Ventura Water has announced that Susan Rungren has been selected as the Assistant General Manager for the City’s water and wastewater utility. Rungren will fill a key management position that supports the City Council’s priority of maintaining a sustainable environment by diversifying and protecting Ventura’s local water resources.

In her new role, Mrs. Rungren will shepherd key future water supply projects such as the State Water Interconnection Project and the VenturaWaterPure project that will maximize the reuse of recycled water. She will work closely with Ventura Water, the Public Works Department, as well as stakeholders and community organizations to meet long term water supply demands.

Mrs. Rungren began her career with the City of Ventura in 1999 as the Utilities Engineer for the City’s Water and Wastewater Divisions and has served as the Water Resource Manager for the last seven years. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with professional affiliations including the Association of California Water Agencies of Ventura County and the Association of California Water Agencies. Rungren has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University.

Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere said, “Expanding local water supplies, and improving water quality are key ingredients to diversify and protect Ventura’s 100% local water resources. We are pleased to have Susan’s water industry expertise and experience as we look to create and build a more sustainable water future for Ventura.”

Ventura Water was awarded the statewide winner of the Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for educating local youth about water sustainability. The winning program is in collaboration with the MERITO® Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful watershed experiences to multicultural youth.

The program has provided an opportunity for more than 500 local youth to learn about the value of water through hands-on water quality testing and field data collection at Ventura’s wild life ponds. Additionally, Ventura Water hosted a water conservation challenge for participating elementary schools wherein students were tasked to develop a water conservation plan.

The MERITO® program strives to connect the classroom experience with field interaction for students to better understand the relationship of water treatment technologies and the role that it plays in preserving the environment. Since 2005, MERITO® has reached over 10 million people through ocean conservation outreach projects, immersed over 15,000 students on earth and ocean science and issues, and has raised the capacity of more than 300 teachers and 100 Marine Protected Areas practitioners in the areas of ocean science and resource protection.

“Students learn water quality sampling and testing techniques, how wastewater is treated and purified to near drinking water quality standards, and about future plans to implement a new potable reuse facility. It gives students a new appreciation for what most people take for granted,” said Kevin Brown, Ventura Water General Manager.

Field trips to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility helped students to explore a wide range of environmental issues and water infrastructure. “In this type of an atmosphere, students can establish connections between fresh water and ocean water, as well as ascertain the water conservation issues particular to their local watersheds. They also learn about stewardship and how water quality plays into the health and sustainability of our environment,” said Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director and Founder of MERITO® Foundation.

Ventura Water has announced that Susan Rungren has been selected as the Assistant General Manager for the City’s water and wastewater utility. Rungren will fill a key management position that supports the City Council’s priority of maintaining a sustainable environment by diversifying and protecting Ventura’s local water resources.

In her new role, Mrs. Rungren will shepherd key future water supply projects such as the State Water Interconnection Project and the VenturaWaterPure project that will maximize the reuse of recycled water. She will work closely with Ventura Water, the Public Works Department, as well as stakeholders and community organizations to meet long term water supply demands.

Mrs. Rungren began her career with the City of Ventura in 1999 as the Utilities Engineer for the City’s Water and Wastewater Divisions and has served as the Water Resource Manager for the last seven years. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with professional affiliations including the Association of California Water Agencies of Ventura County and the Association of California Water Agencies. Rungren has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University.

Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere said, “Expanding local water supplies, and improving water quality are key ingredients to diversify and protect Ventura’s 100% local water resources. We are pleased to have Susan’s water industry expertise and experience as we look to create and build a more sustainable water future for Ventura.”

Ventura Water was awarded the statewide winner of the Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for educating local youth about water sustainability. The winning program is in collaboration with the MERITO® Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful watershed experiences to multicultural youth.

The program has provided an opportunity for more than 500 local youth to learn about the value of water through hands-on water quality testing and field data collection at Ventura’s wild life ponds. Additionally, Ventura Water hosted a water conservation challenge for participating elementary schools wherein students were tasked to develop a water conservation plan.

The MERITO® program strives to connect the classroom experience with field interaction for students to better understand the relationship of water treatment technologies and the role that it plays in preserving the environment. Since 2005, MERITO® has reached over 10 million people through ocean conservation outreach projects, immersed over 15,000 students on earth and ocean science and issues, and has raised the capacity of more than 300 teachers and 100 Marine Protected Areas practitioners in the areas of ocean science and resource protection.

“Students learn water quality sampling and testing techniques, how wastewater is treated and purified to near drinking water quality standards, and about future plans to implement a new potable reuse facility. It gives students a new appreciation for what most people take for granted,” said Kevin Brown, Ventura Water General Manager.

Field trips to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility helped students to explore a wide range of environmental issues and water infrastructure. “In this type of an atmosphere, students can establish connections between fresh water and ocean water, as well as ascertain the water conservation issues particular to their local watersheds. They also learn about stewardship and how water quality plays into the health and sustainability of our environment,” said Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director and Founder of MERITO® Foundation.

Applications and guidelines are now available online for the City of Ventura 2018-19 Cultural Grant Funding Program. The grant program is awarded annually to support Ventura-based cultural non-profits. These funds are unrestricted and may be used for organizational support, programming, and services. The application and guidelines are available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/grants; applications must be received by Friday, June 29, 2018, at 5 pm.

Grants will range in size from $1,000-$20,000 and will be awarded on a competitive basis with a total of $90,000 available to grant. For more information, visit the Cultural Grant Funding website or contact Kathryn Dippong Lawson at 658-4720 or [email protected].

