List of mayors of Ventura, California

Last updated

Mayor of Ventura
VenturaSeal.jpg
Seal of Ventura
Incumbent
Joe Schroeder
since December 12, 2022
Term length 2 years
Formation1866
First holderWalter Scott Chaffee

This is a list of mayors of Ventura, California , beginning with Ventura's incorporation as a city in 1866.

The individual who had the longest tenure in office was Charles W. Petit, who served as mayor for 15+12 years from 1953 to 1969. When Petit left office, he was, at age 87, the oldest mayor in the United States. Prior to Petit, the mayor with the longest tenure was John S. Collins, who held the position for 14 years from 1890 to 1904.

The first woman to serve as mayor was Harriet Kosmo Henson, who served two terms from 1978 to 1982. Since that time, three other women have served as mayor: Christy Weir (2007–2009), Cheryl Heitmann (2013–2015) & Sofia Rubalcava (2020-2022).

The current mayor is Joe Schroeder, who assumed the position in December 2022.

#NameTermNotesSources
1Walter Scott Chaffee [1] 4/2/1866–1/2/1867Chaffee was born in 1835 in Madison County, New York. He moved to Ventura in 1860 and, in 1863, he opened a general merchandise and hardware store at Main and Palm Streets. The city was incorporated on April 2, 1866. The initial board of trustees first board of trustees included Chaffee, Angel G. Escandon (who represented the area in the California Legislature), and Juan Camarillo. Chafee died in 1894. [2] [3]
2Ysidro Obiols [1] 1/2/1867–4/22/1867Born c. 1822. Obiols ran a hotel, saloon and stage depot in Ventura. In 1866, upon the incorporation of Ventura, he became the city's first justice of the peace. In January 1867, he became the second president of the city's board of trustees. [3] [4]
3Fernando Tico Jr. [1] 4/22/1867–5/18/1868Born 1836, son of the recipient of a Spanish land grant referred to as Rancho Ojai [3]
4Angel Gonzales Escandon [1] 5/18/1868–10/10/1869Born 1833; died 1884. He also represented Ventura in the California Legislature. [3]
5Jesse Allen Shaw [1] 11/10/1869–4/4/1870Born 1827 in Rupert, Vermont; father of Selwyn Shaw. Died 1919 in Ventura. [3]
6C. H. Bailey [1] 4/4/1870–2/25/1871Merchant born in Massachusetts c. 1827. [3]
7Lemuel Clarke McKeeby [1] 2/25/1871–11/3/1873Born in New York City in 1825. Moved to Ventura in October 1866 and was one of the organizers of the Bank of Ventura. Died 1913. [3] [5]
8E. M. Jones11/3/1873–3/25/1874 [3]
9P. V. McCarty3/25/1874–9/10/1874 [3]
10William Ayres9/10/1874–3/18/1876 [3]
11Angel S. Escandon [6] 3/18/1876–1/7/1878 [3]
12Henry Spear1/7/1878–1/3/1882 [3]
13T. H. Daley1/3/1882–1/4/1886 [3]
14Paul Charlebois1/4/1886–1/6/1890Born in Montreal in 1855. Moved to Ventura from San Francisco in 1871. Owner of a hardware store. Also served as Ventura County Treasurer in 1888 and as Ventura County Sheriff from 1894 to 1903. Died in 1914. [3] [7] [8]
15John S. Collins1/6/1890–1/4/1904His 14-year tenure as mayor was the longest in city history until Charles w. Petit served for 15+12 years. [3]
16W. L. Lewis1/4/1904–4/15/1907 [3]
17William McGuire4/15/1907–9/21/1908 [3]
18Floyd Putnam Shaw2/23/1910–4/18/1911Born c. 1858 in Wisconsin. Son of Jesse Allen Shaw and brother of Selwyn Shaw. The family moved to Ventura in 1868. He wrote "A Few Recollections of the Early Days of San Buenaventura" in 1942. Died c. 1954 in Ventura. [3] [9]
19William McGuire4/18/1911–4/19/1915 [3]
20Erwin Kellogg4/19/1915–4/21/1919 [3]
21Malvern Dimmick4/21/1919–4/16/1923Born 1864 in Onawa, Iowa. Moved to Ventura in 1906, working as a grocer and later as manager of the Ventura Wharf and Warehouse Co. Also served as a justice of the peace 1922–1934. Died 1934 in Ventura. [10]
22Charles Rea4/16/1923–1/30/1928 [3]
23George Archibald Randall4/18/1927–6/8/1931Born in 1887 in Alameda County, California. He was president of the Darden & Randall Buick automobile dealership, an artist and author, and an authority on western ranch life and American Indian subjects. Died 1941 at Foster Memorial Hospital. [3] [11]
24W. O. Hedley6/8/1931–12/21/1931 [3]
?David J. Reese1931Not included on the City's "History of Mayors" list [12]
25James S. Blackstock12/20/1931–1/19/32Born 1870. Died in 1932 at his home in Ventura after only one month as mayor. Also served as president of chamber of commerce, operated a grocery, and owned lemon ranches [3] [13]
26George V. Hartman1/25/1932–4/24/1933 [3] [14]
27Frank J. Dennis4/24/1933–8/26/1936Born c. 1882. [3]
28George A. Newell, Jr.8/26/1936–4/26/37 [3]
