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OxnardOxnard to change the name of Cesar Chavez Street
Big change for folks who've been calling that stretch of road Cesar Chavez Drive for years — Oxnard's city council voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to rename it Campesina Place. Mayor Luis A. McArthur was absent for the vote, and the resolution sets aside up to $250 to reimburse residents and businesses affected by the switch. The name Campesina — roughly 'farmworker woman' — feels like a nod to the same agricultural roots the old name honored, just from a different angle. For longtime Oxnard families, street names aren't just addresses; they're part of how we give directions, tell stories, and remember who we are. Worth noting: Vida Newspaper reported this, and the details are still developing. If your mail, signage, or business is on that street, keep an eye out for city guidance on the reimbursement process. What do you think of the new name? Let us know.
OxnardVCTC receives 2026 SDRMA Excellence in Safety Award
Some good news worth celebrating from our neighbors at the Ventura County Transportation Commission — they just picked up the 2026 Excellence in Safety Award from SDRMA, the agency that handles risk management for special districts across California. Why should Oxnard care? VCTC keeps our buses rolling and our transportation projects moving, and this award reflects five straight years with zero paid claims. That's not just a plaque for a shelf — it means taxpayer dollars are staying in service, not going toward lawsuits and losses. With so many of us relying on VCTC routes to get to work, school, and around the 805, a strong safety record is a quiet win for every rider and driver on our roads. The recognition was reported by Vida Newspaper, and it's a nice reminder that steady, unglamorous work behind the scenes keeps our corner of the Central Coast moving. Congrats to the VCTC team.
OxnardCity of Oxnard to Host “Prep in the Park” Event to Help Families with Disaster and El Niño Storm Preparedness Efforts
Oxnard neighbors, mark your calendars — the city is bringing emergency prep straight to College Park on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with "Prep in the Park." It's free, it's family-friendly, and it's hands-on, which matters more than ever as forecasters keep talking about El Niño conditions and the kind of winter storms that can flood streets and knock out power here on the coast. Instead of a dry lecture, you'll get demonstrations and giveaways that make getting ready feel doable — the little things like go-bags, water storage, and a family plan that actually get used when the wind and rain hit. Vida Newspaper flagged this one, and we're glad they did: in a city as spread out as Oxnard, knowing your neighbors and your resources is half the battle. So pack the kids, swing by 3250 S. Rose Ave., and leave a little more prepared than you came. It's the kind of low-key Saturday that could pay off big when the next storm rolls in.
OxnardThe Ventura Superior Court Announces the Retirement of Judge Kevin G. DeNoce
Ventura County's courthouse said goodbye this summer to a familiar face: Judge Kevin G. DeNoce retired on August 22, 2026, closing out a 19-year run on the bench. He started as a Court Commissioner in 2007, and just a year later Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger elevated him to Judge — a quick rise that says a lot about how his peers viewed him. For those of us in Oxnard, Ventura County Superior Court isn't some distant institution. It's where local families handle custody, landlords and tenants sort out disputes, and neighbors show up for jury duty. Judges like DeNoce shape how those everyday moments unfold, and nearly two decades of service is no small thing. We spotted the announcement in the Vida Newspaper, and it's worth a moment of thanks. Enjoy the retirement, Judge DeNoce — you've earned it.
OxnardOxnard Celebrates Mexico’s Independence
Downtown Oxnard turned red, white, and green this past weekend as our city came together for Fiestas Patrias, organized this year by Radio La M. Neighbors lined the streets for the parade, and the ceremonial "Cry for Independence" echoed through the heart of town — a tradition that means so much to so many families here in the 805. Oxnard's Mexican roots run deep, and celebrations like this aren't just about a date on the calendar. They're about abuelos sharing stories with grandkids, local vendors and musicians getting their moment, and the whole community — longtime residents and newcomers alike — feeling at home. Big thanks to Vida Newspaper for spotlighting the festivities. If you missed it, keep an eye out for next year's celebration. And if you went, share your photos with us — we'd love to feature your view of the fiesta.
OxnardShooting Victims Survived in Oxnard
Neighbors, a scary situation unfolded Saturday evening near Edison Drive and McWane Boulevard, and we're grateful to report the outcome wasn't worse. Oxnard Police responded around 5:32 p.m. to reports of a suspicious person with a rifle, and shortly after, a 30-year-old man was dropped off at a local hospital by a private party with injuries from the incident. Both victims, we're relieved to learn, survived. We know headlines like this can rattle a neighborhood, especially when they land close to home. It's a reminder that our first responders move fast, and that community members often step up in ways we never expect. The Vida Newspaper has been following the details closely, and we're glad they're keeping Oxnard informed. If you saw or heard anything in that area Saturday evening, reach out to OPD. And let's keep looking out for one another — that's what makes the 805 feel like home.
