NEW FACES:

Downtown Ventura Partners420 East Santa ClaraVentura, CA 93001805.641.1090www.downtownventura.org

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

DUPUIS GROUP CHOOSES DOWNTOWN

BOARD ELECTIONS

�e in�uential innovation and design �rm DuPuis Group recently hosted dozens for an inspiring grand opening party inside their trendy and vibrant new home in the historic Bank of Italy building.�e 25-year-old �rm relocated from a Westlake Village o�ce park to Downtown Ventura to better re�ect its creative product design and branding work and expand their West Coast presence.�e historic building’s 24-foot-high ceilings, natural light, architectural details and scenic view down Main Street created the perfect setting that president and creative director John Silva and founder/owner Steven DuPuis felt would inspire the division's 22 employees and impress their diverse food industry clients, including the likes of Dole Food Co., Nestle USA and ConAgra Foods.�e company also built a full test kitchen to create recipes for clients, and to have a funky, collaborative space to host them. "�e whole move to Ventura is to be the right bookend to what we have in Chicago," Silva said.

OPEN HOUSE:

�e Downtown Ventura Partners board held elections for three members at the end of March. All Downtown property owners received mailed ballots, and the polls closed on Sunday, March 18. We are pleased to announce the return of property owners Mike Merewether and Doug Wood, and welcome newly elected business owner Mark Draganchuk, president and founder of Draganchuk Alarm Systems Inc. A Ventura resident for over 40 years, Mark was awarded a Certi�cate of Recognition by the Mayor and City Council last year for providing over two decades of excellent service to the community.

In addition to the DVP elections, the nonpro�t, all-volunteer Downtown Ventura Organization held its elections, including the installation of new members Alyssa Abul-Haj, manager of American Apparel; Sam Benner, executive vice president of WSI Global Solutions; and Ed Summers, president and CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. �e DVO also unanimously elected Lucas Johnston president, tapping a respected and veteran Downtown presence to lead the nonpro�t as it transitions into a greater voice for merchants, business owners and residents. A county native, Lucas is vice president and regional relationship manager of Paci�c Western Bank.

Downtown Ventura Partners returns two contributors, welcomes new face;Pacific Western’s Lucas Johnston tabbed to lead DVO

David Armstrong, President

David Comden

Mark Draganchuk

Mark Hartley, Secretary

Cheryl Heitmann

Mike Merewether

Greg Smith, Treasurer

Je� Smith

Ed Warren

Christy Weir

Doug Wood, Vice President

Kevin Clerici, Executive Director

Meredith Dilg, Project Manager

Clean & Safe Ambassadors:Mike SandovalRony HerreraLarry EstradaSarah ThomasVince Velasquez

As always, we welcome your ideas and input. Call Project Manager Meredith Dilg or Kevin Clerici anytime at 805-641-1090. Also, please sign up for our weekly email newsletter at DowntownVentura.Org.

BOARD MEMBERS:

STAFF:Lucas Johnston

Offices in Chicago, Germany and now Downtown Ventura

2012 OUTLOOK:

�e city’s Parks division is about to contract with the company, Poo Free Parks, to provide new dispensers in parks and public spaces around the city, including in Downtown and along the Promenade. �ese green dispensers will be installed in strategic locations in Downtown, returning an important tool in our e�ort to keep Downtown clean. (Most of the previous Mutt Mitt dispensers were removed by the City due to budget cuts.) Already, a handful of Downtown businesses and concerned citizens have

stepped up to sponsor one. You can, too, at a cost of $600 a year. Going with Poo Free Parks has several bene�ts: the dispensers are designed to hold 900 bags (Mutt Mitt dispensers held 300); the Poo Free Parks bags are truly biodegradable; the company currently has contracts in Camarillo and Aurora, Colo., among other cities. For more information, go online to PooFreeParks.com or email Mike Webster at Mike@PooFreeParks.com

CLEANER PARKS:

POO FREE PARKSNew waste dispensers hold 900 biodegradable bags

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE:

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 NewsletterDowntown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

COMMUNITY PASSINGS:

Downtown Ventura Partnersare doing their part.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Family, friends and others �lled the Museum of Ventura County on April 14 for a public memorial for Steve Tobey, the jovial and well-respected owner of We Olive, who died at home on March 30.Dozens shared moving and heartfelt stories and memories of Steve, who lived every day to the fullest and raised two wonderful young adults, Emily and Justin. Steve is survived by his �ancé, Colleen McCall, and his We Olive family. It was announced that a scholarship in his name has been created for Ventura High School students seeking a career in the culinary arts.

