by Amy Brown
Looking Back and Ahead in Ventura
Lawren Agnew:
Preschool teacher/ Varsity cheer coach
What did you see in Ventura in 2021 that was encouraging?
We’re all masked up, but I find it encouraging to hope for a future of not that. It was great being outside more, seeing people’s smiles, it really gave me hope for the future. Everything we’ve been through, just seeing how positive and generous and nice people are, even in a pandemic, whether it’s just to open a door, and be encouraging to each other. I think last year we were able to be more comfortable around people—before that in the pandemic, we were nervous to even talk to a stranger. Last year we had football games, and great to be able to get together again, outside while taking other safety precautions. Spreading their joy with everyone around them really encourages me for the future. I loved getting dressed up again in 2021, it was nice not being in pajamas all the time.
What would you like to see improve in the city in 2022?
Well, of course the pavement and roads need to be improved. I hope one thing they don’t change is downtown, with the ability for folks to be eating outside.
What did you personally learn from last year?
I’ve been a really adaptable person, but this last year especially, with all the ups and downs, not just Covid, but life in general, I learned to be more adaptive and always have a plan. I learned to be more open to other plans—instead of being stubborn with my one plan—and see what can work. Also being more appreciative of the little things, and enjoy people more, and be more outgoing.
Britney Mendoza:
Owner, Candle company
What did you see in Ventura in 2021 that was encouraging?
It was more encouraging that the community was finally coming through outside, and not stuck inside. I’m a vendor, and got to see markets outside, people becoming a unit and taking care of each other in a big community and also in their own small community. For example, I have what are called candle cousins, I’m not the only candle maker in Ventura county—there are at least six others, and now we all get together online, and have meetings, letting each other know, ‘I’ll be at this market,’ so we aren’t in each other’s way. It’s kind of nice, since you’d think they’d just be competitive, but it’s not like that at all—I see that people are very helpful.
What would you like to see improve in the city in 2022?
I would like to see that the testing sites come back, so they’re more accessible and you don’t have to have a doctor’s appointment. I’d like to see the small mom and pop stores get more support—I’m so afraid you hear a lot of stores not making it, we have a lot of small businesses, it’s unfortunate to see them closing because they don’t have the right tools to reach their customers.
What did you personally learn from last year?
I grew as a person to have more patience and tolerant with myself and towards other people as we all navigate through these tricky times.
I also learned patience in starting a new business, Thirty Four Charms, in July, and everything is not going not be happy go lucky the first few months. However, it’s going very well, we just landed a local retail spot. Starting a new business is terrifying, but extremely exciting at the same time. This is going to be a big year, I manifest it, I believe it and now I am seeing it.
Tommy O’Halloran:
Self-employed
What did you see in Ventura in 2021 that was encouraging?
Most impressive thing I saw was on Main Street, with the restaurants outside doing the best they could to keep things alive and kicking. Having that accessibility was amazing.
It seems like the city did a good job trying to keep the people that are actually homeless off the streets, either sheltered or directed to help. The city stepped up and offered services, like on the river bottom on Harbor, they went through and so many different sections of county services showed up and started helping these people with housing and clothing. It was pretty impressive.
What would you like to see improve in the city in 2022?
I’d like to see them address all the potholes, and for sure make more available test sites.
What did you personally learn from last year?
That wearing a mask is really no big deal. I know some people resisted. Think about somebody other than yourself, why not just take the precaution?
And of course, patience. Just give it a little more room—there’s no hurry to get to the next red light, and do what you can for others.
