The council voted unanimously to give outgoing Mayor JohnZaragoza, outgoing councilmembers Oscar Madrigal, Bryan MacDonald and Arthur “AJ” Valenzuela Jr. and outgoing city clerk Rose Chaparro resolutions commending their years of public service. John C. Zaragoza and Bryan MacDonald. Oscar Madrigal and John C. Zaragoza. Rose Chapparro and John C. Zaragoza. John C. Zaragoza and Arthur Valenzuela. John C. Zaragoza, outgoing city mayor. Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen.
By David Courtland and Carlos Garcia
On Tuesday night the Oxnard City Council voted 6-0, with outgoing Mayor John Zaragoza sitting out the vote, to rename the city’s transportation center after him.
The Oxnard Transit Center will become John C. Zaragoza Transit Center Oxnard after the now former mayor, who began his public service career as a bus driver.
The resolution to rename the transit center capped off an emotional meeting that saw Zaragoza, three councilmembers and the city clerk all feted for their contributions to the community.
The council voted unanimously to give Zaragoza, outgoing councilmembers Oscar Madrigal, Bryan MacDonald and Arthur “AJ” Valenzuela Jr. and outgoing city clerk Rose Chaparro resolutions commending their years of public service.
“It is sad to see you Councilmember Madrigal go. I remembered when I applied to the position of city manager and I heard you saying that I was your second choice for the job, I did not feel that good then, but later in the many years that we have work together, you have taught me many things and I am very happy to have work with you for the betterment of the City of Oxnard. I hope that you continue to be active in our community and it will be great if we can see you on the dedication and naming of a skating facility after you Mr. Madrigal” said Alex Nguyen, Oxnard City Manager during the presentation.
Zaragoza and the three former councilmembers were also recognized for their many years of public service by the offices of Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Assemblyman Steve Bennett and many Oxnard residents.
“Throughout your time on the city council your dedication to improving the lives of those you serve is commendable,” said Julia Luis of Brownley’s office as she presented certificates to the outgoing elected officials.
Luis had similar commendations from Brownley for Valenzuela, Madrigal, MacDonald and Zaragoza. “On behalf of a grateful community I extend our appreciation for your service,” Luis continued.
Valenzuela represented the city’s District 6, which is squarely in South Oxnard. He was elected to the seat in a 2022 special election, defeated Michaela Perez, who in turn defeated him on his first attempt at reelection on Nov. 5.
MacDonald represented District 4 for 16 years, and gave up his seat to run for mayor. He was defeated for reelection by Luis MacArthur, and will be succeeded by Gabriela Rodriguez.
Madrigal represented District 3 for eight years and was defeated for reelection on Nov. 5 by Aaron Starr.
“Thank you very much, it was an honor and a pleasure to be here the last eight years,” Madrigal said after being presented with a commendation from the City of Oxnard by Zaragoza. “It’s been a positive learning experience, something that I will always take with me,” Madrigal continued.
Zaragoza presented a similar commendation from the City to MacDonald who was an Oxnard police officer for 30 years before he ran for city council.
“I feel blessed to have been a police officer for 30 years and a councilmember for 16 years,” MacDonald said, after thanking Zaragoza for letting him be Mayor Pro Tem for the last four years, filling in for Zaragoza when necessary.
“And that blessing is all of you sitting in this room,” continued MacDonald, “that all of you as a community allowed me to serve you.”
The city council meeting and presentations were full of nostalgia and sadness to see go these elected officials that have given to the City of Oxnard many years of their life serving the residents of Oxnard.