Ventura [key], city (1990 pop. 92,575), seat of Ventura co., SW Calif., on the Pacific coast in a farm and oil region; inc. 1866. Fruit and vegetable packing, petroleum production, oil field services, and the manufacture of sporting goods are the major industries. Tourism also contributes to the economy. Ventura grew rapidly in the late 20th cent. along with the southern California area. A mission called San Buenaventura (still the official name of the city), founded by Junípero Serra in 1782, has been restored. The city hall is on the national register of historic places.
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