[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6370752,"mediaKeyId","2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16","parentId",2150870,"title","Council OKs $186,141 contract with James Brothers for Carty Park playground replacement","audioSeconds",371,"startMs",9182000,"endMs",9553000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16&start=9182&end=9553","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16/thumbnail_9182000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6370752/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Council-OKs-186141-contract-with-James-Brothers-for-Carty-Park-playground-replacement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370752-709dbac040e98b5e00dacfae5c361461/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175371&Signature=Ou0wH9S7JUWYSnIGNA9Ck6uS6wdaroP54sMPw3qmplo3Acj45PW~3oNOgcsp53yntJFyCCz5V73oeXy-fO4WrHW6Ilqlvr8dWE9ru5fLZkUb9Rbbmct9~kTc6RmvpNy4gcYRH38x4jwXu4d6XUwvksbYEuB7OCCaFkZgIop6WbkoaciPt7UcczmR0Ugw-OhZYBAO77hfoTTyr5NR5hXans2BPEyBFmT3iwOq~2L7uUepL0VkKX2PVmD9XRrFmQtiwXNgJ9yH6DtrDGfPTsenYLlalrjMsiAB7a8yOzNsuF52O-sieMNDzuuGBhbZYaG-EHXuggDozmH74IZauEO5Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Oxnard","date","2025-01-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Oxnard City Council on Jan. 21 approved a public works contract to replace the playground at Carty Park and fund related engineering and inspection work.

Public Works Director Michael Wolf described the project as a playground replacement under the city’s broader effort to update multiple parks. The council approved an agreement with James Brothers Construction for $169,219.30 and a project contingency of $16,922, and authorized an additional $16,922 for engineering, inspection and project management for a total project allocation of $203,063.30.

Why it matters: The playground project is part of a citywide parks effort to replace aging playground equipment and address safety and accessibility issues. Councilmembers asked questions about surfacing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) elements, and the timeline; staff said the contractor will have 90 working days and that the timing will be finalized after the contractor’s schedule and material availability are confirmed.

Votes and logistics: The consent-item motion that included this contract passed 7–0. Staff said the city will notify the neighborhood and use social media and flyers to update residents once the contractor provides a schedule. Councilmembers asked staff to add signage when projects will be delayed or when fencing will remain in place longer than expected.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 1/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Oxnard City Council approved a contract Jan. 21 to replace the Carty Park playground, authorizing about $203,063 in total project funds including contingency and project management; the construction contract to James Brothers totals $169,219.30 with contingency.","taxTitle","Oxnard City, Ventura County, California","taxId",3809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370757,"Council hears update on financial corrective action plan; one audit finding remains related to cyber‑security",247,5160000,5407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16&start=5160&end=5407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16/thumbnail_5160000.jpg","/articles/6370757/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Council-hears-update-on-financial-corrective-action-plan-one-audit-finding-remains-related-to-cybersecurity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370757-5c82d6560f5b04abbed3ca49ea73d874/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175371&Signature=SQruUsuXeWknXma4QSbdClu7ptOOXsirPn3mPcj9eWCISWkUitYSKbvYLv3ckQ-631fzWNazIOdFa9qoWk-DsdASE-bD-eV5PkUigMdV0Hm0NCLVnGYNyUlV5MCmUs-J0rBZaseyV3OeOdYzS77IABl6OnbgCt6GYMjxF17YmnNp61D3mc0oH-XewfO~p3UkYJOVN-XGmDI3C2LxH5XrkY8yrPimryvA62oakqMvO6eLAJxBdNMShhqV0so19FLaSQcqFfz5Pzx~Ayftv4RYOQaRD4g-neRyD7zx~LS3p8fBM7B9IGUiwPJfxT3neNv69SwForitJTB8KOgVBOCGhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxnard City Council received an update Jan. 21 on the city’s Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP), a multi‑year effort to close prior audit findings. Jennifer, the city’s internal control manager, and Chief Financial Officer Javier reported that the program began after 2013–14 audits flagged more than 100 findings and that successive reforms have closed most issues.

