Gazebo Honors Former Mayor

A gazebo will be dedicated in the name of former Ventura Mayor Harriet Henson at downtown’s Plaza Park on Feb. 6 beginning at 12:30 p.m. as part of a celebration that will include a free concert and park tours led by costumed docents.

Henson, who died in August, was the only woman to serve as Ventura’s mayor. She was mayor from 1978 to 1982.

She was involved in city and county government for decades, serving on various boards and committees, including the city Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Agency and the Ventura Architectural Review Board. She was also the former owner and manager of Golden Odyssey Travel and Cruises in Ventura.

The Harriet Hansen Gazebo, which cost $272,000, can be reserved for private parties and events. It is already booked for the spring ArtWalk. For reservations, call the Ventura Park Facilities Reservation Line at 652-4594.

Plaza Park, which has undergone various face-lifts in its more than 100-year span, is at Thompson Boulevard and Chestnut Street.