Ventura Mayor Addresses Club

Mayor Cheryl Heitmann Presents
"State of the City" to Ventura South

On Monday, November 10, Rotary Ventura South welcomed Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann as our lunchtime speaker. Mayor Heitmann presented a comprehensive "State of the City" overview, complete with a PowerPoint presentation of images, charts, and descriptive data.

"These are exciting and challenging times for Ventura," said Mayor Heitmann. She described the City's efforts to help new businesses get started with an "entrepreneurial zone" at City Hall. She noted the recent increase in sports tourism in Ventura with marathons, water sports, and bicycle racing at the new BMX track at Community Park on Kimball Avenue.

Mayor Heitmann also described the City's efforts to maintain the quality of core services, despite budgetary challenges. Such services include street maintenance, water and wastewater services, fire protection, and law enforcement. The Mayor noted that violent crime has decreased nearly 10% and burglaries are down about 17%. She also described a renewed emphasis on senior services through the Ventura Council on Aging, including a focus on providing transportation to seniors in need.

"Ventura is a wonderful place to visit, live and work," said Mayor Heitmann. Her presentation to Ventura Rotary South certainly confirmed that!