Zaragoza Sworn In on Oxnard Council

John Zaragoza was sworn in Tuesday on the Oxnard City Council, and Andres Herrera stepped down from the post he held for four years.

At the special council meeting, Zaragoza said he was eager to begin his new job.

He said he is looking forward to discussing city policy, particularly finding ways to increase public input and communication with the city advisory groups.

Before Zaragoza laid out his plans, Herrera made his last speech on the council platform.

Thanking his family, friends and supporters, Herrera said the council had implemented several changes and policies that increased employment, economic opportunity and changed the way the city does business.

“I think, all in all, in the past four years, we don’t do business as usual anymore,” he said.

“We don’t ask why, but why not. The last four years have been a time of change and it’s been difficult, but the bottom line is that we are a better city than we were four years ago.”

Several people thanked Herrera for his service to the city as a council member, saying he was a man committed to his community.

“We love you and we thank God for your down-to-earth behavior,” said Pastor Broderick Huggins of St. Paul Baptist Church.