Oxnard approves La Colonia neighborhood resurfacing contract, including pedestrian safety upgrades near Ramona Elementary

The Oxnard City Council approved a contract with Toro Enterprises for the La Colonia Phase 3 neighborhood resurfacing project, which includes arterial resurfacing, new sidewalk work and pedestrian‑safety upgrades around Ramona Elementary School.

During a staff presentation, Public Works Director Michael Wolf and the project manager described a multi‑part scope: curb ramp and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, sidewalk construction, bulb‑outs to shorten crossing distances, flashing beacons at key school crossings, and associated storm‑drain work tied to the pedestrian improvements. Staff emphasized additional work required in this older neighborhood to confirm property lines and resolve encroachments (fences and other private improvements) that had crept into the city right‑of‑way over decades. The city said it completed title research and coordinated directly with affected property owners before finalizing plans.

In the meeting staff reported a bid from Toro Enterprises and recommended award; the council approved the motion 7–0. During council discussion several members thanked staff for outreach to homeowners and asked about schedule and school‑safe timing; staff said contractors typically present a schedule after award and that concrete, sidewalk and ADA ramps are among the first activities, with electrical work for beacons completed later. The project manager said staff will work around school calendars and seek windows that minimize student impact.

Public comment included a note that Toro Enterprises had donated to a community fundraiser and speakers expressed gratitude for contractor engagement. A resident caller also asked staff to correct web‑posted project wording about the La Colonia Boxing Gym naming (staff acknowledged the request and said they would review the web copy).

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contractor schedule, coordinate with Ramona Elementary and neighborhood stakeholders on staging and temporary access, and start construction activities once pre‑construction tasks and the contractor schedule are complete.