Follow up to my last review - 2/19/2018

Hey folks, it’s Bob, back with an update since my review 3 years ago. I’m finally leaving CA , but I thought it would be nice to give an update and review some developments over the past 3 years. Here’s a rundown of happenings in my area (North Oxnard over the past few years: Tagging has become more prevalent (sidewalks, neighborhood fences, mail boxes and trees. Beer/liquor bottles and trash are left everywhere. Yes, much of the trash is from school kids, but the number of people throwing liquor bottles from moving cars or drinking and driving is insane. I’ve since stopped picking them up, but I was averaging 3-7 bottles a night. It’s also become obvious that some people have developed a habit of emptying their party trash bags on neighborhood sidewalks (30+ bottles usually). There’s also an inordinate amount of garbage left in front yards. For the past year or so, I’ve also been finding hypodermic needles and spoons in various areas. I don’t expect drug users to be considerate (and I’d like to assume it’s just a diabetic) but please, for the love of God, throw your needles away! Don’t just leave them in the grass with your burnt spoons where dogs or kids can find them. Fireworks are now year round! They used to be heard around Cinco de Mayo r the 4th. Now…they can be heard weekly! It wouldn’t be a problem if they weren’t banned and didn’t terrify most of the dogs in the area. Also, the cops just ignore them. I’ve seen my share of police cruisers driving right by groups people lighting them off. Why, you may be wondering? They know the people can’t afford the fine (usually over $1k per offense). Chickens- It might just be my neighborhood, even though I’ve nearly run over stray hens in other areas, but these are a real pain. Yes, roosters are not allowed, but that doesn’t mean hens won’t be waking you up. Oh well, who needs alarms, right? Keep in mind folks, the average house in this area costs over $500k. That leads many to rent out their garages or build granny flats to cram in more people, which results in very little parking. I’m sure most people would be amazed at the number of cars lining the streets. City management- In their infinite wisdom, our fearless city council has increased water rates despite decreased water usage city-wide. Next, our equally fearless city manager has bailed. In 3 years, all he managed to do was to hire two assistants at over $100k/ a year each and waste more of our money. Plus, our former police chief (a transfer from Phoenix), is back in Phoenix. She did nothing for our crime rate, but at least she was able to leverage her time here to become Chief in PHX. Now for the larger County and State. As many of you probably know, Ventura County recently played host to the largest wildfire in CA’s history. Yes, it was terrible and my job entailed working directly with some of those who were impacted, so I got to hear some of the horror stories directly from victims. The fire has been blamed on homeless lighting fires in a park in Santa Paula, or possibly Edison workers doing maintenance work in that area. Regardless of the cause, last winter was relatively wet, which lead to a growth in vegetation that dried out over the year. The Santa Ana winds were particularly bad this year and whipped the fire through all the fuel and spread it across the County toward Santa Barbara. The state, and especially the region is once again slipping into a deep drought (Ventura/ Santa Barbara was the only area not to be declared drought free last year). Needless to say, there will likely be another terrible fire season for the entire state, and So Cal in particular. This past December saw simultaneous fires from SB/Ventura down through San Bernardino County. It seems the “normal” weather pattern of a wet winter is being replaced by increasingly dry and windy conditions. The state also recently passed a gas tax without the consent of the people, so now we’re back to being solidly $1 over most of the rest of the country. Car registration fees were also increased substantially. A 14 year old car for example, went from $63 to about $118. Will the money be used on our terrible infrastructure, a bullet train no one will ride and will likely never be completed or more programs for illegals? Anyway, if you happened to read through my two novels, or you’re someone researching the area for a possible move, I have to ask…does this sound like paradise to you? I know everyone has visions of the California of yesteryear… perfect weather, celebrities, beaches and the endless summer. California was seen as something like America+, a place where folks could find real success. Well, I can assure you that dream is largely dead for the average person. When accounting for housing, nearly 70% of Californians fall under the poverty line. 2/3 of cities considered overcrowded in the US are in CA. I could just keep quoting negative stats, but you get the idea. Anyways, now for some good. The state still has some amazing scenery, which I was reminded of during another trip to the Sierras. For me, other states offer the same or similar natural beauty and I don’t mind colder weather, especially if my quality of life increases. For others, I’m sure the prospect of frequent sunshine (not in Oxnard- overcast for much of the year) is worth any cost or disaster. If you’re looking to move to Ventura County, be aware that there are much better areas than the ‘Nard. Basically, anywhere in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, or mid-Town/ West Ventura would be decent. I’d avoid Santa Paula and Fillmore. Ojai lacks much in housing and the fire danger Is generally higher from the mountains inland. The Thomas Fire for example, followed the foothills from Santa Paula, past Ventura and to the ocean while also heading North into the mountains and surrounding Ojai. Simi Valley would be probably be best if you have to commute to LA, but a lot of folks find it to be too hot and windy. If you absolutely have to live in Oxnard, look to the North West and avoid Rose, or anything South of Wooley. Riverpark is pretty cool, and has some good entertainment options, just be aware of the Mello Roos on your property taxes. If you’re in the market for beach living, check out the Ventura Keys, or around Oxnard shores. Silverstrand has a “reputation” so you may want to avoid that area. Seabridge is another area under development (some great food options around there). You’ll likely find that VC basically offers a sense of small town living with many big city problems. There’s a general lack of things to do and it’s very suburban, but you get to live the LA life with an ever growing traffic and crime problem. Many people like to mention the proximity to Santa Barbara as a benefit of living here. And while Santa Barbara is a great town with a decent nightlife and amazing scenery, you better plan on going during the week or leaving the house before 9am on the weekend. Between 10-4pm, the 101 North is a parking lot of Angelinos heading to SB. There seems to be a quite a few breweries in the area, and most of them are pretty decent. If you’re hoping for pot, the County as a whole is pretty opposed, so don’t expect a lot of dispensaries. A lot of folks are also surprised by the cold water at the area beaches, so you may want to grab a wet suit. For hiking, it would be best to check out Ojai or Thousand Oaks. For rock climbing and mountain biking, Simi Valley offers a fair amount. Other than that, you’re generally looking at bare hills (now fire charred). The harbors can be fun, so I recommend renting a boat or give paddle boarding a try. If you like snow, you can usually find some at Mt Pinos (North County), or head to Mt High or Big Bear without too much hassle. Other than that, I wish you the best of luck!