�e majestic W Gallery inside the Erle Stanley Gardner building hosted Downtown Ventura’s annual party in March, where more than 100 attendees were treated to live music, delicious food and drinks and the unveiling of the “I Love Downtown” video, which featured several merchants and business owners describing why they chose to do business in Downtown. Attendees learned of coming enhancements to the website and the creation of a mobile site for phones and handheld computers that will go live in the next few months. Proceeds from the silent auction and ra�e went to the Light Up Our Landmarks campaign, which is fundraising for new outdoor-rated LED lights for the two 120-foot tall trees outside the historic Mission. Donations can still be made online at DowntownVentura.Org.

COMING TOGETHER:

NEW BUSINESSES:

Are your front façade lights working? In our continued e�ort to light up Downtown, we would appreciate if you would check to make sure your lights turn on at night. We are willing to help in any way possible to make this happen. Need a new light bulb? We will buy it! Need a ladder? We will bring it. Need help setting the timer? Kevin will be over in minutes. We’re serious about having consistent, working lights throughout Downtown. Help us make this a reality.

Call Kevin at: 805.641.1090or email, kevin@downtownventura.org

A CALL TO LIGHT!

STEVE TOBEY REMEMBERED

Kent Van Gundy, the patriarch behind "Van Gundy Jewelers,” passed away at age 85 at home on April 1. Born in Kansas, Van Gundy served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Kay, eventually coming to Ventura and working at "Alberts Jewelers" in 1957. He later ventured out on his own, opening “Van Gundy, Jeweler at Scotts," which grew into "Van Gundy and Sons." Today his legacy continues as "Van Gundy Jewelers." He is survived by his wife, 2 brothers, 2 daughters, 2 sons, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and his loving rescue dog, Lenny. Donations, in lieu of �owers, may be sent to the Doberman Pinscher Rescue, 2946 Young Rd., Fillmore, CA 93015, or Easter Seals, 10730 Henderson Rd., Ventura, CA 93004.

KENT VAN GUNDY

Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant 546 East Main St.

Copperfield’s 242 East Main St.

The DuPuis Group 394 East Main St.

Farmers Insurance 717 East Main St.

Gaskell & Brown LLP 31 North Oak St.

M. Fredric 378 East Main St.

Peirano's Restaurant 204 East Main St.

Two Ladies On a Mission 231 East Main St.

The Tavern 211 E. Santa Clara St.

Sweet Stuff Confections 451 E. Main St. #8

New Businesses January through March*:

*City of Ventura business license o�ce

Stop by this sweet-smelling confection shop for a tasty breakfast or an organic gourmet cake crafted by owner and highly-trained pastry chef Shannon Wright. Make sure to try Shannon’s famous Tiramisu made with house-made lady�ngers and fresh-brewed espresso. Marieshannonconfections.com.

�is high-end apparel boutique is helmed by the husband-wife-sister team of Fred and Lisa Levine and Mardi Fox. �e trio ensure the decor, fashion and service are unparalleled. Mfredric.com

MARIE SHANNONCONFECTIONS27 South Chestnut StreetPhone: 805-667-8043

BUSINESS OWNERS UNITE

For more information on the Downtown Ventura Partners, visit our website at DowntownVentura.Org

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE:

M. FREDRIC378 East Main StreetPhone: 805-643-6300

PLEASE RECYCLE,OR PASS ON TO A FRIEND!

