Creek. Matilija Creek is Ventura River's highest volume tributary, followed by San Antonio Creek, which joins the Ventura River from the east halfway to the ocean; Coyote Creek enters the river from the west about 7 miles (11 km) from

3795-674: The Santa Clara River and from the streams of the Calleguas-Conejo drainage system. It has a mean elevation of fifty feet (15 m), but at points south of the Santa Clara River, the elevation is as much as 150 feet (46 m), and at points north of the river, as much as 300 feet (91 m). The coastal plain is generally known as the Oxnard Plain with the part that centers on Camarillo lying east of

3910-634: The U.S. 101 corridor and sent population rising in West County cities as well. The largest population growth there has been in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura. Development in the East County and along the US 101 corridor is rare today, because most of these cities, such as Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, are approaching build-out. Although the area still has plenty of open space and land, almost all of it

4025-665: The Ventura River is a narrow valley north of Ventura . Ojai Valley is connected to the Ventura River Valley by San Antonio Creek. The small Upper Ojai Valley , east of Ojai Valley and 300 to 500 feet (91 to 152 m) higher, drains to the Ventura River on the west and to Santa Paula Creek on the east. Ojai and Upper Ojai Valleys are surrounded by mountains and are rich agricultural areas. The Ventura River flows south and drains an area of 226 square miles (590 km ). Over South Mountain and Oak Ridge, south of

4140-485: The steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) in the Ventura river watershed (both above and below Matilija Dam) has shown them to be of native and not hatchery stocks. The watershed is challenged by invasive, non-native plants, such as giant reeds , ice plants and castor bean , which choke out the willows and estuary-area salt marsh which normally support the native fauna. Plans and projects have been underway since

4255-481: The  impairment and establish time schedule orders to improve water quality in this segment of the watershed. The installation of stormwater treatment devices for the Ventura Freeway crossing was included in funding from the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act . A USA Petrochem petroleum refinery, situated within the 100-year floodplain of the river, was shut down in 1985. In August 2012

4370-520: The 1790s, the Spanish Governor of California began granting land concessions to Spanish Californians who were often retiring soldiers. These concessions were known as ranchos and consisted of thousands of acres of land that were used primarily as ranch land for livestock. In Ventura County, Rancho Simi was granted in 1795 and Rancho El Conejo in 1802. Fernando Tico was granted Ojai and part of Ventura by Gov. Alvarado. In 1822, California

4485-480: The 1990s to restore natural features, flora and fauna to the river. Limited land development and large areas of protected habitat in the watershed help support surface water that is relatively clean compared with more developed areas in the region. However, all of the watershed major waterbodies are on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies. Surface waters are impaired for

4600-554: The Buenaventura watershed—flank the Ventura River watershed's lower section and are dependent on its water. Water from the Ventura River watershed is used to irrigate avocado orchards in the North Ventura Coastal Streams watershed and serves a significant population within the City of Ventura. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper filed a lawsuit in 2014 alleging the city of Ventura was taking too much water from

4715-569: The Church to a secular administrator. The natives who had been working at the mission gradually left to work on the ranchos. By 1839, only 300 Indians were left at the Mission and it slipped into neglect. Several outhouses dating back to the 1800s were discovered in July 2007, at a site that had been cleared to prepare for development. The area proved to be a treasure trove for archaeologists who braved

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4830-528: The City of Ojai. The 15.8-mile trail (25.4 km), with the steady grade of the former Southern Pacific Railway right-of-way, is very popular with bicyclists, as well as walkers and horseback riders (on the Ojai Valley Trail segment). As of 2015, the vision of a "Ventura River Parkway," a network of trails, vista points, and natural areas along the river, is being actively pursued by a coalition of stakeholders. State Route 33 also roughly parallels

4945-636: The Conejo Grade. Geographically East County is the end of the Santa Monica Mountains , in which the Conejo Valley is located, and where there is a considerable increase in elevation. Communities which are considered to be in the East County are Thousand Oaks , Newbury Park , Lake Sherwood , Hidden Valley , Santa Rosa Valley, part of Westlake Village, Oak Park , Moorpark, and Simi Valley. A majority of these communities are in

5060-476: The Conejo Valley. West County, which is everything west of the Conejo Grade, consists of communities such as Camarillo , Oxnard, Somis, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. West County consists of some of the first developed cities in the county. The largest beach communities are located in West County on the coastline of the Channel Islands Harbor. Starting in

