“I am very passionate about protecting the environment”
What do you do for your job?
As an Environmental Services Specialist for the City’s Environmental Sustainability Section, I help manage our environmental outreach programs and our solid waste environmental compliance programs, and I also oversee the day-to-day responsibilities associated with managing our contracts with E.J. Harrison & Sons and Gold Coast Recycling & Transfer Station. One of the projects I manage that you may recognize is the quarterly Community Cleanup & Recycling Event.
What do you like about your job?
I am very passionate about protecting the environment and I also love the City of Ventura. Mixing the two keeps me fulfilled each day at work. I love that I have the opportunity to preserve and protect the beauty of both Ventura and the planet through my work. I’ve found that the people in Ventura are passionate about these same things, which makes me so thrilled to serve the community.
What types of services does your division provide the City of Ventura?
The Environmental Sustainability Section offers many services to the community. We host several special events throughout the year with opportunities to safely and properly dispose of waste and become educated about environmental issues. We provide a Green Business Certification program that walks all types of businesses through the process of implementing sustainable practices. We also have a Green Schools program offering free educational presentations to all local K-12 schools, pre-schools, environmental clubs, summer camps, colleges and after-school programs. In 2018, our Green Schools program reached nearly 7000 City of Ventura students! Our stormwater program ensures the health of our watersheds by implementing outreach and compliance programs across the City.
What are some things you’d really like the community to know about your efforts?
I’d love for you to understand that, while the division has many programs that strive to improve the health and beauty of our community, these programs can only be so effective without your individual interest, engagement, and action. Whether it be reducing the amount of food you waste or installing LED light bulbs, each of our individual actions can have a powerful impact on our environment. In the wise words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
How does your division make a difference in Ventura? The Environmental Sustainability Section makes a difference in Ventura by implementing programs that aim to prevent litter, reduce our community’s impact on the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and play here.
Do you have any events or activities coming that you’d like to share/highlight?
We always have several events coming up!
Saturday, October 12th we have a Westside Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff Event from 9am-12pm at the Avenue Adult Center at 550 N. Ventura Ave. No appointment required.
Saturday, October 19th we are co-hosting a Laundry-to-Landscape workshop with Ventura Water educating the public on installation and maintenance of a simple laundry-to-landscape graywater irrigation system. This event will be held at the Avenue Adult Center.
Saturday, November 16th we are hosting the last quarterly Community Cleanup & Recycling Event of the year at 765 S. Seaward. This drop off style event is an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of unwanted junk and safely shred old documents.
How can Ventura residents’ partner with you to help make a difference in our community?
Ventura residents can partner with us by utilizing our programs and implementing the recommendations we offer. Whether you decide to turn your business into a Green Certified Business or learn how to recycle better, everyone has an opportunity to work alongside us in making a difference in Ventura. Be sure to follow us on social media @SustainableVentura to stay up to date on environmental tips and events and the ways in which you can get involved!