Finance staff said there is one remaining corrective action related to treatment of sensitive data and cyber‑security; because the matter involves sensitive information the department briefs council in closed session on progress. Councilmembers praised the finance team for eliminating new findings in the last two audits, credited staff continuity and stronger internal controls, and asked for continued transparency to assure residents and rating agencies.

Why it matters: The audit history prompted concern several years ago about the city’s financial controls. Councilmembers noted that improvements are reflected in upgraded bond ratings and in two consecutive audits with no new findings, but they also requested continued attention to the remaining cyber‑security finding.

What the council requested: Councilmembers asked finance staff to continue semiannual public updates and to provide any non‑sensitive documentation that shows progress. The city attorney and IT staff will continue to brief council in closed session on details that require confidentiality.","Finance staff told the Jan. 21 Oxnard City Council that the city's Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP) dates to 2013–14 and that only one audit finding remains open; council members praised progress and asked for continued reporting on the remaining cyber‑security issue.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370762,"Council approves reallocation of CDBG/HOME funds for two housing projects after HUD timing clarification",658,6153000,6811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16&start=6153&end=6811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16/thumbnail_6153000.jpg","/articles/6370762/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Council-approves-reallocation-of-CDBGHOME-funds-for-two-housing-projects-after-HUD-timing-clarification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370762-ff5ed6a10864542d5af00cda2346ea5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175371&Signature=L3En5EvljAKR2xno2w4OUW8JDuCR58gFZRvQ7l7xczkAo0p0BLIryPlWQG~CzxtTgFJQBuGjxWOSus32-DOyNSd6gB-6ekqrnDWD~5fPHc-pW4sm1U6uKg9L-nX-AXc9oS~~dNbFp0vZHSrdLrJ9leJmSBJv1OmJ9KS53U~TbPgnXuTEPD3enBI~AOOnsV~8N~GufxDdGxruEhDQChxGp1ggc~JWD~b~~nGB~M77KkuSmffVzdU7YUwg5DP~K1uGS6S9wApNfG1VUM8QLygi05VIkwZ45aqmvLupfBD2KnUreWPFKOxKxcCqWnEPddw6OtMgnUcmQ9Wd~o9NkF-iWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxnard City Council voted 7–0 on Jan. 21 to approve a substantial amendment to the 2023–24 annual action plan that reallocates Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to two affordable housing projects: Casa Aliento (the former Vagabond motel) and the Dolores Huerta apartments.

Housing staff said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had clarified that, for newly proposed activities, eligible expenditures must occur after the date of council approval rather than retroactive to the prior fiscal year. Staff requested a waiver from HUD to preserve previously proposed allocations; if HUD denied that waiver, the staff report recommended revised allocations so funds could still support projects. Council approved the amendment and authorized the city manager to execute required applications, agreements with subrecipients, and to shift up to 10% among activities if needed.

Why it matters: The move aims to close financing gaps and bring completed or near-complete permanent supportive and affordable housing into service. Staff described the Casa Aliento project as a 70-unit conversion with 40 project‑based vouchers assigned to qualifying households, and the Dolores Huerta development as a 58‑unit property prioritizing farmworker households and veterans as required by certain funding commitments.

Questions from council members focused on HUD’s waiver timing and program safeguards. Councilmember John Starr, among others, asked when HUD’s decision on the waiver would arrive; housing staff said a response was expected within days to a couple of weeks and that staff would provide a copy of the waiver request. Assistant Housing Director Brenda Lopez described eligibility checks: project-based vouchers are matched from prioritized waiting lists, applicants undergo income and asset verification, and property managers will monitor unauthorized occupants.

Public comment included a call from Barbara Macri Ortiz, a longtime advocate for the Dolores Huerta project, who urged approval to close the funding gap after years of delay.