5175-703: The Las Posas-Simi area from the Santa Rosa Valley and Tierra Rejada Valley. The intermountain valley of the Santa Clara River is the most prominent valley in the county and trends east–southwest. The Santa Clara River drains an area of 1,605 square miles (4,160 km ) and flows from its headwaters in Los Angeles to where it empties into the Pacific. Its principal tributaries are Piru Creek , Santa Paula Creek, and Sespe Creek . The valley of

5290-456: The Matilija reservoir was significantly reduced by siltation from the flood. Unlike almost all of its neighbors in southern California, Ventura River watershed is 100% dependent on local water supplies. Lake Casitas serves as the major surface water supply reservoir in the watershed and groundwater is heavily relied upon. On average, surface water comprises about 55% of the water recovered from

5405-580: The Mission. Fremont and the Battalion continued south to sign the Treaty of Cahuenga with General Andrés Pico . The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo formally transferred California to the United States in 1848. By 1849, a constitution had been adopted for the California territory. The new Legislature met and divided the pending state into 27 counties. At the time, the area that would become Ventura County

5520-806: The Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the Greater Los Angeles area (Los Angeles–Long Beach, CA Combined Statistical Area). It is also considered the southernmost county along the California Central Coast . Two of the Channel Islands are part of the county: Anacapa Island , which is the most visited island in Channel Islands National Park , and San Nicolas Island . Ventura County

5635-409: The Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area. The United States Census Bureau ranked the Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area as the 66th most populous metropolitan statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. The Office of Management and Budget has further designated the Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area as

5750-423: The Pacific Ocean. These problems can be alleviated in many ways, but not all are feasible. Dam modification is a route that can be taken, in which fish ladders or diversions are provided to allow Steelhead to reach breeding areas, as well as other operations such as “trap and truck”, where Steelhead are collected and moved above barriers. Dam removal is also another option, although not always feasible. Stream flow

5865-622: The Revelon Slough is called Pleasant Valley. Most of the arable land in the county is found on the coastal plain. Small coastal mountains rim Ventura County on its landward side. They range in elevation from 50 feet (15 m) along the coast south of the coastal plain, to about 3,100 feet (940 m) in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Santa Ynez Mountains, the Topatopa Mountains , and the Piru Mountains make up

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5980-657: The Santa Clara River, are Las Posas Valley and Simi Valley. Las Posas Valley extends eastward from the Oxnard Plain almost to Simi Valley, which is in the east end of Ventura County. The city of Simi Valley is bounded on the east by the Santa Susana Mountains and on the south by the Simi Hills. To the south, over the Camarillo- and Las Posas Hills, are Santa Rosa- and Tierra Rejada Valleys, which extend from Camarillo eastward for ten miles (16 km). In

6095-592: The Santa Clarita Valley killing as many as 600 people, destroying 1,240 homes and flooding 7,900 acres (32 km ) of land, devastating farm fields and orchards. This was the single largest disaster to strike Ventura County and the second largest, in terms of lives lost, in the state. Ventura County can be separated into two major parts, East County and West County, which are divided by the Conejo Grade . East County consists of all cities east of

6210-413: The Southern California Steelhead to re-integrate into habitats modified by humans. The most viable method will be to focus on larger watersheds with larger populations of Southern California Steelhead. Education of the public will be a key effort to recovery of this species. Public education as well as state and federal governments will need to be educated on its life history and role this species plays in

6325-472: The Ventura River. Casitas Municipal Water District sells water to both domestic and agricultural customers. The Matilija Creek, source stream and main tributary of the Ventura River, is controlled by the Matilija Dam . Completed in 1948, it was built to store 7,000 acre-feet (8,600,000 m) of water, but sediment has reduced its capacity by 90%. The Matilija Dam was built by Ventura County, against

6440-681: The advice of the United States Army Corps of Engineers , who pointed out that the characteristics of waterways in the region would lead to sediment buildup, rendering the dam ineffective and dangerous. A major project underway to remove the Matilija Dam, in part to return access to the steelhead to spawning habitat while also enhancing the overall watershed. Since 1998, efforts to remove the dam have received regulatory approvals but little funding, with one ceremonial section last removed in 2001. The river bottom and adjacent land

