News Releases — Page 3 — City Of Oxnard

January 12, 2023 by Katie Casey

PDF Available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2023

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Casey, Communications Manager

Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Retires from Public Service;
Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson Named Interim

OXNARD, Calif. – City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Betsy George announced her retirement from the public sector, effective Jan. 19.

Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson has been appointed by Nguyen to serve as Oxnard’s Interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found.

“We thank Betsy for her public service and the great work that she, and the Finance team, have done to strengthen Oxnard’s financial standing,” said Nguyen. “We’re also grateful to have Denise join our City in the interim. I’m confident that her leadership managing the finances for the fifth largest city in the nation will be an asset to Oxnard.”

George joined the City in June 2021 as an Assistant CFO, having previously served as CFO for the Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) and as Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, and Director of Budget and Finance for the Ventura Unified School District. George was appointed Oxnard’s CFO in August 2021.

During her time leading the Finance Department, George continued to address the final audit findings, which have decreased from 186 accumulated since 2014 to three. Additionally, the City has steadily improved its Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P), receiving five credit rating upgrades in just the past year. George also oversaw the implementation of the department’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Core Financials System, which modernized the City’s financial software.

As she departs from a career in public service, George highlights the strength and dedication of the City’s Finance team and the incredible progress they have made in improving Oxnard’s finances and modernizing the City’s financial technology.

“Oxnard is a great City and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve the community and participate towards achieving Council priorities,” said George.

Interim CFO Olson served as the City of Phoenix’s CFO from 2015 to 2021, leading a department of 215 employees with a $20 million budget and managing $2.3 billion in cash, tax collection, risk, and debt management. Her leadership helped maintain Phoenix’s AAA bond rating while issuing more than $10 billion in bonds that supported funding critical infrastructure and restoration projects in one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

The City will begin the process of recruiting for a new CFO.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 12 de enero de 2023

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:

Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones

(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

La directora financiera de Oxnard se retira del servicio público; la directora financiera anterior de la ciudad de Phoenix, Denise Olson, nombrada directora interina

OXNARD, Calif. – El administrador de la ciudad, Alexander Nguyen, anunció hoy que la directora financiera (CFO, por sus siglas en inglés) de Oxnard, Betsy George, anunció su retiro del sector público a partir del 19 de enero.

Nguyen nombró a la directora financiera anterior de la ciudad de Phoenix, Denise Olson, para que se desempeñe como directora financiera interina de Oxnard hasta que se encuentre un reemplazo permanente.

“Agradecemos a Betsy por su servicio público y el gran trabajo que ella y el equipo de finanzas han realizado para fortalecer la posición financiera de Oxnard”, dijo Nguyen. “También estamos agradecidos de que Denise se una a nuestra ciudad en el ínterin. Confío en que su liderazgo en la gestión de las finanzas de la quinta ciudad más grande del país será una ventaja para Oxnard”.

George se unió a la ciudad en junio de 2021 como subdirectora financiera, y anteriormente se desempeñó como directora financiera de la Agencia de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Ventura (VCHSA, por sus siglas en inglés) y como subsuperintendente de servicios comerciales y directora de presupuesto y finanzas del distrito escolar unificado de Ventura. George fue nombrada directora financiera de Oxnard en agosto de 2021.

Durante su tiempo como líder del departamento de finanzas, George continuó abordando los hallazgos finales de la auditoría, que se redujeron de 186 acumulados desde 2014 a tres. Además, la ciudad ha mejorado constantemente sus calificaciones globales de Standard and Poor’s (S&P, por sus siglas en inglés), recibiendo cinco mejoras de calificación crediticia en el último año. George también supervisó la implementación del sistema financiero central de planificación de recursos empresariales (ERP, por sus siglas en inglés) del departamento, que modernizó la tecnología financiera de la ciudad.

Mientras deja una carrera en el servicio público, George destaca la fuerza y la dedicación del equipo de finanzas de la ciudad y el increíble progreso que han logrado para mejorar las finanzas de Oxnard y modernizar la tecnología financiera de la ciudad.

“Oxnard es una gran ciudad y estoy agradecido de haber tenido la oportunidad de servir a la comunidad y participar para lograr las prioridades del concejo”, dijo George.

La directora financiera interina Olson se desempeñó como directora financiera de la ciudad de Phoenix de 2015 a 2021, lideró un departamento de 215 empleados con un presupuesto de $20 millones y administró $2,300 millones en efectivo, recaudación de impuestos, gestión de riesgo y deuda. Su liderazgo ayudó a mantener la calificación de bonos AAA de Phoenix mientras emitía más de $10 mil millones en bonos que apoyaron la financiación de infraestructura crítica y proyectos de restauración en una de las ciudades de más rápido crecimiento en los EE.UU.

