Ventura Water announced the 2019 honorees at the 7th Annual Water: Take 1 Film Festival, a free community event held March 21 at the Buenaventura Banquet Center, in celebration of World Water Day. Ventura High School’s environmental club and Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Garden program were presented with the Community Partnership Award. Local environmental advocates, Ron and Barbara Barrett received the Community Member Award, and CLEAN International was awarded the National Organization Award. All honorees received a $500 award for their inspirational conservation efforts and commitment to elevating the value of water.
City of Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere kicked-off the film screenings of water-themed short films profiling each honoree’s inspiring story. The films can be viewed at www.watertake1.com.
The Water: Take 1 Film Festival, recognizes individuals, non-profits and organizations with exemplary efforts in water conservation, resource management, and sustainability by producing short films in honor of their commitment to making a difference. The event is proudly sponsored by Carollo Engineers, Nossaman LLP, Hopkins Groundwater Consultants, and Kennedy Jenks Consultants.
“This year’s honorees exemplify the critical efforts of community members that inspire change through forward thinking water conscious actions and initiatives,” said Ventura Water Interim General Manager Susan Rungren.
Event sponsors Hopkins Groundwater Consultants, and Kennedy Jenks Consultants recognized Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Garden program for partnering with Ventura High School students to replace over 1,000 square feet of lawn with a new water wise garden. The new landscape was designed to save water, prevent stormwater pollution, and serve as a demonstration garden for the public.
Representatives from Nossaman LLP presented the Community Organization Award to Ron and Barbara Barrett for their leadership in protecting local watersheds and inspiring youth to care for the environment. For more than 30 years, the couple has volunteered as site leaders for the Ormond Beach annual Coastal Cleanup Day.
CLEAN International, whose mission is the eradication of waterborne illness and an end to the daily walk for water worldwide, was presented the National Foundation Award by Carollo Engineers. The Ventura-based non-profit organization advocates for clean, sustainable, and convenient water and sanitation around the world.
