The Ventura County Fairgrounds announced 2021 Board of Directors elections. Leah Lacayo will serve a 2-year term as president of the Board and Armando Lopez has been elected to the position of Vice President. The 2-year terms will include the return of the annual Ventura County Fair.
Lacayo is serving her 2nd appointment to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. She has previously served as Board President in 2005 and 2014. Lacayo also serves on the Board of Directors at California State University at Channel Islands and the Ventura County Community Foundation. Her community service includes the Ventura County Women’s Political Council, Congress of California Seniors Education & Research Fund and the Congress of California Seniors, the Destino Fund and the Jewish Labor Committee Advisory Board.
Lopez has served the Board of Directors since 2003 He serves as a liaison to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation. He is a partner in Plaza Development Partners LLP and currently serves on the Ventura County Family Justice Center and the Children’s Workshop. His community service also includes El Concilio de Condado de Ventura, the Ventura County Community Foundation and St. John’s Healthcare Foundation.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is owned by the State of California and administered by the 31st District Agricultural Association under the direction of the Division of Fairs and Expositions, Department of Food and Agriculture. A nine-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, oversees the Association. The 31st DAA is a self-supporting entity, receiving no tax dollars.
The Fairgrounds serves as a command center for first responders and provides evacuation accommodations during times of emergency.
The 2022 Ventura County Fair, “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” will open Wednesday, August 3 and run through Sunday, August 15. More information can be found at www.venturacountyfair.org or by calling (805) 648-3376.
Josh D. makes it look easy at AWOW’s event. Photo by Peter Snell.
by Amy Brown
“The first wave I ever caught, I felt like a mermaid—and I was flying!” said 14-year-old Grace Gerenser, with a giant grin, describing the first time she tried surfing with A Walk On Water (AWOW). She’d just finished her session at the recent AWOW event at Surfer’s Point, catching wave after wave with an instructor on the board with her. AWOW provides surf therapy—guided surf instruction–to children with unique needs. This is Gerenser’s eighth year participating in the event, and she had some solid advice for any young people considering trying it out. “I caught a lot of waves this time—they were massive and huge!” she said. (She was right.) “Don’t be nervous, though, just stick with me, you can practice on the sand first, and just be sure to listen to your instructor.”
Grace Gerenser and ‘Uncle Lippy’ celebrate at the awards ceremony. Photo by Peter Snell
Grace’s mother Tammy was thrilled with the event and how the program has positively impacted their lives. “Her first time with AWOW, we were like ‘Ok, so she doesn’t really know how to swim…’ and her now long-time instructor, Steven Lippman, one of the founders (whom Grace calls ‘Uncle Lippy’) just said ‘I’ve got this. She’s going to be fine,’ and frankly, we haven’t looked back since.” She shared how strong and protective the surf instructors are that take the kids out on the boards with them. “They are amazing, they have such strength and skill, and we know she is completely safe with them. And she gets to do something she wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”
Lippman said that while giving back is a primary AWOW objective, making meaningful connections with the kids and their families is key. “AWOW is a family, and we strive to create these relationships with these families over years, and creating that bond, developing trust is what gives these athletes the experience, and the parents get to witness a pretty amazing moment in time for their children.” said Lippman. “We treat them like they’re our own. Each of these athletes is a hero.”
About 50 families signed up for the event, including some from as far as Utah and from Northern California—like 9-year-old Josh D. and his parents Angie and Lee. “He had so much fun! There’s a reason why we drive so far, we usually go to the ones in Northern California, but we just couldn’t stand waiting any longer. We all had a great time, and he was just floating on air, and couldn’t wait to go back to school and tell his friends about it,” said Angie, who shared that her family has participated in the events for the last four years.
According to Angie, the entire experience provides fun and confidence to the kids far beyond the exhilaration of riding the waves. “It’s more just the camaraderie, being around people who believe in him, and that’s something AWOW brings. You’re not being treated like you have a disability out there–you just do it, that’s the greatest thing, as well as the confidence of actually of catching a wave.” She reported that Josh came running up to them as soon as he’d surfed in the event, grinning ear to ear, shouting, ‘I did it!’