La ciudad comenzará el proceso de contratación de un/a nuevo/a director/a financiero/a.

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January 4, 2023 by Katie Casey

Starting February 1, 2023

Oxnard’s alarm users are now able to conveniently purchase and maintain their annual permits online at: https://fams.wincitex.com/City/oxnard

Alarm Permits are Required

Alarm users are responsible for having a valid security alarm permit (Oxnard City Code 11-69)

The annual permit fee is $25.00 (Oxnard City Code 11-70.1(c))

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

	Call: 866-450-2524
	Email: support_fams@phxgis.com

Download flyer here: English | Spanish

December 21, 2022 by Katie Casey

Join us for the 37th Annual Ventura County Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2023.

𝟖:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. | 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡
From: Plaza Park at 5th and C Street
Oxnard, CA 93030

To: Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030

𝟗:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. | 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030

For more information, please visit MLKevent.com

Download event flyer: 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Flyer

December 19, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF available here: Casa de Carmen and the Oxnard Navigation Center break new ground in the region’s approach to homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Lisa Scholin, 503-320-9379
lisa@noble-communications.com

Casa de Carmen and the Oxnard Navigation Center break new ground in the region’s approach to homelessness

By combining emergency shelter with permanent supportive housing, the future downtown campus at 2nd & B streets aims to move people from crisis to stability

OXNARD, Calif., December 19, 2022 — The Oxnard City Council, County of Ventura, and their nonprofit and private partners are breaking new ground, literally and figuratively, in their response to homelessness. Casa de Carmen and the Oxnard Navigation Center are now taking shape in downtown Oxnard and will combine 56 permanent supportive housing units (including one manager unit) and a 110-bed, 24-hour emergency shelter. The facilities are expected to open early 2024.

Co-developed by Mercy House, a nonprofit housing services organization that has operated the current Oxnard shelter since 2019, and Community Development Partners (CDP), a mission-driven affordable housing developer, the campus will use a relatively new and ambitious shelter-with-housing model to provide a realistic path out of homelessness — one that starts next door to City Hall and is designed to move people from crisis to stability with efficiency, dignity and compassion.

“After a long process and community input, we have the first major site for our homeless,” shared Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “As a community, we must not neglect the human side of homelessness. These are our neighbors, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who’ve lost the hope, comfort and dignity of having a guaranteed place to rest their heads at night.”

“In Oxnard, we only have a homeless shelter right now — not a full service navigation center,” said Alexander Nguyen, Oxnard City Manager. “It’s really important to have a proper facility to serve homeless individuals and families humanely and respectfully. We could not have done this without great partners, like Mercy House and Community Development Partners. We are so grateful.”

The “shelter-with-housing” model is an innovative, new concept — and a first for Oxnard and Ventura County. The $42.6 million project leverages funding from multiple local, state and federal sources, requiring the City of Oxnard to contribute only $1.5 million and a parcel of city-owned land.

“Casa de Carmen and the Oxnard Navigation Center will be more than a homeless shelter, more than new housing. It’s a promising, powerful combination of both,” said Larry Haynes, CEO, Mercy House. “What makes the campus innovative and ambitious is that it will provide immediate relief to unhoused people in Oxnard and give them a path to achieving long-term stability — all in the same location.”

Over the past decade, CDP and Mercy House have collaborated to create several permanent supportive housing developments throughout southern California, but the new Oxnard facility is the first time they are combining a shelter with housing on the same site.

“It was important for Mercy House as the service provider to be deeply involved in the building and site design,” Kyle Paine, president, Community Development Partners. “We took a vacant, boarded-up building and are replacing it with a beautiful, colorful, hopeful place. We are creating something that everyone — shelter guests, supportive housing residents, and neighbors who live and work nearby — can embrace and be proud of.”

CDP and Mercy House co-designed the new facility to be responsive, innovative, dignified and attractive, encouraging a healthy flow of people from outside into the ground-floor shelter and ultimately (depending on their eligibility) to the supportive housing units on the upper floors:

The shelter provides beds, bathrooms, showers and a kitchen to serve 110 adults.
Four upper floors contain 56 supportive housing units (including one manager unit); community room with kitchen; computer workstations; and office spaces where residents can receive private case management and services.
Pets are welcome; shelter beds were designed with pet sleeping space underneath.
Guests and residents share access to a rooftop deck with BBQ and pet exercise areas.
The 22,000-square-foot building will feature a large mural on the exterior and will inject color and beauty into Oxnard’s downtown, replacing an unused city building.

Mercy House will operate the shelter and provide residential services for people in the supportive housing units. Wrap-around case management services will be provided by Ventura County Behavioral Health.

“Supportive housing is really a game changer,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer for the County of Ventura. “Not only are people housed and have a roof over their heads, but they are also receiving the full continuum of services and care. It’s this link to services that helps people maintain their housing.”

