​Oxnard Leadership Program explores Downtown's Cultural District

On March 20, members of the 2026 Oxnard Leadership Program (OLP) experienced a day-long walking tour of Downtown Oxnard focused on the area's rich history and recent California Cultural District designation. Coordinated by OPAC's Carolyn Mullin  (OLP 2022 graduate) and Gary Blum of Oxnard Downtowners, the session highlights downtown’s past and future possibilities, and connects with leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs influencing our creative economy.  

The day started at Oxnard's historic Heritage Square inside the chapel (built 1902) where Gary Blum shared insights about the city's roots in sugar beets, founder Henry T. Oxnard, and the formation of the square in 1991. In addition to learning about many of the former homes, they were able to venture inside the Perkins/Clayberg Home (built 1887), which is home to Pipiripau, and the Fry/Putenny House (built 1902) which is home to Heritage Real Estate Group.

During the downtown walking tour, they discussed Oxnard's vibrant arts scene with:

• Abel Magaña, Executive Director of Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association
• Ana Van Hoven and Juliana Acosta at Teatro de las Americas
• Roxanne Trujillo at Open Door Studio
• Horacio Martinez at Downtown Tattoo & Body Piercing
• Daniel Cabrera, Digital & Multicultural Marketing Manager of Visit Oxnard, who showed off the incredible murals that welcome travelers to the city at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center
• Fusion Wong and Alex Auclair at The Mystery Shop, where cohort member Gregory Ruiz Jr. showed off his GNG Muzic record shop located inside the store

After refueling at Tomas Cafe, they met with Julie Estrada, Oxnard Cultural Arts Program Manager, who discussed the city's Mini Mural program, large parking structure murals, and other plans for bringing color and excitement to downtown. Estrada, along with Oxnard Public Library Manager Kathleen Ashmore, then brought the group into the Oxnard Main Public Library to highlight more artwork in the children's section, including a Peanuts mural, created by artist and writer Robb Armstrong. In one of the library's meeting rooms, Tracy Hudak, Director of Policy and Advocacy for California for the Arts and Ventura County resident, presented about the creative economy and how the arts are a huge contributor to economic growth. ​

They wrapped up the day exploring the new Chapter 30 Creative Studios, Oxnard's first artist/creative private studios founded by artist Christian Ramirez, who is OPAC's Events & Programs Manager. David Yoshitomi, County of Ventura's Arts and Culture Manager, led a panel discussion about Downtown Oxnard's Cultural District designation and what it means for the city. Panelists were Julianna Acosta, Artistic Director of Teatro de las Américas; Paloma Concordia, City of Oxnard Cultural Arts Commissioner and founder of the PapaLoDown Agency; Javier Gomez, Founder of Inlakech Cultural Arts Center; and Aurelio O’Campo, Founder of Friends of Campus Park .

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