Kim Murphy is the Director of Volunteer Engagement for the organization and reported that it was particularly meaningful to end this 2021 season in Ventura. She and her husband are well known for their surfing dogs, the late, great Haole Boy, who was honored at the end of the event, and his younger brother Pancho, who is just starting to surf. “The smiles seen all day on the beach leave me with the absolute purest form of happiness,” said Murphy.
Anna Izaguirr and Mark Whitley of ESSC (in the upper left photo) celebrated the ribbon cutting at Easterseals. Photos by Patricia Schallert
On Nov. 3 an open house celebration and ribbon cutting was held at Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) located at 10730 Henderson Rd. in Ventura. ESSC which assists more than 15,000 people with disabilities or from underserved communities and their families throughout SoCal celebrated the renovation and expansion of its Child Development Center in Ventura.
The center serves 168 kids ages from 6-weeks to 5 with Early Head Start and other pre-school services that are free to income-eligible families. Children who participate in Easterseals Child Development Services come from the local communities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Saticoy, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula and Ventura.
The newly renovated space features the innovative Garden of Eatin’ which includes:
Outdoor learning spaces with unique curriculums.
A garden and green house where kids learn to grow their own organic fruits, vegetables and plants.
An outdoor kitchen for hands-on food preparation, learning healthy eating habits and an appreciation for the taste of natural foods.
A reading gazebo, stage for music and plays and several playgrounds for exploration and more.
“Children receive rich learning experiences that are meaningful and culturally relevant,” said Regional Director, Anna Izaguirre. “Our outdoor learning environment exposes children to Science, Technology, Reading/Relationships, Engineering, Arts and Math (STREAM). We work with our local community and are able to provide enrichment classes including music, dance, cooking, gardening, pottery and healthy eating. The learning that happens indoors is also enhanced outdoors in a fun and engaging manner.”
“With a combination of federal, community and corporate funds, the site now boasts about $1 million in newly updated spaces indoors and outdoors as well as the furnishings for them.”
The center also features a computer lab for parents who may not have access to technology or the Internet, enabling them to research and apply for jobs or to fulfill other needs. Said ESSC Executive Vice President Carlene Holden, “We have a holistic approach with services that support both the child and parents. Our staff of quality teachers and support workers partner with families to prepare children for lifelong success.”
Commented Mark Whitley, president & CEO of ESSC, “Pre-school programs, such as those offered by Easterseals, are essential to raising healthy, happy kids and elevating entire communities. Widely available early education and childcare benefits kids both today and long-term. It allows children to be prepared for kindergarten and life beyond, while families build a strong economic foundation by pursuing additional education, job training or work.”
Ventura Councilmember Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios added.
“Thank you for inviting me to be here today to say a few words. It’s an honor to represent the 4th district and I am even more honored and fortunate to have Easterseals in my district. It sounds cliche but when we invest in our children we are investing in our future leaders. From the artists who contributed to the beautiful art at this facility, to the individuals who interact with them everyday, to those who helped set up this wonderful outdoor space, thank you for your commitment and collaboration. Thank you for having a vision and making this special place a reality. Our children are fortunate to have you and to have this space as they begin their journey in life.”
With grant funding awarded by Kaiser Permanente and the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has announced the Forgivable Business Loan & Coaching Program recipients. Five Ventura County small business owners will each receive no-cost technical assistance and training, as well as $10,000 in forgivable funding, to support their recovery and growth. Program information on the WEV website.
