 What comes to mind when you think about Camarillo? Maybe it’s the hometown feeling, beautiful scenery or the strong bond amongst the locals. There are many aspects of Camarillo to explore and fall in love with. Have you ever stopped and wondered what Camarillo was like before we made it be what it is today? The history of Camarillo is unique because its roots are what made this wonderful community who and what it is today. Camarillo was founded by Adolfo Camarillo, son of Don Juan Camarillo. Although, Ventura County was established in 1873, the birthing of Camarillo was finalized on October 22nd, 1964. In the beginning, there were not as many big businesses as there are today in Camarillo. The basic essentials, such as food and home goods were the building blocks paving the way for Camarillo to grow and develop. Long before the Don Juan Camarillo’s settled in Ventura County, there has been some evidence indicating there was Indian culture in the lands of Camarillo from nearly 7,000 years ago. Artifacts and excavations were released by Ventura County later on, bringing to light that Indian settlers were actually here before all of us. That’s pretty cool if you ask me! Having that history of being connected to a past culture through land deepens the roots of Camarillo. To fully engulf into the Camarillo community, a symbol was chosen to represent the connectivity and inclusiveness amongst the locals. That symbol is the Mission Bell. It was first erected in August of 1906 and has held a large significance to each generation that passes through Camarillo Another way to keep the city close was by expanding their avenues to other towns by adding the first direct rail link in 1904. Traveling signs and symbols began to develop in 1925-1926 in Camarillo to make getting to one’s destination a lot easier. The Southern Pacific Railroad track helped traveling passengers reach their destinations and be able to bring prosperity to Camarillo. The first school in this beautiful town of ours was the Pleasant Valley School district in 1868. The oldest church in Camarillo dates back to 1869; the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. The first daily newspaper began nearly a century ago. The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce was implemented in the early 1960’s and a decade later large industrial firms began developing within Camarillo. Due to Camarillo being so fresh, clean and brand spanking new, everybody wanted to be here! It was even referred to as the “mecca of the clean” in the 1970’s. For the past hundred years, Camarillo has nearly tripled in its population and continues to grow each and every day. Camarillo is adorned for its moderate climate, growing businesses and its warm, embracing community. Who wouldn’t want to live here after knowing all of these fun facts? I sure plan on staying! The history of Camarillo is distinctive and special. It has laid the groundwork for us to be apart of this community today. Sometimes we need to stop and take a look back before we can keep moving forward. Due to the marvelous community we have, the Camarillo community will forever continue to grow.
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 Having previously lived in more vibrant cities, I often get stuck on finding things to do in Camarillo. Sometimes I don’t have the desire to drive down to LA or up to Santa Barbara. I prefer to stay local for some late night fun. When I partnered with the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, they pointed me in the right direction of where to turn to.
 Who runs the world?! Well, if you ask Beyonce she’ll tell you “girls!” To be frank, she does have a point. Historically speaking, women have struggled to receive their proper recognition for the roles they play within society. As for our current times, we are are living through a transitional period where females are becoming more independent. Becoming independent doesn’t mean breaking up with your boyfriend or seeking a form of spiritual enlightenment for guidance. Still waters run deep. Women are more capable of pursuing their dreams now more than ever before. Whether it be mentally, emotionally or financially, women are finding their independence through various outlets.
 Wedding season is upon us, my friends. Tying the knot is a serious decision to make in any person’s life. Guessing which designer the bride will wear to listing how many guests to host are some of the top priorities when it comes to planning a wedding. With every moment of cheer, there are constant stressors coming from all different angles during this time. Many aspects of the wedding often get overlooked with all the tasks being covered! Yet, prioritizing effectively will allow your big day to be smooth sailing. One of the biggest priorities that many people overlook is WHERE the wedding will be held. Bridesmaids fittings, cake testing and arranging the catering seem to be the least of the worries when it comes to the most important aspect: the venue. Yes, the venue! People will often ask “when” and “where” when it comes to saving the date. Where you will be saying yes to the rest of your life can be a difficult decision to make. It’s your big day with the love of your life and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce wants to ensure that we can further contribute to all of your needs on your very special day. A few of our members offer some draw dropping wedding venues, gorgeous beauty packages, mouth watering catering services and clean cut photos that we highly recommend. Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Center at Sterling Hills gives you step by step options on their website to their various all-inclusive wedding packages. They offer options between “class,” “premier,” all the way up to “elite.” These options vary with their meal and wine services, as well as music and entertainment options. Wedgewood wants to help make your wedding fun and affordable so you can still have the honeymoon of your dreams. The Spanish Hills Country Club also has great options between ceremonies, receptions and beautiful scenery for your wedding. Their website gives you the opportunity to upload your wedding information, including dates and your personal information. They hold true to their reputation of sophistication by the services they provide in their packages. Each of their wedding packages are capable of being tailored to personally cater to your specific needs. The Spanish Hills Country Club hopes to make your wedding warm, elegant and unforgettable. Maravilla Gardens provides a unique wedding experience for couples who prefer a one stop shop. They offer the ability to have a beautiful outdoor wedding, catering services, dinnerware rentals, as well as furniture and decor rentals. They have various outdoor backdrops for photos, vintage coffee tables for decor and buffet style lean cuisine. Maravilla Gardens provides intimate, detailed personalizations to the wedding of your dreams! Camarillo Ranch Foundation is another all-inclusive wedding service. They specifically offer complimentary guest parking, photography before the ceremony, and two hours of Bridal Suite usage. Their exclusive in-house catering offers gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. There are guest limitations for certain days of the week and modern, rustic-styled rentals available as well. The Camarillo Ranch Foundation wants to make sure you have everything you need in one place on your wedding day. Now that you have your venue setup, it’s time to doll YOU up! Face To Face Esthetics offers bridal makeup options with prices listed. A minimum of three bridal party members are required in addition to the bride for on-site touch ups. They also recommend a consultation for a makeup trial at least three months before the actual wedding. That way Face To Face can plan specific designs and details to help accentuate each individuals beauty for the wedding album. Shimmer Skin and Makeup by Christina has bridal packages available, as well as on-location services for a beauty session and touch-ups. You’ll have to give them a call for specific pricing and service requirements. Aside from specific wedding services, they also offer waxing, eyelash and brow services. Be sure to take a look on their website for their facial services including microdermabrasion, chemical peels and reflexology. Glamour Studio not only takes care of the bride but they have the groom covered too! The bridal services offered include hair extensions, partial or full up-dos, and eyebrow shaping. They want to accentuate your natural beauty by offering a chest contour glow and tattoo cover-ups. For the groom, Glamour offers a manicure, facial, haircut and scalp massage. They truly want you both to look your absolute best on your wedding day and offer a wide range of options to make sure that happens. As for catering, DJ’s California Catering offers an array of catering options, even one specifically designed for weddings. They offer opportunities for pre-wedding consultations, hosting menu tastings and finalizing all confirmations for the big day. DJ’s California Catering menu holds options varying from “Blazin BBQ,” to “Fiesta Americana” and “Gourmet Specialties.” They know just how important the food at a wedding can be and they are more than ready to deliver! Command Performance Catering Group is another great option for catering services. Their website breaks down the different categories of explaining what type of catering services are needed, such as a wedding or a corporate meeting. They take pride in their bartenders crafty work to mix up the best drinks for the celebration. From mini sliders to yummy finger foods, Command Performance aims to please. They also offer beautiful floral arrangements to accentuate the beauty in their food while crafting the perfect meal for your special day. Lastly, Kristi Harris Photography can help to capture every single moment along the way. Kristi has a passion for photography, as explained on her website. She aims to create the perfect atmosphere for your big event! Details and pricing are explained upon consultation. Although she is based in Ventura County, she is able to travel all through Southern California as well. We truly believe each of these services can enhance your wedding day beyond your wildest dreams. There are endless catering choices, gorgeous scenery venues and crafty makeup packages. It is a must to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to enhance the most memorable day of your life and enjoy your happily ever after!
 Do you believe that someone’s age determines their level of professionalism? Maintaining an open mind is a strong belief of ours here at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. We find that individuals all across the board from various cultures and generations each have something unique to bring to the table. That is why we have created our Young Professionals Group. Our YPG committee serves to aid in young professionals establishing a better consensus of how to succeed in the business community. The YPG committee holds a meeting every third Thursday of each month to discuss networking events and new tactics to integrate young professionals in a more profound way. That way, the committee can continue to help young business professionals grow and succeed. Networking and establishing your identity in the business community is the ultimate goal of our YPG Mixers. We want you to have a fun, relaxed evening with us and our YPG committee while gaining a deeper insight as to how the professional field works. Our First Mixer of the year was held at Spencer Mackenzie’s Camarillo location on February 12th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Our crowd that night ranged from inspired college students to experienced business partners. Not a member? Not a problem. Not a business owner? Still not a problem! Don’t worry about your level of experience in the business community; we accept those who are there to learn and those who are there to teach. We welcome all individuals from the public to these events. YPG Mixers separate themselves from other events we hold here at the Chamber because they represent the foundation for blending businesses together. What you can expect at our YPG Mixers is a wide range of young, determined and innovative individuals who are seeking knowledge on how to better represent their future businesses. Better yet, you can also expect to find established business owners aspiring to lead the pathway for the younger generations. Food and drinks will always be available at our YPG Mixers, as well as a good time! You don’t have to be a member to join us! Our YPG Mixers are exclusive to those from 21 to 40 years of age. We extend this offering to be open to the public and anyone interested in becoming more involved in the business community! Join us at our next YPG Mixer on April 19th from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at DCH Lexus of Oxnard.