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Shady people everywhere - 11/14/2016

But Oxnard takes the cake hands down. In reply to BOB. A real person living there in Oxnard. My reply to you is I hear you there. The one thing you didn't mention ( hopefully that means you one of the lucky ones) is that most of the under 35yr old population all have records and on probation. Ventura is like that too. But living in Oxnard 2004-2009 you saw a lot of bad policing and bad arrests made. I don't know how it is now. I learned to stay at home and have no friends. It seemed that if you weren't a local you got targeted by those you met to be the fall guy when ever they needed one. It's rough making friends in ventura county period unless you join one of the many groups of gang stalkers who prey on people just for the hell of it and steal peoples identity ( seriously) or belong to one of the street gangs.. and all of it is about the usual things.....like drugs stolen property bully tactics on innocent people, cops who do the same, going to jail, going to jail for nothing, & then breaking the law being on probation. It's what they call family. No thank you.

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CA judaical corruption - ARSON - 4/6/2015

1 Jan 95 LA Times interview / witness Andy Medvigy (Convicted 911 Bluebell St felony ARSON, felony BURGLARY Stephen Andrew Medvigy, aka Thermopolis, WY FIREMAN (Convicted felony ARSON,) STEVE Andrew Medvigy, aka Stephen Andrew Medvigy Jr, 2 known Social Security Numbers,) owes $134,956 of $150,000 criminal restitution awarded on 1995 conviction / sentencing. Medvigy also arrested on felony Abuse of Elder, Use of Incendiary Device, Fabrication / Possession SAWED OFF SHOTGUN (Taken CONCEALED (Columbine - Style,) into Oxnard Public School. Medvigy not held on Aggravated Mayhem, Grand Theft Auto. Delinquent 7,049 DAYS, 19.58 YEARS FIREMAN / Felony ARSON Medvigy now owes $1,234,030.66 OXNARD : Arson Suspected in Fire That Guts Home January 01, 1995|JULIE FIELDS An early morning blaze gutted a woman's north Oxnard home Saturday while she was out of state visiting her son, authorities said. Oxnard Battalion Chief Terry McAnally said the fire appears to have been deliberately set, possibly in connection with a burglary of the residence. The house had been ransacked and vandalized with graffiti, he said, and there were signs of a forced entry. Neighbors reported the fire in the 900 block of Bluebell Street about 1:40 a.m. When firefighters arrived minutes later, flames had already swept through the single-story house and were burning through the roof. "The whole side of the house was just in flames," said 15-year-old Andy Medvigy (Convicted 911 Bluebell St Felony ARSON, felony BURGLAR Stephen Andrew Medvigy, NOW Thermopolis, WY FIREMAN (Convicted ARSON ALI - ASS,) STEVE Andrew Medvigy, aka Stephen Andrew Medvigy Jr, Two known Social Security #’s,) , whose family lives across the street. "The whole street was filled with smoke. You couldn't even see across the street." It took firefighters from five engine companies about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames. "The house was pretty much destroyed," McAnally said. Officials estimated the blaze caused $125,000 in damage to the house and another $75,000 to the property inside. The woman who rents the house, Hatsue Fiedler, had been away visiting her son in Wisconsin since Thanksgiving, Medvigy and fire officials said. She was expected to return today or Monday. Medvigy said Fiedler had moved into the house several years ago with her husband, who later died. McAnally said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Medvigy violates CA Revenue & Taxation Code 19280 90 day payment in full requirement. MORE DISTURBING Ventura Superior Court blatant enforcement, acknowledgment reFUSal of CA LAW, CA Revenue & Taxation Code 19280. Crime, CA judaical job security ALL AT EXPENSE of VICTIMS RIGHTS, PUBLIC SAFETY. When brought to attention of Ventura County Probation Agency Director Mark Varela, MY LIFE WAS THREATENED, harassed by Ventura Sheriffs. As a CA Dept of Consumer Affairs - PE Licensing Board Profession (Mechanical,) Engineer ‘... Duty - bound to protect the public at large, from harm ...’ CA judaical corruption of greatest concern. Delinquent criminal restitution paid in FULL per CA Rev&TaxCode 19280. Hold convicted felony ARSON / Burglary now Thermopolis, WY STEVE (Formerly Stephen,) Andrew Medvigy accountable for his delinquent $135,000 criminal restitution ($1.12 MILLION 10% interest over 7,047 DAYS 19.58 YEARS) What kind of background check did FIREMAN Medvigy get from CA FIREMEN's Association (Or is that CA ARSON's Association?) 2 Apr 15, 1240 Spoke with VSC - DA Investigator (Who failed to give me his card,) regarding threats from DA Investigator Chris Morgan, & Ventura County Probation Agency Director Mark Varela. I was asked if I’d ever been hospitalized. Told NO CHRIS MORGAN employed with DA office. Who impersonated Morgan, leaving two threats of unidentified CIVIL LITIGATION messages on my cell phone voice mail; Regarding crimes committed against this victim? I am surviving victim of a HEINous felony ARSON, felony BURGLARY for which $134,956 criminal restitution is LONG since DELINQUENT 7,047 DAYS, 19.58 YEARS. ARSON Stephen Andrew Medvigy now Thermopolis, WY FIREMAN (Still ARSON,) STEVE Andrew Medvigy (Three alias, Two SSI#.) With 10% per year interest, $1,234,030.66 delinquent. For the unidentified inspector to make such a grievous statement begs to ask the same question back toward himself.

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A real review from an actual resident - 3/5/2015

