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OxnardOxnard Police Chief Benites to Retired
Big news out of Oxnard this week — Police Chief Benites is hanging up the badge and retiring, according to our friends at Vida Newspaper. For those of us who've called Oxnard home for a while, a chief change is never just a personnel note; it's a moment to think about how our neighborhoods feel day to day, from the beach to the east side. This one lands with extra weight. Vida's coverage reminds us of the November 2014 stabbing of Labh Nigah, a hardworking immigrant and dad ambushed near Sierra Linda Park while walking his son to school. That tragedy shaped how many of us think about safety in our parks and school routes, and it's part of the backdrop as a new chief eventually steps in. So as Benites retires, let's keep the conversation going — about safety, trust, and what Oxnard needs next. Whatever your take, it's a story worth following in the weeks ahead.
OxnardChief Rocky Marquez New Oxnard Police Chief
Oxnard has a new top cop. On Wednesday, November 4th, Rocky Marquez took the oath as the city's 23rd Police Chief in a packed City Council chambers, with City Manager Alexander Nguyen doing the appointing. Marquez said he was honored to be surrounded by family from home and beyond — a moment that felt personal and proud for everyone in the room. For a city as diverse and growing as Oxnard, who leads the police department matters. Residents want someone who knows our neighborhoods, our farmworker communities, our beaches and our small businesses. Having a chief with deep local ties, and a ceremony that drew such a crowd, suggests the community is paying attention — and that's a good thing. Vida Newspaper captured the swearing-in and the heartfelt words. We'll be watching to see how Chief Marquez settles in and what his priorities look like for public safety across Oxnard. Welcome, Chief.
OxnardDistrict 1 candidates speak to Cabrillo Neighborhood Council
Oxnard's District 1 race is coming down to the wire, and the Cabrillo Neighborhood Council meeting on Oct. 21 gave neighbors one last close look at the candidates before ballots are due Nov. 3. John Barrick, a Ventura County prosecutor, pitched his campaign around fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability — the kind of bread-and-butter themes that tend to resonate in a city where residents want to see their tax dollars working and their council members answering questions directly. For those of us on the Central Coast, local council races like this one often matter more to daily life than the headlines coming out of Washington. District 1 covers neighborhoods where decisions about street repairs, public safety staffing and development approvals hit home fast. The Cabrillo Neighborhood Council deserves credit for giving residents a forum to hear candidates side by side, and Vida Newspaper for keeping us posted on what was said. If you live in District 1, don't let this one slide — check your ballot, know the candidates, and make your voice count by Nov. 3.
OxnardDon’t be afraid to vote: LULAC, Ventura County community groups to spotlight Latino voters casting ballots the right way
Hey Oxnard, here's something worth your attention. This Monday, Oct. 26, at 10:30 a.m., LULAC and a crew of nonpartisan Ventura County groups are gathering at Plaza Park (500 South C Street) to talk about voting early, securely, and correctly for the Nov. 3 general election. As Vida Newspaper reports, county election officials will be on hand to walk folks through the process. Why does this matter? Because our community's voice is strongest when we show up. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned pro, knowing how to cast your ballot the right way—without fear or confusion—is key. The event is a chance to get your questions answered straight from the source. So mark your calendar, swing by Plaza Park, and bring a neighbor. Let's make sure Oxnard is heard loud and clear this election season.
OxnardThe Superior Court of Ventura County Announces the Retirement of Judge Mark S. Borrell
Some news just feels like the end of an era, and that's how we're taking word from the Vida Newspaper that Judge Mark S. Borrell has retired from the Ventura County Superior Court after more than a decade on the bench. Appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger back in May 2010, Judge Borrell built a reputation for steady, thoughtful service in a courtroom that countless 805 families have passed through during some of their hardest days. For those of us in Oxnard and across the county, judges like Borrell are the quiet backbone of civic life. They don't make headlines often, but they shape how justice actually feels to real people — fair, deliberate, and human. His decades of legal work and dedication to the administration of justice deserve a proper tip of the hat from the community he served. We wish Judge Borrell a well-earned, restful retirement. Thanks for your service to Ventura County.
Oxnard$5 million bail for alleged DUI driver in double-fatal Oxnard crash
Oxnard neighbors, this one's heavy. A judge in Ventura County Superior Court has held 29-year-old David Mora of Santa Paula to answer on two counts of second-degree murder plus DUI charges after the double-fatal crash that took the lives of Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz and another person. Bail is set at $5 million — a figure that signals how seriously the DA's office, led by Erik Nasarenko, is treating this case. For those of us who drive these roads every day, it's a gut-punch reminder of how quickly a night can turn tragic. The families of the victims are in our thoughts, and the case will keep moving through the courts. Vida Newspaper has been following the proceedings closely, and we'll share updates as they come. In the meantime, let's keep looking out for each other on the 101 and beyond. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel impaired, speak up. It's not just a law — it's a neighbor's life.
