Wanda Pirkle

Wanda had methodic and passionate drive to bring others together to fill their community’s needs. In 1963 when her family decided to make Silver Strand their permanent home she saw the need for change, and without fret she became the face and the voice needed to make it happen!

In 1966 she organized a landscaping and beautification project at the kiddie beach. Gathering donations of plants and materials from local businesses and sourcing the labor form neighborhood volunteers. From there her drive to make an impact became unstoppable.

From 1968 to 1973 Wanda was a Volunteer secretary at the Channel Islands Beach Chamber of Commerce.

In 1976 she and 12 other women from the Chamber formed the Lady Gulls, an organization with a lasting impact that we still see today. Through their volunteer support and fundraising for donations, they have assisted dozens of nonprofit organizations.

During Wanda’s time with the Lady Gulls, they organized kite flying contests, Halloween parties, fishing derbies, beach clean ups and held barbeques that would make local headlines with a quote that describes her to a T.

“That vivacious, white-thatched load of energy who always manages to liven up any group that that she is a part of.”

In 1982 Silver Strand and Hollywood by the Sea voted to become a separate community. The Channel Islands Beach Community Services District was formed. Wanda was one of the first elected officials and the first woman in the state of California to be elected to such a position.

In 1986 Wanda brought the beach residents together to form the Sand Dabbers. Again, making headlines and this time claiming the title as “The Bin Lady.” The organization established the community recycling program. The funds raised through recycling were put back into the community via beautification projects throughout the neighborhood.

In 1992 she made the county headlines once again by rally the Silver Strand residents to oppose the annex of Silver Strand into becoming part of Port Hueneme. It was a success and because of this Silver Strand still stands independent today!

She retired this same year and was honored with a ceremony dedicating the park at the corner of Lake Shore Dr. and Victoria Ave., Wanda M. Pirkle Community Park.

The Wanda Pirkle award is given to residents of Silver Strand who emulate Wanda Pirkle’s qualities and commitment to community service.

Turn in a current Silver Strand resident for their good deeds with the slip below.