Panel OKs Annexing 14 Acres for School

The Oxnard Planning Commission has voted to recommend annexing 14 acres of county agricultural land for the Juan Lagunas Soria School, despite environmental concerns expressed by community members.

More than 35 people addressed the commission Thursday about the school site--speaking both for and against building a school on farmland at the east end of Emerson Avenue, just west of Rice Avenue. It would be the Oxnard Elementary School District’s 15th elementary campus.

Critics are concerned about potential risk to students from nearby methyl bromide spraying. The site has fields on three sides.

“I come here, tonight, because I have concerns about the effect of pesticides on children,” said Claudia Jensen, a Ventura pediatrician. “Children are extremely susceptible to pesticides.”

Supporters, meanwhile, argued that the school is desperately needed to relieve overcrowding.

“The children can no longer wait,” said Art Barragan, president of the Ventura County Assn. of Mexican-American Educators. “The district has taken the necessary precautions, and the land is safe for students.”

The commissioners also voted to recommend adjusting the zoning of the agricultural land and expanding the city’s sphere of influence.

Geraldine Furr, Rudy Liporada and Albert Duff voted in favor of the annexation, while Morey Navarro and Edward Castillo voted against it. Michael Clark and Joseph Burdullis were absent.

The commission’s recommendation will go before the Oxnard City Council on Nov. 30.