Chief of Police Invites California Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Robert Ornelas to Santa Paula

Santa Paula, CA, December 18, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Chief of Police Steven McLean Invited Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Robert Ornelas to Santa Paula, CA for a Skateboard Expo, Contest and Concert featuring pro-skater Mike Steinkamp from North Carolina and International Hip Hop group The S.O.G. Crew. Youth throughout Santa Paula, Piru, Fillmore and Ventura packed Veterans Memorial Park for the free event that was sponsored by Santa Paula Police Department and the Light of the City Ministry.

“Dr. Robert Ornelas is pretty big. He has performed for the prime minister of Israel and he has a record out. Yesterdays event was great. It was an opportunity for the youth to come out and interact with law enforcement, local churches and community. Our goal was to expose the young people to God," stated Santa Paula Chief of Police Steve McLean. Before coming to Santa Paula McLean was a Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy for thirty two years. He worked a majority of those years at the East Los Angeles Sheriff's department as a deputy, sergeant and lieutenant.

Pastor Adelita Garza of Puente De Vida Church (Bridge of Life) located on South 8th Street said Light of the City Ministry is a new collaboration of churches whose heart is to organize projects that provide a positive environment for kids and families, a way to extend out and away from the violence that has been occurring in the city to build community.

Garza said since the emphasis of the event was youth it was important to find something that would attract the younger crowd and realizing the popularity of the skateboard park tying the two together was ideal.

Garza said McLean told her, “He had this headliner Christian rapper willing to come free of charge who would be a blessing, a gift of encouragement to the community of Santa Paula, that his appearance stemmed from his own interest in community.”

Ornelas, who Garza said is running for California governor, also addressed her congregation the next day.

"Almost did not make it out to the event. We performed the night before in Sacramento at Victory Outreach North Sac and got snowed in at the grapevine while driving into Santa Paula. The event coordinator Pastor Adelita Garza had already announced to the community that we would not be attending. Our hearts were to be there for the kids of Santa Paula and for the people that worked hard to put on the event. A miracle took place and we made it in time to do the concert and to speak to the community. The whole city was involved and dancing to our music. I was asked to share the gospel to the city inviting the young people and the families up for prayer. Hundreds of people gave their lives to the Lord. The next day I spoke at the Bridge of Life and noticed that many of the people that were at the park event joined us for Sunday morning service. I just want to thank the Santa Paula Police Department, Light of the City Ministry, Pastor Adelita Garza, the city council and the community of Santa Paula, CA for the opportunity to reach out to the kids and to serve the people," stated 2014 Governor Candidate Dr. Robert Ornelas.

The event was the first for Light of the City Ministry. Light of the City Ministry is the name given to the collaboration of 14 local churches, a ministry that Garza said, “Is under the umbrella of the Police Clergy Ministry and the clergy council."

Santa Paula, CA
Population: 29,963
Annual Growth Rate: 2.53%
Schools: Renaissance High School, Santa Paula High School, Isbell Middle School, McKevett Elementary, Grace Thille Elementary, Glen City Elementary, Blanchard Elementary, Bedell Elementary and Barbara Webster Elementary
Business: Santa Paula remains the heart of the Ventura County agricultural industry. Based in Santa Paula, Limoneria Company is one of the premier integrated agribusiness operations in the world.
News: Santa Paula Times
Radio: KLJR Spanish and KKZZ Spanish