Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub spoke at our meeting January 15, 2025, and discussed water initiatives, partnerships with community organizations, and city services.
We kicked off our 2025 luncheon meetings on January 8 with a presentation by Ventura Police Department Assistant Chief David Dickey. He discussed the department's many community initiatives. 
On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, the Rotary Club of Ventura served hundreds of Ventura families at Arise Ventura and Kellogg Park. Children received free coats and shoes, toys, and a photo opportunity with Santa. Families received free eye exams and glasses, a hot meal and cookies, food boxes, and free bibles. We were proud to work with our community partners: Arise Ventura, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, Coats For Kids, SoCalGas, California Highway Patrol, S.P.A.R.K. of Love, Gideons International, and the City of Ventura.
Club members enjoyed a Holiday Lights Cruise of the Ventura Harbor on Island Packers.
Members of our Interact club at Pacific High School, supported by Principal Mr. Gibbs and Advisor Ms. Borer, presented at our meeting December 4, 2024. Pacific provides a supportive environment for students to recover academic credits to graduate. These remarkable students discussed the services they provide to youth and seniors in the community and to address our city's homelessness, and shared their goals for the next stages of their lives.
We met for a delicious lunch at Cafe Amri on Nov. 13, 2024, followed by a fascinating presentation and tour of the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
We honored our nation's veterans at our meeting November 6, 2024. Navy Lt. Commander Gopi J. Nadella and representatives from the Rein in Hope program discussed the challenges and opportunities for those who have served our country.
We were treated to an upbeat and inspiring presentation by author and speaker Art Mortell at our meeting October 30, 2024. Mr. Mortell helped us identify the negative addictions we use to deal with stress, and how to replace them with positive activities.
Club members and guests walked the evening of October 16, 2024, as a fundraiser to support Rotary International's efforts to finally eradicate polio from the earth. The walk was followed by socializing, appetizers, and live music at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
New club members met with more established members for a delicious breakfast at Cafe Nouveau on October 11, 2024, and heard short presentations on Youth Services & upcoming club projects & volunteer opportunities. Are you not a member but interested in learning more about the club or attending a meeting to see what we're about? Click on Contact Us at the top of this homepage!
We got to know better two club members, Betsy Chess and Clyde Reynolds, as they shared their lives and experiences with us at our meeting October 9, 2024. They are two reasons we are The Friendliest Club in Rotary!
Club members met with students of the Pacific High School Interact Club on September 23, 2024, and had great conversations about leadership, service and communication while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
Our club's Youth Service Director, Ken Leandro, shared his career journey with the Ventura High School ASSETS program (After School Student Education Teamwork for Success).
Lance Orozco, News Director for NPR radio station KCLU, discussed The Changing Media at our meeting October 2, 2024. In an era where fewer people rely on traditional broadcast and print media for their news, and unverified rumors spread online and on apps, the role of responsible professional journalism is more important than ever.
The Rotary Club of Ventura
STRATEGIC MISSION STATEMENT
Why We Exist: We believe in the power of community and the profound impact of service above self. Our purpose is to bring like-minded individuals together, and through trust and support, we uplift each other while working tirelessly to improve lives, making Ventura and the world a better place.
How We Achieve It: We create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment where fellowship, philanthropy, and friendship thrive. Through collaboration, we open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed, enabling both personal fulfillment and collective accomplishment. By partnering with and empowering other non-profit organizations in Ventura, we amplify our impact, ensuring that good deeds reach those who need them most.
What We Do:
- Foster a sense of extended family and community through networking and support.
- Engage in philanthropic activities that enhance the well-being of our local and global communities.
- Promote peace and understanding through our service projects.
- Provide platforms for community leaders to meet, collaborate, and drive positive change.
- Act as caretakers, leaving a legacy of betterment and a measurable impact.
Our Belief: We are better together and can achieve so much more as a united group. We exist to give back, meet community needs, and create a brighter future. As the Friendliest Club in Rotary, we take pride in our commitment to making our community a better place for everyone, ensuring that our existence means something significant.
