OXNARD : 4 Reappointed to Planning Board

After doing away with two of seven positions on the Planning Commission and restructuring the terms of the remaining five, the Oxnard City Council on Tuesday reappointed four of the current members.

Each council member went with past experience in selecting an appointee to the commission, which makes planning recommendations to the City Council.

Mayor Manuel F. Lopez chose Edward Castillo, Councilman Michael A. Plisky named Dale Dean, Councilman Andres Herrera selected Arthur Joe Lopez, and Councilman Bedford Pinkard chose Albert G. Duff.

Councilman Thomas E. Holden selected Sonny Okada, a former planning commissioner who applied for the job hours before Tuesday’s council meeting.

Under the restructuring ordinance approved last month, each planning commissioner will serve on the advisory panel for as long as the council member who made the appointment serves on the council.

The plan was criticized by several former commissioners.

“I didn’t figure I would be (named) simply because I’ve come out against the restructuring,” said Ralph Schumacher, one-time chairman of the Planning Commission.

“I also feel that if I was to serve as a commissioner, I would have to serve the people,” Schumacher said. “I don’t want to be politically attached to any council member.”