Recipients of WEV’s Forgivable Business Loan & Coaching Program are:
Blanca Hoffmeier, SWPPP CAL (Stormwater Management, Thousand Oaks)
Rochida McClure, McClure Counseling & Consulting (Behavioral Health Therapist, Ventura)
Arturo and Julio Palencia, Mexa Brands, LLC (Importer & Distributor, Ventura)
Lillie Parker, WaterLillie Salon (Hair Salon, Ventura)
Research performed in California earlier this year by Small Business Majority found that 32% of minority business owners were denied a loan, compared to 17% of white business owners. Without access to capital, many underserved small business owners are at a higher risk of not recovering from the pandemic, impacting the future and vitality of our local communities.
“This program is the ideal combination of providing essential business capital and coaching for local women and minority entrepreneurs,” said WEV’s Director of Lending Marni Brook. “Add in the support of the WEV community, and now we have a recipe that empowers local business owners to grow, thrive and build for the future.”
WEV plans to launch an expanded version of the Forgivable Business Loan & Coaching Program to include both Santa Barbara and Ventura County small business owners.
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills.
FIRST Team 4414, High Tide brought robotics back to Ventura County.
Team 4414: HighTide, a community based FIRST robotics team, hosted the 3-day robotics competition Tidal Tumble at Ventura County Fairgrounds, October 15-17. Fifteen teams from around California and one from Hawaii traveled to Ventura to put their robots to the test.
Velma Lomax, FIRST Regional Director, Southern California said, “It’s been two years since most of these teams have competed in-person with a robot. When I walked into TIDAL TUMBLE the mood was high, the kids were excited, and the teams were so happy. I would like to personally thank the sponsors, Sessa Mfg. and especially FIRST Team 4414, High Tide, for putting on this event and bringing Robotics back to Ventura County.”
Team 4414: HighTide’s training lab is housed at Sessa Mfg. where industry professionals’ mentor high school students on CAD, manufacturing, programming and more. Michael Sessa expressed his enthusiasm for TIDAL TUMBLE, “Having the event seaside at the Ventura Fairgrounds was remarkable. Team Member and Event Director Anshul Bajaj’s hard work and perseverance gave us the confidence to pull off a successful event. We are also extremely grateful to the generous donors in our community that made it possible.”
Bajaj, a 12th grader at El Camino High School, served as Event Director and built support for the off-season competition, from concept to execution, fundraising to securing technical volunteers, managing logistics/equipment and more. Bajaj said, “We are so thankful for the incredible volunteer group who helped make the event a success, and to the teams that came to compete! Our inaugural TIDAL TUMBLE provided a competitive and intimate atmosphere that allowed students to truly get involved.”
New Team Member, Aadhya Bavkar, 9th Grader at Foothill High felt “Everybody working together in a frenzy to fix the robot within back-to-back matches was truly exhilarating. The overall positive energy and intense adrenaline of the competition was a whole new experience for me and I will always remember it!”
Dan Holmes Internationally acclaimed photographer said, “It was inspiring to see all the high school students so deeply engaged in operating their robots, and running the show! Everyone involved was enthusiastic, full of fun, and pride – kudos to all the competitors, organizers, volunteers, and audience!”
Hector Guerrero, Principal El Camino High School found the weekend to be an “amazing opportunity for our youth to shine. Watching students challenge conventional standards through collaboration, critical thinking and application of STEM education, all while having fun, proves why we need more opportunities of this kind in our community. It was a showcase of student creativity and innovation that make me feel optimistic for our student’s futures.”
Tidal Tumble was made possible by sponsors SessaMfg, FASTSIGNS of Ventura, Kearney Family, Narayan Family, Shew Family, My Best Friend Obedience, 359 Hawaiian Kids, Lea Sessa Memorial Fund and Wulff Family.
A delegation from Ventura that consisted of Carl Morehouse, Chair of the Ventura Sister City Association, his wife, Janna Minsk, Father Tom Elewaut from the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura and his sister, Rosemary, Ventura Councilmember Mike Johnson and his wife, Aimee Brecht-Doscher, and Mission parishioners Barbara and Chris Post recently returned from 4 days in Ventura’s Sister City of Loreto Baja Sur, Mexico, where they met up with peers from Loreto’s other sister city, Hermosa Beach. The Breeze managed to travel along!
