VENTURA
Ventura was founded in 1792 by Father Juan Junipero Serra, when the Spanish priest established his ninth mission in California.He dedicated the mission to Saint Bonaventure, which means “Good Fortune”.Father Serra was a man of vision and fortitude, and over the last few hundred years San Buenaventura has grown into its rightful heritage.
Ventura has been blessed by many attributes.Advantageously located between the busy metropolis of Los Angeles and the seaside community of Santa Barbara, Ventura takes the overflow of business opportunities and creates more of its own.The city enjoys the scintillating breezes of the Pacific Ocean and a lovely Mediterranean-like climate, attracting visitors and families to discover, explore, and settle into its bountiful home.Surrounded by miles of natural beauty and environmental riches, Ventura draws tourists and entrepreneurs, artists and outdoorsmen, families and friends whose design is to live, work, and raise a family.
Ventura’s economy is developing around tourism, technology, and the arts.A workforce in these sectors is growing and driving the city’s economy, while a strong commitment to education by Ventura’s residents is contributing to the growth of a diverse and skilled population.
Ventura is developing and renovating its downtown areas and residential neighborhoods, while maintaining a watchful eye on the environmental effects.The city is making good use of its beautiful waterfront area for business and tourism.The Ventura Harbor Village attracts thousands of tourists, shoppers and diners each year, and the Derby Seaside Park is a popular destination for offtrack horseracing.
LOCATION
Ventura is located right on the Pacific Ocean, on I-101 and California’s beautiful, scenic Hwy 1.Nearby Hwy 33 takes you north to Ojai; and nearby Hwy 126 runsnortheast.An hour’s drive south will find you in busy, metropolitan Los Angeles.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
Two of the three airports that serve Ventura are less than 15 miles away:Oxnard is about 6 miles in Oxnard; and Point Mugu Nas (Naval Base Ventura County) which is bout 14 miles away in Point Mugu.Santa Barbara Airport is approx. 43 miles in Santa Barbara.
Local bus transportation is available via Ventura County's VISTA bus service.
BRIEF HISTORY
Mission San Buenaventura, named for Saint Bonaventure, was the most successful and influential of the California Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra.The earthquake of 1812-1813 resulted in Mission lands being sold for secular development.Raimundo Olivas received a large estate and constructed a magnificent hacienda, now known as Olivas Adobe.This historic site along with the Old Mission is a part of California’s romantic past, and a splendid example of early California life.After the Civil War, settlers purchased property or squatted on land, and later, large holdings were settled by entrepreneurs from the East Coast.Thomas R. Bard came West to manage a large estate and has been considered the Father of Ventura because he and his descendants were instrumental in the growth and development of Ventura County.The Union Oil Company was organized with Bard as president in 1890; the main Ventura oil field was drilled in 1914 and at its peak produced 90,000 barrels a day.
For most of its history, Ventura has maintained a self-enclosed privacy and has enjoyed a more relaxed way of life.Travel to Ventura from both the south and north was extremely difficult and hazardous.Though Ventura was incorporated in 1866 it remained isolated. The building of the narrow Maricopa Highway in the1920’s opened Ventura to the north, and the completion of the Ventura Freeway from Los Angeles to Ventura - the last link finished in 1969 – opened the city to the south, and exposure to the busy Los Angeles area.In the meantime, however, the area prospered, due to the rich agricultural soils and the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers, which provided water to a sun-drenched area.The soil was perfect for the growing of citrus fruits.The local growers organized, Sunkist was born, and became the world's largest organization of citrus production.
Ventura has grown steadily ever since. In 1920 there were 4,156 people. In 1930 the population had increased to 11,603, and by 1950 the population reached 16,643. In the last two decades it has quadrupled to approximately 102,000.
ABOUT EDUCATION
The Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office oversees and coordinates various educational institutions in the County.Ventura County encompasses 21 school districts, 3 community colleges, and a four-year university. The K-12 public school population approaches an enrollment of 140,000 with diverse educational opportunities.
Ventura residents are dedicated to making the highest level of education available to their children.Cutbacks in state funding for education has resulted in the organizing of a community volunteer group, Ventura Education Partnership, to raise money for educational needs for teachers’ salaries.
There are four High Schools in Ventura, and one technology High School.One of these is Buena High School that has approx. 2000 students and serves grades 9 through 12.It boasts an excellent staff and student body, and has many progressive educational programs that contribute to its being designated a “California Distinguished School” (1999), and also a “California Digital High School.”The school encompasses teens from the interesting and diverse socio-economic and cultural environment that is Ventura.In addition to the challenge of core curriculum studies, students enthusiastically participate in over 20 clubs on campus.They have 21 highly competitive and league-winning athletic teams, and The Marching Band, Pageantry, and Drum Line consistently earn awards and trophies.
There are four Middle Schools serving grades six through eight, and 17 Elementary schools, as well as Pre-School and Adult Education programs.
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