29Marcus S. Johnson4/26/37–4/28/1941Later moved to Turlock, California; died there in 1958. [3] [15]
30Harold Young Carrico4/28/1941–2/13/1945Born 1893 in Florida, Missouri. He became a prominent builder in Ventura. Died 1952 in Washington County, Utah. Buried at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura. [3]
31Edwin Lee Gardner II2/13/1945–4/27/1953Born c. 1895 in Virginia. Worked in the oil business. [3]
32Ernest Joel Pate4/27/1953–9/14/1953Born 1896; died 1988. Buried at Ivy Lawn. [3]
33Charles Wesley Petit9/14/1953–4/1969Born 1881 in Ramey, Pennsylvania, died 1973 in Ventura. Served on Ventura City Council from 1948-1969. When he left office, he was the oldest living mayor in the United States [16] [17] [18]
34Albert R. Albinger4/1969–1/1974He was a 53-year-old realtor when he was selected as mayor in April 1969. [3] [19]
35David D. Eaton1/7/1974–1/5/1976 [3]
36Eugene Kountz1/5/1976–1/9/1978Born 1932. Later filed and lost a wrongful death action against a CHP officer in connection with the shooting death of his son. [3] [20]
37Harriet Farrell Kosmo Henson1/1978–1/1982Born 1932 in Keene, New Hampshire. Moved to Ventura in 1964, served on City Council from 1976-1984, and became the city's first woman mayor in January 1978. Died in 1999 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. [3] [21]
38John Allen McWherter1/4/1982–1/1984Born in 1915 in Oklahoma. Served on City Council for 18 years from 1973-1991. He cited 1974 efforts to slow the city's growth as his proudest achievement. [3] [22]
39Rolland Dennis Orrock1984–1986Attorney born in 1943 in Los Angeles [3]
40John M. Sullard1986–1987Served on the Ventura City Council, 1982–1987. Later served as city manager of Boulder City, Nevada [23]
41James L. Monahan12/1987–12/1989A Korean War veteran and graduate of Ventura High School and Ventura College. He has been the owner of American Welding Company and American Hot Tap for 40 years. He served on Ventura City Council from 1977 to present and was selected as mayor in December 1987. [24] [25]
42Richard L. Francis1989–1991Served on Ventura City Council 1989–1991. A slow growth advocate and co-architect of the Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources initiative, which prohibits changes to some rural and agricultural land uses without voter approval. [26] [27]
43Gregory L. Carson12/2/1991–12/6/1993A fifth-generation Ventura resident, he was a 33-year-old nursery owner and lobbyist for the farm industry when he was selected as mayor in December 1991. He survived a shooting by a burglar at his home in October 2015 [28] [29] [30]
44 Tom Buford 12/1993–12/1995Labor attorney and former president of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce [31]
45Clifton "Jack" Tingstrom12/1995–12/1997Born in 1935. Served on City Council 1991–1999. Died April 2018 [32] [33]
46Jim Friedman12/1997–12/1999
47Sandy Smith12/1999-12/2001He was a teacher at Buena Vista High School when he was selected as mayor; later worked as a land use consultant for Sespe Consulting [34] [35]
48Ray Di Guilio12/2001–12/2003Spent 30 years as an administrator with the Ventura County Community College District [36]
49Brian Brennan12/2003–12/2005Irish-born restaurateur; later appointed to the Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners [37] [38]
50Carl E. Morehouse12/2005–12/2007Served on City Council for 17 years 1999–2016 [39]
51Christy Weir12/2007–12/2009Elected to City Council in 2003; selected as mayor in December 2007 [40]
52 William Fulton 12/2009–12/2011Served on City Council, 2003–2011; selected as mayor in December 2009; later served as planning director for the City of San Diego and as director of Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research [41]
53Mike Tracy12/2011–12/2013Elected to City Council in 2009; selected as mayor in December 2011 [42]
54Cheryl Heitmann12/2013–12/2015Elected to City Council in 2011; selected as mayor in December 2013 [43]
55Erik Nasarenko12/2015–12/2017Elected to City Council in 2013; selected as mayor in December 2015 [44]
56Neil Andrews12/2017–12/2018Elected to City Council in 2001; selected as mayor December 2017 [45]
57Matt LaVere12/2018–12/2020Elected to City Council in 2016; selected as mayor December 2018 [46]
58Sofia Rubalcava12/2020–12/2022Elected to City Council in 2018; selected as mayor December 2020 [47]
59Joe Schroeder12/2022–IncumbentElected to City Council in 2020; selected as mayor December 2022 [48]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ventura, California</span> City in California, United States

Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura, is a city in and the county seat of Ventura County, California, United States. It is a coastal city located northwest of Los Angeles. The population was 110,763 at the 2020 census. Ventura is a popular tourist destination, owing to its historic landmarks, beaches, and resorts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thousand Oaks, California</span> City in California, United States

Thousand Oaks is the second-largest city in Ventura County, California, located in the northwestern part of Greater Los Angeles. Approximately 15 miles (24 km) from the city of Los Angeles and 40 miles (64 km) from Downtown Los Angeles, it is named after the many oak trees present in the area.

Montalvo is a neighborhood in Ventura, California, United States. Founded about 1887 as an unincorporated town of Ventura County, it was incorporated into the city in 2012. Montalvo is located in the southern portion of the city on the northern bank of the Santa Clara River. It is bounded by Victoria Avenue to the west, Ralston Street to the north, Johnson Drive to the east, and the Ventura Freeway to the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ventura County Courthouse</span> Historic building in Ventura, California used as City Hall

The Ventura County Courthouse, known since 1974 as Ventura City Hall, is a historic building in Ventura, California. Located on a hill at the top of California Street, it overlooks the city's downtown district with views of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands. It was the first building in the City of Ventura to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has also received historic designations at the state, county and city levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emma Wood State Beach</span> California State Beach in Ventura

Emma Wood State Beach is a California State Beach in Ventura, California. It is located on the Santa Barbara Channel on the west side of the Ventura River estuary and south of the railroad tracks of the Coast Line and the US Highway 101 freeway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Lagomarsino</span> American politician (1926–2021)

Robert John "Bob" Lagomarsino was an American politician and lawyer from California who served in the United States House of Representatives. A Republican, he began his service in the United States House of Representatives in 1974 and was re-elected every two years until 1992, when he was defeated for renomination by Michael Huffington. Prior to serving in the House, Lagomarsino served in the California State Senate from 1961 until 1974, and prior to that, he served as the mayor of Ojai, California.

