Keep School Off Farmland

I am against the relocation of Oxnard High School to any of the proposed sites in the Northwest sector of Oxnard. These sites are on agricultural land that falls under the jurisdiction of the county Planning Commission. Presently, these lands are zoned agricultural-exclusive and are part of a greenbelt proposal.

The district’s recently completed environmental impact report confirms that relocation of Oxnard High School to this agricultural land will open the door to urban development of this land. The school district must not act as an enabler to the vast destruction of this precious agricultural land.

Instead of spending $26 million of taxpayers’ money to move Oxnard High School, I say, let’s close the Oxnard Airport. With continued development in the immediate area of the airport, and with the growth of Oxnard in general, the airport’s days seem numbered.

Airport closure not only would eliminate the need to relocate Oxnard High School, it would also reduce the critical smog and ozone problem that exists in Ventura County. Furthermore, the airport land might then become a residential development that could include much-needed low-income and affordable housing. If airport closure is not possible, then other sites within the present city limits can be found for the relocation of Oxnard High School.

CHRISTOPHER KINGSLEY

Oxnard