Ventura, Oxnard & Ojai: mostly Lib or Conservative politics and local culture?

[mateo45]

^ ^ Sorry, where did I say Ventura County? BTW, there are nearly 20 different mobile home communities, many of them pretty huge, just within the city of Ventura alone, and almost half of them are exclusively "55 and older" parks. So by any measure, that sure seems like a lot of "older" folks concentrated into one area. Although also seems like the question's still the same, regardless the local 'demographics'.

Senior Retirement Communities in Ventura

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by mateo45

Or maybe it's just from living in the shadow of a huge megalopolis like L.A. Although it does appear like they could at least use some better local newspapers and radio stations!

The City of Ventura has never seemed like a retirement-type city to me, but I do think you have hit on a good point. It's funny, but if you watch the news and weather broadcast out of LA, they will focus on the counties to the south and east, but rarely to the north (Ventura). Santa Barbara, which has it's own TV station and some very good radio stations, pays scant attention to Ventura County. For some, VC is something you have to drive through to get from LA to SB or vice-versa. When traveling in other states, it's a county in CA few have heard of. Even in NorCal, many people I've talked to have only the vaguest impression of where the county even is, let alone anything about it.

On the other hand, people who live here seem to harbor a certain pride in being a little anonymous, maybe hoping it will help the county keep some of it's pristine-ness. Los Angeles for many is the symbol of what not to do---unchecked sprawl, destruction of nature, political corruption, and the like.

[the city]

VC is more moderate democrat. Conservative on economic issues, and more progressive on social issues. Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks I believe is where more of the republicans. The Ronald Reagan Library is in Simi for pete sakes!

[mateo45]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

The City of Ventura has never seemed like a retirement-type city to me, but I do think you have hit on a good point. It's funny, but if you watch the news and weather broadcast out of LA, they will focus on the counties to the south and east, but rarely to the north (Ventura). Santa Barbara, which has it's own TV station and some very good radio stations, pays scant attention to Ventura County. For some, VC is something you have to drive through to get from LA to SB or vice-versa. When traveling in other states, it's a county in CA few have heard of. Even in NorCal, many people I've talked to have only the vaguest impression of where the county even is, let alone anything about it.

On the other hand, people who live here seem to harbor a certain pride in being a little anonymous, maybe hoping it will help the county keep some of it's pristine-ness. Los Angeles for many is the symbol of what not to do---unchecked sprawl, destruction of nature, political corruption, and the like.

Yeah, maybe that is what I'm thinking of, that despite all the many local amenities, there still surprisingly seems to be that kinda vague 'anonymity' and lack of any strong visible 'self-identity', whether in the local Ventura media, architecture, marketing, etc. … which as you say, is not altogether such a bad thang, especially to those already familiar with the 'realities' of other communities used to receiving much more "attention".

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I guess all those elderly are still having lots of kids. My kids school sure does have plenty of children attending.

[mateo45]

Yup, just like you're probably not gonna see a lotta kids at the many 55 and older communities, like say, Hueneme Bay (over 700 units), Leisure Village (2100+ units), Rancho Ventura (200+ units), or Bella Vista (200+ units)… and that's not even counting all the 55 and older mobile home parks.

But guess I didn't realize it was a 'sensitive' issue. Although admittedly weekends at these kinda places probably do look a lot different ('cuz that's when all those grandkids come over to visit)!

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by mateo45

Yup, just like you're probably not gonna see a lotta kids at the many 55 and older communities, like say, Hueneme Bay (over 700 units), Leisure Village (2100+ units), Rancho Ventura (200+ units), or Bella Vista (200+ units)… and that's not even counting all the 55 and older mobile home parks.

But guess I didn't realize it was a 'sensitive' issue. Although admittedly weekends at these kinda places probably do look a lot different ('cuz that's when all those grandkids come over to visit)!

Your premise is not as informed as you may want to believe. The area has lots of young children and kids really of all ages. The High Schools are packed with kids as are the grade schools. Yes we have a lot of older people but why wouldn't we? On my street many of the neighbors bought years ago and never left. They have paid off homes that they probably could never afford to buy again and they stay. That is just how it is.