“We are thrilled to be part of this project,” said Scott Gilman, Director of Ventura County Behavioral Health. “We know for some individuals simply placing them in a room without support services doesn’t work. Having treatment and support available at the Navigation Center will significantly improve long term housing success.”

The name of the supportive housing section, “Casa de Carmen,” honors Carmen Ramírez, former chair of the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors and longtime Oxnard City Council member, who died in August 2022. Ramírez was beloved for her devoted service to Oxnard, especially its most vulnerable members. She continuously fought for the underserved prior to her untimely death at age 73, when she was struck by a car and killed while crossing a street in downtown Oxnard.

“Carmen always supported Housing First initiatives, and she was passionate about this project in Oxnard,” shared Roy Prince, Carmen’s husband. “I am grateful for Carmen to be honored by this project that provides affordable housing in Downtown Oxnard. This is a model for providing our community with pathways out of homelessness, and inspiring innovative housing solutions throughout Ventura County.”

Funding for Casa de Carmen and the Oxnard Navigation Center is supported by a 4% Low Income Tax Credits (LIHTC) allocation with a $17M equity investment by Red Stone, $7.2M of No Place Like Home program funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), a $1.5M investment from the City of Oxnard, a $1M investment from the County of Ventura, and a Section 8 contract for 55 project-based vouchers administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard. Construction financing and permanent financing is being provided by Citi. The project was designed by Architecture Design Collaborative and is being built by Walton Construction. FPI Management will be the property manager.

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City of Oxnard

As Ventura County’s most populous city, Oxnard is home to more than 200,000 community members that celebrate the city’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Since its incorporation in 1903, Oxnard has operated as a full-service city. The local government is responsible for providing many services necessary to daily life, ranging from public safety, trash, water and sewer, to planning and building, parks, libraries, youth and senior recreation programs, housing authority, and maintaining the city’s streets, sidewalks, and public parks.

About Mercy House

For over 25 years, Mercy House has provided supportive services and comprehensive resident services to families, individuals, homeless, chronically homeless, and disabled individuals in California. Their mission is to be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs and supportive services. Mercy House staff has extensive knowledge of needs and barriers faced by the families and chronically homeless in our community, and they utilize a variety of resources and service coordination partnerships imperative to their success.

About Community Development Partners

Founded in 2011, Community Development Partners develops and operates sustainable, life-enhancing affordable housing with a focus on long-term community engagement and innovative design. As a mission-driven, forward-thinking organization, CDP is focused exclusively on creating vibrant affordable housing communities that incorporate art, public parks, gardens, fresh food, and cultural and social programming. Today, CDP has successfully built or preserved 44 unique projects comprising over 3,500 units throughout Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.

Ventura County Behavioral Health

Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) envisions a community where their diverse residents are respected and empowered so those impacted by mental health and substance use can heal, thrive, and lead a healthy, engaged life. VCBH is committed to reducing stigma and discrimination. They promote wellness through a whole-person care approach where clients and families are empowered by appropriate, accessible, timely, culturally sensitive, and collaborative behavioral health services.

VCBH plays an important role as an integrated component of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The Crisis and Referral Line is the entry point for access to all Ventura County Behavioral Health services. VCBH is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides support for individuals and families who are in crisis, people considering suicide, and those struggling with mental illness, substance use, or both.

November 29, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDV available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29, 2022

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Communications Manager
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard Announces Community Meeting Dates for Customers to Learn About Water Supply, Operational Costs, Rate Adjustments and Long-Term Reliability

OXNARD, Calif – The City of Oxnard is hosting a series of public meetings and City Council meetings for the community to learn more about local water supplies, the cost of water, rate adjustments and long-term water reliability needs. The meetings will review the City’s water supplies, water operations and long term needs to ensure water rates keep pace with increasing costs to provide safe, reliable water.

Oxnard’s water utility is funded through its water rates, which it invests into operations, supplies, maintenance, repairs, infrastructure, and its long-term capital improvement program (CIP) projects.

It is a common industry-standard to perform comprehensive utility rate studies every three to five years. Oxnard’s last water rate study was conducted in 2017. To ensure best business practices, the City hired Raftelis Inc., a consulting firm with extensive experience developing long-range financial plans for water service, to conduct a comprehensive water rate study that will consider key factors that affect future operations and reliability. Some of these key factors include the impact of drought and pandemic-induced economic conditions.

