Community Corner
'A Heart Of Gold': Venice Hero
We all know someone who's making a difference. Here's one local resident who is having an impact in Venice.
VENICE, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.
Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.
This submission comes from Sandi Wise who nominated Guy Okazaki of Venice-Mar Vista. Wise knows Okazaki through her husband who surfs and admires all Okazaki does to help the community.
Local hero’s full name
Guy Okazaki
Local hero’s home state
California
Local hero’s Patch
Venice-Mar Vista
How do you know the local hero?
Through my surfer husband
What does the local hero do?
He is a surfboard shaper
Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?
He has been a hero in our local community for many years, mentoring kids in surfing as well as helping when they are in need. He is well-known and much loved around here. But more than all of that, he recently started (in May 2022) the Venice Surfing Association which held its very first surf contest this past weekend bringing the whole surf/skate community together for an epic day. He, along with his big-hearted superstar surfer wife and multiple members of the community joined together for the effort and it was a huge success. They have had several events leading up to the contest, one of which was a gathering to watch a Surf film created by some of the local Venice talent and best surfers in the area, held at a local business. This is only the beginning and everyone is stoked about it and looking forward to all that is to come. He’s bringing together businesses and community members with his enthusiasm and his love for surfing. He’s just a super cool dude and everyone who knows him would say the same :)
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?
He’s got a heart of gold!
Thank you for all you do, Guy Okazaki!
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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.
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