Ventura County Proclaims National Public Works Week Celebrating Community Infrastructure Leaders

In the heart of Ventura County, a vibrant celebration unfolded as the Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 18 to 24, 2025, as National Public Works Week. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Greg Stracalous, the Director of the Ventura County Public Works Agency, took center stage to honor the dedicated professionals who keep the community thriving.

Stracalous emphasized the vital role public works plays in maintaining the infrastructure that supports health, safety, and quality of life for all residents. "This week, we recognize the essential contributions of public works professionals, engineers, managers, and staff who work tirelessly to maintain and improve our roads, bridges, water systems, and public facilities," he stated, inviting the community to appreciate their hard work.

The theme for this year's celebration, "People, Purpose, and Presence," resonated throughout the meeting. Stracalous explained that the "people" represent the talented staff who are the backbone of operations, while "purpose" reflects the agency's mission to deliver efficient and responsive services. He highlighted the importance of "presence," which signifies active engagement with the community, ensuring transparency and collaboration.

The meeting also featured the much-anticipated Employee of the Year awards, recognizing outstanding contributions from various team members. Jesse Stegall was honored as the Office Employee of the Year for his leadership in technology, while Evan Martinez received accolades for his heroic efforts during a recent disaster, showcasing the dedication of public works employees in times of crisis. Joel Chappell was named Rookie of the Year for his innovative safety training methods, and Ben Faschetti was recognized as Manager of the Year for his professionalism and problem-solving skills.

As the celebration continued, Board members expressed their gratitude for the public works team, acknowledging the significant impact their work has on the community. "Whenever I go out of county, that's when I really realize how much I appreciate all of you," remarked one supervisor, reflecting on the quality of Ventura County's infrastructure.

The event concluded with a call to the community to engage with public works and recognize the essential services that often go unnoticed. With interactive booths and heavy equipment on display, the celebration not only honored the past achievements of public works but also inspired future leaders in the field. As the day unfolded, it became clear that the commitment to building a safe, healthy, and vibrant community remains at the forefront of Ventura County's mission.