Laurie  was a principled catalyst for community change.  She was a major asset to the community.   In a small town, sometimes people forget to make room for strangers. But Laurie was eager to link up to strangers and turn them into friends, based on a mutual interest  in helping others. She created original projects which let me know about other community  issues  I might have missed without her. Her focus on Westside where she lived led me to reflect that it had once been the hub of Ventura and for my family as well.  She protected it's potential and saw its beauty.

Although she is gone, I won't drive on Ventura avenue without seeing changes and thinking of her. She had a big vision for each person and project  she launched regardless of  limitations. The Avenue found funding and real estate investors, art galleries and ethnic restaurants, community gatherings and educational opportunities  during her tenure.  I knew she was a Star who took others with her on her trajectory to make change.  I'm so sorry she is gone, but her legacy lives on for those of us who knew how outstanding she was.  Maybe we should name a street on the Avenue  calling it  "Laurie",  after her. She would love that. and she deserves it.  Gone too soon.