Oxnard Leadership Program debuts new session on land use and transportation

On May 20, participants of the Oxnard Leadership Program explored the connections between housing, community development and transportation during a newly created session for 2022.

Coordinated by Daniel Chavez, Jr. -- Chair of the Oxnard Planning Commission and a graduate of the 2019 Leadership Program -- the group began the day inside Oxnard City Council Chambers. They met with City of Oxnard Housing Authority Director Emilio Ramirez, Community Development Director Vyto Adomaitis and Interim Planning and Environmental Services Manager Joe Pearson II.  They also walked over to the future site of the Oxnard Homeless Solutions Center on W. Second Street, which is set to break ground in the coming weeks. The Navigation Center will provide a 24-hour, year-round shelter with 110 beds and an array of much-needed services for homeless individuals in Oxnard, as well as 56 permanent supportive housing units.

The afternoon at Gold Coast Transportation District's (GCTD) headquarters was dedicated to public transportation, and included a facilities tour and bus ride. They met with GCTD's General Manager Vanessa Rauschenberger, Director of Operations & Maintenance Jim Beck, and Communications & Marketing Manager Cynthia Duque, as well as Ventura County Transportation Commission's new Director Claire Grasty and Metrolink Chief of Staff Noelia Rodriguez.