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Judge honors six graduates of Drug Court
La Colonia professional boxer says to fight and work hard
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Speaking in a packed courtroom Tuesday, Eva Osuna described the rage and hatred of being a drug addict, always in denial that she desperately needed help to kick a 16-year drug habit so she could be a good mother to five children.
"I knew it all. I was untouchable," Osuna told the crowd during the eighth annual recognition ceremony for Ventura County graduates of the Juvenile and Dependency Drug Court.
The Ventura resident said she got help at Prototypes Women's Center of Ventura County, a residential treatment center, while working through the courts. Saying she has been clean for 21 months and graduated from Prototypes last year, she talked about her joy in being around her children.
The ceremony recognized six graduates and was held at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government Center. Supervising Juvenile Judge Donald Coleman and Judge Tari Cody presided over the event.
"It's a great day for young people after spending a year with me," a grinning Coleman said.
The guest speaker at the ceremony was Miguel Angel Garcia, a professional boxer from La Colonia who has 12 wins — 10 of them by knockout — and no losses.
Garcia graduated with a 3.8 grade-point average from Pacifica High School in Oxnard and is on the Dean's List at Oxnard College. He encouraged graduates to strive for their goals and avoid bad habits.
"Basically, work hard and stay away from bad habits," he said. "Sometimes, we make bad choices, but we can learn from our mistakes and learn not to repeat them."
Martha Lundsford, who said her two grandchildren were helped by drug-treatment programs, thanked the judges and the staff for helping them after she was given custody of the two.
To the graduates and former participants, she also had a message.
"Every one of you, keep trying, just keep trying — one day at a time," Lundsford said.
Drug court is a 12- to 18-month program that holds substance abusers responsible for their actions and gives them resources to rebuild their lives.
Participants undergo close supervision, treatment, counseling, random drug testing and regular court appearances.
Cody said some participants get more "face time" with her than others do.
"Which could be a bad thing. I am sure some of them will tell you that," said the judge with a smile, adding that the goal is getting people to make better choices.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on May 28, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Five children?
Posted by PanchoEscobar on May 28, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go for you Eva. What a role model you are for your five kids. I too had a meth habit. My old lady and me have 6 kids. The government game in and took our kids after I had accident and garage caught on fire. That judge cudy sounds tough. Don't want any more face with her. Way to go Eva, you stay clean and sober. Do it for the kids. You are a wonderful role model for the Latino people. You show everything good about us. Where is your old man Eva, is he taking care of the kids? Tell him, he has good women in you. Keep it up girl. you the best. Your kids will know how important it is to stay away from the drugs. I bet your kids are all A students and have no problems with gangs. They probably don't put graffiti on other people's property do they Eva. You and family are the best. I am so happy that our tax dollars are going to pay Judge Judy to give you face time. Keep it up Judge Judy, you the best also.
Posted by stikkelman on May 28, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
judge judy??? Did I miss something?
Posted by PanchoEscobar on May 29, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eva, bless you for the struggles you must have gone through. The judge said thet her goal is to help her people make better choices. I have 3 teen age doughters. The choice I tell them Eva, is birth control!! I dont want them having five kids and ending up in a mess like you are in. Make good choices people, use birth control. I know everyone says the latinos stand for huge families with many many kids but we don't have to be like that. Use Eva as an example of what can happen to us if we make "bad choices." Don't take drugs folks and for crying our loud stop popping out too many kids. Too many gringos out there make fun of us Latinos because we have to many kids. Well people like Eva are not helping us. Eva, bless you my lady, but hopefully you learned your lesson and are now using proper birth control. Unfortunately the barn door is now open and all the horses have already escaped but better late than never. Keep up the great work Eva and hope to hear more good things from you.
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