VenturaPOP

What is Main Street Moves?

Main Street Moves (MSM) is the city’s branding term to refer to Main Street being closed off to vehicular traffic. 

When did Main Street Moves start?

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Main Street was designated a pedestrian area. This change was made to allow businesses to operate largely outdoors, allowing customers to shop and dine with less fear of viral spread.

What is a parklet?

Parklets refer to the outdoor structures built on top of the pavement that, prior to MSM, were parking spots. Property and business owners may elect to utilize this space by “renting” it from the city.

Are there rules about parklet design and aesthetics?

Yes and they can be found here. The City will likely start enforcement in the fall of 2025. 

Under what legal grounds is Main Street currently closed to car traffic?

Following an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), it was determined that Main Street is no longer necessary for vehicular traffic purposes. As a result, the city council used their legislative authority to permanently designate the street as a car-free space via the California Vehicular Code, specifically 21101(a)[1], which states:

“Local authorities, for those highways under their jurisdiction, may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution, except as provided in subdivision (f), on the following matters:

• a) Closing any highway to vehicular traffic when, in the opinion of the legislative body having jurisdiction, the highway is either of the following:
  • (1) No longer needed for vehicular traffic. 
  • (2) …”

Because (1) is true, the city is able to legally close the street to cars.

You can find the vehicular code here.

What is the Pedestrian Mall Law?

The Pedestrian Mall Law (PML) is an alternative way by which streets may be closed to vehicular traffic, creating a “pedestrian mall” out of the space. This law has been on the books since 1960 and is considered a more battle tested legal means to establish car-free streets. Under the PML, fifty percent of property owners (by owned frontage feet on the affected street) may provide written objection to override a legislative decision to utilize the PML.

VenturaPOP supports the city’s decision to utilize the vehicular code above to keep Main Street car-free. That said, we would like to see the city eventually and additionally declare the street a pedestrian mall via the PML.

Is MSM the only issue VenturaPOP is concerned with?

It’s certainly our marquee issue, and the reason we became a group to begin with! But we aim to promote people oriented development throughout Ventura, not just downtown. Have an issue we could help with? Reachout via e-mail or Instagram.