On April 15, 2026, we skipped our usual meeting and had lunch out at Eggs N Things. No announcements, no program--just good food and good company!
Marlyss Auster from the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau spoke at our meeting April 8, 2026. The Bureau promotes tourism to Ventura to attract people to California's hidden gem.
We held a Comedy Hour at our April Fools Day meeting, with members competing for the funniest jokes. But the Rotary Club of Ventura is dead serious about serving our community and the world!
We met at the Wagon Wheel Brewing Company the evening of March 25, 2026, to enjoy craft beer, good food, and great fellowship!
Brad Miller from Ventura Spirits gave a presentation at our meeting March 18, 2026. He discussed how they convert grain and produce that would have been wasted into beverages, and the use of locally grown plants, including wild plants from our hillsides, into spirits with a unique local flavor.
Renaldo Esquivel gave a presentation about the Port of Hueneme at our meeting March 11, 2026. We learned about the history of the Port from its Chumash roots, to a military base in World War II, to what it is today--the only deep water port between Oakland and Los Angeles, bringing in billions of dollars of automobiles and produce every year.
The Ventura City Clerk, Michael B. MacDonald, CMC, gave a presentation at our lunch meeting February 18, 2026. He and his staff prepare agendas and minutes for City Council meetings, ensure compliance with the open meeting law, maintain city records, respond to thousands of Public Records Act requests each year, and run city elections. As a lead trainer for the California Municipal Clerks Association, he helps ensure that municipal clerks maintain the high level of professionalism needed to perform their increasingly complex responsibilities.
This year's Step Down Dinner will be at at Ventura's newest gathering place... 
Palomino is a gorgeous backdrop for any event with the elegance and excellence we can count on from Seasons Catering.
33 S. Palm Street
Downtown Ventura
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
More details to follow...
Members of the Ventura High School Interact conducted a "take over" of our Rotary meeting on February 4 2026. They led all aspects of the meeting, from the flag salute, inspirational message, song, and trivia contest, to a presentation about their activities the last year, a report from participants in the multi-day RYLA intensive leadership experience, and introduction of all the Interact members in attendance. Interact clubs are Rotary's student organizations where members develop their leadership skills and conduct projects to serve their school and the community.
Senior Deputy Anthony Goldner and his four-legged partner Thor gave a presentation about the Sheriff's canine program at our meeting January 28, 2026.
Mike Dutra, District Governor for Rotary District 5240, spoke to our club at our meeting January 21, 2026. Our District includes 65 Rotary clubs, 4 Rotaract clubs, and 56 Interact clubs in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties. Mike discussed how we can further the District goal of Unite for Good.
Rotary Club member and renowned surgeon Dr. Mel Cheatham gave a presentation at our meeting January 14, 2026, describing over 25 trips to North Korea doing charitable work for Samaritans Purse. Mel and Sylvia Cheatham embody the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival in September. Not only was the event a lot of fun, it raised $10,000 for the Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation (Rotary Club of Ventura Foundation) which supports local nonprofit organizations.
We welcomed local author Elizabeth Moore Kraus as our guest speaker at our meeting Jan. 7, 2026. Liz shared her life as a "late bloomer," starting college at 42, getting her Master's Degree in English Literature. and teaching high school. Stuck at home during the COVID pandemic, she decided to type up her travel journal notes from a trip with her two sisters. She developed it into her first book: 3 Sisters 3 Weeks 3 Countries (Still Talking). Liz gave us insider tips on how to publish and market the book you've always dreamed of writing.
As our members do each year, we served as Bellringers on December 20, 2025, raising funds around the city for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. The Salvation Army is one of our partners in serving 1,816 residents at our free Mobile Eye Clinic, and this year distributed food boxes to over 50,000 Ventura County residents, served Thanksgiving meals to 671 residents, as well as providing school supplies, diapers, and utility assistance. Thanks to all who participated and donated to this great organization!
Members of the Pacific High School Interact ran our weekly Rotary meeting on December 10, 2025. They introduced themselves, reviewed their activities of the year, and conducted a trivia contest. Interact clubs are Rotary's organization at local high schools where talented students serve the community and develop leadership skills.
On December 13, 2025, we gave hundreds of coats and toys to West End kids, with earrings for Mom and photos with Santa. This event culminates our annual Coats for Kids donation drive. Thanks to all who volunteered and contributed to support West End families!
Members of the Rotary Club of Ventura, along with other Rotarians and Interact members, built several CAN-trees on December 6, 2025, to support Food Share of Ventura County.
Members of the Ventura Rotaract recently traveled to a remote area of Vietnam and finished building a school there. Rotaract member Derek Eidson (who is also President Elect of the Rotary Club of Ventura - East) gave a presentation about the project at our meeting December 3, 2025. Rotary's Rotaract clubs are leaders ages 18-30. Next year's project will build a house in one day (April 18, 2026) for a deserving family in Tijuana, Mexico.
The Rotary Club of Ventura is one of 45,000 Rotary clubs throughout the world. During a recent trip to Austria, club member Mike Schwartz visited Rotary Club Vienna Maria Theresia. The meeting featured a presentation and discussion about Save Ukraine, which assists war-affected children. The club members were very welcoming and epitomized Service Above Self.
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.
