[Boltman]

Just got back from Ventura as I post from home sweet home in San Diego. The Ventura Regional was awesome it had a nice small scale feel to it and all the judges, pit bosses, teams and everything were top notch for first time out. We received a warm welcome...I personally enjoyed the ease of going pit to pit. Everything was perfect down to our wonderful Alliance #3 made up of our team selected by Circuit Breakers (696) and Milken Knights (1836) ...special thanks to GB.... we almost by 2 points avg. made the Finals... could not ask for a more perfect match of teams for us and what we can do ..Thank you to our alliance partners for giving us such a great chance...your teams rock! and thanks to Ventura planning committee and volunteers.

Huge congrats to Beach Bots (330) D'Penguineers (1717) and IronHorse Robotics (2761) what a fantastic alliance you were! Amazing posting 207 only 8 off top score this year...Wow!

Woodie Flowers was inspiring also...great "surprise" glad he came to Ventura.

Looking forward to San Diego this week... round two we'll see soon what happens.

Anyhow....

As for improvements I have three:

1. It gets so hot in that venue...need more air conditioning
2. More food options than just Grilled Cheese and Shaved Ice.
3. If you are going to hang banners on top level then let people stand otherwise first three rows cannot see any of the field. The venue fills up so standing on top level should be allowed or take those banners down and hang them as to not obstruct rows from field views.

That's it! I highly encourage teams to put Ventura on their radar.... especially if you want to go against TOP California competition hopefully more variety next year! But all- California was truly cool.

You had to go to team rank 28 to fall below 60 QA.... outstanding group of California teams and great venue!

Hope San Diego is as good!..for us. Fingers crossed.

We will definitely consider being back...unless we decide to go the easier route to WC with so many good teams in Ventura.