6555-425: The amount of chemical pollutants entering the stream. Native fish hatcheries can also have good outcomes for the Southern California Steelhead. By collecting adults and rearing the young in hatcheries, it is possible to safeguard the species from extinction. Anthropogenic degradation and natural events in the Steelheads range can pose serious problems this species. Wildfires that Southern California experiences on

6670-449: The annual total is more than thirty-three inches. The drier parts of the county get less than five inches of rain annually, and the higher and wetter parts get more than 60 inches annually. Measureable amounts of rainfall in Ventura County are reported on thirty to thirty-five days annually, and half an inch or more on six to twelve days annually. In the northern parts of Ventura County, snowfall averages five inches or more per year, and along

6785-481: The area that would become Ventura County. Active occupation of California by Spain began in 1769. Gaspar de Portolà led a military expedition by land from San Diego to Monterey , passing through Ventura County in August of that year. A priest with the expedition, Father Juan Crespí , kept a journal of the trip and noted that the area was ideal for a mission to be established and it was a "good site to which nothing

6900-504: The census of 2000, there were 753,197 people, 243,234 households, and 182,911 families living in the county. The population density was 408 inhabitants per square mile (158/km ). There were 251,712 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile (53/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 69.9% White , 5.4% Asian , 2.0% Black or African American , 0.9% Native American , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 17.7% from other races , and 3.9% from two or more races. About one third (33.4%) of

7015-425: The city remains officially known as San Buenaventura, it is more commonly referred to as Ventura. The rail line to Northern California originally went through Saugus , Fillmore and Santa Paula, providing a boom to those communities along the line. In 1905, Tunnel #26 was completed between Chatsworth and Corriganville near Simi Valley, shortening the rail route. At a length of 7,369 feet (2,246 m), Tunnel #26

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7130-480: The completion of Casitas Dam , which forms Casitas Reservoir . The dam is on Coyote Creek about 2 miles upstream of the junction with the Ventura River. The Robles Diversion Dam was constructed on the Ventura River in 1958 to divert up to 107,800 acre-feet of water per year through a four-and-a-half mile canal to Casitas Reservoir. About 40% of the total water in Lake Casitas is supplied from high winter flows in

7245-403: The county government is responsible for housing goals in unincorporated areas. Several affordable housing groups that are actively working on building housing for veterans and low income people have long waiting lists. Farmworker housing also has waiting lists though designated units continue to be built. The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Ventura County as

7360-537: The county include Mount Pinos (8,831 ft; 2,692 m), Frazier Mountain (8,017 ft; 2,444 m), and Reyes Peak (7,525 ft; 2,294 m) in the Transverse Ranges . The uplands are well-timbered with coniferous forests , and receive plentiful snow in the winter. Mount Pinos is sacred to the Chumash Indians. It is known to them as Iwihinmu, and was considered to be the center of

7475-497: The county's total area is made up of national forest. Of the land outside of national forest land, approximately 59 percent is agricultural and 17.5 percent urban. North of Highway 126, the county is mountainous and mostly uninhabited, and contains some of the most unspoiled, rugged and inaccessible wilderness remaining in southern California. Most of this land is in the Los Padres National Forest , and includes

7590-670: The county, including the Burro Flats Painted Cave in Simi Valley. The plank canoe, called a tomol in Chumash , was important to their way of life. Canoe launching points on the mainland for trade with the Chumash of the Channel Islands were located at the mouth of the Ventura River , Mugu Lagoon and Point Hueneme. This has led to speculations among archeologists of whether the Chumash could have had

7705-420: The dominant land use, with irrigated citrus and avocados as the primary crops while a significant area of land is used for cattle grazing. The populated area includes two cities and a number of unincorporated communities. The smaller of the two cities, Ojai , lies entirely within the watershed, 13-mile inland (21 km) at an elevation of 746 feet (227 m). Only 13% of the larger city of Ventura lies within

7820-464: The drawdown or recharge of groundwater during spawning season, which can allow a higher base flow for passage of adults and juveniles. Reducing the number of dams and diversion of water can also have positive effects on stream flows, and, by releasing more water from behind dams during times of upstream and downstream migration can improve the numbers of fish reaching spawning areas. Much of the potential freshwater habitat for Southern California Steelhead

7935-506: The fire caused over $ 2.176 billion (2018 USD) in damages, including more than $ 204.5 million in suppression costs, becoming the seventh-most destructive wildfire in state history. The agriculture industry suffered at least $ 171 million in losses due to the Thomas Fire. Southern California Edison paid the county over $ 11 million in claims related to damages and costs since its equipment was likely associated with one ignition point of