Southland Publishing, Inc. was a publishing company from 1997 to 2019 based in Pasadena, California with five offices in Southern California. The company published weekly newspapers, monthly magazines, direct mail products, and operated affiliated websites throughout California and selected states throughout the U.S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VCTC Intercity</span> Public bus service in Ventura County, California

VCTC Intercity is a public transit agency providing bus service in Ventura County, California. It provides an intercity bus service between the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Santa Paula, and Fillmore in Ventura County, and to communities in neighboring Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties. The agency is part of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, a governmental body that oversees transportation planning and funding in Ventura County. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 383,700, or about 1,300 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnegie Art Museum</span> Public art museum in Oxnard, California

The Carnegie Art Museum is a public art museum owned by the City of Oxnard, California in the building originally occupied by the Oxnard Public Library. The Neo-Classical building, located adjacent to Oxnard's Plaza Park, opened in 1907 as the Oxnard Public Library and was converted into an art museum in 1986. In July 1971, it became the first building in Ventura County and the first Carnegie library in California to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital</span> United States historic place

Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital, now known as The Elizabeth Bard Memorial Building, is a historic building in downtown Ventura, California. Built in 1901, it is a Mission Revival structure featuring covered terraces and a covered porch with a three-story bell tower at the southeast corner. The building was listed as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 19 in 1976 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts</span>

The City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts consist of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods designated by the City of Ventura, California, as historic landmarks and districts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ortega Adobe</span> Historic site in Ventura, California

Ortega Adobe is a historic adobe house built in 1857 and located on Main Street on the west side of Ventura, California, not far from the mouth of the Ventura River. It was designated in 1974 as the City of Ventura's Historic Landmark No. 2. It is owned by the City and operated as a self-guided historical site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ventura Pier</span> Pier in Ventura, California

The Ventura Pier, previously known as the Ventura Wharf and the San Buenaventura Wharf, is a wooden pier located on the Pacific Ocean in Ventura, California. The pier has been designated as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20. It is the oldest pier in California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Statues of Junípero Serra (Ventura, California)</span> 1936 Federal Art Project in Ventura, California

The Father Serra statue at the Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura, California, representing Junípero Serra, the founder of the mission, was commissioned by Ventura County through the Works Progress Administration as part of the Federal Art Project in 1935. This statue, made of concrete from a clay model by Uno John Palo Kangas, was originally placed in 1936 in a prominent location in a public park across the street from the Ventura County Courthouse. After the Courthouse was repurposed as Ventura City Hall, the statue was designated as City of Ventura Historic Landmark No. 3 in 1974. As deterioration of the concrete statue became a concern, a wood replica was created by local carvers and used to make a bronze cast. The concrete statue was replaced by the bronze cast in 1989. The wood replica was set in the atrium of the city hall for public display.

The Ventura County Historic Landmarks & Points of Interest consist of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods designated by Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board as historic landmarks and points of interest in Ventura County, California. The county board of supervisors created the Cultural Heritage Board in 1966 and in August 1968, two sites were designated: the Faulkner House near Santa Paula; and the Edwards Adobe in Saticoy. The scope was established to include the entire county: both cities and the unincorporated areas. The cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks have the county Cultural Heritage Board advise them and those designations are listed here. The cities of Moorpark, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Ventura established their own separate historic designation systems with the City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts developing into an extensive list. The Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum houses historical artifacts, photographs and information on the history of the Hueneme area. The museum is in the Hueneme Bank Building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serra Cross</span> Landmark on a hill in Ventura, California, US