• THIRD THURSDAY COMEDY SHOW 20 N. Oak St., May 17

• BROKER OPEN HOUSE W Gallery, June, 2012

• ROADSHOW REVIVAL VC Fairgrounds, June 16

• JULY 4 PARADE & STREET FAIR Main Street, July 4, 2012

• VENTURA FILM SOCIETY’S CINEMA SERIES 1ST & 3RD Tuesdays of each month

2012 OUTLOOK:

�e city’s Parks division is about to contract with the company, Poo Free Parks, to provide new dispensers in parks and public spaces around the city, including in Downtown and along the Promenade. �ese green dispensers will be installed in strategic locations in Downtown, returning an important tool in our e�ort to keep Downtown clean. (Most of the previous Mutt Mitt dispensers were removed by the City due to budget cuts.) Already, a handful of Downtown businesses and concerned citizens have

stepped up to sponsor one. You can, too, at a cost of $600 a year. Going with Poo Free Parks has several bene�ts: the dispensers are designed to hold 900 bags (Mutt Mitt dispensers held 300); the Poo Free Parks bags are truly biodegradable; the company currently has contracts in Camarillo and Aurora, Colo., among other cities. For more information, go online to PooFreeParks.com or email Mike Webster at Mike@PooFreeParks.com

CLEANER PARKS:

POO FREE PARKSNew waste dispensers hold 900 biodegradable bags

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE:

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 NewsletterDowntown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

COMMUNITY PASSINGS:

Downtown Ventura Partnersare doing their part.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Family, friends and others �lled the Museum of Ventura County on April 14 for a public memorial for Steve Tobey, the jovial and well-respected owner of We Olive, who died at home on March 30.Dozens shared moving and heartfelt stories and memories of Steve, who lived every day to the fullest and raised two wonderful young adults, Emily and Justin. Steve is survived by his �ancé, Colleen McCall, and his We Olive family. It was announced that a scholarship in his name has been created for Ventura High School students seeking a career in the culinary arts.

�e majestic W Gallery inside the Erle Stanley Gardner building hosted Downtown Ventura’s annual party in March, where more than 100 attendees were treated to live music, delicious food and drinks and the unveiling of the “I Love Downtown” video, which featured several merchants and business owners describing why they chose to do business in Downtown. Attendees learned of coming enhancements to the website and the creation of a mobile site for phones and handheld computers that will go live in the next few months. Proceeds from the silent auction and ra�e went to the Light Up Our Landmarks campaign, which is fundraising for new outdoor-rated LED lights for the two 120-foot tall trees outside the historic Mission. Donations can still be made online at DowntownVentura.Org.

COMING TOGETHER:

NEW BUSINESSES:

Are your front façade lights working? In our continued e�ort to light up Downtown, we would appreciate if you would check to make sure your lights turn on at night. We are willing to help in any way possible to make this happen. Need a new light bulb? We will buy it! Need a ladder? We will bring it. Need help setting the timer? Kevin will be over in minutes. We’re serious about having consistent, working lights throughout Downtown. Help us make this a reality.

Call Kevin at: 805.641.1090or email, kevin@downtownventura.org

A CALL TO LIGHT!

STEVE TOBEY REMEMBERED

Kent Van Gundy, the patriarch behind "Van Gundy Jewelers,” passed away at age 85 at home on April 1. Born in Kansas, Van Gundy served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Kay, eventually coming to Ventura and working at "Alberts Jewelers" in 1957. He later ventured out on his own, opening “Van Gundy, Jeweler at Scotts," which grew into "Van Gundy and Sons." Today his legacy continues as "Van Gundy Jewelers." He is survived by his wife, 2 brothers, 2 daughters, 2 sons, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and his loving rescue dog, Lenny. Donations, in lieu of �owers, may be sent to the Doberman Pinscher Rescue, 2946 Young Rd., Fillmore, CA 93015, or Easter Seals, 10730 Henderson Rd., Ventura, CA 93004.

KENT VAN GUNDY

Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant 546 East Main St.

Copperfield’s 242 East Main St.

The DuPuis Group 394 East Main St.

Farmers Insurance 717 East Main St.

Gaskell & Brown LLP 31 North Oak St.

M. Fredric 378 East Main St.

Peirano's Restaurant 204 East Main St.

Two Ladies On a Mission 231 East Main St.

The Tavern 211 E. Santa Clara St.

Sweet Stuff Confections 451 E. Main St. #8

New Businesses January through March*:

*City of Ventura business license o�ce

Stop by this sweet-smelling confection shop for a tasty breakfast or an organic gourmet cake crafted by owner and highly-trained pastry chef Shannon Wright. Make sure to try Shannon’s famous Tiramisu made with house-made lady�ngers and fresh-brewed espresso. Marieshannonconfections.com.

