HARD TIMES: United Way of Ventura County...
HARD TIMES: United Way of Ventura County will wrap up its 1993 fund-raising campaign this week, and spokesman David Harris said donations are not likely to reach the year’s goal of $5.35 million. . . . Contributions have also dropped off statewide due to the lingering recession. Historically, United Way chapters in the West have not done as well as elsewhere in the country, Harris said. . . . “The East Coast and Midwest have more established economies and companies that have a long tradition of supporting the United Way.”
ARTS CENTERS: Simi Valley is moving forward with its own Cultural Arts Center, yet city leaders are nervous about escalating costs of creating its cultural center out of an aging church (B4). . . . The Simi council’s cautious approach contrasts sharply with Thousand Oaks’ decision to cover a $13-million shortfall for its towering Civic Arts Plaza. Simi Councilwoman Sandi Webb, who opposes Simi’s proposed center, said: “It is hard to really scream when I see the city next door spending $64 million on some monstrosity and we are only spending $3 million.”
DISASTERS: The local emergency caused by the Northridge quake is over. Well, almost. It’ll be over Tuesday, when the Ventura County Board of Supervisors officially terminates the Proclamation of Local Emergency. “It’s just a formality that we are no longer under a state of emergency,” said Jackie Hull of emergency services. After any catastrophe, officials declare a local emergency to qualify for state or federal disaster aid.
POWER MOVE: After spending a quarter-century landlocked near Van Nuys Airport, Powerboat Magazine has finally found a waterfront home. The 60,000-circulation magazine has relocated to the Ventura Harbor. Although Powerboat focuses on high-performance racing boats, it doesn’t bother Publisher Jerry Nordskog to have his view of the Ventura Harbor choked with sailboat masts. “We still have more powerboats in this harbor than at the Van Nuys Airport.”
Less Than Generous
Ventura County United Way contributions ranked behind areas with similar population profiles. Per capita giving in 1992. Hartford, Conn.: $34.91 Baton Rouge: $13.15 Oklahoma City: $13.11 Milltown, N.J.: $8.54 Ventura County: $7.64 Source: United Way
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