OxnardMan Sentenced to Prison for Killing His Father
A Simi Valley family is facing an unthinkable loss, and this week a judge delivered the final chapter in the criminal case. Gerardo Arroyo Almanza, 37, was sentenced to 39 years 4 months to life in state prison for the murder of his father, Alfredo Arroyo Sancen. Almanza had pleaded guilty in August to second-degree murder and three counts of criminal threats, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. We share this not to dwell on the worst of it, but because Ventura County is our home, and what happens in one corner of the 805 ripples through all of us. Domestic violence and family tragedy can feel private, yet they touch neighbors, coworkers, and entire communities. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available — reach out to local resources or call 988. Thanks to Vida Newspaper for keeping the community informed on this difficult case.
OxnardOxnard Police Chief Jason Benites Announces Retirement
Big news out of the Oxnard Police Department this week — Chief Jason Benites has announced he'll retire after 33 years of service, with his final day on the job set for November 3 and his official retirement date November 4. That's more than three decades of showing up for this city, and whatever your feelings about policing, 33 years in one department is a rare kind of commitment. The transition is already in motion: City Manager Alexander Nguyen is appointing Assistant Chief Rocky to step into the leadership role, keeping things steady as the department turns the page. Vida Newspaper had the story first, and it's worth a read for anyone who follows how our city government works. If you've crossed paths with Chief Benites over the years — at a community meeting, a coffee with a cop, or just around town — it's a good moment to wish him well. Oxnard's a tight-knit place, and leadership changes at the top of our police department ripple through the whole community.
OxnardCrowning the Queen of Mexican Independence
If you drove through downtown Oxnard last weekend, you probably caught a glimpse of red, white, and green spilling out of the Marez Events Center. Radio La M put together this year's Fiestas Patrias celebration, and the heart of the night was crowning the queen who will represent Mexican Independence in our community. These celebrations are more than pageantry. Oxnard's Mexican roots run deep, and Fiestas Patrias is one of the ways our neighbors pass that heritage down to the next generation — through music, food, and young people stepping into roles of pride and responsibility. Having a local station like Radio La M organize it keeps the tradition rooted right here at home. Alicia T. Basurto served as Master of Ceremonies, and Vida Newspaper has the full recap. If you missed it, keep an eye out for next year's festivities — this is one of those Oxnard traditions worth showing up for.
OxnardHearing to change Cesar Chavez Drive in Oxnard
Oxnard neighbors, heads up: the name of Cesar Chavez Drive is back on the table. At the Sept. 15 city council meeting, members will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. so residents can weigh in on a proposal Councilmember Gabe Teran first raised back in April. Whatever side you land on, this is one of those local decisions that touches daily life — addresses, mail, business signage, and the story we tell about our streets. Cesar Chavez's legacy is personal here in Ventura County, where farmworker history runs deep through our fields and families. Renaming a road is never just about a sign; it's about whose story we honor and how we move forward together. Vida Newspaper has been following the proposal since spring, and now it's our turn to show up and be heard. Mark your calendar for Sept. 15, 6 p.m. at Oxnard City Hall. Whether you speak for three minutes or just listen, your voice matters. See you there, Oxnard.
OxnardSeptember is Pedestrian Safety Month: Look Out for One Another
September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Oxnard Police Department is asking all of us to slow down, look twice, and watch out for each other on our streets. With pedestrian fatalities on the rise nationwide—2025 saw the largest annual increase ever recorded, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association—this reminder hits close to home. Our coastal community is full of walkers, joggers, and families heading to school or the beach, and every one of us deserves to get where we're going safely. This month, let's make a simple pledge: put down the phone, obey the crosswalks, and yield to folks on foot. Whether you're behind the wheel or walking yourself, a little patience goes a long way. Vida Newspaper highlighted this important initiative, and we're glad they did. Let's look out for one another, Oxnard—because a safe street is a happy street.
OxnardCounty of Ventura honors 25 longtime employees representing 680 years of public service
It’s not every day you see a room full of people who’ve collectively given nearly seven centuries to public service—but that’s exactly what happened at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 18. Twenty-five employees were honored for hitting the 25, 30, and 35-year marks with county agencies, and together, their careers add up to a staggering 680 years. For us here in Oxnard and across the 805, that kind of dedication means our roads, parks, health services, and public safety systems are in the hands of people who truly know their stuff. Vida Newspaper reported on the ceremony, which was a heartfelt reminder that behind every county department is a neighbor who chose to stay and serve. These are the folks who’ve seen our community grow, weathered challenges, and kept things running through it all. So next time you visit a county office or drive through a well-kept street, tip your hat to one of these long-timers—they’ve earned it, and then some.
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