8050-419: The fire near Santa Paula. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 2,208 square miles (5,720 km ), of which 1,843 square miles (4,770 km ) is land and 365 square miles (950 km ) (16.5%) is water. Parts of the county are on the Oxnard Plain which includes the cities of Oxnard , Camarillo , Port Hueneme and much of Ventura . Other cities and communities lie in

8165-488: The first high school opening in 1890. Other towns were being established in the county. A plan for Hueneme (later Port Hueneme) was recorded in 1874, and Santa Paula 's plan was recorded in 1875. Along the banks of the Santa Clara River, the township of New Jerusalem (which would eventually be named El Rio ) was founded in 1875 by the owner of general store named Simon Cohen who became its first postmaster and banker in 1882. The community of Nordhoff (later renamed Ojai )

8280-598: The fish, or can increase favorable habitat for non-native exotic species, such as Largemouth bass , carp and catfish , all of which will prey on juvenile Steelhead and eggs. O. mykiss is used as an indicator species for water quality problems; therefore can be used to indicate problems in water quality. There are many ways to preserve important steelhead habitat. Like all steelhead, Southern California steelhead require cool, clean water and appropriate aggregate for spawning. Water management will allow for low flow streams to provide adequate water for juveniles. Water removal

8395-575: The hills north of Ventura, was producing 90,000 barrels (14,000 m ) of oil a day, with annual production of over 1.5   million barrels. More oil fields came online in the 1920s and 1930s, with the Rincon field , the second largest, in 1927, and the adjacent San Miguelito in 1931. In the early hours of the morning of March 12–13, 1928, the St. Francis Dam collapsed, sending nearly 12,500 million U.S. gallons (47 gigaliters) of water rushing through

8510-677: The hills south of Santa Rosa Valley is the broad Conejo Valley. Santa Rosa Valley, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and Tierra Rejada Valley are drained by Calleguas Creek and its principal tributary, Conejo Creek. These creeks originate in the Santa Susana and Santa Monica Mountains . The county's diverse 43-mile (69 km) coastline features a variety of terrain. There are many State beaches: Emma Wood , San Buenaventura , McGrath , and Mandalay State Beach . Other beaches include Channel Islands Beach , Solimar Beach , Oxnard Beach Park , and Silver Strand Beach . While Point Mugu State Park

8625-538: The intermountain valleys of the Transverse Range. The Santa Clara River Valley is the most prominent valley, while other valleys include Conejo Valley , Simi Valley , Santa Rosa Valley , Tierra Rejada Valley and Las Posas Valley. Other parts of the county are on small coastal mountains, such as the Santa Ynez Mountains , Simi Hills , Santa Monica Mountains and the Piru Mountains. Most of

8740-612: The last 10 years. The Thomas Fire was a massive wildfire that affected Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and one of multiple wildfires that ignited in Southern California in December 2017. It burned approximately 281,893 acres (440 sq mi; 114,078 ha), becoming the largest wildfire in modern California history , before it was fully contained on January 12, 2018. The Thomas Fire destroyed at least 1,063 structures, while damaging 280 others; and

8855-617: The lingering smell in the dirt to uncover artifacts that showed heavy utilization by mission inhabitants, Indians, early settlers and Spanish and Mexican soldiers. The Mexican–American War began in 1846 but its effect was not felt in Ventura County until 1847. In January of that year, Captain John C. Frémont led the California Battalion into San Buenaventura to find that the Europeans had fled, leaving only Native Americans in

8970-703: The mid-20th century, there was a large growth in population in the East County, moving from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles and out into the Conejo and Simi Valleys. Part of the Conejo Valley is situated in Los Angeles County . This part consists of Calabasas , Hidden Hills , Agoura Hills , Agoura , and Westlake Village . The other half of the Conejo Valley, which belongs to Ventura County, consists of Lake Sherwood , Hidden Valley , Oak Park , Thousand Oaks , and Newbury Park , which

9085-529: The mission. The number of cattle owned by the mission dropped from first to fifteenth ranking in the California Missions. The missions were secularized by the Mexican government in 1834 . The Mexican governors began granting land rights to Mexican Californians, often retiring soldiers. By 1846, there were 19 rancho grants in Ventura County. In 1836, Mission San Buenaventura was transferred from