You'll see a lot of folks come on here to rip on the 'Nard. Judging from their descriptions, I'd say most either live in Ventura or up the grade in the Conejo Valley. First and foremost, I must state that what follows is my opinion of this place as a 15+ year resident (currently in my late 20's, hoping to leave) When people first hear of Oxnard or Ventura County, they immediately get notions of perfect weather, beautiful beaches and quiet communities. One month in Oxnard will likely shatter those dreams. I don't intend to run a list of complaints or rant (sorry if it seems that way), but someone needs to paint a realistic picture. First, let's talk about the weather. Yes, it never is truly too hot or too cold. As someone who has actually traveled significantly throughout the US and other regions around the globe, and have experienced and enjoyed every form of weather imaginable, there are really only two seasons here. Pseudo-summer and pseudo-fall. Usually, winters do see rain, but we've been far under our usual rain levels due to the drought (mandatory water conservation is in full swing) Now for the annoying aspects of the weather. It isn't all sunshine and gentle ocean breezes around here. Overcast days are generally the norm...think the Northwest without the rain. Warmer days are usually due to the annoying and very dry Santa Ana winds. The beaches themselves tend to be too cold and windy most days to enjoy. Next let's talk about the cost. For what you're getting Oxnard is far too expensive. Rent, housing, general cost of living. Sure, it's not the Bay or LA, but it's just not worth it. In fact, the entire county is overpriced, but that's due to the ever increasing demand for housing in the state. People leave the state in droves, yet the population is always increasing which leads me to my next point.... Immigration! Yes, you've seen the rants about Latinos on here. I won't get into racial or political debates, but Oxnard is definitely the "Mexican" city in the county. Demographics place the city at nearly 80% hispanic, and that's just based off the "documented" population. The city is mostly segregated into Colonia (entirely hispanic community), South Oxnard (vastly hispanic), old retirees (North Oxnard), areas around the military base/Hueneme (military/retired military/stray government contractors) and the beach homes. If you can afford a beach home, by all means go for it, but there are far nicer communities. Generally speaking, knowledge of Spanish goes a long way here. There are street vendors, fiestas, weak but loosely tied to La Eme street gangs (Los Chiques!), tiendas, panaderias, etc. We even have a multicultural festival, which basically means 10 different bandas playing the same music to a monolithic crowd. This goes hand in hand with the salsa festival, which switches from banda to salsa. A tad more fun, but along the same lines. Now onto crime. Is Oxnard as dangerous or notorious as Compton, Oakland, East LA, etc? Not by a long shot. Is Oxnard safe? That depends on your perspective. I see police every day. In fact, in the past month I've seen them respond to break-ins, shootings, a stabbing, car jacking, drugs, etc...all within one block of me. If you dig into crime around the county, you'll find that most of it originates from Oxnard. Sure, there's plenty of drug addled souls trolling the Avenue in Ventura, or the stray thief out in Simi, but Oxnard gets the lion's share. It's essentially on par with Santa Paula, except increased in proportion to its size. On a personal level, my garage has been broken into several times, as has my car...nothing like passing the weekend by getting a new window. The neighbors have had several break-ins as well their car has been stolen from the driveway a handful of times. Community...or the lack thereof. If you're not from here, you'll likely struggle to make friends. You may have to turn to the Conejo Valley or Ventura for any real culture or night life. Sure, Oxnard has a handful of bars strewn here and there. The city has tried to renovate downtown with mixed results. There's the decent theater that still hasn't turned a profit after 5+ years. A small collection