Meeting Summary
Present: 6-Perez, Tempteran, Arthur
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At a glance
VCTC US 101 Improvement Program Update
- The Council received an informational update on the US 101 Improvement Program, which includes HOV and express bus lanes from Thousand Oaks to Ventura.
- Three alternatives are under further study, with the project estimated to generate a 0.7% increase in Vehicle Miles Traveled compared to the no-build scenario.
- Approximately $215 million in federal funds is programmed for a first phase of construction targeted for 2031, with Oxnard included in initial phases.
- Public circulation of the draft environmental document is scheduled from September 30 to December 7, 2026, with final documents expected by the end of 2027.
Youth Recognition and Ceremonial Proclamations
- The Council recognized Jayden Cortez for his personal growth and mentorship through the MANDO program, presenting him with a certificate.
- Mayor McArthur proclaimed October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, with representatives accepting the proclamation.
- The Council presented a certificate of commendation to the Channel Islands High School Band for their participation in the "America 250" celebration.
Carnegie Art Museum and NAGPRA Compliance
- The City Manager reported that the city is formally contacting the Chumash tribe regarding human remains and artifacts in compliance with NAGPRA regulations.
- The city has been out of compliance for over 30 years and is now strictly following repatriation rules, prioritizing human remains.
- A public policy discussion regarding the future of the Carnegie Building is expected towards the end of the year or early spring.
September 11th Anniversary and Suicide Prevention
- Fire Chief Hamilton announced small ceremonies at each fire station to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- The Chief highlighted resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, including the 988 crisis line and the 741-741 text line.
- Emphasis was placed on responsible gun ownership and encouraging residents to ask loved ones directly about suicidal thoughts.
Council Member Reports and Community Updates
- Council members reported on various activities, including a crossing guard partnership for Blackstock Junior High and participation in National Night Out events.
- A formal request was made for a proclamation for the 125th anniversary of Santa Clara High School and Elementary.
- A request was made for staff to initiate discussions with the YMCA regarding potential program partnerships for Oxnard residents.
- The temporary closure of Ramona School due to water intrusion and mold was discussed, with concerns raised about deferred maintenance.
Ballot Measure Litigation and Recall Petition
- A court ruled that the original wording for the permanent extension of the half-percent sales tax was argumentative, resulting in a neutrally worded question.
- The appellate court declined to hear an appeal regarding the ballot measure wording.
- The city clerk’s staff verified the signature count for the recall petition, noting that the submission did not meet the required threshold.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to a closed session to confer with attorneys regarding the matter of City of Oxnard v. Titan Global Holdings LLC.
- Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported no announcements from the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- Mayor McArthur called the Oxnard City Council meeting to order on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The City Clerk conducted roll call, confirming the presence of all seven Council members. The Clerk noted that the agenda was posted on August 20, 2026, at City Hall, the Oxnard Public Library, city administrative offices, and the city website.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9D1 to confer with attorneys regarding the matter of City of Oxnard v. Titan Global Holdings LLC. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported no announcements from the closed session.
Agenda Item D1: Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Update
- The Council received an informational update regarding the US 101 Improvement Program, specifically concerning HOV and express bus lanes. Amanda Fagan, Director of Planning and Sustainability for the VCTC, presented the project scope, which is a partnership between VCTC, Caltrans, and the cities of Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura. The study area extends from Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks to State Route 33 in Ventura. Three alternatives were approved for further study: a no-build alternative; an HOV/express bus lane with auxiliary lanes; and an HOV/express bus lane with auxiliary lanes and design variations. The project is estimated to generate a 0.7% increase in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) compared to the no-build scenario, with mitigation strategies including bicycle/pedestrian improvements, transit enhancements, and affordable housing investments. VCTC has programmed approximately $215 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds for a first phase of construction targeted for 2031, with an additional $240 million dedicated to VMT mitigation projects. Public circulation of the draft environmental document is scheduled from September 30 to December 7, 2026, with public hearings in November 2026. Final environmental documents are expected to be adopted by the end of 2027. Mayor Pro Tem Teran asked questions regarding funding sources and prioritization. Fagan explained that initial phasing decisions will be based on technical analysis of traffic benefits and available funding, with Oxnard included in the initial phases. The Clerk noted there were no public comments. Mayor McArthur stated that as this was a "receive and file" item, no action was necessary.