The rumor that there might be a Loreto Breeze is unfounded.
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The Lisa J. Frank Memorial fundraising event was off to a great start at San Buenaventura State Park. Photos courtesy of Ryan Stephens.
by Amy Brown
Lisa J. Frank was a trailblazer, on and off the road. An avid cyclist, the young lawyer was diagnosed in 1998 with breast cancer at age 36, and quickly recognized that many young adults were not well represented in research, community and overall discussions about the disease. In 2004, she became a cofounder of the cycling fundraising event for breast cancer, YSC Tour de Pink, and a founding member of the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). That first event had just six riders, but it has since grown to be an annual event, with rides of up to three days and 200+ miles on both east and west coasts, with thousands of participants raising awareness, millions of dollars and support and advocacy for young women with breast cancer.
Frank passed away in December of 2020 after a courageous 22-year battle with the disease, and the YSC Tour De Pink was renamed the Lisa J. Frank Memorial Ride in her honor. This popular event’s west coast one day ride was again held in Ventura during Breast Cancer Awareness month, and featured hundreds of young patients, survivors and their supporters.
Susan Walker Hull has been both a survivor and a supporter, riding for the very first time this year, and honoring her daughter Brittany, who passed away from breast cancer at age 31 in 2017. “It’s been a very hard time in our family, and for me as a mother, losing a daughter and being a survivor, a triple guilt trip, so to speak, so this ride brought me a lot of healing,” said Hull. “It was absolutely life changing for me–I haven’t had such a bright smile on my face in a really long time. I’ll be there every year.”
Eva Wirth is a survivor since 2007, and a year after her diagnosis, started riding with the YSC Tour de Pink, and has since participated in 25 rides on both coasts. “Lisa was an extremely dear friend of mine, and she was always very involved with the ride until she got very sick at the end. She had battled metastatic cancer for 10 years, at the end it was like, ‘wow, I don’t know where this woman gets the energy.’ She was extremely mentally tough—she just wanted to beat it,” said Wirth.
Many riders are there to support others, like Eric Christianson, who has ridden in the event for the last ten years, at first as a ‘ghost rider’ in memory of a former coworker, Michelle. “After that, I became more involved every year, kind of carrying the torch, keeping her memory alive, and also just being able to ride alongside these survivors, and feeling like I was part of something special,” shared Christianson, who lost his sister to cancer, as well as both parents.
Frank’s legacy has fostered advocacy for new legislation, helped connect women with others with the disease, and provided support for their loved ones, according to YSC Director of Marketing and Communications, Jamie Larson. “I truly feel that the spirit of Lisa, her tenacity, her passion for advocacy for younger adults, and in co-founding the Tour De Pink, that her passion is what sets this ride apart,” said Larson. “One of the things that’s always really profound to me are the young adults affected who ride, and then talk about the experience of this ride being about taking their body back after cancer. They can prove that they can do something challenging and athletic again, it’s not just crossing the finish line, there are so many beautiful moments of accomplishment.”
Suz informed and entertained millions with Schmooze With Suz on CAPSTV.
Suz Montgomery, an icon fixture in the Ventura community died Oct. 12, of complications from cancer
John Hankins stated: “My wife and best friend passed peacefully at 6:30 a.m. as the sun rose. Within the hour, a hummingbird hovered in her garden, a sign that her soul was at peace, which she predicted. For all her friends and family, we will be setting up a virtual legacy site in which you can post a picture of you with her and perhaps tell a favorite short story you had together.”
“After years of fighting cancer and fighting for justice, equality for all, dignity for seniors, and so much more, she is now free of pain. Her message to all would “be the best you can be and the best will come back to you.”
She was 73. In addition to her husband, Montgomery is survived by her two children, Lisa and Stephen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Suz moved to Ventura in 1985 and immediately started to have her influence on Ventura. She was perhaps best known for her work with the senior community at government meetings and taught as an adult educator with the Ventura Unified School District.