of restaurants that change out faster than you can remember their names (I'm looking at you White Rabbit, Nawlinz, etc) What about clubs? Forget it, as a city this place is a disaster for young people. There's always Ventura, but you can only do Main St so many times before you know every bartender by name and see the same folks from high school over and over again. Really, your best bet would be to make the long haul to LA or Santa Barbara. And that leads us too.... traffic! I honestly believe that if you can drive here (or LA), you can drive anywhere. In Oxnard, especially on the main drags, you will not be getting anywhere quickly. I've seen traffic backed-up at all hours of the day (even in the wee hours of the AM). It seems as though there's a constant horde of people without jobs just driving all day long. Yes, you will need to carry uninsured motorist coverage, and yes you will need it. To Oxnard drivers...you do not need to stop 10 car lengths from the light, you're only screwing people further back. In a given week, I'd say I have close calls 5-10 times, mostly within a 5 mile radius of home. People drive like there is no gas pedal, and you will likely want to murder someone by the time you pull in after work. Rose avenue is the one of the worst roads in the county, which isn't helped by the army of semi trucks using it as a shortcut to thefew businesses in the industrial parks and stores on Rose. I spent several years commuting to the SF Valley and LA, and at least LA drivers can move with a purpose. Public transit is largely non-existent though we do have buses. I will say that the Metrolink to Burbank airport is pretty handy for avoiding the traffic or parking, but that's about it. Now...jobs! In Oxnard and the county in general, the most plentiful jobs are in retail or fast food. Other than that, you're either in agriculture, working at St Johns, in the military (Navy), a defense contractor on base, local government or unemployed. There are handful of businesses, but if you drive around any industrial park in the county, you see a ton of "space available" signs. Businesses, manufacturing, etc are leaving the area and state in droves. And who can blame them? In 10-20 years, CA will be nothing but the rich, poor and government workers holding out for their pensions. As I mentioned previously, housing here is atrocious, largely driven up by the groups of 5-10+ people living in one apartment, garage or granny flat. Occupancy rates are in single digits, so rent for a studio is creeping over the $1200 mark. Home prices...I won't even go there. Sure, it may not be as pricey as LA or the Bay, but for what you're getting...no thanks. Now let's see an overview of the county in general. In the Western portion you have Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo (and Somis) Ventura is a typical So Cal beach town that grew a little too large. It's still fairly scenic though with an average downtown. Both V-town and Oxnard have a surplus of homeless, but most are pretty harmless. Ventura does have a rather large "skinhead" population. Go to any punk or hard rock show at the Ventura Theater and you'll see what I mean. Camarillo and the Conejo Valley (up the grade) is largely populated by older couples and the wealthy. A lot of folks work in Thousand Oaks, but you see the exodus during rush hour. There is always the Heritage valley up the 126, where you run into Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, etc. Not much to do out there, pretty rural. Ojai is small and artsy if you're into that sort of thing. Other than that, there's not much to the North except mountains and Lockwood Valley. So as far as things to do, you have some average hiking and the beach. Both get old pretty quick. Ventura County is largely built for farmworkers, retirees and upper middle class and upper class families. There isn't much of a singles scene to speak of. So, I guess that's it. Like I said, it's just my opinion, but I can vouch for a lot of people when I say that it's shared by many. If you're looking at moving here, be prepared for the cost, not-as-advertised weather, culture, lack of jobs, crime, traffic, etc.