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
- Jayden Cortez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McArthur requested a moment of silence for Odelio Martinez, a local agricultural business owner who recently passed away, and for victims of recent tragedies.
Youth Recognition: Jayden Cortez
- Jayden Cortez, a student associated with the mentorship group MANDO, shared his personal history and credited mentor Marcos Aviles with changing his life trajectory. Council Member Perez spoke about the importance of mentorship and the work of MANDO. Council Member Starr offered words of encouragement. Council Member Bass congratulated Cortez and acknowledged the impact of mentors. Marcos Aviles, Executive Director of MANDO, thanked the Council for the platform. Mayor McArthur presented a certificate to Jayden Cortez on behalf of the City Council.
Ceremonial Items
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Mayor McArthur proclaimed October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Tammy Marquez and Juana Quintal accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council, noting an upcoming Down Syndrome walk.
- Channel Islands High School Band: The Council presented a certificate of commendation to Band Director Loreto Terrell and the Channel Islands High School Band for their participation in the "America 250" celebration on July 3rd at Plaza Park. Terrell thanked the Council and highlighted the support of parents and the community. Principal Ramos spoke about the students' hard work and integrity.
Agenda Item G: Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
- The Council opened the floor for public comments on items not on the agenda.
- Mario Reilly: Congratulated Council Member Starr on overcoming a recall effort. Requested that the City Manager stop using Manny Herrera as an unofficial spokesman. Expressed concern about infrastructure checks prior to development finalization in the Rio Lindo district. Mayor McArthur responded, stating that making accusations without facts or evidence is significant.
- Daisy Tatum: Stated that the Oxnard Carnegie Museum is a "jewel" of the city that has been closed for a long time. Complained about the exterior deterioration, including peeling paint, dark spots, and odor at the entrance.
- Lupe Reyes: Advocated for the restoration and reopening of the Oxnard Carnegie Museum. Cited the building's status as a historical landmark. Reported issues including offensive graffiti, peeling paint, trash, drug activity, and mold affecting artifacts inside. Asked three specific questions regarding progress in repatriating artifacts, the status of the Cogstone Research Management Report, and steps taken to remediate mold. Urged the Council to proceed with restoration in parallel with other processes.
- Zoning and Code Enforcement (5049 Tamarac Way): A resident reported an ongoing enforcement failure regarding an unpermitted elevated deck and swim spa. Requested that the City Manager and Council order the Community Development Department to issue formal non-compliance violations. The Mayor acknowledged the comment and stated that staff would look into the matter.
- LMD Assessment and Median Maintenance (Bahia Drive): A resident discussed the tripling of their Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) assessment and the condition of a median strip on Bahia Drive. Presented photos showing overgrown weeds and trash. Cited an email from city staff stating that the median’s irrigation comes from a private property. Requested that the city either clean the median or provide proof of ownership to the private owner.
- Political Commentary and Election Funding: Multiple speakers addressed the upcoming City Council elections and a recent recall attempt. One speaker criticized campaign donations to challengers, citing Form 460 data. Another speaker expressed dissatisfaction with Council Member Starr’s performance in District 3. A speaker announced that the signature threshold for a recall petition against Council Member Starr was not met. A speaker provided a detailed rebuttal to the recall effort, stating that only 1,585 signatures were submitted against a requirement of approximately 4,600. Another speaker defended Council Member Starr, criticizing the recall proponents.
- Public Art and Carnegie Art Museum: A speaker highlighted the reach of Oxnard’s public art projects. A speaker referenced the Hanford Carnegie Museum renovation and urged the council to support the Oxnard Carnegie Art Museum and the Outdoor Studio.
- Parking Lot Redevelopment (Near Mexican Theater): A resident proposed converting a neglected parking lot near the Mexican Theater into a multi-use space for special events, entertainment, and dining. Offered to share costs with the city if the city agreed to work with local business owners.
- School District Partnership: A representative from the Oxnard School District thanked the city for its support during a school closure and relocation. Specifically thanked city staff for allowing the use of the Colonia gym facility for student and family activities.
- Procedural Clarification on Public Comment Time: A council member asked for clarification on the rules regarding public comment time. The Mayor ruled that a 10-minute limit was appropriate for the group of speakers who had yielded time to a single speaker, citing past practice.
