Ask the Director – Elena Brokaw
September 3, 2005
Does the City have
a travel program?
The City of Ventura has an extensive adult and family travel program. Trips
range from a few hours for lunch to exotic international trips that span
up to two weeks.
I love to travel with my friends, however, we
don't really like to plan the trips and deal with transportation. Can
you help?
Our staff calls Senior Services Section Coordinator Bonnie Wiley the “City
travel agent” because she and a Travel Program Committee work out
all the details of planning and scheduling approximately 85 to 95 trips
per year in four categories: international, domestic, day and lunch trips.
What are some upcoming international trips?
Upcoming trips include Hong Kong (from $1899), South America, Canada, and
a Mexican Riviera cruise (from $1849).
And future domestic trips?
Upcoming trips include New England (from $1749), the Pacific Northwest,
Grand Canyon, St. George, Utah, and Laughlin (from $95).
What day trips are being offered?
Do you like to visit California sites but hate the driving? The City’s
Travel Programs day trips – they typically leave in the morning and
return the same day – take care of the transportation, most often
by a comfortable modern bus. Los Angeles museums, Los Angeles theaters,
Catalina (bus and boat), and various Santa Barbara locations are frequent
destinations. This fall quarter there are trips scheduled for Santa Anita
Racetrack ($45), Palm Springs Follies ($100), Disneyland's 50th Anniversary
($80 - ages 12 and up), and the always popular Tournament of Roses Parade
($105 - ages 9 and up).
Are there travel programs for people with limited mobility or transportation?
Local out to lunch trips (known as the “Curb to Curb” program)
are particularly popular for this reason. This is a door-to-door program,
costs $10, and the participants pay for their own meals. Upcoming lunch
trips include Suzanne's Cuisine in Ojai (October 8), Harry's Plaza Cafe
in Santa Barbara (November 12), Pamela's Teahouse in Santa Paula (December
10), and Richard's Shanghai Restaurant in Camarillo (January 14, 2006).
Please mention any ADA concerns when registering. If folks have suggestions
about other restaurants we'd love to hear from you.
Are these trips only for seniors?
Although there are some age parameters, most trips are available for adults
aged 18 and up, and there is always a few intergenerational trips per
quarter for the whole family, such as to Disneyland and the Tournament
of Roses Parade.
How can I find out more about this program?
For more information call Coordinator Bonnie Wiley at 648-2829 or bwiley@ci.ventura.ca.us who can provide you a print or email version of the tours; or check out
all offerings listed in The Guide which was mailed out to every Ventura
city address recently and available on the city’s website at www.cityofventura.net.
You can register for some tours on the website through eRecreation and
others only at the Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara St.,
by phone or walk in. Bonnie and the Travel Program Committee are always
looking for suggestions for new destinations.