Backers of five cannabis dispensaries proposed for the city of Ventura are getting a new chance to convince the public that they’re the best fit for the community.
The five were among a group of eight applicants who were not chosen for three conditionally awarded permits by former city manager Alex McIntyre during October 2022. All five appealed McIntyre’s decision. Instead of moving ahead with an appeals process, however, the Ventura City Council voted on July 24 to reach a settlement with the appellants whereby they will be allowed to compete for three additional permits. Those not selected to receive the additional permits will have to give up any chance of another appeal.
Former Interim City Manager Don Penman will make the final call by Aug. 31, following a new public input period that runs from Aug. 10 through Aug. 18. Backers of the five dispensaries were scheduled to make presentations to Penman on Aug. 9, and while they did not happen in front of a live audience, they were live streamed and recorded for later public viewing.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Miles Hogan told the Ventura County Reporter that despite changing the city’s cannabis permitting process while