History
Ventura is an incomparable city of Ventura County, California in the United States. Ventura or the city of San Buenaventura is situated 63 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Ventura is a city with an inspiring mixture of history, culture, arts, agriculture, landmark architecture, and business. Ventura is regarded as the Hawaii on the mainland.

Ventura is one of the oldest, central coast communities founded with a mission. The history of Ventura began with Mission San Buenaventura, named after Saint Bonaventure. Mission San Buenaventura, which was founded by Father Junipero Serra, was considered as the most successful and influential among the California Missions. After the year 1812-1813, the Mission lands were divided among the settlers. Rancho San Miguel was deeded to Raimundo Olivas, who built the most astounding hacienda south of Monterey on the banks of the Santa Clara River. Settlers of the region bought land after the Civil War. Huge properties were obtained by Easterners, including the railroad tycoon, Thomas Scott. He felt deep appreciation for one of his young employees named Thomas R. Bard, who used to be responsible for train supplies to Union Troops. Because of this, he sent Bard to handle his newly acquired properties in the west. Bard is often regarded as the Father of Ventura and his descendants have been prominently identified with the growth of Ventura County. The Union Oil Company was organized with Bard as President in 1890, and had offices in Santa Paula. The main Ventura oil field was drilled in 1914 and at its peak produced 90,000 barrels a day. The completion of the construction of a four-lane expressway (US Highway 101) over the Conejo Grade took place in 1959 with its improvements finished during 1969. The route was known as the Ventura Freeway, which directly links Ventura with the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Another route, Pacific Coast Highway (US Highway 101 ALT) traveled along the coast from Santa Monica via Oxnard. By 1866, Ventura was incorporated.

Ventura has a population of 100, 916 residents with 25, 233 families and 38, 524 households, according to the year 2000 data of the United States Census Bureau. The racial composition of the population is composed of 78.79% White, 1.41% African American, 1.16% Native American, 3.00% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 11.14% from other races, and 4.32% from two or more races. Moreover, the population has 24.35% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The city of Ventura is geographically located at a latitude of 34°16′30″N, and a longitude of 119°13′40″W. Ventura has a total area of 84.6 square kilometers with 54.6 square kilometers land area and 30.0 square kilometers water area.

Schools
Ventura is home to quality and outstanding schools. The city has 28 public schools that offer comprehensive education and provide academic excellence for students. The public schools of Ventura consisted of Anapaca Middle, Balboa Middle, Blanche Reynolds Elementary, Buena High, Buena Vista High (Cont.), Cabrillo Middle, Citrus Glen, De Anza Middle, El Camino High (Alter), Elmhurst Elementary, Foothill Technology High, Foster (E.P.) Elementary, Homestead (Alternative), Juanamaria Elementary, Juvenile Court Schools, Lincoln Elementary, Loma vista Elementary, Montalvo Elementary, Mound Elementary, Pacific High (Cont.), Pierpont Elementary, Poinsettia Elementary, Portola Elementary, Saticoy Elementary, Serra (Junipero) Elementary, Sheridan Way Elementary, Ventura High, Ventura Islands High (Cont.) and Will Rogers Elementary. Ventura also has private schools which include Sacred Heart Elementary School, St. Augustine Academy, College Heights Christian School, First Baptist Day School, Our Lady of Assumption School, St. Bonaventure High School, St. Paul's Episcopal Parish Day School, Temple Christian School, Tutor Time Child Care Learning, Ventura Missionary School, Ventura Montessori School, Jameson, Golden Rest Montessori School, Holy Cross School at San Buena and Ventura County Christian High. Ventura is also home to Ventura College which is an accredited two-year institution of higher education and is conveniently located approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara.

The following provides information about Ventura College as well as Ventura High:
Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93003

Ventura High
2155 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001

Recreation
Ventura offers a wide variety of places to visit. The city provides recreational and cultural opportunities in biking, surfing, sailing, skateboarding, hiking, theatre, music, art walks, scenic and historical tours. Ventura has the Historic Downtown Ventura with a distinct eclectic architecture, historic homes, museums, boutiques and antique shops, restaurants, Mission San Buenaventura, and palm tree-lined streets. Ventura also has Seaside Park that features hundreds of special events from concerts and trade shows to motor sports and festivals. Ventura Harbor Village is also a great place to see. It is the core of coastal Ventura County, where one can book a cruise for a half or full-day trip to the Channel Islands, take sailing lessons, and rent a peddle boat or kayak. It also has
36-horse carousel and arcade games for kids, and the whole family will enjoy the art galleries, café bakery, ice cream parlor, restaurants and specialty shops. Waterfront is also a great experience offered by the city of Ventura. It is the shining gem in Ventura’s crown. Extending from Seaside Park to Ventura Harbor, the area's beachfront includes surf breaks, a historic pier and promenade, San Buenaventura State Beach, the Seaward Avenue Beach District, several parks, miles of scenic bike paths, and a flourishing harbor. The Seaward Avenue Beach District is a vibrant atmosphere of classic California beach towns and restaurants with finest dining.

Furthermore, Ventura also has Ventura Community Park located in the following address:
Ventura Community Park
901 South Kimball Road
Ventura, CA 93002-0099

Ventura is also a center for arts and culture. Three times a year, art galleries, businesses and sidewalks come alive with art exhibits that highlight Ventura’s unique visual and performing arts community. The city has Downtown Ventura Cultural District which has a wide variety of arts activities, exhibits, performances and galleries. The second floor of the City hall also features artworks from the Municipal Art Collection. In addition to this, the city of Ventura also has parks which include Area Parks Channel Islands, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park.

Ventura is indeed a great haven through its warm Mediterranean climate and brilliant quality of life. It is a blooming residential and business community. It is also a center for music, arts and culture.

DR. JOHN CHAVES
5312 Comercio Lane, Suite A
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone 818-999-2707
Fax 818-703-1998
appointment@cosmeticdentalservices.com