9200-413: The next fifty years without immediate action, but what actions that must be taken is dependent on involvement of both state and local governments as well as the community. Due to human impacts throughout its range, viable populations of Southern California steelhead have been greatly reduced, and recovery will be dependent on ensuring the success of these viable populations. Recovery will take place in

9315-689: The northern border and Mount Pinos, more than twenty inches. Automobile emissions account for most of the air pollution . Other sources include chemical plants , gasoline stations , paint and cleaning products . Rivers in Ventura County include: The 2010 United States Census reported that Ventura County had a population of 823,318. The racial makeup of Ventura County was 565,804 (68.7%) White , 15,163 (1.8%) African American , 8,068 (1.0%) Native American , 55,446 (6.7%) Asian , 1,643 (0.2%) Pacific Islander , 140,253 (17.0%) from other races , and 36,941 (4.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 331,567 persons (40.3%). As of

9430-596: The northern boundary of the coastal plain, the Santa Susana Mountains are alongside the eastern boundary of the county, and the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains are along the southern border with Los Angeles County . South Mountain and Oak Ridge are low and long mountains that separate Santa Clara Valley from the Las Posas Valley and Simi Valley . The Camarillo Hills and the Las Posas Hills extend from Camarillo to Simi Valley and separate

9545-481: The northern parts of Ventura County. No temperature data are available for the highest point in the county, Mount Pinos . The length of the growing season ranges more than 300 days near the coast to less than 175 days in the coldest part in northern Ventura County. In both the northern and southern ends of the county, the annual precipitation totals between ten and fifteen inches. In the Topatopa Mountains,

9660-406: The petroleum products under Ventura County but none were financially successful, and the oil speculators eventually changed from oil to land development. In 1913, oil exploration began in earnest, with Ralph Lloyd obtaining the financial support of veteran oil man Joseph B. Dabney. Their first well, named "Lloyd No. 1", was started on January 20, 1914. The well struck oil at 2,558 feet (780 m) but

9775-495: The physically largest watersheds in Southern California such as the Ventura River, as well those watersheds, which may not be as large, that hold breeding populations such as San Mateo Creek. These populations will be the focus of recovery efforts, and by directing resources to these Steelhead, the entire Southern California DPS will better preserved as a whole. Recovery of Southern California Steelhead will require

9890-537: The population is Hispanic or Latino of any race. 9.8% were of German, 7.7% English and 7.1% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000 . 67.1% spoke English, 26.2% Spanish and 1.5% Tagalog as their first language. There were 243,234 households, of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who

10005-543: The population of Ventura County lives in the southern portion of the county. The major population centers are the Oxnard Plain and the Simi and Conejo Valleys. In local media, the county is usually split between the eastern portion, generally associated with the San Fernando Valley , and the western portion, often referred to as “Oxnard-Ventura". To the east is Los Angeles County . Because the total amount of precipitation

10120-407: The public with access to nature and nature-based recreation opportunities. Ventura County Ventura County ( / v ɛ n ˈ t ʊər ə / ) is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of California . As of the 2020 census , the population was 843,843. The largest city is Oxnard , and the county seat is the city of Ventura . Ventura County comprises

10235-455: The river mouth and Cañada Larga Creek from the east a few miles downstream. Much of the Ventura River's route is contained by the steeply sloped sides of the narrow Ventura Valley, with its final 0.7 miles (1.1 km) through the broader Ventura River estuary, which extends from where it crosses under a 101 Freeway bridge through to the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall varies geographically, seasonally, and from year to year. Median annual precipitation

10350-538: The river through the Ventura River Valley. A portion of SR 33, north of the SR 150 , is officially designated as a state scenic highway , and the entire Ventura River Valley section is eligible for the designation. The watershed is a recreation destination for hikers, walkers, bikers, surfers, campers, fishermen, boaters, backpackers, equestrians, and birders, as well as artists, spiritual seekers, and students of natural history. Many local organizations are committed to providing

10465-516: The river, hurting habitat for steelhead trout and other wildlife. The city filed a cross-complaint in response to bring in other users of the river, including the Casitas Municipal Water District. Mediation talks began among major users of the Ventura River. The Ojai Valley Sanitary District collection system operates within the watershed. The flow of the Ventura River and its tributary Coyote Creek have been reduced by

