Tag: City of Oxnard

Bilingual report — UCLA Study, to be presented at Oxnard City Council meeting on Oct. 8, reveals significant challenges facing Oxnard’s young adults

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — A significant study commissioned by the Oxnard City Council and conducted by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) that highlights the challenges and barriers facing young adults in Oxnard will be presented to the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m.

Utilizing federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, the City Council commissioned the UCLA CSRC to study the widening gap that was exacerbated by the pandemic between high- and low-income families, and the impacts to young people from lower-income and working-class backgrounds. Led by the UCLA CSRC Director, Professor Veronica Terriquez, the research draws on extensive data from the 2023–24 Thriving Youth Study (TYS), a youth-led initiative involving over 3,000 local residents aged 18 to 34.

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Former Oxnard Assistant Police Chief Eric Sonstegard as Assistant City Manager

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2024 • Comments Off

“We’re very pleased Eric is coming back; he knows Oxnard, he knows City Hall, and he’s a proven executive leader,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “Eric will provide strong leadership, clear direction, and an abundance of support for the City.”

Bilingual report — Stay Cool in Oxnard During Summer Heat

by Community Contributor • July 5, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — With warm summer days ahead, the City of Oxnard encourages community members to take advantage of the many free indoor activities provided by the City’s Recreation Department to stay cool and entertained.

Visit Oxnard Public Libraries

Oxnard’s Public Libraries are the perfect spots to escape the heat. Besides a vast collection of books and reading materials, the libraries host engaging activities for all ages—children, teens, and adults alike. Discover the exciting events planned for July!

SEE MORE HERE

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts Surplus Budget; Will Use $20M of Surplus To Pay Down Long-Term Debt and $9.5M to Bolster Reserve Fund

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“Thanks to the policy direction of our Council and the hard work of City staff, we’re delivering a positive, balanced budget that will continue the restoration of infrastructure such as paving our streets and alleys and investing in community services throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “We’re also supporting Oxnard’s long-term financial sustainability by using one-time surplus funds to make a significant payment towards long-term debt.”

Bilingual report — Updates on Fire at Former Sunkist Packaging Plant in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Nineteen fire engine companies and four ladder trucks responded to a major fire in Oxnard that began on Tuesday, March 5 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the former Sunkist packaging plant located at 245 E. Colonia Rd.

Due to the dangerous conditions within the building, firefighters maintained a defensive position around the plant to extinguish the flames, which did not spread beyond the property. As of 10 a.m. on March 6, fire department personnel remain onsite to put out the fire’s remaining embers. The building is considered a total loss.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard is Paving and Restoring Gonzales Road

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard has started its phased project to repair the pavement on Gonzales Rd. between Victoria Ave. to Rice Ave. Major activities began in mid-February and are expected to continue through the fall of 2024.

Bilingual report — Morgan Kessler Joins Oxnard as New City Engineer

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Morgan Kessler as the new City Engineer with the Public Works Department effective December 18, 2023.

Kessler brings substantial experience spanning over 20 years overseeing large-scale civil engineering and construction management at the federal and city levels.

March 19 — Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces March 19, 2024 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Solid Waste Services

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City’s Public Works Department Environmental Resources Division (ER) is an enterprise fund operation that provides Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) services such as the collection, sorting, processing, and disposal of waste to 34,154 residential properties and 16,378 commercial customers.

The last time the City Council approved a cost of service study to evaluate solid waste rates was in May 2012, with a rate increase effective January 2013. Over the past 10 years, the City’s residential solid waste rate (96-gallons) only increased by 63 cents per month or 2.1% for residential service. The most popular commercial rate (4-yard/once per week) increased by 2.7% or $6.05. Yet, over the same decade, the consumer price index increased by 33.9%.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Welcomes Kathleen Ashmore as Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD —The City of Oxnard is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Ashmore as the new Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library. With a career spanning over 17 years in library services, Ashmore brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community engagement to Oxnard.

“I’m thrilled to have Kathleen join the team in Oxnard. She brings a tremendous portfolio of skills and experiences, and I am fully confident that she will effectively shape the future of Oxnard Public Library for more success and inclusivity,” said Cultural and Community Services Assistant Director Renee Rakestraw.

Ashmore previously worked for the Lonoke County Library System in Arkansas, where she successfully established a teen department and programming, implemented teen and adult volunteer programs, and revitalized the adult programming department before moving into a management role. Her focus on excellent customer service, community involvement, and staff morale significantly improved library services.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces Community Meeting Dates (Nov. 15, Dec. 5, 13) for Customers to Learn About City’s Environmental Resources Services, Operational Costs, and Rate Adjustments

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is hosting a series of meetings (Nov. 15, Dec. 5, 13) for community members to learn more about the City’s Environmental Resources (ER) Division, which protects public health and the environment by safely and efficiently disposing of trash and recyclables, and ensures compliance with local, State and federal laws relating to trash disposal and recycling.

