Oxnard Leadership Program's Class of 2025 explore history and creativity in Downtown Oxnard

On Friday, May 30, Oxnard Leadership Program's Class of 2025 donned their most comfortable walking shoes for "Downtown Oxnard History, Arts & Culture Day" cohosted by Class of 2022 OLP alumna Carolyn Mullin, Executive Director of Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, and Gary Blum, Superintendent of Heritage Square. History, art, and culture have the power to connect diverse communities and can be used to drive positive change and economic development. ​During the fun and educational daylong walking tour, the cohort explored the heart of Oxnard and the creative economy's impact while connecting with local leaders, business owners, artists, musicians, and more.  

The day began at Heritage Square Chapel with Blum sharing the history of the square and leading a guided tour that included going inside some of the beautifully restored buildings that now house businesses. They visited Pipiripau, Dr. Robin Harkins, Heritage Real Estate Group, and American Dental Office. Before beginning the walking tour of Downtown Oxnard, they were joined by Class of 2024 alum Torin Curren, an Oxnard resident, multi-talented craftsman, and artist. He brought along one of his newest creations, The Slow Rider, a Tiny Art Car in the form of a glowing snail.

The walking tour blended Blum's rich knowledge of local history and Mullin's passion for the arts. The cohort learned the stories of Plaza Park, Centennial Plaza, the Oxnard Pagoda, the Carnegie Art Museum, the Bank of A. Levy building, and other historical points along the way. They discussed Oxnard's vibrant arts scene during visits with Abel Magaña, Executive Director of Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association, Javier Lopez-Tapia at Teatro de las Americas, Roxanne Trujillo at Open Door Studio, and Horacio Martinez at Downtown Tattoo & Body Piercing. Cohort member Michelle Flippo of Visit Oxnard showed off the incredible murals at the Oxnard Transit Center, recently renamed the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center. Visit Oxnard, the destination marketing organization for the city, commissioned artist Maxfield Bala for the mural installations using ARPA Tourism Recovery Funds. 

Even lunch at Otani’s Seafood blended history and the arts. Oxnard Mayor Luis A. McArthur shared his support of the arts and how it can transform the city, while the restaurant's fourth-generation owner Karen Otani Baldonado welcomed the cohort, spoke about her family's 110-year history serving the community, and introduced her daughter, Tani Carlton, and grandson, Jeremy.

After feasting on a scrumptious buffet of some of Otani's classic menu items, the tour continued. They met with Julie Estrada, Cultural Arts Program Manager for the City of Oxnard, who discussed the city's Mini Mural program, including a large mural on the exterior of the 3rd Street parking structure by Anthony Macri-Ortiz that depicts Carmen Ramirez, the late Ventura County Supervisor and former Oxnard City Councilmember. Estrada, along with City of Oxnard Library Manager Kathleen Ashmore, then brought the group into the Oxnard Main Public Library to highlight more artwork in the children's section.

Ashmore brought the cohort into one of the library's large meeting rooms to discuss the different programs offered through the library, including the Oxnard Local History Collection that is housed on the first floor. The collection can be viewed only by appointment most Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 pm. 

Two presentations rounded out the day. At the library, County of Ventura's Arts and Culture Manager David Yoshitomi shared the latest insights about the financial impact of the creative economy. Sectors include architecture and interior design, film and television, galleries and museums, toys, apparel and jewelry design, and many more.

The group's final destination was The Mystery Shop for a robust panel discussion about Oxnard's incredible music scene moderated by Visit Oxnard President & CEO Brittney Hendricks, who's the drummer of a heavy metal band. Joining her for the conversation were Eric Bello (Yay Records, Maria Band), Jose Cano (Las Cafeteras), John Crerar (Nardcore / Head Cut / Numbskull Shows), and Gregory Ruiz, vinyl curator, music aficionado, and Digital Account Executive with Point Broadcasting. The discussion was livestreamed by The Mystery Shop.

Reflecting on the session, one cohort member said, "I enjoyed hearing from the local artists and business owners. This session felt very intimate showcasing lots of pride in our community." Another participant shared, "​It is so helpful to be reminded of the vibrant arts culture that often goes unnoticed by those who don't spend quality time downtown. There are a ton of great efforts by many different people and organizations that we need to shine a greater light on."