As part of the water rate study, City staff and Raftelis, their consultant, will provide information on the operational requirements of the water system and solicit customer feedback on their water needs. Community feedback will help ensure the water rates that customers pay for are:

Fair, equitable, and aligned with community values and priorities, i.e. water conservation
Sufficient to ensure the continued financial viability of the City’s water utility
Sufficient to enable critical maintenance and infrastructure investment that upholds high service levels while complying with ever more stringent regulatory requirements
Aligned with best practices and in accordance with state law

The public is encouraged to attend one of the upcoming community meetings listed below, address the City Council during general public comment, or send questions and comments to water.inquiry@oxnard.org or call the Public Works Department at (805) 385-8390. Additional information is also available at www.oxnardwater.org.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 29 de noviembre de 2022

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard anuncia fechas de reuniones comunitarias para que los clientes aprendan sobre el suministro de agua, los costos operativo, los ajustes de tarifas y la confiabilidad a largo plazo

OXNARD, Calif – La Ciudad de Oxnard está organizando una serie de reuniones públicas y reuniones del Concejo Municipal para que la comunidad aprenda más sobre los suministros de agua locales, el costo del agua, los ajustes de tarifas y las necesidades de confiabilidad del agua a largo plazo. Las reuniones revisarán los suministros de agua de la ciudad, las operaciones de agua y las necesidades a largo plazo para garantizar que las tarifas de agua se mantengan al día con los costos crecientes para proporcionar agua segura y confiable.

El servicio de agua de Oxnard se financia a través de sus tarifas de agua, que invierte en operaciones, suministros, mantenimiento, reparaciones, infraestructura y sus proyectos del programa de mejoras de capital (CIP, por sus siglas en inglés) a largo plazo.

Es un estándar común de la industria realizar estudios completos de tarifas de servicios públicos cada tres a cinco años. El último estudio de tarifas de agua de Oxnard se realizó en 2017. Para garantizar las mejores prácticas comerciales, la ciudad contrató a Raftelis Inc., una firma consultora con amplia experiencia en el desarrollo de planes financieros a largo plazo para el servicio de agua, para realizar un estudio integral de tarifas de agua que considerará factores importantes que afectan las operaciones futuras y la confiabilidad. Algunos de estos factores importantes incluyen el impacto de la sequía y las condiciones económicas inducidas por la pandemia.

Como parte del estudio de tarifas de agua, el personal de la ciudad y Raftelis, su consultor, brindarán información sobre los requisitos operativos del sistema de agua y solicitarán comentarios de los clientes sobre sus necesidades de agua. Los comentarios de la comunidad ayudarán a garantizar que las tarifas de agua que pagan los clientes sean:

justas, equitativas y estén alineadas con los valores y prioridades de la comunidad, por ejemplo, la conservación del agua
suficientes para garantizar la viabilidad financiera continua de los servicios públicos de agua de la ciudad
suficientes para permitir el mantenimiento crítico y la inversión en infraestructura que mantiene altos niveles de servicio y cumple con los requisitos reglamentarios cada vez más estrictos
alineadas con las mejores prácticas y de acuerdo con la ley estatal

Se alienta al público a asistir a una de las próximas reuniones comunitarias que se enumeran a continuación, dirigirse al Concejo Municipal durante los comentarios del público en general o enviar preguntas y comentarios a water.inquiry@oxnard.org o llamar al Departamento de Obras Públicas al (805) 385-8390. También hay información adicional disponible en www.oxnardwater.org.

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November 4, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2022

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Communications Manager
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11, 2022
Local Officials Salute our Veterans, Past and Present, on National Holiday

OXNARD, Calif. – The City of Oxnard, together with the Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 24, Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus Council 750, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter and the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 231, invite the community to attend this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at Plaza Park (500 South C St.) to honor and remember all who have served our country.

On Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, an outdoor ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. next to the Veterans Memorial at Plaza Park. Featured speakers include Captain Jason G. Kranz, Chief Staff Officer, Naval Base Ventura County; Mayor John C. Zaragoza; Jess Herrera, Commissioner, Port of Hueneme Oxnard Harbor District; and Sal Gonzales, first lieutenant, US Army Veteran.

“It’s an important Oxnard tradition to honor our local Veterans for their bravery in defending our freedom,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “As someone who comes from a family with generations of members who’ve served in World War II, and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are forever grateful for their selfless service to our country. We look forward to recognizing all who have served in the US Armed Forces on this holiday.”

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 4 de noviembre de 2022

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:

Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard organiza la ceremonia del Día de los Veteranos el 11 de noviembre de 2022
Funcionarios locales dan homenaje a nuestros veteranos, pasados y presentes, en el día festivo nacional

OXNARD, Calif. – La Ciudad de Oxnard, junto con los Veteranos Estadounidenses Discapacitados – Capítulo 24, los Veteranos de Vietnam del Condado de Ventura, el Ejército de Salvación, el Consejo 750 de Knights of Columbus, la Asociación de Oficiales Militares de América Capítulo del Condado de Ventura y los Boy Scouts of America – Tropa 231, invitan a la comunidad a asistir a la Ceremonia del Día de los Veteranos de este año en Plaza Park (500 South C St.) para honrar y recordar a todos los que han servido a nuestro país.