Votes at a glance: City Council approved the substantial amendment to the 2023–24 annual action plan reallocating CDBG and HOME funds and authorized the city manager to execute required documents. The motion passed 7–0.","Oxnard City Council on Jan. 21 approved a substantial amendment to the 2023–24 annual action plan reallocating Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds to completed and near-complete affordable housing projects after staff said HUD clarified an expenditure period and a waiver was pending.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370766,"Residents, council members press city to review rules after sober-living operator’s past murder conviction draws protests",3414,2876000,6290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16&start=2876&end=6290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2150870-48cd69ad3fb8b38433acf184ccf84c16/thumbnail_2876000.jpg","/articles/6370766/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Residents-council-members-press-city-to-review-rules-after-sober-living-operators-past-murder-conviction-draws-protests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370766-5456f157fc18c5ca315a724adf5d6e50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175371&Signature=h9PYuO8oltvRwNjhGaHKyJXQnJrdix-n~im2QXG~O5E4HJ9WBRxNUvaObo0yzAV5AEtg8dB8cEyZXkqhg-5t8FHOupwEH4CGyWpySy6QgU~aIDTyX8Z2xc6sVI6D38JVU33UnK61-8A~WX5XVT6tUXmNILmMJnc-OOgWZX97wq-xVMQyYkTA1udzycjYSi2xgUIjpo7V4oSKs9DxKi5eDu5324~o2KUl~j-2M6CDR3QArtMVBSvKpizIXF2VUNUBORlDPYpDXovsCNBqc4P7JVhimk4p29ZuBB4RvhlxREVLNdl8Elb9URytsqSngFK7~VLDkFLlAFDryXPhyIRKwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public commenters at the Oxnard City Council meeting on Jan. 21 pressed the city for new rules after neighbors identified a sober-living house in their neighborhood whose manager, they said, was convicted years earlier in a child’s death. Speakers described safety concerns about the manager’s presence near a school and asked the council to act.

The discussion began during public comment when multiple residents and callers described anxiety over a sober living home in the Colonia area and named Dean Joseph Lutz as the facility’s manager. Several speakers recounted the underlying criminal case and said the manager’s presence in the neighborhood — they said two blocks from a school — created fear among parents. Jason McComb and Abel Velasquez described personal and community trauma related to violent crime; Kelly Lake, calling in, said Lutz had completed his sentence and urged the community not to harass him; other callers supplied written support from a retired deputy probation officer who said Lutz had shown remorse and helped other residents.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and residents said the episode highlights tensions between the state parole system, housing for people in recovery and neighborhood safety. Councilmember John Starr asked the city attorney to examine whether the council could craft a “narrowly tailored” ordinance to bar violent felons from operating group homes or sober living facilities, and asked that the attorney report back with timing at the next meeting. Other council members said any policy should avoid unlawful discrimination against residents in recovery and noted the city’s limited authority versus state parole decisions.

Supporters of the sober-living operator also spoke. Ray Ford, founder of First Phase Inc., said his organization contracts with the state to house parolees and described transition services and oversight in his houses. Caller Kelly Lake, who said she is the manager’s sister, said he had completed required programs and that harassment of released individuals was wrong. A written letter from Carol Mechanic, a retired deputy probation officer, was read into the record supporting the manager and describing his post-release conduct.

What the council asked staff to do: Councilmember Starr said he would like the City Attorney to explore a narrowly drawn ordinance banning violent felons from operating group homes and sober living facilities and to tell the council when such an ordinance could come forward for a first reading. Councilmembers and staff also discussed the limits of local authority, the need to vet facts carefully before rulemaking and how changes could affect people in recovery who are protected by federal and state disability rules.

Context and next steps: The council did not adopt an ordinance at the Jan. 21 meeting. Speakers on both sides of the issue asked the city to act carefully: residents emphasized proximity to schools and past crimes; advocates emphasized rehabilitation and the risks of doxxing or harassment. The mayor and council directed staff and the city attorney to study options and return with legal analysis and timing; no formal vote was taken on an ordinance.","Public speakers at the Jan. 21 Oxnard City Council meeting raised safety concerns about a sober living house whose manager is a convicted child killer, prompting council requests for staff and the city attorney to examine a narrowly tailored ordinance to bar violent felons from operating group homes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council OKs $186,141 contract with James Brothers for Carty Park playground replacement

Council hears update on financial corrective action plan; one audit finding remains related to cyber‑security

Council approves reallocation of CDBG/HOME funds for two housing projects after HUD timing clarification

Residents, council members press city to review rules after sober-living operator’s past murder conviction draws protests