Luna always emphasized that public safety encompassed more than police and fire, a stance that led to his spearheading the program to make streets safer, including the use of innovative technology. “The lighted crosswalks will promote pedestrian safety,” including students on their way to and from school. Lighted crosswalks add a layer of awareness, what Luna said is “a warning to vehicles to stop,” as well as a reminder to pedestrians “to be extra careful when crossing at the lighted crosswalks.”Luna remains a strong advocate of the Santa Paula Beautiful program, “an idea from the 1960s in Port Hueneme where celebrities such as Larry Hagman would participate with the local residents in cleaning up their city. This has been a huge success for Santa Paula because of our dedicated employees and volunteers.”The Skate Park was “an idea where I felt our youth would be safer in a park instead of riding their skateboards on our streets and sidewalks” and, Luna noted, Veterans Park Skate Park “has become a popular destination for many to come and enjoy the park.” Such issues all tie in to a Council set priority, improving the quality of life for the city’s residents.And, Luna believes, the “voters of our community will continue to look at candidates who will see that we improve our quality of life and will continue what we started” in 2000. “I’ve worked hard to improve the quality of life to our residents and for all our employees.”On a personal level, “I’ve had a good time and enjoyed serving our community. I want to thank our residents and those who have spent hours volunteering, and working towards making Santa Paula the beautiful city that we know and love.”Luna said the “last two years have been the most enjoyable” of his community service. “There is a part of me that wants to continue on the Council, but like a famous boxer once said. ‘No mas, no mas.’”
Luna: High-profile City Councilman always advocated public safety
August 13, 2008
Santa Paula News
Since taking office in 2000 City Councilman Ray Luna has been high-profile, from meeting regularly with constituents for coffee, supporting local events and programs, and driving his signature yellow Corvette - sporting its “Luna 71” license plate - in city parades.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSince taking office in 2000 City Councilman Ray Luna has been high-profile, from meeting regularly with constituents for coffee, supporting local events and programs, and driving his signature yellow Corvette - sporting its “Luna 71” license plate - in city parades.But now Luna is stepping back from elected community service, and said his decision not to run for a third Council term is based on “wanting to spend more time with my family.” Luna’s term, which included terms as mayor, will formally end in December when new Council members are sworn in.Luna said his two Council terms included many highlights, and noted, “The hiring of Wally Bobkiewicz has been a blessing for our community.” Bobkiewicz, he added, “Is constantly working and promoting Santa Paula. I’ve enjoyed working with Wally on many issues.”A city native and retired City of Ventura fire engineer, Luna said he has “humbly enjoyed serving the residents of our beautiful community,” and now wants “to give the opportunity for other members of our community to participate in governing our city. I know they will bring fresh and new ideas, which will further enhance our city’s well being.”Public safety was always a top priority for Luna. “I’m leaving knowing that our city is safer today than it was eight years ago,” with the hiring of additional police officers and firefighters as well as improved salaries and benefits for personnel.“We’ve opened a new fire station that will provide fire protection and medical services on the west side of town” and, overall, said Luna, “we are fortunate to have employees throughout the city who are dedicated and hard working. They deserve a lot more than we’re able to pay them.”