The Serra Cross, sometimes also known as the Cross on the Hill or the Grant Park Cross, is a Christian cross on a hill known as "La Loma de la Cruz" in Ventura, California. The site is in Serra Cross Park, a one-acre parcel within the larger Grant Park that overlooks downtown Ventura, the Santa Barbara Channel, and Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peirano Market</span> Historic site in Ventura, California

The Peirano Market, also known as Peirano's Grocery and Peirano Store, is a historic building in Ventura, California. Located across the street from the Mission San Buenaventura, the red brick structure was built in 1877 and has ornamental relief brickwork and a mansard, Spanish revival tile roof.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E. P. Foster</span>

Eugene Preston Foster, commonly known as E. P. Foster, was a rancher, entrepreneur, banker, and philanthropist in Ventura County, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Bennett (California politician)</span> American politician

Stephen Bennett is an American activist, educator, and politician serving as a member of the California State Assembly from the 38th district as a member of the Democratic Party. Prior to his tenure in the state legislature, he was active in local politics in Ventura, California, and Ventura County, California, with him serving on the city council and board of supervisors.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In the early years of city government, the city was governed by a board of trustees. The leader of the board was given the title of president of the board of trustees. The title of mayor came later.
  2. "Walter Scott Chaffee One of Ventura's First Merchants". The Ventura County Star-Free Press. September 6, 1966 via The Museum of Ventura County (biography file for "Chaffee Family").
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 "City of San Buenaventura: History of Mayors", list available at City of Ventura Clerk's Office, reviewed May 8, 2018.
  4. "Solomon Obiols, Son of 1st Ventura Justice, Dies at 94". unknown. May 11, 1964 via The Museum of Ventura County (biography file "OA-OL").
  5. Materials in the "Lemuel Clarke McKeeby" biography file at The Museum of Ventura County.
  6. The city's "History of Mayors" list identifies the 11th mayor as having the middle initial "S". It is unclear whether Angel Gonzales Escandon served another term (in which case the middle initial appears to be a typographical error) or whether a second Angel Escandon served as mayor from 1876 to 1878.
  7. "Sheriff Paul Charlebois (1894–1903)". Office of Ventura County Sheriff. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  8. "Paul Charlebois Dead; City Trustee, Pioneer Merchant, Passes". Venture Daily Democrat. August 23, 1914.
  9. "A Few Recollections of the Early Days of San Buenaventura" by Floyd P. Shaw, March 1942. The Museum of Ventura County ("Floyd P. Shaw" biography file)
  10. "Death Calls on Judge Dimmick After Ailment: Beloved Justice of the Peace Passes Suddenly". Ventura Free Press. September 24, 1934. pp. 1, 3 via The Museum of Ventura County (biographical file "DI–DO").
  11. "Illness Fatal to George A. Randall". Ventura County Star-Free Press. October 6, 1941. p. 1 via The Museum of Ventura County (George Randall biography file).
  12. "Reese Made Ventura Mayor". Los Angeles Times. April 29, 1931. p. II-8 via Newspapers.com.
  13. "Ventura Mayor Taken by Death". Los Angeles Times. January 20, 1932. p. I-11 via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Hartman Named Ventura Mayor by City Council". Los Angeles Times. January 27, 1932. p. I-8 via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Chamber Leader Dies". The San Bernardino County Sun. December 9, 1958. p. 4 via Newspapers.com.
  16. Joe Paul Jr. (January 23, 1973). "Johnson, Mayor Petit die: Mayor emeritus heart attack victim at 91". Ventura County Star-Free Press. pp. A1, A2 via The Museum of Ventura County (biographical file for "Petit Family").
  17. "Charles W. Petit". The Los Angeles Times. 24 January 1973. p. 8.
