This petition is to help save the Washington School from possible demolition and future development and encourage the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) to sell the property to Ventura County Christian School (VCCS), which has shown diligence in caring for the property and offering a first-rate teaching curriculum to children.

What is more important, the families and children of Ventura or money? Our goal is to prevent any further demolition permits and proceedings and to spread the word that we need your help. We need expertise from lawyers, organizations, and help in fundraising, as well as lobbying and media contacts and volunteers to assist those in charge.

Future generations will thank you! Please spread the word...

It is important to make informed decisions and move forward with a clear understanding of what is at stake.

We need your voice and input for solutions, spread the word... someone you know may have the time, interest, money, expertise to make a big difference.

EDUCATION - We are united in the hope that our leaders and public servants, will do the right thing, because we believe that Washington School should be utilized for the benefit and future of Ventura’s residents. We believe the best use of the Washington School property would be for VUSD to reconsider and sell the property to VCCS, who has said they are willing and able to purchase the property.

VCCS enrollment has grown and is proof that local families support the need for a Christian private school choice.

VCCS is able to provide an excellent education option for children in Ventura and in this near-ocean neighborhood where so many large developments are quickly sprouting this will be a welcome green space. Besides, being local avoids congestion and time to drive children across town.

EXPENSIVE housing - We do not believe the option of selling to developers or re-zoning this land for other uses would be in our Communitys best interest. Ventura needs affordable housing; however, as we have seen nationwide, developments with views (of the Pacific Ocean) and precious property (million-dollar condos are a few blocks away and the property is three minutes from the ocean) are so often sold and turned into expensive condos. We have read of families being told they must move as they cannot afford the affordable housing any more and as prices go up, they are forced to move elsewhere.

GREEN SPACE - is desperately needed. Developers are quickly building as close to the ocean as possible. With Washington School, we face more noise pollution, gridlock, lack of green space and ... one less choice for families with children to partake in an excellent school.

MONEY - It seems reasonable to assume that city coffers most likely will swell and get more tax collections with a huge development.

However ... Venturans will suffer many losses of their quality of life. Having this icon and part of the fabric of Ventura demolished is completely unnecessary.

QUESTIONS we have...

1. Why does VUSD Not want to save and use the Washington School buildings. During their 20 years VCCS spent millions to renovate the school. Why did VUSD not even address the option to sell to VCCS, as outlined in the original lease, and then force them out? 

2. Why did VUSD not want to meet with VCCS structural engineers whose report stated the school is safe? 

3. Does VUSD want to sell only to developers?

4. Why did VUSD not respond to meet with VCCS administration regarding safety to compare engineering reports?

5. Why has this topic been kept quiet?

6. Why is there a strict gag order on VCCS staff?

7. Why was there such a rush to force VCCS out of the building?

8. Does VUSD want to sell the building before it is approved for the National Historical Register? 

9. Is anyone on the city council affiliated with outside developers?

10. Is the city council and VUSD going to be on the side of people or on the side of the developers?

SAFETY - There are many perfectly safe historic schools in operation throughout California ...

Washington School building is of highest quality construction with rebar reinforcements has lasted almost 100 years!

PICTURES of beautiful California schools still functioning - online:

LAUSD Historical Schools pdf. Los Angeles is proud of its many fine buildings.

Aldama Elementary School in the LAUSD.

Torrance High School. This is one of the oldest high schools in continuous use in California, built in 1925. Torrance HS was voted California’s most beautiful school by Architectural Digest.

Montecito Union School images are online. It is still a public school. In 1922, ... the Montecito Union School and, after several fires and three major earthquakes, this institution, rich in history and culture, still stands tall as a representation of quality in education and caring. ... that were in the hearts of all children who have passed through this place…

Santa Barbara High School - Among the oldest high schools in California … was established in 1875 … relocated to its present Upper Eastside site in 1924. Today, ... a diverse, near 65% minority enrollment of over 2000 pupils, 92 full-time teachers…Due to a shortfall in state education funding, the school, a California historic landmark, relies on the Foundation for Santa Barbara High School…

Remember the story about Ventura Courthouse, now known as City Hall ... what a tragedy if it had Not been saved. Built from 1912 to 1913, the building was declared structurally unsound and county workers were relocated. The City of Ventura purchased the building from the county and renovated it at a cost of approximately $3.4 million. The building has served as Ventura City Hall since 1974. Their foresight and good leadership has served us well.

Washington School with its original wooden floors, large fireplace in the meeting room, bay windows, impressive wooden beams, original hardware, a courtyard and Spanish style should be preserved forever.

Our leaders and public servants should think hard of the impact on people, not only the money. Think of the future of the children, not only the money. Leadership is needed, good decision making.

Ventura will thank you.