OXNARD : Lopez Honored for Civic Contributions
Manuel Lopez, an Oxnard native who has served on the City Council since 1978, was named the city’s Distinguished Citizen for 1991 in a ceremony this week.
Lopez, 64, was recognized for his contributions to the city, which most recently involved leading a two-year drive to erect a memorial to Ventura County veterans in Oxnard.
An optometrist who has donated time to community activities for nearly 30 years, Lopez expressed surprise and delight at receiving the award Wednesday.
“I thought very highly of those who have received the award in the past,” Lopez said afterward. “I feel very honored.”
The award ceremony, sponsored by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and The Press-Courier, marked the 45th year a Distinguished Citizen has been selected. Javier Gomez, a teacher who founded a regional folkloric dance group, was last year’s winner.
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