Sept. 18 — Thomas Fire Economic Recovery Efforts Continue, Hoping to Restore Main Street Vitality

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion on Restoring Main Street Vitality in the wake of the Thomas Fire, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18, at the Museum located at 100 E. Main Street, Ventura.

The panel will address ways communities can help restore business vitality and how individuals can help with recovery efforts in their communities. The discussion will be moderated by Kathleen Schafer, an Ojai resident who is a professional leadership coach, author and public speaker (kathleenschafer.com). The panelists will include Ventura Mayor Neal Andrews and Councilmembers William Weirick from Ojai and John Proctor from Santa Paula.

This event is the first in a new series of community discussions, Connections and Conversations, hosted by the Museum on the third Tuesday of each month.
“It is important for each of us to engage with our community and, in the wake of the recent natural disasters, this need is greater than ever,” said Elena Brokaw, Barbara Bernard Smith executive director. “With the focus of news so often on divisiveness, our goal is to encourage citizens to work together to create the dynamic communities where people want to live. These monthly discussions will provide a way for anyone to talk with those in leadership positions and to understand the leadership potential in each of us.”

The panel discussion is free to attend. RSVP for this event by calling the Museum at (805) 653-0323 or by emailing Scott Gordon at sgordon@venturamuseum.org.
About the Museum

The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications and its research library, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The museum has two locations. The main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 and is open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 805-653-0323. The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060 and is open Wednesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 805-525-3100. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org