5 Who Contributed to Tourism Recognized

The Greater Oxnard & Harbors Tourism Bureau has presented awards to five people who made significant contributions to tourism during the past year.

Heritage Square coordinator Gary Blum won the Tourism Merit Award for his devotion to the overall tourism effort. He was recognized for the development of a docent program at Heritage Square, for the coordination of Friends of Heritage Square and for providing weekly tours of the square to Oxnard’s visitors.

Educator Mary Hopple received the Education Tourism Award for her efforts in developing the Hospitality and Tourism Academy at Oxnard High School.

Volunteer awards went to Ralph and Pat Brown, who donated 432 hours at the visitor center at Channel Islands Harbor, and to Nancy Walker, who contributed 459 hours to the visitor center.