 Ahhh! Can you smell it? Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Cupid is sharpening his arrows and bringing us closer together. Have you taken some time to buy that special someone a gift yet? Perhaps a dinner reservation and a trip to see the most romantic movie you could find? There are endless opportunities to show your loved ones the admiration and care you have for them. Some of us may still run out of ideas, though. Don’t you worry just yet! The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce has you covered. This year, our staff at the Chamber would like to send some love your way. We are here to let you know that a few of your favorite local businesses are holding specialities and promotions in regards to celebrating the day of love. Regardless of your current relationship status, feel free to take hold of these lovey dovey deals! Maybe you and your spouse are tired of the same ole sentimental dinner where you had your first kiss 40 years ago. Better yet, you two want a nice change from the same homemade chocolate covered strawberries your in-laws make every year even though you politely decline the offer. How about you check out Twenty88 Bistro located at 2088 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010. Their Valentine’s Day Special consists of delicious appetizers, tantalizing entrees and mouth watering desserts. To start, you can pick between seafood or a cheesy delight, then indulge in heart-shaped raviolis or a surf and turf, then top it all off with fresh berries or heart-shaped cookies. These are just a few of their options so keep your eyes open! Even if you can’t impress your date, Twenty88 Bistro’s menu sure will. For those of you who may be having a first date or don’t want to scare off their new partner too soon, we have an alternative for you. Ameci Pizza at 2390 Las Posas Rd. Suite E, Camarillo, CA 93010 will be having their usual specials for all you pizza lovers. No cooking, no expensive check that you don’t want your partner to know you can’t actually afford, no problem! Ameci’s will be making heart-shaped pizzas to spice things up. Kick back with your date, put on some Netflix, reminisce on how you were the star-studded athlete back in your time and give Ameci’s a call. When making your order, be sure to let them know that you would like the heart-shaped option. That way, it is ensured they will be making your pizza with love. Now, what if you’re somebody who believes a romantic experience can swoon over that crush of yours? Painting With A Twist at 2298 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010 puts their own twist on Valentine’s Day. On February 14th, they will be hosting a “PAINT AS A PAIR Love You More Set,” You must be at least twenty one years old to attend considering there will be alcohol involved. All of the details and reservations can be found on their website. If you find yourself to be slightly more reserved and a little more shy than most, this is the event for you! Sip some wine, paint your feelings and have a good time! Even though there is infinite love around us, Valentine’s Day tends to remind single individuals just how single they are or bring back memories of our exes. Thank you #singleawarenessday for that. I am a firm believer there is only one way to get over that type of heartache and its first name is Sweet, last name Tooth. If you are anything like myself, then your sweet tooth is your best friend, partner in crime and permanent lover. Camarillo Cupcake at 389 Carmen Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010 can mend your broken heart with some sweet treats! Order from them by February 13th to indulge in mini cupcakes, mini cakes and so much more. Their flavors vary from chocolate to lemon raspberry and even vegan options. One bite and you’ll fall in love all over again, trust me! Twenty88 Bistro: 805-388-2088 http://twenty88.com/ instagram- @twenty88bistro Ameci Pizza: 805-482-3031 https://www.amecicamarillo.com/ instagram- @amecipizzakitchen Painting With A Twist: 805-484-4444 https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/camarillo/ instagram- @paintingwithatwist Camarillo Cupcake: 805-755-5004 https://www.camarillocupcake.com/ instagram- @camarillocupcake
 Over the course of fifty two years, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce has held their annual Top Ten Community Awards. Now, when people hear of an awards ceremony, it is prevalent to imagine the red carpet, shiny lights and gold trophies saga. Here at the Chamber, we do our best to dilute those ideologies and conform these special ceremonies to a more personalized level of recognition. Each year locals within the Camarillo community nominate a wide range of nominees for any of our twelve categories. At this point you must be thinking, “twelve categories in a ‘Top Ten’?” That’s right! Up until 2014, the Chamber committee solidified our nominations as such: Man of the Year; Woman of the Year; Business of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; Service Organization of the Year; Public Servant of the Year; Educator of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Youth of the Year; Senior of the Year. In 2014, the committee added an additional category, the Stan Daily Lifetime Achievement Award. A year later we included another, Philanthropy of the Year. Between the endless nominations we receive and the vast array of careers amongst these individuals, expanding the opportunity for recognition seemed far more honorable. Allowing a wide range of options for the public has given our committee here at the Chamber a stronger sense of duty to make sure our Top Ten winners are the perfect fit for their winning category. The public is open to nominate the same individual for more than one category and are also allowed to nominate as many candidates that they feel are appropriate for the nomination. Over the course of our Top Ten annual events, we have had repeat nominees, nominators and even winners. Nominations can be found on our website and are only open for a specified time frame! Have you missed any past nominations? Don’t worry, there is always next year! No, literally… There is ALWAYS next year. Not only is this awards ceremony about the winners, but it is also about the work that they do and the lives they impact. We all know that certain someone in our lives who performs selfless acts and implores positivity to those around them. These awards are dedicated to those exact individuals. The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce ensures to give the most upright cognizance to our Top Ten winners each and every year. We welcome all of you to join us at our 2019 Top Ten Community Awards on Friday, March 22nd from 6:00-9:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased on our website www.camarillochamber.org under our Events Calendar tab. Hope to see you there!
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