n.
Increased vigor or other superior qualities arising from the crossbreeding of genetically different plants or animals. Also called heterosis.

Typically the term is reserved for describing the increased performance of a species.

But in Ventura California we have been seeing our fair share of the above described noun more in the form of a verb. Verbs denote action.

When a person and in turn a community, becomes insular, the processes of growth cease. Of course growth has many forms. But the one we all ought to be after, is sustainable personal and community growth. This sort provides a stable platform that better ensures an economic, social and even spiritual future for a community.

Several years ago, I noticed a change in Ventura, and I believe it may be in response to not just published media, but efforts on the part of some folks not in City Hall, but employed by the City. Those folks, with Global scope at heart,  began to craft a public persona for this town, that communicated the unique venue for people to live in, that is Ventura California. I saw people begin to move here from various parts of the globe. With them came new ideas,  tone, flavor, that in a short period of time, began to create a cultural shift.

Cultures have the same affect on a community, as filters do on light. They color them. Those filters can make a community ugly, or pretty, productive or destructive. This shift was a good one. But here is the deal, if my town changes from it’s eco conscious, art savvy, community driven sense of purpose, the flow of people here would shift, and likely not in a good way.

With much controversy surrounding the lack of enforcement of our Federal Immigration laws, it is a quirky thing to do to argue for an influx of “foreigners”. But here again is another deal maker: the new influx comes here LEGALLY. They are here to experience and contribute.

So again, once more, and in my little town, I see the tenets that made this country great in the first place, begin to make a town great.

I hope we see more of what Ventura has experienced  on a National level. Our country needs symbiotic relationships more now, than ever before. Now concerning “illegal immigration”. What exactly do you not understand about the word “illegal”?

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