Camarillo Marks Its 30th Year of Cityhood Quietly

The City of Camarillo did what a lot of people do when they turn 30--it had a very low-key party.

No longer young and not yet old, Camarillo celebrated its 30th year of cityhood with a barbecue at Los Primeros School on Saturday afternoon.

Civic leaders turned out in force and at least 200 people showed up by early evening to dine on tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs and free birthday cake provided by a local bakery. The party was scheduled to continue until 10 p.m.

“This is not like turning 25 or turning 50,” said Councilman Stan Daily. “We didn’t want a big deal. You know, no political speeches or anything.”

Daily was standing with lifelong Camarillo resident Ned Chatfield, looking at a clipping from a local newspaper dated September, 1964, when voters approved incorporation. Both men had their pictures on the front page under a banner headline proclaiming the vote. And both were elected to Camarillo’s first City Council.

Since then the town has grown from about 13,000 residents to about 60,000, and the city’s budget has ballooned from about $100,000 to over $30 million this year, Daily said.

Like Daily and Chatfield, many residents at Saturday’s celebration have witnessed Camarillo’s transformation. Rod Franz, a civic booster and member of the local Lion’s Club, came to the area with his family in 1959.

“When we came, you could see maybe one light from a ranch house as you came down the Conejo Grade,” he said. “It’s changed a lot since then.”

Franz said this celebration was more subdued than most he has attended over the last 30 years because the city usually combines its annual fiesta with the birthday bash.

“They didn’t plan anything big because the two weren’t scheduled for the same weekend this year,” he said.

Franz acted as master of ceremonies for the celebration’s small program. He introduced a troupe of young dancers and singers, called Fresh Chances for America, and the Camarillo Community Band. About 6 p.m. the band launched into a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” while Mayor Ken Gose and the rest of the City Council cut the three-tiered birthday cake.