Suz served as the chairperson for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council and the Ventura Council for Seniors and was a member of Select Committee on Aging for state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson. In 2017, Montgomery was recognized by Jackson as one of her Women of the Year for her work with senior citizens.
Suz at the 2017 VCLA graduation class.
Memorials from just a very few of her friends and admirers who loved and respected her.
From the VCAAA. “It’s difficult to express Suz’s contributions to the VCAAA, and to the community as a whole, in a single post. She was dedicated to empowering the populations we serve and providing programs and services designed to help others live the best possible life. She never met a challenge she wasn’t willing to take on. She tackled every topic of interest with all she had and was well known and respected for her unwillingness to back down until the job was done.”
“There are certain people one meets along the way that are truly unforgettable. For everyone at CAPS Media, Suz Montgomery was one of these very remarkable individuals. Suz was not only instrumental in the formation of CAPS she was the embodiment of our mission: to create an engaged and informed community.
Passionate about the city she loved, Suz was an unrelenting force to be reckoned with, never shy about letting everyone know where she stood on the issues of the day in Ventura – including, and especially, city leaders.
Suz was an inspirational mentor to every member of her CAPS’ crew. All of us celebrate her inextinguishable fire and unrelenting spirit. Suz will be greatly missed but never forgotten by everyone at CAPS: the Community Access Partners of Suz. With a smile, a tear and a heavy heart, we thank Suz Montgomery for enriching each of our lives.
Patrick Davidson, Donald McConnell, Evan Carpenter, Elizabeth Rodeno, Gary Roll, Jamie Cawelti, Manny Reynoso, Phil Taggart, Alex Uvari and Jorge Godinez. “
Carol Michelle Leish “The legacy of dear Suz Montgomery will continue to live on!
You will be missed. Your memory and contributions to Ventura will continue to be a blessing to me and others.”
Mary Milner Haffner “Suz Montgomery cared about people and she always worked to make things better for everyone. She never held back-I always admired that about her. We will miss her dearly and are better for having known her.”
City Council Member Jim Friedman “I have known Suz for close to 25 years. We first met when I was a council member back in 1996. We actually hung out a fair amount together when I served as Mayor. When I think of Suz, the word “firecracker” is the first thing to comes to mind. Extremely energetic, engaged, involved, passionate about her community and most of all, passionate about “her seniors” as she liked to call them. Whether she was “holding court” on the sidewalk outside of Palermo on Main Street, schmoozing with Suz on Ventura’s cable access channel CAPS or just chatting with neighbors and friends, Suz just loved to talk and be with people. Her positive, “can do” attitude enable her to contribute so much to our community. She was truly “one of a kind” and will be dearly missed.”
Former city council member Cheryl Heitmann “Suz was a rock star in community activism. Once she identified a problem or an unmet need, she developed a solution and was unrelenting in going forward, getting many to advocate with her. Suz was passionate about good government, often saying it’s allabout the process, and services for Seniors and the mentally ill. She loved people and was happy to share her love of cooking and gardening with many. She loved her family, her friends and her community. She was a mentor to many, a counselor to some and a trusted friend who would listen and not be afraid to give her opinion. She touched many lives and made our city and county a better place. There will never be another Suz but she has given us all a model to strive for. To say she will be missed is truly an understatement.”
Ivor Davis “Suze was a force of nature–with a gigantic heart and a love of life.
I first met her when visiting some friends in a retirement community more than two decades ago–and there she was, this bubbling personality, providing spiritual sustenance to the residents and doing it with such energy and passion–which was her fabulous calling card. An indomitable lady She.”
Marlyss Auster President & CEO Visit Ventura “When we asked Suz Montgomery to present the Men’s Most Courageous jersey during the Stage 5 awards ceremony at the 2019 Amgen Tour of California here in Ventura her answer was 100 percent Suz Montgomery. “I’m pleased and honored to be asked to represent all of us who inspire and survive daily by giving back!” Her battles were never just about her.”
