Tri County Sentry

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The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper

The Tri County’s Only Multicultural Newspaper

TRI TRICOUNTY COUNTY

ENTRY ENTRY VOL. XXVII NO. 51

(Photo by Chris Frost)

Charley snowman: Charley Moore kept busy in the snow.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

IN MEMORIAM: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch: Remembering Carroll Spinney n See page 12

CHRISTMAS OXNARD SPECIAL POPULATIONS CELEBRATE

By Chris Frost Christmas. Oxnard chris@tricountysentry.com

(Photo by Chris Frost)

Kid kiss: Violet Pedraza kisses her snowman.

Snow

comes to Channel Islands Harbor By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard—A lot of kids got their snow fix on Dec. 14, as Channel Islands Harbor provided the fun, tons of it, and imported a colossal pile of snow for kids to play in. The event was part of a series of cool things at the harbor over the weekend, which included a Christmas marketplace, Mister Softee Ice Cream, and culminated with the 54th Annual Parade of Lights through the harbor that evening. Kids came decked-out in their snowsuits, gloves, and hats, which meant a big snowball fight ensued, and parents had to get out of the way in a hurry. Violet and Karla Pedraza were having a great time making a snowman. "When Violet saw the snow for the first time, she giggled for 10 minutes," Karla said. "I grew up south. of Washington D.C., so I am used to the snow." Karla doesn't see them moving to n Snow, see page 6

Oxnard-- The Wilson Senior Center was full of the Holiday Spirit, Dec. 14, as the Oxnard Special Populations (OSP), celebrated its fifth Annual Holiday Party.

T

HE event was a whirlwind of activity, as guests enjoyed a steak dinner, pizza, and lots of delicious side dishes. They gave gifts, and people hugged each other and shared the joy of

Special Populations assists exceptional people with developmental challenges and helps them lead a more rewarding life through special activities, like The Day at the Park, The Fun Club, Challenger Sports, and the OSP Swim Club. Group Leader Maria Sandoval said the kids would receive goody bags, and Santa Claus will make a trip down from the North Pole to visit with the kids. "It's a day n Christmas, see page 6

Four Ballot initiatives get certified By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard--The Oxnard City Council certified four of the five ballot initiatives presented by Moving Oxnard Forward Chairman Aaron Starr during the Dec 17, meeting. Starr spent the summer working on collecting enough petition signatures to place the items on the ballot and filed them with the city on Oct 28. The five ballot initiatives include: • Road Repairs – Requires city hall to improve city streets and alleys over time as a condition for continued

collection of "Measure O" sales tax. • Transparency – Makes the elected City Treasurer accountable for the city's financial functions; requires online posting of city expenditures and their supporting documents; requires the finance department to hire a certified public accountant and publish monthly financial statements; and requires the publishing of performance measurements for city departments. • Open Meetings – Requires city council and other city legislative bodies meet no earlier than 5:00 p.m. (with a few exceptions); requires training on the use of Robert's

(Photo by Chris Frost)

Moving Oxnard Forward Chairman Aaron Starr addresses the council about the initiatives.

Rules to enable better-run meetings; requires advance videotaping of staff presentations to allow more time for public comments; and expands the right of the public to comment on agenda items and make use of video presentations. • Term Limits – The Mayor and the City Council to be limited to two consecutive terms, requiring a twoyear break before becoming eligible to serve again. • Permit Simplicity – Implements a program that will enable the city to issue permits in a single day, making it easier for business owners to bring higher-paying jobs to Oxnard and

for homeowners to improve their homes. Similar programs have been successful in other cities. Each initiative required 8,401 signatures. City Clerk Michelle Ascension said initiative 4, the term limits require a full count by the county, and it will be returned to the council in 30 days. "If that initiative meets the 8,401 ballot signatures, I will return with a certificate of sufficiency for that initiative," she said. During public comments, Aaron n Initiatives, see page 2


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