A group of more than 500 supporters, including local business owners, elected officials, labor representatives and community leaders joined together at Casa Lopez in Oxnard to celebrate the opening event to re-elect John Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the supervisor’s office reported in a media release.
“I am very pleased with the work Zaragoza has done for our senior community, but he has done so much more. I consider John Zaragoza a man for all seasons. No matter who it is in the community; youth or seniors, rich or poor, whatever your background, I have found that John Zaragoza stands ready to help,” Hank Lacayo, president of the Congress of California Seniors, stated in the release.
“Everyone in our community supports Supervisor Zaragoza. John has shown excellent leadership and he relates well to other people. John always says yes to our South Oxnard Councils when we invite him to speak. He has always been there to hear our concerns, to assist us and to answer our questions,” said Manuel Navarro, chairman of the Cypress Neighborhood Council.
Tri-County Building and Construction Trades representative Tony Skinner said he came to the event “for good food and to see good friends.” He also said “Whenever our association members have a question or concern, John is always available to meet with us. We don’t always agree on everything, but he always tries to help.”
Local business owner Sam Seng came for breakfast and said, “I am a Cambodian-American Immigrant. I was pleased to get to know Zaragoza 12 years ago when I was running Oxnard Donuts on Gonzales Road. He was an Oxnard City Council member at that time. John was a good City Council member and he is a good Supervisor. He is always helpful and kind. He knows how to successfully create jobs and help small businesses in our community.”
Oxnard Commission on Homelessness Chair Peggy Rivera endorsed Supervisor Zaragoza.
“John Zaragoza is very approachable and he is very community oriented,” she said. “He has done wonderful things for the Nyeland Acres Community, including opening up a community center with youth, family support and recreation programs. John has been there to support me in every effort I have to work on Homeless Programs. I know I can always go to him for support when I have questions or concerns about homeless issues.”
“Supervisor Zaragoza is the right man for the job,” Rick Shimmel of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, stated in the release. “John has always been a great supporter of Public Safety. He has an “Open Door Policy” and is always willing to personally meet with people. This is very important to the Supervisor and it is something that is very valuable to his constituents.”
Elected Officials attending the event included, Ventura College District Board Member Art Hernandez, Oxnard Union High School District Board Member Socorro Hanson and Rio School District Board Member Mike Barber. All were enthusiastic in their support for Zaragoza.
Zaragoza said he was very pleased with the large turnout and was very appreciative of the support he has received.
“I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve this great community for almost 50 years as a business owner, local government manger and elected official,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve you as county supervisor.”
Click here to read the entire media release.