“Suz Montgomery had a profound impact on my life. She was deeply committed to our community and to living her life out loud. She celebrated each person she met with such authenticity and encouragement. She was a change maker in our community and truly touched so many lives. She was an inspiration to me and I know that her spirit lives on through the lives she touched. I will strive to be bold and live life out loud in honor of Suz (making sure to do so with fine wine, good food and interesting people like Suz would do!). I’m grateful to have known her and will miss her tremendously. She was a beautiful soul and our community and world is better because of the difference she made. I hope that we all carry her spirit forward in making a positive change in Ventura and beyond,” said community member Ashley Bautista.
Jill Forman “Suz showed us how to live and how to die: with grace, passion, and ultimately acceptance.”
Heather Sumagaysay: “I first met Suz during VCLA’s cohort 22. We called ourselves deuces wild, and of course, Suz helped champion for our group’s theme. Our goal was to be inspiring leaders who would remain committed to making a positive difference throughout Ventura County,” said City Public Information Officer Heather Sumagaysay. “In my current tenure with the City of Ventura, I’ve seen first-hand the impact Suz has had in the community. She dedicated her life to public service and advocated for many important community causes. She served as the Chair of our Ventura Council for Seniors, one of our City-appointed representatives to the VCAAA Advisory Council, played a key role in the development of the City’s Senior Strategic Plan, and received a legacy award from the City Council in 2020.”
Linda Parks Supervisor, District 2: “In 2017 the Ventura County Senior Summit awarded Suz with the Hank Lacayo Senior Advocacy Award for her compassion and hands-on advocacy for older adults. Her energy and commitment made a positive difference to so many, we need to add a Suz Montgomery Advocacy Award to honor her selfless dedication. On a personal note, I loved her encouragement and her smile and extend my heartfelt condolences to her husband, family and friends.”
Alicia Doyle “I met Suz more than two decades ago while working as a journalist for the Ventura County Star. I wrote several stories about her efforts to fight for the rights of older adults. Suz fought for policy changes and equality, and understood the crucial role older adults play in our lives, our communities and our world. Even though Suz has passed away, she made a positive difference that will continue to last as her memory is kept alive.”
Patricia Channer “I’ve known Suz since 1985 when she laid down her roots here in Ventura. A true shero, warrior and fearless advocate who spoke her truth and accomplished much in her short time here on earth. Our community is a better place because of her passion and love of all things Ventura. There are few people who have impacted our community like Suz, she will be sorely missed.
May our hearts lift in gratitude for the richness Suz brought to our lives. May we all continue to speak out, stand up and get involved.”
Composite decks made from recycled plastic and bottles is an emerging trend.
by Mira Reverente
So much for the best laid-plans, engineer and entrepreneur Jerry Huffman chanced upon another thrilling business venture just as he was gearing up for retirement.
This father of two and grandfather of five from the Inland Empire thought his entrepreneur days were truly behind him until he took a trip to Oxnard to explore some investment opportunities and fell in love with the area. “It’s like waking up in paradise everyday,” he says of his new home and his latest business.
The owner of Beyond Decks was retiring after 20 years in the business and Huffman took an interest. Beyond Decks has been a household name in the area, having built most decks in the Channel Islands, Ventura Marina and other neighboring areas. It also sells outdoor furniture and fencing.
“There were some similarities with the construction company we sold in Riverside. It wasn’t that simple but it wasn’t a hard transition either – from machinery to decks,” says Huffman.
Now named Ocean View Decks, the pandemic took its toll on this new venture, just like it did on the rest of the economy. Merging old and new crews, backlogs, long wait times, a warehouse bursting at the seams and skyrocketing prices were just some of the challenges that the new business faced. Almost all of it has been resolved but the impact still has a lingering trickle effect, according to Huffman.
“We are beyond busy working on three to four different projects a day, at various stages of installation with a full crew,” he says. According to him, there is a months-long wait for most projects, now that the lockdown is over people are starting to enjoy the outdoors again, and putting money into their homes.