  18. "Charles W. Petit". The Los Angeles Times. 14 April 1969. p. 34.
  19. "Real Estate Broker Elected Ventura Mayor". Los Angeles Times. April 30, 1969. p. 2 via Newspapers.com.
  20. "Self Defense Ruled in Death of Kountz Son". Los Angeles Times (Ventura County edition). November 9, 1991. p. B2 via Newspapers.com.
  21. "Harriet Henson; Former Mayor of Ventura". Los Angeles Times (Ventura County edition). September 1, 1999. p. B5 via Newspapers.com.
  22. "Veteran Councilman Says He Will Retire". Los Angeles Times (Ventura County edition). July 14, 1991. p. B2 via Newspapers.com.
  23. "Boulder City names Sullard as city manager". Las Vegas Sun. July 17, 1997.
  24. "James L. Monahan". City of Ventura. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  25. Peggy Y. Lee (September 13, 1993). "Monahan's Conduct His Achilles Heel in Council Race, Critics Say: Incumbent drove drunk and backed Nick Starr. But supporters admire his conservative politics and blunt style". Los Angeles Times.
  26. Tina Daunt (August 1, 1991). "Ventura Mayor Says He Does Not Plan to Run for Reelection: Richard Francis wants to spend more time with his 7-month-old twins. His departure will leave three council seats up for grabs". Los Angeles Times.
  27. Arlene Martinez (October 9, 2013). "Ventura City Council candidate: Richard Francis". The Ventura County Star.
  28. Santiago O'Donnell (December 3, 1991). "Newcomer Selected as Mayor in Ventura: Greg Carson, the top vote-getter in last month's council election, is named as the compromise candidate. The choice angers one member". Los Angeles Times.
  29. Kevin F. Sherry (December 17, 2001). "Former Ventura Mayor Returns to Public Life: Greg Carson, who abruptly left office six years ago, has joined two advisory boards, possibly signaling a reentry into politics". Los Angeles Times.
  30. Megan Diskin (May 17, 2016). "Oxnard man found guilty of attempting to kill former Ventura mayor". Ventura County Star.
  31. Peggy Y. Lee (December 7, 1993). "Buford Wins Mayor's Job; New Members Join Council : Ventura: The former Chamber of Commerce leader is handed the gavel after months of behind-the-scenes wrangling". Los Angeles Times.
  32. Tracy Wilson (December 5, 1995). "Councilman Tingstrom Chosen Mayor in Ventura : Politics: The decision caps weeks of wrangling over who would succeed Tom Buford. Council members say the election process went amicably". Los Angeles Times.
  33. "Clifton "Jack" Tingstrom". Legacy.com. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  34. Gail Davis (December 7, 1999). "Council Chooses Schoolteacher Sandy Smith as City's Mayor". Los Angeles Times.
  35. "Sandy Smith, M.P.P.A." California Lutheran University. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  36. Ryan Krebs (April 22, 2009). "VP retires after distinguished career with college district". Student Voice.
  37. Tracy Wilson (December 3, 2003). "Brennan Takes Over as Ventura's Mayor". Los Angeles Times.
  38. "Brian Brennan appointed to Ventura Port District board". Ventura County Star. August 9, 2016.
  39. "17-year Ventura veteran Carl Morehouse steps down". Ventura County Star. December 13, 2016.
  40. "Christy Weir". City of Ventura. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  41. "Former Ventura mayor named director of urban research institute". Ventura County Star. August 3, 2014.
  42. "Mike Tracy". City of Ventura. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  43. "Cheryl Heitmann". City of Ventura. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  44. "Ventura City Council Appoints Erik Nasarenko as mayor, Neal Andrews as deputy mayor". Citizens Journal. December 8, 2015.
  45. Arlene Martinez (December 5, 2017). "Longtime Ventura council member elected mayor". Ventura County Star.
  46. Tash, Debra (2018-12-12). "Ventura City Council Appoints Matt LaVere as Mayor, Sofia Rubalcava as Deputy Mayor". Citizens Journal. Retrieved 2021-03-05.
  47. "Ventura, CA". www.cityofventura.ca.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-05.
  48. https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/directory.aspx?EID=394