ginger    gherardi

By Yasmine V. Nahdi

“As executive director of the [Ventura County Transportation] Commission, I brought in more money for this county and got more built than you can imagine, mega millions of dollars.” 

- Ginger Gherardi, 2021.

Voter Information for Ginger Gherardi. November 4, 2008 Election, www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/vn/vote/gherardi_g/

Life Before Civil Work

Ginger Gherardi was born on April 11, 1943, in Simi Valley, California, to an Italian family. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at Pratt Institute in New York. 

After graduating, she moved back to California to become an educator. Gherardi taught at many levels of education, including part-time at California State University, Northridge, and Moorpark College, before becoming a teacher full-time at Moorpark High School. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at the latter. 

Civil Work

Beginnings

Gherardi is known today as an accomplished councilwoman. Her work in civic affairs began in Simi Valley, when she and her family moved into a new home across from a developing shopping center. Gherardi picketed against the construction, which sparked her interest and involvement in the city affairs of Simi Valley. She then became involved with Simi Valley’s planning committee to stop the building of the shopping center in 1969. At age 28, she was elected to the Simi Valley City Council, while she continued her work as an educator. 

   

“‘NEWEST LITTLE THING’: Ginger Gherardi of Santa Paula - VC Reporter: Times Media Group.” VC Reporter | Times Media Group, 20 Oct. 2021, www.vcreporter.com/2021/10/newest-little-thing-ginger-gherardi-of-santa-paula/.

Transportation Work

A couple of years after her election to city council, Gherardi and her family briefly moved back to the East Coast. However, she and her family returned to California shortly after, when she received an offer to lead the highway program of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. Most government officials do not work in such technical positions, but Gherardi was up for the challenge.


She was in charge of executing transportation-related projects, such as bike lanes, traffic lights, and bus passes. Most notably, Gherardi was responsible for implementing carpool lanes in Los Angeles. Gherardi was working in the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission when she attended the 1977 National Women’s Conference.

Active Retirement

Though retired, Gherardi is still actively involved in her community today. In 2014, at the insistence of her friends, Gherardi successfully ran for Santa Paula City Council. A few projects Gherardi assisted with were the merging of the Santa Paula Fire Department with the Ventura County Fire Department and helping accumulate funds for an art museum. Currently living in Santa Paula, she likes to spend her time reading and reducing her civic involvement with the community. Through her exceptional involvement, Gherardi’s civil work and legacy will continue to impact the lives of many for years to come.

"The reason I've been successful is because they know we're not going to gold-plate anything and we're going to get the projects done." 

- Ginger Gherardi, 2007.

Loberg, Karen Quincy. “Transportation Chief Driven to Get Projects Done.” VC Star., 25 Sept. 2007, https://archive.vcstar.com/news/transportation-chief-driven-to-get-projects-done-ep-374979919-352786741.html/.

Sources