OAK VIEW : Council Picks Mayor and Honors Citizens

The Oak View Civic Council selected an honorary mayor and honored two residents Friday during a ceremony at the Oak View Community Center.

Lanie Jo Springer, 55, a personnel specialist with Ventura Unified School District, began her second term as Oak View’s honorary mayor by defeating challenger Willem Visser, an engineer for an oil spill cleanup company.

The Oak View Civic Council, which is made up of active individuals and non-profit organizations in the community, raises money for projects in the unincorporated community of about 4,000 residents south of Ojai.

James Stallings, 35, a self-employed contractor, was chosen Outstanding Citizen of the Year by a three-member committee of the Civic Council. He was recognized for building bleachers, fences and playground equipment for Oak View School and the local Little League.

The 1990 Mother of the Year award went to Lynn Smith, 44, an instructional aide at Oak View School and a mother of three children. She was nominated by her oldest daughter, Aja, 10.

The council had hoped to honor a Father of the Year, but no one was nominated, said council President Terry Tatroe, an Oak View electrician.

About 150 people gathered in the Oak View Community Center for the awards ceremony and enchilada dinner prepared by the Oak View Women’s Club. Entertainment was provided by the Old-Time Fiddlers.

Springer said the council is striving to become more of a voice for the community.

The council will elect new officers Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Oak View Community Center.