So much has evolved in terms of the craftsmanship used in decks, the past few years compared to 20 or 30 years ago. Composite decks with brands like Trex and Timbertech made from recycled plastic and bottles is an emerging trend. These decks come with a 50-year to lifetime warranty and don’t fall prey to termites, mold or deterioration, and are easier to maintain. Stainless steel is also another popular material used in decks these days.
There has also been an increase in demand for motorized pergolas, those weatherproof structures for people to sit or walk under, where plants can also grow over. “There’s a long wait for those. You can control the lighting for pergolas from your smartphone now like a fancy toy,” says Huffman.
If you’re still on the fence about having a deck installed, the company offers 3D drawings or virtual walk-throughs, where you can virtually walk through your deck before it’s even built including hand rails, the grill placement, among other things, before you even start spending money. Huffman is proud of this sophisticated software that they offer. Another service that Ocean View Deck offers is free certified deck inspections, anywhere from Malibu to Santa Barbara.
Customer satisfaction and longevity are the company’s topmost goals. “We aim to build decks for life,” he says. “We build decks that many generations can enjoy.”
Reverend McCurtis from Face of Ventura by Johanna Spinks.
Born in Stonewall, Mississippi, in 1932, Reverend Luther McCurtis’ was fascinated to grow up as a young boy in a state where Jim Crow laws forbade blacks and whites to socialize, but each Christmas, the owners of the Stonewall Cotton Mill near his home, erected a huge Christmas tree bedecked with gifts of all kinds for all of its employees, regardless of race. This memory contributed greatly to the growth and development of Luther’s passion for equality, his humanitarian nature, and his love for all people.
At the tender age of five, Luther’s mother died. By age 15, he left Mississippi to live with his brother in Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter, in 1951, he dropped out of high school to join the United States Air Force (USAF), and earned his high school diploma during his tour of duty.
Luther’s superior officers in Guam noticed his leadership potential and appointed him to serve as a referee over racial and personal disputes. Through this experience Luther sharpened his leadership skills.
He stated “In 1953, while guarding a B-52 bomber, God called me into the ministry. After a deep internal struggle, I surrendered his will to God and accepted The Call. From the onset, I never planned to be just a “Sunday preacher” and challenged God to show him how to contribute to the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of “the least” in the community.”
He married Oracia Lane, the youngest daughter of a poor, but prominent pastor and wife in Hobbs, New Mexico in 1954. By 1959, he became an ordained minister and moved through several states with four young children in tow, finally settling in Ventura.
In faith he built a church from the ground up where they could make a difference to the community. With less than 10 members in 1962, Luther and Oracia founded the Church of God in Christ of Ventura in a small storefront. The following year, with a miniscule $100.00 down payment, the Reverend purchased the property, which stands at 660 N. Ventura Ave.
In 1982, Congressman Lagomarsino’s recommendation resulted in Reverend McCurtis receiving one of the United States of America’s highest honors— the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Action Award from President Ronal Reagan presented to him by First Lady Nancy Reagan,
Seeing so many in need in the community, he took another leap of faith to help assist the neediest members of society without using any government money. In 1968, he founded the Employment Aptitude and Placement Association (www.eapassn.org/). Over the years he has worked and sacrificed to help thousands find jobs and get out of poverty. Me & My Pillow, McCurtis’ upstart pillow company, is part of this strategy to found smaller side-businesses that will not only generate income but provide more local job opportunities. He has offered so much to so many, and never asked for any money in return.
Visit www.TotalLifeChristianCenter.com and read for yourself about the fruits of all this ministry has done over the years. Reverend McCurtis’ dream will live on for many years to come, bearing fruit that will continue lifting people out of poverty and giving them lasting hope for the future!
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, send donations to the following: Either In Memory of Luther McCurtis P.O. Box 262 Ventura, CA 93002 or to Total Life Christian Center 660 North Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001.
