Does the black community have a strong voice in Oxnard?
I think we do. Sometimes we get complacent every now and then and have to be prodded into continuing to make our voice heard. But I do think we’re pretty active in the Oxnard community. And I see Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks becoming more active, as well. According to city statistics, Oxnard’s population will be up to 250,000 people in 20 years. Up until then, will the number of black families moving into the area increase, and how can that be achieved? I think until we have more employment opportunities and more activities for young people, we aren’t going to find a lot of African Americans moving into the community. I say that because we’re very family oriented in terms of doing things with our kids and for our kids. And sports aren’t the end-all and do-all, even though the sports aspect of Ventura County is excellent. I can’t think of any other county that produces more quality athletes, including my own grandson. But there has to be more opportunity educationally, artistically and
