NEWS RELEASE

DATE:           October 14, 2020

SUBJECT:    Traffic Safety, Education, and Enforcement Grants  

CONTACT:   Jose Diaz, Senior Officer 

                         (805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department awarded $486,000 from two grants by the

Office of Traffic Safety

Oxnard, Ca. – Oxnard Police Department received funding from two grants totaling $486,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).  The police department received $33,000 for one of the grants that focuses on the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. 

“Our goal is that education will change poor behaviors and make our roads safer,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This funding will help ensure the safety of those out biking or walking.”

The grant funds will be used for a variety of activities promoting bicyclist and pedestrian safety including:

·         Education workshops geared toward youth and older adults.

·         Education on the importance of safety equipment that improves visibility such as reflective armbands, bicycle headlights, and taillights.

·         Community walks and bicycle safety courses.

·         Bicycle helmet inspections.

·         Distribution of bicycle helmets to those in need following education presentations.

The Oxnard Police Department was awarded a second grant for $453,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety that will assist in efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on Oxnard roads.

Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney said, “Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.  These grants will help promote traffic safety and reduce injuries caused by preventable collisions through educational presentations, traffic safety equipment for our community, and needed resources for our department.”     

The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs including:

• Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
• Patrols with emphasis on the education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes such as excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.

• Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The grant programs run from Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            October 10, 2020; 5:45 P.M.  

SUBJECT:     Missing Dependent Adult

                       Richard Jones, 84 year old male

LOCATION:   1400 block Visalia Street, Oxnard

CONTACT:     Kevin Baysinger, Commander

                       (805) 385-7600 | Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult.  Richard Jones, a 84 year old male, was reported missing from his residence in the 1400 block of Visalia Street at about 5:45PM.  Richard is described as a white male, 5’6”, 150 pounds, with white hair.  He was last seen wearing a red short sleeve shirt, white pants, and black shoes.  He was last seen around 5:00PM on Patterson Road between Wooley Road and Hemlock Street.    

It is not known where Richard may have been headed.  If you see him, please call the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

Date/Time Prepared:  October 10, 2020 / 6:35PM

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:                     October 6, 2020

SUBJECT:              Domestic Violence Awareness Month

LOCATION:            Oxnard Police Department

                                251 South C Street, Oxnard

CONTACT:              Scott Aaron, Sergeant

                                    (805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 3 women in Oxnard will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects everyone and causes damage to families and communities that can last for generations. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage our community in conversations about this issue and to show our support for those whose lives have been affected by abuse.

Every nine seconds, someone is the victim of Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a crime that affects all races, cultures, social and economic demographics that profoundly impact our community. Community members can also take this time to learn more about preventing domestic violence and show support to our partner organizations who strive to help survivors.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, during the City Council Meeting, Mayor Tim Flynn presented a Proclamation designating the month of October 2020 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department asks the community members to wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness. Oxnard Police civilian employees will be wearing purple on Thursdays and uniformed officers will be displaying purple ribbons on their uniforms throughout the month of October.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit and our community partners dedicate themselves to domestic violence survivors.  During this month, you will see the Oxnard Police Department building lit in purple to show support for survivors. The Oxnard Soroptimists donated funds for signs and a banner that is hanging near the intersection of “C” and Third Street.