Remarks by Gabriela Rodríguez
50 remarks on the record, newest first · Page 2 of 2
“I just had a technical question on the 30 non-congregate shelter beds. Technically, I mean, just based on the words that I'm hearing, basically those are just beds where people can stay, but then they're expected to leave and not stick around. I want to better understand that.”
“Instead of like so like we have one big space with 110 beds. Correct. And then you're non-congregate. OK. I wasn't sure if it's like people are not allowed to congregate in a space or what that means. Thank you so much for clarifying.”
“They mean it's an individual space for that person. OK. Thank you for sharing. And they may expand from 30 to 50.”
“Yes, I just wanted to first thank you for your service and all the commissioners for being involved. I know that you said that you all had a kickoff retreat I think in April to make sure that you all were like a strategic planning retreat it seems. Does your commission now meet on a regular basis and do you all have a better understanding of how to be effective as a commission? I know that was a concern.”
“Okay, I just know that a few, I mean, seasons ago, we were given a presentation about some art projects and fundings and money that we collect as a city for the intent of having vibrant art throughout the community, and I think that some of the disconnect was I'm not sure the commission knew about your budget and how to access and be effective and what we can and cannot do as a commission. So I just, I really hope that you're receiving the support that you need and that the commission is meeting on a regular basis so that the art makes it to, you know, our spaces and our community. So I thank…”
“Yes. I was able to attend the Kamala neighborhood council meeting and there was a lot of conversation. I know I came in a little bit late and our city manager was talking about some of the projects, some of the CAPs, answering questions from the residents. I know that I emphasized a lot on Super Nino coming and just having preparation as a community to be ready just for the natural disasters When possible, you know, I see a lot of these issues intertwined, right? It's not just like the flooding. After the flooding, there could be mold, and now it becomes a housing issue and a displacement…”
“Yes. So Monica, thank you so much for your presentation. You were really succinct and to the point, so we thank you for that. I have been involved with FoodShare, I know, through the Oxnard Monday Club because our ladies love volunteering there. So I'd like for you to speak a little bit about folks who might want to sign up on your app or just register to volunteer and how they could do so. The other comment I have is that through Oxnard College, Research shows that throughout the state of California, about 52% of college students are food insecure and housing insecure. And there's such great…”
“Yes, I wanted to call forward Natalia Cervantes. She's a student. I think she's coming into the hall. She is a student at Oxford Middle College and has been involved with, oh, here she come. Here they come. Has been involved with the Lak'ech Cultural Center for a long time. So I know that her family has participated in family leadership conferences and much more with future leaders when I was involved then. But I am very proud of this young woman. how much she has grown up and grown. So I'm gonna call her up to the podium to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Natalia Cervantes.”
“I think we have a whole. That was all part of the Pledge of Allegiance. I think that is a presentation happening regardless. All right. So when we do the Pledge of Allegiance, Natalia will lead us through that.”
“And remove your hats if you're going to do the Pledge of Allegiance, please.”
“Okay, and were you prepared to share a little bit about your journey and being involved in Nilakic?”
“I think they had a special presentation happening anyway.”
“Mariachi Girl, go ahead. Is that the Mariachi Girl?”
“And if I may, I just have to say that when I reached out to Natalia to do the Pledge of Allegiance, I didn't realize that was going to receive a certificate today. So that was very timely. The concert was just a cherry on top. So thank you very much. If her family can come up here, because it definitely takes a village, I think. Believe it or not, she claims to be shy. She claims to be shy, but I'm very, very proud of her because even though she had to take a breath and ground herself, she had her village with her, and there's just a lot of professional and personal development happening.”
“Sure, the next group we wanna honor is Sisters Friends Forever. Do we have the group here? Yay, representative. Sisters Friends Forever. So the Sisters Friends Forever Dance showcased Filipino cultural heritage and celebrated the diverse backgrounds within the city of Oxnard. Their participation aligned with Mayor Luis A. MacArthur's vision of hosting the grand celebration in downtown Oxnard to mark America's 250th milestone, emphasizing the city's unique heritage through cultural displays, vibrant music, and culinary offerings. So thank you so much for joining us in that celebration and for…”
“So up next, we would like to invite the Pinay friends to please come and join us as well. Pinay? OK. So the Pinay friends presented traditional dances that showcase Filipino heritage during the America 250 Festival, thereby celebrating the diverse backgrounds within the city of Oxnard. Their involvement significantly supported Mayor Louise MacArthur's vision for hosting grand celebration in downtown Oxnard to mark the 250th anniversary for America, emphasizing the city's unique heritage through cultural displays. Their contribution played a critical role in ensuring the success of the July…”
“Hello. Okay. Up next, we'd like to bring a very talented singer, Sade Champagne, to please come up here, who has always blessed us with her beautiful voice. Yes. Yes. Thank you.”
“I know there's a few events that I participated in that have already been shared like the renaming of the transit ceremony the Transit Center so John C Saragossa Transit Center, thank you all for for joining that that was a very warm felt celebration. I also attended the Meet the Electeds Mixer that happened yesterday at Heritage Square. But I really want to give a shout out to the Meet Up Clean Up team because last Saturday was so hot. But they were all out there, had the best attitude, and folks just rolled up their sleeves. And thank you to all the volunteers that came out. And special…”
“I'm sorry, can I just clarify? So what would be an example of somebody needing to use an e-bike for the performance of their jobs if they're not a police officer or if they're not doing law enforcement? I think it's a different way of framing the question, but I just want to understand why wouldn't we just...”
“Oh, I was just going to give my two cents. I really love the spirit of what's being proposed in terms of having the classes happen in person, but I just want to make sure that they're still accessible. And for a working person who maybe is juggling life, I don't want to burden folks with having to show up to a class in person when they have the option in 2026 to still do the same learning online in the middle of the night, right? Some of us are up all night just trying to gain the learning, especially if we're trying to be constructive in the educational piece. So those were my two cents. I…”
“Well, I was just thinking that two years would not be enough. I said five, just because I feel like two years has gone like that. And I want to give folks the opportunity to let the dust settle, learn our lessons, and really make real recommendations. So I just think an ordinance, we have so many administrative things coming back to the table on an annual basis and whatnot. I would really like this program to have an opportunity to learn.”
“If I can add to that, I think it can be highly encouraged and that's why you would need the approval of, you know, the city manager or somebody designated to that. So do every effort, but we also want to make sure that it's accessible if need be.”
“Can you repeat it? I'm sorry. After, will result in, and can you repeat that?”
“So I'm sorry, just to add more to the madness. So we were highly encouraging the in-person participation, but also having the option for the CHP.”
“No, I just wanted to share that I really appreciate that you all are looking at which funds expire first, how do we leverage the resources we have, and just what I understand this chart to be the 23.6 million is just like the line items of where we're pulling from, right? Let's see here.”