County Close-Up
Welcome to County Close-Up, where we take you behind the scenes of County initiatives, programs, and our dedicated staff. Here, you’ll find Q&As with leaders and employees, insights into the work that keeps our community thriving, and highlights from the people and projects shaping our county. Stay informed, inspired, and connected as we showcase what makes Ventura County a great place to live and work.
5 Questions with Gregg Strakaluse, Director of Public Works Agency
1. As we begin the new year, what are the Public Works Agency’s top priorities for 2026? With the Agency’s mission in mind, we’ll continue to focus on delivering efficient,
5 Questions with Michelle Ascencion, Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters
What can you share with voters about the November 4th Special Election, for starters — what is it, and what makes it different from a regular election? People have asked
5 Questions with Marcus Mitchell, Director of Ventura County Department of Child Support Services
The Ventura Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) provides a wide range of services to families in our community. What do you see as the most important impact your team
5 Questions: Kim Dellacort, Emergency Manager, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services
1. September is National Preparedness Month. Why is this such an important reminder for Ventura County residents? September offers an opportunity for fresh start, with a new season, back to
5 Questions: Danielle Keys, Director of Human Resources
1. Why is the County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo such a valuable opportunity for job seekers and students exploring their future paths? The Expo provides direct access to
5 Questions: Nancy Schram, Director, Ventura County Library
1. Summer reading is in full swing across the County, what can families expect from this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, and how can they get involved? Ventura County Library’s “Level
5 Questions: Michael Tripp, Director, Ventura County Harbor Department
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Channel Islands Harbor. What makes this milestone so significant for the Ventura County community? The Channel Islands Harbor has been an important piece
5 Questions: Monique Nowlin, Division Manager, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Can you share a brief overview of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and its mission to support older adults and caregivers in our community? VCAAA, a division
5 Questions With a County Leader: Esteban Rodriguez, Director of Ventura County Animal Services
Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to take on the role of Director of Ventura County Animal Services? I began my career in animal welfare in
5 Questions with Gregg Strakaluse, Director of Public Works Agency
1. As we begin the new year, what are the Public Works Agency’s top priorities for 2026? With the Agency’s mission in mind, we’ll continue to focus on delivering efficient, responsive and cost-effective public works services in 2026. Despite challenges of increasing costs associated with materials, State and Federal regulation,
5 Questions with Michelle Ascencion, Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters
What can you share with voters about the November 4th Special Election, for starters — what is it, and what makes it different from a regular election? People have asked me, “What’s so ‘Special’ about this election – why’s it called that?” and I can understand that the terminology is
5 Questions with Marcus Mitchell, Director of Ventura County Department of Child Support Services
The Ventura Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) provides a wide range of services to families in our community. What do you see as the most important impact your team has on the families you serve?At the heart of our mission is helping families thrive. Every service we provide, whether
5 Questions: Kim Dellacort, Emergency Manager, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services
1. September is National Preparedness Month. Why is this such an important reminder for Ventura County residents? September offers an opportunity for fresh start, with a new season, back to school activities, a return to routine and the promise of holiday celebrations just around the corner. It’s a great time
5 Questions: Danielle Keys, Director of Human Resources
1. Why is the County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo such a valuable opportunity for job seekers and students exploring their future paths? The Expo provides direct access to representatives from various County departments, allowing attendees to explore different career fields, learn about job opportunities, career paths, and gain