�is high-end apparel boutique is helmed by the husband-wife-sister team of Fred and Lisa Levine and Mardi Fox. �e trio ensure the decor, fashion and service are unparalleled. Mfredric.com

MARIE SHANNONCONFECTIONS27 South Chestnut StreetPhone: 805-667-8043

BUSINESS OWNERS UNITE

For more information on the Downtown Ventura Partners, visit our website at DowntownVentura.Org

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE:

M. FREDRIC378 East Main StreetPhone: 805-643-6300

PLEASE RECYCLE,OR PASS ON TO A FRIEND!

• THIRD THURSDAY COMEDY SHOW 20 N. Oak St., May 17

• BROKER OPEN HOUSE W Gallery, June, 2012

• ROADSHOW REVIVAL VC Fairgrounds, June 16

• JULY 4 PARADE & STREET FAIR Main Street, July 4, 2012

• VENTURA FILM SOCIETY’S CINEMA SERIES 1ST & 3RD Tuesdays of each month

NEW FACES:

Downtown Ventura Partners420 East Santa ClaraVentura, CA 93001805.641.1090www.downtownventura.org

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

Downtown Ventura Partners - Spring 2012 Newsletter

DUPUIS GROUP CHOOSES DOWNTOWN

BOARD ELECTIONS

�e in�uential innovation and design �rm DuPuis Group recently hosted dozens for an inspiring grand opening party inside their trendy and vibrant new home in the historic Bank of Italy building.�e 25-year-old �rm relocated from a Westlake Village o�ce park to Downtown Ventura to better re�ect its creative product design and branding work and expand their West Coast presence.�e historic building’s 24-foot-high ceilings, natural light, architectural details and scenic view down Main Street created the perfect setting that president and creative director John Silva and founder/owner Steven DuPuis felt would inspire the division's 22 employees and impress their diverse food industry clients, including the likes of Dole Food Co., Nestle USA and ConAgra Foods.�e company also built a full test kitchen to create recipes for clients, and to have a funky, collaborative space to host them. "�e whole move to Ventura is to be the right bookend to what we have in Chicago," Silva said.

OPEN HOUSE:

�e Downtown Ventura Partners board held elections for three members at the end of March. All Downtown property owners received mailed ballots, and the polls closed on Sunday, March 18. We are pleased to announce the return of property owners Mike Merewether and Doug Wood, and welcome newly elected business owner Mark Draganchuk, president and founder of Draganchuk Alarm Systems Inc. A Ventura resident for over 40 years, Mark was awarded a Certi�cate of Recognition by the Mayor and City Council last year for providing over two decades of excellent service to the community.

In addition to the DVP elections, the nonpro�t, all-volunteer Downtown Ventura Organization held its elections, including the installation of new members Alyssa Abul-Haj, manager of American Apparel; Sam Benner, executive vice president of WSI Global Solutions; and Ed Summers, president and CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. �e DVO also unanimously elected Lucas Johnston president, tapping a respected and veteran Downtown presence to lead the nonpro�t as it transitions into a greater voice for merchants, business owners and residents. A county native, Lucas is vice president and regional relationship manager of Paci�c Western Bank.

Downtown Ventura Partners returns two contributors, welcomes new face;Pacific Western’s Lucas Johnston tabbed to lead DVO

David Armstrong, President

David Comden

Mark Draganchuk

Mark Hartley, Secretary

Cheryl Heitmann

Mike Merewether

Greg Smith, Treasurer

Je� Smith

Ed Warren

Christy Weir

Doug Wood, Vice President

Kevin Clerici, Executive Director

Meredith Dilg, Project Manager

Clean & Safe Ambassadors:Mike SandovalRony HerreraLarry EstradaSarah ThomasVince Velasquez

As always, we welcome your ideas and input. Call Project Manager Meredith Dilg or Kevin Clerici anytime at 805-641-1090. Also, please sign up for our weekly email newsletter at DowntownVentura.Org.

BOARD MEMBERS:

STAFF:Lucas Johnston

Offices in Chicago, Germany and now Downtown Ventura