Oxnard Leadership Program meets with local government leaders to kick of 2025

With a focus on local government, the 2025 Oxnard Leadership Program held its first session on January 24. "Government Day" sets the stage for many of the topics the cohort will explore over the remaining nine months like transportation, public safety, the Channel Islands Harbor, agriculture, and more. This year's cohort has participants representing an array of businesses, agencies and nonprofits in the county, and is once again generously sponsored by the Gene Haas Foundation. ​

Program alumna Samantha Shapiro (Class of 2022), a Project Manager in Oxnard's City Manager's office, coordinated much of the morning in Downtown Oxnard. The group met at the Emergency Operations Center in the Fire Administration Building and received a lesson in "City Hall 101" from Assistant City Manager Ashley Golden, which included the City Council's five-year priorities, the city's budget, and ways for residents to get involved. After a tour led by Shapiro of Traffic Engineering, Community Development, and Cultural and Community Services, the cohort learned about major residential and commercial projects throughout the city from Joe Pearson, Planning and Environmental Services Manager.

Turning their attention to the County of Ventura, the 2025 class was treated to the first sneak peek of the County's Economic Vitality Strategic Plan, which was presented by Economic Vitality Manager Gloria E. Martinez. They then met with Angel Garcia who presented on behalf of Ventura County District 5 Supervisor Vianey Lopez who was delayed due to a prior meeting. [Spoiler alert: She was able to join the group in the afternoon.]

After lunch, which was catered by Downtown Cafe by JL, Oxnard's new Mayor Luis Mc Arthur sat down with the cohort. He shared the journey that led him to the mayor's office and insights from the past 1.5 months. City Manager Alexander Nguyen presented next and reviewed some of the top myths about the City of Oxnard and the facts he wishes more people knew. The jam-packed day ended with participants engaging in a mock City Council meeting. Each person acted out a different role (mayor, council members, public speakers, city employees, etc.) and they received valuable insights about decision-making and leadership from Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Teran and Supervisor Vianey Lopez. 

In February, Oxnard Leadership 2025's session 2 will focus on Public Safety.