El viernes 11 de noviembre de 2022, se llevará a cabo una ceremonia al aire libre a las 11 a. m. junto al monumento de los veteranos en Plaza Park. Los oradores incluyen al Capitán Jason G. Kranz, Jefe de Estado Mayor, Base Naval del Condado de Ventura; el Alcalde John C. Zaragoza, Jess Herrera, Comisionado, Distrito del Puerto de Hueneme y Oxnard; y Sal Gonzales, Primer Teniente, Veterano de la Fuerza Armada de EE. UU.

“Es una importante tradición de Oxnard honrar a nuestros veteranos locales por su valentía en la defensa de nuestra libertad”, dijo el alcalde John C. Zaragoza. “Como alguien que proviene de una familia con generaciones de miembros que sirvieron en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y, más recientemente, en Iraq y Afganistán, estaremos eternamente agradecidos por su servicio desinteresado a nuestro país. Esperamos reconocer a todos los que han servido en las Fuerzas Armadas de los EE. UU. en este día festivo”.

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October 31, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2022

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Communications Manager
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

California Police Activities League Names John C. Zaragoza Mayor of the Year, Honors Additional Oxnard City Staff

OXNARD, Calif. – During its annual training conference serving chapter members and law enforcement, the California Police Activities League (PAL) will honor Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza being named “Mayor of the Year” and other Oxnard city staff at its 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at the Pacific View Tower in Oxnard.

Mayor Zaragoza will be recognized for his tremendous support for California PAL’s Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) workforce development program in partnership with the LiUNA Laborers Local 585.

Additional award recipients include: Senator of the Year: Monique Limón,19th Senate District; Officer of the Year: Kevin Thompson (Oxnard Police Department), Peace Officer; Collaborator of the Year: Anthony Mireles, LiUNA Laborers Local 585; Volunteer of the Year: Berge Mooradian; Innovators of the Year: Lt. Curtis Eller, Sgt. James Lofton and Erin McLaughlin; and California PAL Board Member of the Year: Terrel Harrison (Oxnard Cultural and Community Services).

“I’m honored to be recognized as ‘Mayor of the Year’ by an organization that does such a tremendous job building bonds between our youth and local law enforcement. I personally know many Oxnard PAL children who have grown up and now have successful careers in Ventura County, and they pay it forward by contributing to the PAL program today,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “I’d also like to congratulate all of the other award recipients and celebrate their important contributions to our local communities.”

Since 1971, the California PAL has worked to foster positive relationships and build bonds between youth and law enforcement to create safe and healthy communities. Over the past 50 years, California PAL, along with more than 80 member chapters statewide, has served over 500,000 marginalized youth and thousands of officers.

Oxnard’s local PAL chapter provides an array of youth activities, including a world-renowned boxing program, youth leadership and mentoring through its Youth Directors Council (YDC), and a variety of youth sports and other after school programming. For years Oxnard’s PAL boxing program has placed the City in the spotlight by hosting statewide, national and international boxing tournaments, and producing amateur and professional boxing champions including Mikey Garcia, Brandon Rios, Victor Ortiz and David Rodela.

Oxnard PAL’s YDC program has produced graduates of Georgetown, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and USC, among other top universities. Former Oxnard PAL participants are employed by the City Attorney’s Office, Police Department, Recreation Department and many local businesses.

Terrel Harrison, Oxnard’s Director of Cultural and Community Services and recipient of the California PAL Board member of the Year award, stated, “I’m truly honored to have been part of the California PAL board of directors for the past 20 years. California PAL has helped support Oxnard PAL’s mission to unite the bond between law enforcement, youth and the community.”

For more information on the California PAL and its upcoming awards celebration, please contact California PAL Executive Director, Jennifer Lopez at jlopez@calpal.org. Tickets are available for purchase here.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 31 de octubre de 2022

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

La Liga de Actividades de la Policía de California nombra a John C. Zaragoza Alcalde del Año, honra al personal adicional de la Ciudad de Oxnard

OXNARD, Calif. – Durante su conferencia de capacitación anual que sirve a los miembros del capítulo y a las fuerzas del orden público, la Liga de Actividades Policiales de California (PAL, por sus siglas en inglés) honrará al alcalde de Oxnard, John C. Zaragoza, al ser nombrado “Alcalde del Año” y a otros miembros del personal de la Ciudad de Oxnard en su cena de gala y ceremonia de entrega de premios del 50° aniversario, el lunes 7 de noviembre de 2022 en Pacific View Tower en Oxnard.

