Ask the Director – Elena Brokaw
October 2006
It's the holidays, and I'd like to do something special with my family. What kinds of programs does the city support that celebrate the season and create a connection with the community?
This is a cheery time of the year, and as the holiday season approaches, the City of Ventura Community Services Department provides a great variety of opportunities for everyone to get involved in making our community a better place. You can spend your time participating in one of our numerous family events, or you can make a major difference in someone's life through our extensive volunteer program.
Discover the creative side of your community by taking part in a free family cultural event offered this holiday season. The Harvest Artwalk on Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 9 p.m. offers art exhibits, talented local bands and children's activities. As a special part of the ArtWalk, enjoy an authentic Mexican Dia del los Muertos folk festival for the while family with traditional dance, crafts and foods. For more information, go to www.venturaartwalk.org.
On Saturday, December 2nd at 7 p.m., bundle up your family and come downtown for the magical tradition of the Holiday Tree Lighting at Mission San Buenaventura. For years, crowds have gathered in anticipation of the magical moment when the tree comes to life. Pastries and hot drinks are available.
Celebrate the holidays with 50,000 of your closest friends at the 30th Annual Holiday Street Festival on Sunday, December 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring family and friends to downtown Ventura to take pleasure in a day of local craftsman and their wares, quality entertainment, delicious food, and Santa. For more information, go to www.venturastreetfair.com.
And finally, step back in time and share the magical experience of an Olivas Adobe Candlelight Tour on Sunday, December 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy costumed skits and live music at the 1847 adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas. This event is presented by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, a volunteer docent group that oversees the Olivas Adobe facility and programming.
The City of Ventura Volunteer Program offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year for individuals, families, and groups to become active participants within the Ventura community.
Do you enjoy history? The Olivas Adobe docents are always looking for other historically-minded people to join their organization and assist in taking care of one of the most valuable historical assets in our community.
Are you looking to meet new people? The Cultural Affairs Division welcomes volunteer liaisons to work with merchants, artist, vendors, and the public during its annual ArtWalks, Street Fairs, and other unique special events.
Are you interested in helping make Ventura safer? One of the largest volunteer programs is offered through the Ventura Police Department. Volunteers work at the Police station, at Police Storefronts, and go on citizen patrols through Volunteers In Policing (VIP).
Is caring for the environment important to you? Join hundreds of volunteers who continue to make our community a more beautiful and enjoyable place by adopting a beach or park or learn how to care for our street and park trees through the Community Forester Program. Opportunities are available for volunteer gardeners to maintain the rose and herb gardens at the historic Olivas Adobe.
Are you looking to add variety to your life while helping others? There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with our city's extensive senior programs. You can help serve lunch daily at the Avenue Adult Center, or be a "phone buddy" to a homebound senior.
For more information on these and additional possibilities, go to www.volunteersforventura.org or call 652-4555.
"Ask the Director" Questions:- Programs for the Holiday Season October 2006
- Creating California’s New Art City November 5, 2005
- City of Ventura Travel Programs September 6, 2005
- City Offers Youth Summer Programs July 7, 2005
- Meal Programs Offered for Area Seniors May 7, 2005
- City Golf Course Renovations Underway March 3, 2005
- City Fosters Community Efforts During December January 1, 2005
- City Uses Performance Measures to Improve Service November 6, 2004
- Meet the New Director of Community Services September 4, 2004
If you have a question you would like to ask the Community Services Director, please email: ebrokaw@ci.ventura.ca.us.