Oxnard Transit Center renamed in honor of Former Mayor John C. Zaragoza

There is a certain poetry in the rhythm of a city’s transit system—the hum of arriving trains, the hiss of bus brakes, the steady flow of commuters moving through the heart of town. For the 805 region, few people understand that rhythm quite like John C. Zaragoza.

Late last month, the city of Oxnard officially honored the former mayor and lifelong public servant by rededicating its primary transportation hub as the John C. Zaragoza Oxnard Transit Center. According to Vida Newspaper, the ceremony brought together local leaders, transit officials, and the Zaragoza family to celebrate a career that has spanned more than six decades.

For a city that is constantly evolving, the renaming of the transit center serves as a grounding reminder of the dedicated individuals who helped build the infrastructure of the community.

From the Driver's Seat to City Hall

Born and raised in Oxnard, Zaragoza’s connection to the city’s transportation network is deeply personal. He didn't start his career in the polished chambers of local government; he started behind the wheel. In 1962, Zaragoza became a city bus operator, a role that gave him a literal front-row seat to the daily lives and needs of everyday Oxnard residents.

His early career was defined by a commitment to grassroots public service. He eventually rose through the municipal ranks to become the city's Refuse Superintendent, ensuring the essential services of the city ran smoothly. But his dedication didn't stop at his retirement from city employment. Zaragoza transitioned into electoral politics, spending nearly three decades as an elected official. Over the years, he served as an Oxnard City Councilmember, a Ventura County Supervisor, and ultimately as the Mayor of Oxnard.

Throughout those years, his colleagues note, his early days driving a bus informed his broader vision for moving the community forward.

A Unanimous Tribute

The push to rename the transit center in his honor was a unified effort by the Oxnard City Council, which unanimously approved the renaming in December 2024. The formal unveiling on Friday, July 24, 2026, highlighted the cross-generational impact of his leadership.

Martin Erickson, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), served as the master of ceremonies for the lobby event. The celebration featured remarks from several current City Councilmembers. District 2’s Gabe Teran and District 4’s Gabriela Rodriguez both spoke about Zaragoza’s lasting influence on their own careers in public office and his unwavering dedication to Ventura County.

The event also drew recognition from higher levels of state and federal government. Although Oxnard Mayor Luis A. McArthur was unable to attend in person, he released a statement praising Zaragoza's deep-rooted commitment to local infrastructure. Representatives for Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, and Assemblymember Steve Bennett were also in attendance to show their support.

Moving the Community Forward

For Zaragoza, the honor was deeply personal. When he took to the podium to accept a commemorative plaque, he was met with a rousing round of applause from the community members and transit workers in attendance. He took the opportunity to reflect on the vital role that public transit plays in upholding the social and economic fabric of Oxnard.

“Service has always been at the heart of my life’s work,” Zaragoza said during the ceremony. “From my days as a bus driver to serving as Mayor and representing our community throughout Ventura County, my goal has always been to serve the people of Oxnard.”

He emphasized that having his name placed on the Transit Center was incredibly humbling because it represents far more than his own personal journey. For Zaragoza, the building stands as a tribute to the generations of transit workers, public employees, and civic leaders who dedicate themselves to keeping the city connected.

“I hope the Transit Center will remind people that when we dedicate ourselves to serving others, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our community,” he added.

A Modern Hub for the 805

Originally constructed in 1986, the downtown facility has grown alongside the city. Today, the John C. Zaragoza Oxnard Transit Center is much more than a simple train stop. Thanks to recent investments to modernize its facilities, the hub has been transformed into a highly efficient, spacious gateway for hundreds of daily passengers.

Located at 201 East Fourth Street, the center acts as a critical regional nexus. It is home to Amtrak and Metrolink commuter rail services, Greyhound bus lines, VCTC Intercity Service, Gold Coast Transit, and the Airporter Shuttle. Inside, commuters can take advantage of a spacious indoor waiting area complete with comfortable seating, concessions, restrooms, and dedicated security services.

The transit center operates daily, opening at 5:00 a.m. on weekdays and 6:00 a.m. on weekends, closing at 10:00 p.m. As travelers from across the Central Coast pass through its doors—catching a train to Los Angeles or a bus across town—they will now do so under the name of a man who spent his life ensuring the community had a reliable ride forward.