El Alcalde Zaragoza será reconocido por su tremendo apoyo al programa de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral del Aprendizaje Acelerado de Preparación para jóvenes (YARA, por sus siglas en inglés) de California PAL en asociación con LiUNA Laborers Local 585.

Los ganadores adicionales del premio incluyen: Senadora del Año: Monique Limón, Distrito 19 del Senado; Oficial del Año: Kevin Thompson (Departamento de Policía de Oxnard), Oficial de Paz; Colaborador del Año: Anthony Mireles, LiUNA Laborers Local 585; Voluntario del Año: Berge Mooradian; Innovadores del Año: Teniente Curtis Eller, Sargento James Lofton y Erin McLaughlin; y Miembro de la Junta del Año de California PAL: Terrel Harrison (Servicios Culturales y Comunitarios de Oxnard).

“Me siento honrado de ser reconocido como el ‘Alcalde del Año’ por una organización que hace un trabajo tan tremendo creando vínculos entre nuestra juventud y las fuerzas locales del orden público. Conozco personalmente a muchos niños del PAL de Oxnard que han crecido y ahora tienen carreras exitosas en el condado de Ventura, y hoy retribuyen al programa PAL”, dijo el alcalde John C. Zaragoza. “También me gustaría felicitar a todos los demás ganadores del premio y celebrar sus importantes contribuciones a nuestras comunidades locales”.

Desde 1971, California PAL ha trabajado para fomentar relaciones positivas y crear vínculos entre los jóvenes y las fuerzas del orden público para crear comunidades seguras y saludables. Durante los últimos 50 años, California PAL, junto con más de 80 capítulos miembros en todo el estado, ha servido a más de 500,000 jóvenes marginados y miles de oficiales.

El capítulo PAL local de Oxnard ofrece una variedad de actividades para jóvenes, incluido un programa de boxeo de renombre mundial, liderazgo juvenil y tutoría a través de su consejo de directores juveniles (YDC, por sus siglas en inglés), y una variedad de deportes juveniles y otros programas extracurriculares. Durante años, el programa de boxeo PAL de Oxnard ha puesto el nombre de la ciudad en alto al organizar torneos de boxeo a nivel estatal, nacional e internacional, y al producir campeones de boxeo amateurs y profesionales, incluidos Mikey García, Brandon Ríos, Víctor Ortiz y David Rodela.

El programa YDC de Oxnard PAL ha producido graduados de Georgetown, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara y USC, entre algunas de las mejores universidades. Los ex participantes de Oxnard PAL son empleados de la Oficina del Abogado Municipal, el Departamento de Policía, el Departamento de Recreación y muchas empresas locales.

Terrel Harrison, Director de Servicios Culturales y Comunitarios de Oxnard y ganador del premio de Miembro del Año de la Junta PAL de California, declaró: “Me siento verdaderamente honrado de haber sido parte de la junta directiva de PAL de California durante los últimos 20 años. California PAL ha ayudado a apoyar la misión de Oxnard PAL de enlazar las fuerzas del orden público, los jóvenes y la comunidad”.

Para obtener más información sobre el PAL de California y su próxima celebración de premios, comuníquese con la directora ejecutiva del PAL de California, Jennifer López, en jlopez@calpal.org. Los boletos están disponibles para comprar aquí.

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October 26, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF of news release available here: English | Spanish

PDF of S&P Report available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2022

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Communications Manager
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard Receives 5th S&P Credit Rating Upgrade in Past Year

OXNARD, Calif. – As a testament to Oxnard’s strong financial footing, Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) upgraded the City’s Issuer Credit Rating from “A” to “A+” on October 26, 2022. The report also revised its long-term rating on the City’s lease revenue bonds from “A-” to “A”, the City’s Gas Tax Bond from “A+” to “AA-” and assigned a “stable” outlook to all three.

The City has made steady progress improving its ratings in recent years. The new S&P ratings mark Oxnard’s 5th upgrade by S&P in just the last 12 months. As shown in the table below, ratings were also increased by one notch on the wastewater fund earlier this year, and the outlook on the water bonds was moved to “positive” from “stable.”

S&P analyst Li Yang stated, “The raised ratings reflect our view of the city’s implementation of stronger internal controls, materially stronger sales tax revenue generating ability with the passage of a voter-approved sales tax rate increase in 2020 (Measure E), and a projection of increasing general fund reserves to very strong levels going into fiscal 2023 despite a one-time settlement paid from the general fund. Additionally, we note that the city has resolved its litigation regarding the use of the city’s infrastructure use fees (IUF) which, in our view, reduces the uncertainty regarding the financial influence of this contingent liability.”

