Tri County Sentry

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S SENTRY The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper

The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper

TRI TRICOUNTY COUNTY

ENTRY

VOL. XXVII NO. 11

MARCH 15, 2019

Legendary Songstress Dionne Warwick Announces, “She’s Back.” n See page 12

City Manager Alex Nguyen.

Still Standing on the promises of God

Saint Paul Baptist Church celebrates 100 years of faith By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard—It was a celebration of faith, devotion, and values at Saint Paul Baptist Church, March 10, as the congregation held a special mass to celebrate 100 years in service of the Lord.

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HE event was a sacred occasion, as the celebration included music, cries of joy to the Lord and the readings of Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 9 and 10. Saint Paul Church got its start in 1919 and was the first African American Church in Ventura County under the leadership of Pastor J. D. Pettigrew. Fast-forward 100 years and the church is stronger than ever and

looks forward to the next century. The celebration featured a proclamation presentation to the congregation on behalf of Oxnard Mayor Tim Flynn by Council Member Vianey Lopez and Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez. “What makes this possible is the leadership, but also the great numbers who come every week and day to do God’s work,” Lopez said. “Thank you, everyone and congratulations.”

Ramirez honored the church for 100 years of service to the community. “We know that faith gets us

We know that faith gets us through the hard times and faith will get us to the blessings that we receive, through the hard times and faith will get us to the blessings that we receive,” she said. “I am honored to

be here for this great celebration. Congratulations and may you have another 1,000 years.” Reverend Larry Franklin said his grandfather, Reverend Jesse Walker, was introduced to Saint Paul’s when he received the call to be a pastor. “Serving under him was my grandmother, Gladys T. Walker,” he said. ”I was the first newborn baby born when the church was on C Street.” One of the more emotional moments during the service came from Magaline Penny, who shouted out praise to God because she said His word comes forth. “He is letting us know that no matter what it looks like, He’s still n Still Standing, see page 5

Photo by Chris Frost

Finance and Governance committee examines city’s procedural manual By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard-- The Oxnard City Council’s Finance and Governance Committee continued its discussion about the city’s procedural manual update, March 12, as the group focused on how an item gets on an agenda, which is currently a cumbersome request. The group also discussed the body’s mission statement in the manual, which City Attorney Stephen Fischer called a subject, not legal, issue for the body to weigh in on. “I want to see the committee take a look at where we are going and discuss as we update the procedural manual,” he said. Committee Member Gabriela Basua read the whole manual and said the mission statement is outdated. “With two new people on the council, I believe the mission statement should reflect the views of the new council,” she said. “My recommendation is as a council we should look at the mission statement and see if it meets what that city’s vision is.” She asked Fischer if the new Citizen Advisory Group wording will change to reflect the changes approved by the council. Fischer said they would change the wording but told them to remember that the new arrangement is a “gentleperson’s agreement.” “With the new district system, what’s been proposed is having council members appoint from their districts, individuals to those positions, and for the mayor to say here are the proposed choices, does the council n Procedural manual, see page 2

Elm Street School celebrates a new beginning By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard-- The Oxnard School District opened its doors to a new, renovated school, March 9, as the district held its grand opening at the New Elm Street School. The new school replaces the original building that is outdated and old, with new state-of-the-art classrooms for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Joining in the celebration was the Board of Trustees and dignitaries in the district and the school’s principal, Leticia Ramos participated in the party. Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales said the old school served the community well,

Photo by Chris Frost

The Ribbon cutting at the new Elm Street School was a joyous event.

but it’s time to move into a 21stcentury learning environment with the highest technology and a great set of new furniture. “It’s moveable and adjustable for whatever activity the teacher

is doing with the kids,” he said. “It lends itself to an amazing learning environment.” The district enjoys an excellent community partnership that made the new school happen,

Photo by Chris Frost

Students were the star during the grand opening event at Elm Street School.

he said, and Oxnard supported the district with two bonds, Measure R, a $90 million bond and Measure D, a $143 million bond. “That’s given us the ability to

develop a master plan through 2027 and be able to strategically re-construct schools and offer a great learning environment for our students,” he said. The kids wanted a new space

to learn in, Morales said, and freely move around. “I think this new style of furniture is what kids need,” he said. “They should be moving around and working in groups. The era of being in rows and being quiet while the teacher speaks is over. Teachers facilitate the learning process now and get students engaged in a lot of activities.” That means lots of group work, he said, which is what a 21st-century school needs to do to prepare kids for today’s workplace. Morales is thrilled to see the Elm Street community come together. “It’s a close-knit community, and it’s great that we can offer n Elm Street, see page 5


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