Did you know that there is a City of Ventura Parks and Recreation sailing center that teaches residents to sail, kayak and paddleboard and provides seasonal camps for younger residents? Join the staff of the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center at an Open House and Safe Boating Event on Sat., May 26 from 12-3 pm at Marina Park, 2950 Pierpont Blvd.

Take a free sailboat or kayak ride, and learn more about summer programs! This event is open to the public, and no experience is necessary. For more information visit the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center website.

Applications and guidelines are now available online for the City of Ventura 2018-19 Cultural Grant Funding Program. The grant program is awarded annually to support Ventura-based cultural non-profits. These funds are unrestricted and may be used for organizational support, programming, and services. The application and guidelines are available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/grants; applications must be received by Friday, June 29, 2018, at 5 pm.

Grants will range in size from $1,000-$20,000 and will be awarded on a competitive basis with a total of $90,000 available to grant. For more information, visit the Cultural Grant Funding website or contact Kathryn Dippong Lawson at 658-4720 or [email protected].

Did you know that there is a City of Ventura Parks and Recreation sailing center that teaches residents to sail, kayak and paddleboard and provides seasonal camps for younger residents? Join the staff of the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center at an Open House and Safe Boating Event on Sat., May 26 from 12-3 pm at Marina Park, 2950 Pierpont Blvd.

Take a free sailboat or kayak ride, and learn more about summer programs! This event is open to the public, and no experience is necessary. For more information visit the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center website.

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation will be hosting a free Open House at Barranca Vista Park on Saturday, May 12 from 1-5 pm. This event will be your opportunity to interact with staff and preview the summer camps being offered this year. Stage entertainment featuring Elaine’s Polynesian Dancers, Cassie’s Pop Dancers, Line Dancing with Jackie, Rock & Roll High Camp alumni band “The Antidote,” and JAB, as well as, cheer and gymnastics demos will be performing during the event.

With more than 20 hands-on activity booths there will be something for everyone! Join City of Ventura Summer Day Camp & Aquatics Center staff for special crafts, try your balance on the Ohana surfboard, paint a colorful bookmark with RED Brick Art Camps, play the money game with Money Munchkids, make slime with Mad Science, build with Play-Well Lego, learn to play guitar with Rock & Roll High or sing and drum with Music Therapy by JAB. The Li’l Circus that Could will bring circus arts & interactive fun to kids of all ages. You don’t have to run away to join the circus; the circus is coming to Barranca Vista Park!

Stay for the first Fairy Tales in the Park performance of the season. The Peter Pan 4: Hook’s Uproar performance will begin at 4 pm and will last one hour. We encourage you to bring a blanket, picnic and low lawn chairs.

While you are at the event, view the newly installed public art project “Bee Cause. This permanent art installation, led by local artist M.B. Hanrahan, beautifies the space and also pays homage to the plight of the North American Bumble Bee.

For more information, visit the Barranca Vista Center website.

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Ventura 2018-19 Cultural Grant Funding Program. The grant program is awarded annually to support Ventura-based cultural non-profits. These funds are unrestricted and may be used for organizational support, programming, and services. The application and guidelines are available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/grants; applications must be received by Friday, June 29, 2018 at 5 pm.

Non-profit organizations are required to provide proof of their 501(c)(3) status or their Ventura County-based fiscal agent(s). Grants will range in size from $1,000-$20,000 and will be awarded on a competitive basis with a total of $90,000 available. Organizations whose real annual budgets are less than $10,000 are only eligible to request $1,000; all other requests may not exceed 10% of the organization’s real annual budget. Past recipients must have submitted a final report from the previous year to be eligible for future funding.

Developed in 1993, the City of Ventura Cultural Grant Funding Program supports economic development, increases tourism and enhances lifelong learning opportunities in the arts for all ages.

Art Tales Winners to be Honored at Public Reception May 17

The public is invited to attend a special reception to honor the winners of the 10th Annual Art Tales Writing Contest on May 17, at 5:30pm in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall, 501 Poli Street. Attendees will hear the inspirational pieces read by the winners. This year’s Art Tales writing contest received more than 125 works of short fiction and poems from youth, teen and adult writers, hailing from Ventura to Atlanta, Georgia.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of Art Tales are:

• Youth Poetry: 1st Macy Li 2nd Larsen Meckstroth 3rd E.K. Baer
• Youth Fiction: 1st Shawn Coyner 2nd Isabel Connell 3rd Devin Varela
• Teen Poetry: 1st Penelope Duran 2nd Sophie Stimer 3rd Ethan Adler
• Teen Fiction: 1st Cole Dodos 2nd Genevieve Werner 3rd Aaron Meraz
• Adult Poetry: 1st Mary Adler 2nd Gabrielle Oracio 3rd Sheri Ward
• Adult Fiction: 1st Gerald Zwers 2nd Carolyn J. Foegen 3rd Caitlin Trude

Four contest judges read “blind” entries to determine this year’s winners.

The art work used to inspire this year’s contestants were Tambor by William Hendricks, Clouds that Free the Spirit by Frances Johnson, and Freedom Wing by Teal Rowe.

The Ventura City Council established the Municipal Art Collection in 1999 to document the history of visual art in Ventura through the acquisition of artwork created by local artists. For more information regarding the Art Tales Writing Contest or the Municipal Art Collection, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/arttales.