Major Charlotte Craven

I was truly honored to be one of the first to congratulate and interview the new Major of our city today. Major Craven was just moving into her new office as we met and even apologize for the delayed interview (you ask me - four days after getting the position was fantastic). Major Craven has been an elected member of our Camarillo’s City Council since 1986. This is Charlotte’s fifth term as Major in 20 years, that fact alone shows our appreciation for this incredible leader. She was the recipient of the CASA Individual Achievement Award in 2001 and has made an incredible impact for Affordable Housing within our community. Charlotte lead her fellow Councilmembers with one of Camarillo’s crown jewels, a City Library that we can boast about and hold up next to any of America’s finest. I asked Major Craven what advice she would give the kids of this world? She said “My advice for life is; Do one thing a time, do the best that you can, and do the most important thing first”.

Major Craven was so kind with her time and even put on a “Warrior” tribal outfit and told me the craziest story about how she received it. This is definitely the type of leader our community needs, someone willing to meet anyone exactly where they’re at and willing to laugh along with them.

Katlyn

All potential prospects fell through today, but what a blessing that was! I was able to do a portrait of a leader in the making. My little friend and neighbor Katlyn. This girl has leadership written all over her, from her Dad’s example (a helicopter paramedic) to a mother that teaches all things good. To bad Dad didn’t want to get his portrait - I still working on him - another hometown humbled hero.

Carlos ‘Sugarbear’ Reyes

Carlos is the owner of Olas Mexican Grill, my absolute favorite mexican food in Camarillo. Carlos is one of the original Longboard Crew members of HB.
His cuisine is not only magnificent, but the place is decorated in 21st Century ‘Soul Arch’ motif with beautiful longboards hanging from the ceiling and
60” plasma screens playing surf videos everywhere the eye can see. Carlos is intertwined within the youth of Ventura County by giving sponsorships and a caring heart to those who need more than just an encouraging word. Carlos thrives on reaching out to those kids that may only have their skateboard or surfboard to hold onto. This man has changed lives and attitudes to our youth, not by words but by his walk and his larger than large “Sugarbear” giving.

Kim Olson

I met Kim while standing outside my home one day. Now here is someone who is like a modern day rancher. He sells fresh flash frozen meats and fish (incredible tasting) right from his freezer truck. He has numerous satisfied clients (I being one) all around Camarillo and Ventura. Not to many of these guys left anymore, gone are the days that a rancher would deliver meat, eggs and milk to your doorstep. This is one guy that is trying to keep a small town attitude in an every growing community.