S SENTRY The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper
The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper
TRI TRICOUNTY COUNTY
ENTRY VOL. XXVII NO. 31
As Pam Grier celebrates 70, she finds peace off the grid n See page 12
JULY 26, 2019
La Colonia Boxers fight
for a better life By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com
Oxnard— Dedication, pride, discipline and a passion for a better life, is the hallmark for the Colonia Boxing Gym in Oxnard, which is a world-famous venue known for growing champions and the sport.
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HE Colonia Boxing Gym is a high energy, intense place, where each member pushes and strives to be the best they can be. The cost is high, but the venue does not charge. The requirement is energy, drive, determination, and an innate desire to step out and live a life full of promise. Coach Adrian Casas is the mentor, friend, and leader of the family, and said the Colonia Gym got started in the 1970s and went through some good phases.
(Photo by Chris Frost)
Community Development Director Jeff Lambert.
Oxnard is taking steps to eliminate Magic Auto Oxnard—The City of Oxnard is taking steps to end Magic Auto on Oxnard Blvd, which has been a long-standing public nuisance for residents. The property has empty, non-operational autos, trash, and vagrants living in the empty cars at all its locations, to name a few of the complaints. The car dealer occupies four addresses on Oxnard Blvd. and since 2008, the Oxnard Police Department has responded to calls for service at the address 492 times. Since 2014, the Oxnard Fire Department has responded to 16 calls at the location. Code enforcement, law enforcement, and the fire department gave the business “multiple opportunities” to come into compliance, n Magic Auto, see page 6
In 1995, the city took over the venue, and former champion fighters like Robert Garcia, Fernando Vargas, Brandon Rios, Victor Ortiz, Mia St. John and Brian Viloria called the gym home. "There were a lot of good trainers," Casas said. "In 2011, I got started with the program. This place is a home for kids starting as young as eight, and my oldest guy is 60 years old. He comes and works out."
His passion is to mentor kids who are at risk and give them an alternative to being out on the street and hanging out with the wrong crowd. "This is a safe place here," he said. "This is my dream." The kids currently training are from the Colonia neighborhood, he said, but everyone is wel come to come and box. "We wel come all sides of Oxnard," he said. "This is more than a safe place. We stress education here, as well. I would rather have them be here, than out n La Colonia, see page 6
Oxnard kids learn and grow at the Police Athletic League Oxnard— There was a full house at the Oxnard Police Activities League, July 19, as kids of all ages enjoyed the summer program, at the venue, and had a blast participating in fun activities. The day was full of painting, cheering, dancing, and good old being a kid, as the group enjoyed fun camaraderie and received positive reinforcement through the day. The kids also received a nutritious lunch to keep them fueled and happy. Recreation Leader Gabby Ledesma led the activities and kept the kids busy.
Recreation Leader Gabby Ledesma led the kids through a spirited game of UNO at te Oxnard PAL.
“We are doing a lot of activities,” she said. “We were coloring earlier, and now we are
playing UNO. This program is a summertime fun thing where kids can come and play. There
(Photo by Chris Frost)
is basketball inside, and the kids can go and play.” n Oxnard kids, see page 6