The City’s management team was a critical component of the ratings upgrade. According to S&P, “With the hiring of new senior management beginning in 2018, City staff have made progress in resolving most of its auditor findings and is working toward a resolution of the remaining findings. As a result, we no longer consider the city to be affected by political instability and turnover that would negatively affect city financial performance and flexibility.”

“The recent credit rating upgrades showcase the City finance team’s diligent work and the City Council’s commitment to long-term fiscal sustainability,” said City Manager Alex Nguyen. He added that this rating will assist the City with current and future financings (ability to obtain lower interest rates) that might be considered by the City Council when improvements are needed to upgrade the City’s aged-out infrastructure.

Chief Financial Officer Betsy George stated, “We are proud of the recent upgrades and we will continue to guard the internal control program. We are pleased to see that the 3rd party credit rating experts are taking note of these significant improvements.”

A full copy of the S&P Global Ratings report published today is available here and attached to this press release.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 26 de octubre de 2022

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard recibe la quinta mejora de calificación crediticia de S&P en el último año

OXNARD, Calif. – Como testimonio de la sólida base financiera de Oxnard, las calificaciones globales de Standard y Poor (S&P, por sus siglas en inglés) elevó la calificación crediticia de emisor de la ciudad de “A” a “A+” el 26 de octubre de 2022. El informe también revisó su calificación a largo plazo de los bonos de ingresos por arrendamiento de la ciudad de “A-” a “A”, el bono del impuesto al gas de la ciudad de “A+” a “AA-” y asignó una perspectiva “estable” a los tres.

La ciudad ha hecho un progreso constante mejorando sus calificaciones en los últimos años. Las nuevas calificaciones de S&P marcan la quinta mejora de Oxnard por parte de S&P en los últimos 12 meses. Como se muestra en la tabla a continuación, las calificaciones también aumentaron un escalón en el fondo de aguas residuales a principios de este año, y la perspectiva de los bonos de agua se movió a “positiva” desde “estable”.

El analista de S&P Li Yang declaró: “Las calificaciones elevadas reflejan nuestra opinión sobre la implementación de la ciudad de controles internos más sólidos, una capacidad de generación de ingresos por impuestos de ventas significativamente más fuerte con la aprobación de un aumento de la tasa del impuesto de ventas aprobado por los votantes en 2020 (Medida E) y un proyección de aumento de las reservas del fondo general a niveles muy fuertes para el año fiscal 2023 a pesar de un acuerdo único pagado del fondo general. Además, notamos que la ciudad ha resuelto su litigio sobre el uso de las tarifas de uso de infraestructura de la ciudad (IUF, por sus siglas en inglés) que, en nuestra opinión, reduce la incertidumbre sobre la influencia financiera de esta obligación contingente”.

El equipo de administración de la ciudad fue un componente crítico de la mejora de las calificaciones. Según S&P, “Con la contratación de una nueva alta gerencia a partir de 2018, el personal de la ciudad ha progresado en la resolución de la mayoría de los hallazgos de los auditores y está trabajando para resolver los hallazgos restantes. Como resultado, ya no consideramos que la ciudad se vea afectada por la inestabilidad política y la rotación que afectaría negativamente el desempeño financiero y la flexibilidad de la ciudad”.

“Las recientes mejoras en la calificación crediticia muestran el trabajo diligente del equipo de finanzas de la ciudad y el compromiso del Concejo Municipal con la sostenibilidad fiscal a largo plazo”, dijo el administrador de la ciudad, Alex Nguyen. Agregó que esta calificación ayudará a la ciudad con los financiamientos actuales y futuros (capacidad de obtener tasas de interés más bajas) que el Concejo Municipal podría considerar cuando se necesiten mejoras para actualizar la infraestructura obsoleta de la ciudad.

La directora financiera, Betsy George, declaró: “Estamos orgullosos de las mejoras recientes y continuaremos protegiendo el programa de control interno. Nos complace ver que los expertos en calificación crediticia de terceros están tomando nota de estas importantes mejoras”.

Una copia completa del informe de las calificaciones globales de S&P está disponible en aquí y se adjunta a este comunicado de prensa.

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September 22, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2022
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Oxnard Fire Department
(805) 385-7722 | Oxnard_fire@oxnard.org

Join the Oxnard Fire Department at Upcoming Fire Prevention Week 2022 Events

OXNARD, Calif. – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety at home and in the workplace. This year the Oxnard Fire Department joins the association in celebration of Fire Prevention Week’s 100th anniversary and its “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape” campaign with a series of community events throughout Oxnard.

According to the NFPA, you may have two minutes or less to safely leave a home once your smoke alarm goes off. Having a fire evacuation plan will help to keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that each home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Stephen McNaughten, Oxnard Fire Marshal. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that you plan to help them.”

Other fire escape planning tips from the Oxnard Fire Department include:

Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
Determine an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Be sure to practice at least once during the day and at night.