10580-626: The site must be cleaned up or daily fines would be sought from the owner. In 2015, the site owner agreed to remove all machinery and equipment, which would complete the cleanup of the plant. Rainfall in the Matilija Wilderness , the river's headwaters, is the highest in Ventura County, with average annual rainfall that is over twice that of rainfall at the coast. The steep terrain of the Ventura River watershed, coupled with intense downpours that can occur in its upper portions, result in flash flood conditions where floodwaters rise and fall in

10695-413: The stringy, thread-like clouds that typify the region. Others include Point Mugu from the word Muwu (meaning "beach"), Saticoy from the word Sa'aqtiko'y (meaning "sheltered for the wind"), and Sespe Creek from the word S'eqp'e (meaning "kneecap"). In October 1542, the expedition led by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo anchored in an inlet near Point Mugu ; its members were the first Europeans to arrive in

10810-603: The survival of the Southern California Steelhead DPS. Principal threats include, but are not limited to, alteration of stream flow patterns and habitat degradation , barriers to fish passages, channel alterations, water quality problems, non-native exotic fish and plants and climate change . These threats pose a serious challenge to the persistence of Southern California Steelhead, and most threats are increasing in magnitude as human population grows in Southern California . Adequate stream flow

10925-471: The town of San Buenaventura was incorporated, becoming the first officially recognized town in what would become Ventura County. On January 1, 1873, Ventura County was officially split from Santa Barbara County, bringing a flurry of change. That same year, a courthouse and wharf were built in San Buenaventura. A bank was opened and the first public library was created. The school system grew, with

11040-407: The train stop. That community, now bearing the name of the factory shortened to the one word train stop Oxnard, has become the largest city in Ventura County. Oil has been known in Ventura County since before the arrival of the Europeans, as the native Chumash people used tar from natural seeps as a sealant and waterproofing for baskets and canoes. In the 1860s, several attempts were made to harvest

11155-538: The universe; being the highest peak in the vicinity, it has unimpeded views in three directions. The USDA Economic Research Service rated Ventura County the most desirable county to live in the 48 contiguous states, using six metrics of climate ("mild, sunny winters, temperate summers, low humidity"), topographic variation, and access to water, "that reflect environmental qualities most people prefer." There are 555,953 acres (224,986 ha) outside of national forest land in Ventura County, which means that 53 percent of

11270-408: The watershed and groundwater comprises about 45%. Cycles of drought and flooding occur regularly. Annual rainfall in downtown Ojai has ranged from a low of seven inches to a high of 49 inches—a sevenfold variation. Because the annual amount of rainfall received is highly variable, water supplies must be managed with caution. Two small coastal watersheds—the North Ventura Coastal Streams watershed and

11385-514: The watershed's primary streams and drainages are unchannelized, though the natural hydrologic patterns have been modified by two dams (the Casitas and Matilija) and three levees (the Ventura River, Casitas Springs, and Live Oak). Developed land (excluding grazing) comprises only about 13% of the total land area in the watershed. The northern half of the watershed lies within Los Padres National Forest . The watershed's southern half has agriculture as

11500-542: The watershed, adjacent to the coast on the lower stretch of the Ventura River. The population of the watershed is relatively small and the rate of growth low. The population is approximately 44,140, which represents just 5.4% of Ventura County's population (as of 2010 Census). The population is 58% white, 37% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 3% other races. Income varies widely, and several areas qualify as disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities. The river flows 16.2 miles (26.1 km) from its headwaters through to

11615-635: The watershed. The watershed is home to numerous protected species and habitats, including 137 plants and animals protected at either the federal, state, or local level. The federally endangered southern California steelhead (listed in 1997) is of particular importance, given the watershed's often dry and always variable climate. The steelhead found in the Ventura River are part of the Southern California Steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS) were listed as federally endangered . Genetic analysis of

11730-586: The watersheds of California. Educating public landowners about best practices and methods to minimize their adverse effects on streams and rivers also will be important. State and local governments in planning and policy areas will also need to be educated in appropriate planning, such as preserving migration corridors and minimizing development along critical stream habitats. These actions can have positive effects on recovery of not only Southern California Steelhead, but on watersheds and habitat that many other species share as well. Coordination between agencies, such as

11845-421: The watersheds where Southern California Steelhead currently occupy as well as those that were historically occupied are barriers to passage to critical spawning habitats. These barriers consist of dams and the reduction of water flow from storage and withdrawal, which in itself lowers base flow and impedes Southern California Steelhead from reaching spawning habitat as well as impedes juvenile Steelhead from reaching

