Rotary District Governor Sherry Sim visited our club on Feb. 12, 2025. Sherry is the top official of District 5240, which includes almost 3,000 members in 68 Rotary clubs from Paso Robles to Thousand Oaks, Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, and Santa Barbara. She inspired us with how Rotary leadership can make the world a better place.


Club members met at Bright Sparks Brewing the evening of February 11, 2025, to socialize and learn about the work of our club's Peace Builder Committee. Members can participate in the Rotary Peace movement by checking off activities on the Peace Bingo card!
The Interact Club of Ventura High School did a "take over" of the Rotary meeting on February 5, 2025. These young leaders conducted every aspect of the meeting including the flag salute, inspirational message, Happy Dollars, and Trivia challenge, described their activities this year, and sold delicious red velvet cakes. Interact clubs serve their communities, develop leadership skills, and have fun at high schools throughout Ventura County and the world!
At our meeting January 29, 2025, renowned local artist HB Hanrahan discussed and showed some of the iconic murals and other artwork she has created in Ventura and nearby, including the Tortilla Flats installation and the water tower dinosaurs. Art is alive in Ventura!
Rotary members met with members of the Pacific High School Interact on January 27, 2025 to share breakfast and discuss leadership, goals, and life.

Nate's Place is a wellness and recovery center that uses peer support recovery coaching and a wide range of recreational activities to help teens and young adults ages 13-25 at risk of substance abuse or mental health disorders. Co-founder Heidi Allison and Board Member Ron Karu discussed the program with us at our meeting January 22, 2025.

Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub spoke at our meeting January 15, 2025, and discussed water initiatives, partnerships with community organizations, and city services.
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.
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.