City Manager’s Report
- Carnegie Art Museum and NAGPRA Compliance: The City Manager provided an update on the Carnegie Art Museum and compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Stated that the city is in the formal process of contacting the Chumash tribe regarding human remains and artifacts. Explained that NAGPRA rules dictate the process, which cannot run in parallel with other actions at this phase. Noted that the city has been out of compliance for over 30 years and is now following the rules strictly. The primary priority is the repatriation of human remains, but the collection also contains artifacts belonging to other nations and tribes. Indicated that a public policy discussion regarding the future of the Carnegie Building is expected towards the end of the year or early spring.
- September 11th Anniversary and Suicide Prevention Awareness: Fire Chief Hamilton provided information on two upcoming events. The 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks will be marked with small ceremonies in front of each fire station in the county. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Chief highlighted resources for assistance, including calling or texting 988 and texting "TALK" to 741-741. Emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership. Encouraged residents to ask loved ones directly if they are thinking about suicide and provided resources for parents concerned about teens and for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Perez (District 3): Announced that Blackstock Junior High will have a crossing guard in partnership with the city. Reported participating in a ride-along with fire services in South Oxnard and attending National Night Out at Johnson Creek Park. Participated in a graffiti abatement along the J Street Canal with Supervisor Lopez’s team. Attended a fishing trip with a youth organization (Real Guppies) to learn about their alternative opportunities for youth. Attended a house meeting with Supervisor Lopez and police regarding neighborhood issues. Attended the monthly air pollution meeting and a housing staff presentation. Preparing to launch the second cohort of the Voices of Oxnard Youth Program with Mayor Pro Tem Turan. Noted that the Neighborhood Council Chairs meeting will be rescheduled to late September or early October.
- Council Member (Unidentified, likely Teran based on context): Made a formal request for a proclamation for the 125th anniversary of Santa Clara High School and Santa Clara Elementary, to be held in October, with a student speaking the Pledge of Allegiance. Made a formal request for clarification on the use of electronics (iPads, phones, recording devices) in closed session, asking if such use is permitted and if it constitutes a violation. Referenced the 2017 recall effort by Council Member Starr, noting it was unsuccessful and cost the city approximately $500,000. Raised a concern regarding an email from the City Treasurer (Molina) that identified Alicia Purcell (Council Member Starr’s wife) as "Honorary Deputy City Treasurer." Questioned the conflict of interest given that Purcell is also performing legal work for parties suing the city, and asked when Council Member Starr is required to recuse himself from closed sessions involving litigation. Criticized the Mayor for losing control of the crowd during applause.
- Neighborhood Council Updates: Upcoming meetings were announced for Rio Lindo (Sept 3), East Village (Sept 14), and Fremont South (Sept 24). The Fremont South council noted a new executive board and a new elected chair.
- Community Engagement: Reports included participation in National Night Out events, the South Oxnard Block Party, the International PAL Boxing Tournament, and the La Colonia mural restoration celebration.
- Homelessness Services: A request was made for a future agenda item regarding homelessness outcomes, specifically to hear from the city’s housing department and Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) team regarding programming and tangible outcomes.
- Suicide Prevention: September was noted as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The 988 crisis line (call or text) was highlighted as a resource.
- Aquatic Center/Y Partnership: A request was made for staff to initiate discussions with the YMCA regarding potential partnerships to bring programs to Oxnard residents.
- School Closure: The temporary closure of Ramona School due to water intrusion and mold was discussed. It was noted that the school was built in 1940, rebuilt in 1997, and had approximately 500 students. Concerns were raised about deferred maintenance and mold exposure.
- Ballot Measure Litigation: A court hearing was discussed regarding a motion to modify the wording of a ballot question for the permanent extension of the half-percent sales tax. The court ruled the original wording was argumentative and biased, resulting in a neutrally worded question. The appellate court declined to hear an appeal.
- Recall Petition: The signature submission by recall proponents was noted, along with the city clerk’s staff verification of the count.
- Other Activities: Updates included attendance at the Sustaining the Seas Summit, the Ceviche Festival, the cornhole competition at the Ventura Fairgrounds, and meetings with local businesses regarding expansion and service improvements. Fiestas