Oxnard Leadership Energized by Final Session of 2019

Who are the people, businesses and organizations powering Oxnard into the future? For their final session of 2019, Oxnard Leadership Program participants spent "Energy Day" meeting with industry experts to gain a better understanding on local energy sources and how Oxnard residents and businesses will be impacted in the near future. 

The day was organized by Amy Fonzo, Manager of External Relations at California Resources Corporation and an Oxnard Chamber Board Member. Joining the group throughout the day were Chamber Board Member Celina Zacarias and Justin Campbell, who graduated from the program in 2018. 

Session 10 started inside the Oxnard Chamber Board Room with a webinar from Rishad Olpadwala, Vice President of Development at esVolta, to learn about the company's local energy storage project. Last year it was announced that esVolta was selected by Southern California Edison to deliver a series of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems in Riverside and Ventura Counties, slated to be in service by March 2020.

The group then traveled to ​Southern California Edison's Ventura Office where Government Relations Manager Rondi Guthrie gave a timely presentation on SCE’s wildfire mitigation plans. 

After a delicious lunch at The Patio at Player's Casino, their next stop was the Ventura County Government Center. There, they met with Heather Allen, Program Administrator of the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, for an overview of their mission and goals for reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiencies. Heather also gave the team an overview of the county’s solar carport.

Their final stop was at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula where they met with Suzanne Noble. She is Director of Production Operations with Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and gave a presentation on the past, present and future of oil and gas production. ​

Every year, the Oxnard Leadership Program leads participants through 10 unique, day-long experiences to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the past, present and future for Oxnard and the surrounding area. Each session includes visits to multiple locations and meeting business and government leaders who play integral roles in the region.

Applications are being accepted for the Class of 2020. Learn more about the Oxnard Leadership Program and apply before November 22.