Ambassadors offer a helping hand
'We are the host of the city.' - Shirley Randall Camarillo City Ambassador
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT- The Camarillo Ambassadors are volunteers who staff a number of local events. The group prides itself on being the face of the city while helping to make Camarillo's long list of outdoor events run smoothly.

Shirley Randall calls the Camarillo City Ambassadors "volunteer professionals."

It is an apt title for the Ambassadors, a group of volunteers who help out at special events in the city- the Christmas Parade, the Fiesta and the Jazz Festival, among other shindigs.

"We are the host of the city," said Randall, the group's representative to the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.

With 21 regular members, the Ambassadors organization was formed shortly after the city incorporated in 1964. Members assist in setting up, greeting visitors, directing traffic and serving beverages during public functions.

To distinguish themselves, the volunteers wear gray slacks, white shirts, red ties and navy blue blazers. In the early 1970s, the uniform consisted of brown and beige jackets.

"It's a matter of identification. We want to present ourselves nicely so people know there's someone to go to for information," Randall said about the uniform. "We don't want to wear just jeans."

The Ambassadors meet at 8 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month for breakfast at the Sterling Hills Country Club.

Being part of the Ambassadors is about civic pride, giving back to the community and spending time with friends, according to the members.

"I just enjoy the group," Herb Holler said. Holler, who has been involved with the Ambassadors for 20 years, was president for two years, up until July 2007. "We're a bunch of fun people, and we get together and help other clubs."

In order for the volunteers to work efficiently, each member is delegated with the responsibility of keeping in touch with a specific committee or organization to stay abreast of future events.

The group works with the city, park district, Chamber, historical society, Fiesta committee, healthcare district, Camarillo Ranch House Association, Boys & Girls Club and the arts council, among others.

The Ambassadors' next public event will be the Chamber of Commerce trade show on Tues., Feb. 19 at the Community Center on Burnley Street.

"When I asked Betty Rutherford, 'What are the qualifications?' she said you have to love Camarillo and be willing to work for the city," said Randall.

To volunteer with the ambassadors, please call (805) 482-7322.