Oxnard’s ER services include collecting, sorting, processing, and disposing of waste six days a week for 34,154 residential properties and 16,378 commercial customers, which includes apartment buildings. The division handles approximately 294,938 tons of waste annually and recycles approximately 12,918 tons of material and 14,177 tons of organics, which includes green waste and food scraps. Combined, this weight is almost as heavy as the Empire State building.

New Oxnard Sensory Tent to Debut at Upcoming Fall Festival

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — In an effort to make its special events and programming more equitable and accessible, Oxnard Recreation is proud to debut its new Sensory Tent during the upcoming Fall Festival.

The Sensory Tent initiative is led by the Oxnard Special Populations (OSP) program in conjunction with Oxnard City Corps (OCC), who work closely to provide high quality recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. The Sensory Tent includes games, fidgets, soothing sounds and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for those who need it.

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Jeff Pengilley as Community Development Director

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD —The City of Oxnard announced the appointment of Jeff Pengilley as Oxnard’s new Community Development Director.

A longstanding and committed Oxnard public servant, Pengilley joined the City in 2000 as a Plan Check Engineer and has held various key positions related to engineering services and building regulations. He most recently served as the Community Development Department’s Assistant Director for the past four years.

“Jeff brings extensive knowledge and experience within Oxnard to this leadership role,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “I am confident that he will continue to steer the department towards implementing solutions that bring greater efficiency and results for Oxnard residents and businesses.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Rob Ruben as Chief Information Officer

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD —The City of Oxnard announced the appointment of Rob Ruben as Oxnard’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Sept. 5, 2023.

With more than 20 years of industry experience leading large-scale project implementation and overseeing diverse operational teams, Ruben brings a wealth of expertise to his role in shaping Oxnard’s technological future.

“We’re excited to promote from within an experienced professional like Rob to lead our IT Department,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “I look forward to him providing secure, efficient, forward-looking IT solutions for our organization.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard Receives $16.5 Million in State Funding for Building Rice Ave. Overpass, Santa Clara Levee Construction and Channel Islands Harbor Water Quality

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will receive $16.5 million in funding for critical infrastructure initiatives as part of the 2023-24 California State budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“With the support of Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and Senator Monique Limón, Oxnard has secured significant funding to build and repair essential infrastructure that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza.

Bilingual report — Mayor John C. Zaragoza Speaks to Oxnard’s Positive Budget and Continuing Progress at the West Ventura County Business Alliance Mayor’s State of the City Address

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

During the West Ventura County Business Alliance Mayor’s State of the City address on June 16, Mayor John C. Zaragoza spoke about Oxnard’s positive and balanced budget, the City’s steady progress in restoring infrastructure and services, and the economic and social impacts slowing down city-wide restoration efforts.

The event was held by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in front of nearly 200 attendees from the Oxnard business community.

“All of us at the West Ventura County Business Alliance sincerely appreciate the collaboration between the City of Oxnard and the business community. We certainly embraced the positive report Mayor Zaragoza rendered,” says Nancy Lindholm, President & CEO of the WVCBA, the chamber of commerce serving Oxnard and Camarillo.

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro as Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

City Manager Alexander Nguyen is pleased to announce the appointment of Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro as Oxnard’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chagoyen-Lázaro brings a wealth of financial expertise in both the public and private sectors and will play a vital role in overseeing the finance department and ensuring the City’s fiscal sustainability.

As the CFO, Chagoyen-Lázaro will oversee the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, purchasing, general accounting, and financial reporting. His experience will contribute significantly to the City’s long-term financial planning and decision-making processes.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Joins Memorial Day Ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Mayor John C. Zaragoza is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard, along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750, Gold Star Mothers, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme, Ben Moreell Sea Cadets Color Guard, Oxnard High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band, will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Plaza Park starting at 11 a.m.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces May 2023 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Water Services

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Regular reviews of utility rates are an industry-wide best practice and are typically conducted every 3-5 years. Since Oxnard’s Water Division has not raised rates since 2017, the City engaged an independent consultant to create a Water Rate Study (Water Cost of Service Study).

Based upon the study’s findings, the City is considering proposed rate increases starting in 2023 to keep pace with the rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and to continue making investments in the City’s water infrastructure. The Oxnard City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to consider proposed rates for water services.

The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Oxnard City Council Chambers, 305 W. Third Street. The City Council will consider protests and comments prior to adjusting or adopting the proposed rate increases.

Bilingual report — Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Retires from Public Service; Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson Named Interim

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Betsy George announced her retirement from the public sector, effective Jan. 19.

Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson has been appointed by Nguyen to serve as Oxnard’s Interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found.

“We thank Betsy for her public service and the great work that she, and the Finance team, have done to strengthen Oxnard’s financial standing,” said Nguyen. “We’re also grateful to have Denise join our City in the interim. I’m confident that her leadership managing the finances for the fifth largest city in the nation will be an asset to Oxnard.”