Throughout October, the Oxnard Fire Department staff will be sharing Fire Prevention Week information at community events. Additionally, the Fire Department will continue to offer free smoke detectors and installation to eligible households through early 2023.

Oxnard Fire Department | Fire Prevention Week Events

Oct. 1, 2022: Multicultural Festival, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Plaza Park (500 S C St., Oxnard)
Oct. 5, 2022: INCO Meeting, 7 p.m.
Oxnard Council Chambers (305 West 3rd St., Oxnard)
Oct. 9, 2022: Channel Islands Harbor Sunday Farmers Market 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Parking lot adjacent to Marine Emporium Landing (3350 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard)
Oct. 13, 2022: Downtown Oxnard Certified Farmers’ Market
5th & B Streets at Plaza Park, Oxnard 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Council Meetings

Date Time Neighborhood Location

9/22/22 7:00 PM Sierra Linda Sierra Linda School

9/27/22 6:30 PM East Village Rio Rosales Elementary

9/29/22 7:00 PM Carriage Square Curren School

9/29/22 6:30 PM Bryce Canyon North & Bryce Canyon South

E.O. Green Jr. High

10/6/22 6:30 PM Bartolo Square South Kamala Elementary

10/7/22 6:00 PM Tierra Vista Tierra Vista School

10/8/22 11:00 AM Hobson Park East Lion’s Park

10/12/22 7:00 PM Marina West Marina West School

10/12/22 7:00 PM Rose Park Rose Avenue School

10/13/22 6:00 PM Cabrillo Emilie Ritchen School

10/19/22 6:00 PM Cal Gisler Harrington School

10/19/22 6:00 PM Wagon Wheel Wagon Wheel Park

10/20/22 6:00 PM Southbank Rio del Norte School

10/26/22 6:00 PM Southwinds Haycox Elementary

10/26/22 6:00 PM Riverpark Rio Vista Middle School

10/27/22 6:00 PM Hobson Park East & Hobson Park West

Performing Arts Center

10/29/22 10:00 AM Pleasant Valley Estates Pleasant Valley Park

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Oxnard, please contact the Oxnard Fire Department at Oxnard_fire@oxnard.org or (805) 385-7722. For general fire prevention materials, please visit fpw.org.

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September 1, 2022 by Katie Casey

PDF available here: English | Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 1, 2022

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Communications Manager
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard Opens Cooling Centers During Excessive Heat Warning

OXNARD, Calif. – The City of Oxnard will open two emergency cooling centers on Sunday, September 4, and Monday, September 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in response to the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warning for coastal areas of Ventura County this holiday weekend.

CITY OF OXNARD COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS

Wilson Senior Center: 350 North C St., Oxnard, CA 93030
South Oxnard Center: 200 E Bard Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033

Residents should not bring large packages/items and pets as they will not be permitted inside the buildings.

Additional cooling centers are available throughout Ventura County. Visit www.vcemergency.com for locations and hours of operation.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool.
Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle!
If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
Keep pets indoors if possible. Provide water and a shady area to rest.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 1 de septiembre de 2022

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Katie Casey, Gerente de Comunicaciones
(805) 816-4330 | katie.casey@oxnard.org

Oxnard abre centros para refrescarse durante
advertencia de calor excesivo

OXNARD, Calif. – La Ciudad de Oxnard abrirá dos centros para refrescarse de emergencia el domingo 4 de septiembre y el lunes 5 de septiembre de 11 a. m. a 7 p. m. en respuesta a la advertencia de calor excesivo del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional para las áreas costeras del condado de Ventura en este fin de semana festivo.

UBICACIONES DE LOS CENTROS PARA REFRESCARSE DE LA CIUDAD DE OXNARD

Wilson Senior Center: 350 North C St., Oxnard, CA 93030
Centro del Sur de Oxnard (South Oxnard Center): 200 E Bard Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033

Los residentes no deben traer paquetes/artículos grandes ni mascotas, ya que no se les permitirá entrar a los edificios.

Hay centros para refrescarse adicionales disponibles en todo el condado de Ventura. Visite www.vcemergency.com para conocer las ubicaciones y los horarios.

CONSEJOS DE SEGURIDAD PARA EL CALOR

Manténgase hidratado y beba mucha agua.

Use ropa ligera y de colores claros que lo mantenga fresco.

Esté al tanto de sus vecinos que podrían ser vulnerables al calor, especialmente aquellos que no tienen aire acondicionado.

¡Nunca deje niños o mascotas en un vehículo!

Si trabaja o juega al aire libre, tome descansos frecuentes para hidratarse y refrescarse en la sombra.

Mantenga a las mascotas adentro si es posible. Proporcione agua y un área de sombra para descansar.

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To download flyer, click here.

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