11960-404: The way for development westward. The communities that have seen the most substantial development are Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Newbury Park. The neighboring East County area of Simi Valley saw its already considerable population of nearly 60,000 inhabitants in 1970 grow to over 100,000 over the following two decades. Development moved farther down

12075-520: Was $ 66,859, while the mean was $ 85,032. Per capita income was up to $ 29,634, making it the 6th wealthiest county in California. Ventura County typically has limited housing inventory, making it a consistently expensive location in Southern California, where it is usually the third-most-expensive county behind Orange and Los Angeles counties. As of March 2018 , the county was not on track to meet its state-mandated housing goals. Individual cities are responsible for meeting their assigned housing goals, while

12190-448: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 3.46. In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males. The median income for

12305-531: Was built on an abandoned railroad spur (CA_VEN-1109H) that was constructed by the Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad in 1898 and acquired by Southern Pacific in 1899. The rail trail , that runs along the easterly bank of the river, was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2014. The "Ventura River Trail" part of the trail (completed in 1999) extends from the coast to Foster Park, and the "Ojai Valley Trail" part (completed in 1987) extends from Foster Park into

12420-587: Was destroyed when it went wild. Other wells met a similar fate, until 1916, when a deal was struck with the Shell Oil Company . 1916 was the year that the large South Mountain Oil Field was discovered; other deals followed with General Petroleum in 1917 and Associated Oil Company in 1920. At its peak, the largest oil field in the county, the Ventura Avenue oilfield , discovered in 1919 in

12535-480: Was formerly an unincorporated area that is now the most westerly part of Thousand Oaks. Many working-class people migrated to this area during the 1960s and 1970s out of East and Central Los Angeles . As a result, there was a large growth in population into the Conejo Valley and into Ventura County through the U.S. Route 101 corridor. Making the U.S. 101 a full freeway in the 1960s, and the expansions that followed, helped make commuting to Los Angeles easier and opened

12650-625: Was historically inhabited by the Chumash people , who also settled much of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, with their presence dating back 10,000–12,000 years. The Chumash were hunter-gatherers , fishermen, and also traders with the Mojave , Yokuts , and Tongva Indians. The Chumash are also known for their rock paintings and for their great basketry. Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks has several reconstructed Chumash houses ('apa) and there are several Chumash pictographs in

12765-624: Was notified of Mexico's independence from Spain and the Governor of California , the Junta, the military in Monterey and the priests and neophytes at Mission San Buenaventura swore allegiance to Mexico on April 11, 1822. California land that had been vested in the King of Spain was now owned by the nation of Mexico. By the 1830s, Mission San Buenaventura was in a decline with fewer neophytes joining

12880-417: Was seriously damaged or destroyed. All over Ventura County, transportation facilities, including roads, bridges, and railroad tracks, were damaged. The wastewater treatment plant below Foster Park was severely damaged and dumped raw sewage into the Ventura River. In addition, sewer trunk lines were broken along the Ventura River and San Antonio Creek. Untreated sewage polluted the river and beach. The capacity of

12995-454: Was started in 1874. Bardsdale , Fillmore , Piru , and Montalvo were established in 1887. 1892 saw Simi (later Simi Valley), Somis , Saticoy , and Moorpark . Oxnard was a latecomer, not being established until 1898. The Southern Pacific Railroad laid tracks through San Buenaventura in 1887. For convenience in printing their timetables, Southern Pacific shortened San Buenaventura to Ventura. The Post Office soon followed suit. While

13110-507: Was the longest tunnel ever constructed in its day. This tunnel joined to the railroad spur coming the other direction from Montalvo through Camarillo, Moorpark and Simi Valley, making the contemporary main line used today. One stop along the way, at a 90-degree turn, was at a sugar beet processing factory. The factory bore the name of its absentee owners, the Oxnard Brothers. A small community of farm and factory workers grew near

13225-416: Was the southern part of Santa Barbara County . The 1860s brought many changes to the area. A drought caused many of the ranchos to experience financial difficulties and most were divided, sub-divided and sold. Large sections of land were bought by eastern capitalists based on favorable reports of petroleum deposits. A United States Post Office was opened at Mission San Buenaventura in 1861. On April 1, 1866,

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