OxnardMujeres Unidas y Activas: romper los ciclos de violencia con información
Domestic violence rarely announces itself with bruises. As this piece from Vida Newspaper reminds us, it often starts quietly—with control, isolation, and the slow erosion of self-trust. For many women across Oxnard and the broader 805, especially in immigrant and Spanish-speaking households, those warning signs can be even harder to name or report. That's why groups like Mujeres Unidas y Activas matter here. Knowing what to look for and where to turn can be the difference between staying stuck and getting out. In a region where close-knit neighborhoods are our strength, that information needs to travel through the community, not stay locked behind language barriers or fear. If something in your own home feels off—or you see it in a neighbor, a coworker, a friend—start by learning the signs. Local organizations and trusted community papers like Vida are helping break the cycle one conversation at a time.
OxnardOxnard Police Department’s 11th Annual “Spooktacular” Trunk or Treat Event
Oxnard families, mark your calendars! The Oxnard Police Department is bringing back its beloved "Spooktacular" Trunk or Treat for the 11th year, and it's all happening Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. The streets around the police station at 251 South "C" Street will transform into a safe, festive trick-or-treat zone—so expect some nearby road closures starting earlier that day. What makes this event so special is how it turns our local first responders into neighbors, handing out candy and smiles instead of tickets. It's a chance for kids to dress up, for families to connect, and for the community to see the folks behind the badge in a whole new light. Over the years, this tradition has become a highlight of Oxnard's fall season, and it's no wonder—free, safe fun for the little ones is always a win. Big thanks to the Oxnard PD for keeping this tradition alive. For all the details, check out the original announcement in the Vida Newspaper. See you there, Oxnard—costumes encouraged!
OxnardBurglary Suspect of Among Friends Adult Day Care Arrested
Good news for the hardworking folks at Among Friends Adult Day Care Center — Oxnard PD's Property Crimes Unit and Neighborhood Policing Team tracked down a suspect in the October 7 burglary, arresting 34-year-old Nicholas Fuentes on South C Street. It's a reminder that our local detectives follow through on cases that hit small community organizations the hardest. Adult day care centers like Among Friends provide a vital safety net for local families caring for aging or dependent loved ones. A burglary there isn't just a property crime — it shakes the trust of the clients and staff who rely on that space every day. Thanks to the Vida Newspaper for keeping us informed on the public safety work happening in our neighborhoods. If you see something suspicious around local care facilities, say something — it makes a difference.
OxnardTé con Limon: Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Ventura County wrapped up Hispanic Heritage Month with a heartfelt gathering at the Ventura County Museum this past Wednesday, hosted by Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón. It was a chance to honor the Latino neighbors, families, and leaders who shape so much of life here in the 805 — from our farmworkers and small business owners to our teachers, artists, and public servants. Our region's Latino roots run deep, and celebrations like Té con Limón remind us that heritage isn't just history — it's the everyday fabric of Oxnard and the surrounding communities. Vida Newspaper, which covers stories like this one, has long been a voice for that community. If you missed it, keep an eye out for next year's events. Better yet, carry that spirit forward — support a local Latino-owned business, share a story, or just take a moment to appreciate the culture that makes the 805 feel like home.
OxnardElection Forum for Oxnard District 1
Oxnard neighbors, if you live in District 1, your City Council race just got a lot more interesting. Incumbent Bert Perello and challenger John Barrick — an assistant district attorney for Ventura County — went head-to-head at an Oct. 7 forum, and it sounds like they didn't exactly exchange holiday cards. Perello leaned on his record; Barrick poked holes in it. This is the kind of local politics that actually shapes your street — sidewalks, safety, housing, how your neighborhood gets heard at City Hall. Vida Newspaper covered the forum, and we're glad they did, because these down-ballot races often fly under the radar until it's too late to pay attention. So do yourself a favor: read up, show up, and vote informed. District 1's future is on the line, and it's your call to make.
OxnardForum for Oxnard District 2
Oxnard's District 2 candidates squared off Oct. 7 at a forum hosted by the city's Inter-Neighborhood Council Organization, and Vida Newspaper was there to capture it. Challenger Lizanne Nañez opened by noting she's called Oxnard home for more than 65 years — the kind of deep-rooted perspective that shapes how our neighborhoods think about growth, safety, and services. INCO forums are one of the best ways Oxnard residents get face time with the people asking for their vote. District 2 covers a big swath of our city, and the decisions made by whoever wins will ripple through daily life here for years. If you live in District 2, this is your race to weigh in on. Check out Vida Newspaper's full recap, then make your voice count — local elections are where neighbors have the most direct say.
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