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A real review from an actual resident - 2/21/2015

You'll see a lot of folks come on here to rip on the 'Nard. Judging from their descriptions, I'd say most either live in Ventura or up the grade in the Conejo Valley. First and foremost, I must state that what follows is my opinion of this place as a 15+ year resident (currently in my late 20's, hoping to leave) When people first hear of Oxnard or Ventura County, they immediately get notions of perfect weather, beautiful beaches and quiet communities. One month in Oxnard will likely shatter those dreams. I don't intend to run a list of complaints or rant (sorry if it seems that way), but someone needs to paint a realistic picture. First, let's talk about the weather. Yes, it never is truly too hot or too cold. As someone who has actually traveled significantly throughout the US and other regions around the globe, and have experienced and enjoyed every form of weather imaginable, there are really only two seasons here. Pseudo-summer and pseudo-fall. Usually, winters do see rain, but we've been far under our usual rain levels due to the drought (mandatory water conservation is in full swing) Now for the annoying aspects of the weather. It isn't all sunshine and gentle ocean breezes around here. Overcast days are generally the norm...think the Northwest without the rain. Warmer days are usually due to the annoying and very dry Santa Ana winds. The beaches themselves tend to be too cold and windy most days to enjoy. Next let's talk about the cost. For what you're getting Oxnard is far too expensive. Rent, housing, general cost of living. Sure, it's not the Bay or LA, but it's just not worth it. In fact, the entire county is overpriced, but that's due to the ever increasing demand for housing in the state. People leave the state in droves, yet the population is always increasing which leads me to my next point.... Immigration! Yes, you've seen the rants about Latinos on here. I won't get into racial or political debates, but Oxnard is definitely the "Mexican" city in the county. Demographics place the city at nearly 80% hispanic, and that's just based off the "documented" population. The city is mostly segregated into Colonia (entirely hispanic community), South Oxnard (vastly hispanic), old retirees (North Oxnard), areas around the military base/Hueneme (military/retired military/stray government contractors) and the beach homes. If you can afford a beach home, by all means go for it, but there are far nicer communities. Generally speaking, knowledge of Spanish goes a long way here. There are street vendors, fiestas, weak but loosely tied to La Eme street gangs (Los Chiques!), tiendas, panaderias, etc. We even have a multicultural festival, which basically means 10 different bandas playing the same music to a monolithic crowd. This goes hand in hand with the salsa festival, which switches from banda to salsa. A tad more fun, but along the same lines. Now onto crime. Is Oxnard as dangerous or notorious as Compton, Oakland, East LA, etc? Not by a long shot. Is Oxnard safe? That depends on your perspective. I see police every day. In fact, in the past month I've seen them respond to break-ins, shootings, a stabbing, car jacking, drugs, etc...all within one block of me. If you dig into crime around the county, you'll find that most of it originates from Oxnard. Sure, there's plenty of drug addled souls trolling the Avenue in Ventura, or the stray thief out in Simi, but Oxnard gets the lion's share. It's essentially on par with Santa Paula, except increased in proportion to its size. On a personal level, my garage has been broken into several times, as has my car...nothing like passing the weekend by getting a new window. The neighbors have had several break-ins as well their car has been stolen from the driveway a handful of times. Community...or the lack thereof. If you're not from here, you'll likely struggle to make friends. You may have to turn to the Conejo Valley or Ventura for any real culture or night life. Sure, Oxnard has a handful of bars strewn here and there. The city has tried to renovate downtown with mixed results. There's the decent theater that still hasn't turned a profit after 5+ years. A small collection of restaurants that change out faster than you can remember their names (I'm looking at you White Rabbit, Nawlinz, etc) What about clubs? Forget it, as a city this place is a disaster for young people. There's always Ventura, but you can only do Main St so many times before you know every bartender by name and see the same folks from high school over and over again. Really, your best bet would be to make the long haul to LA or Santa Barbara. And that leads us too.... traffic! I honestly believe that if you can drive here (or LA), you can drive anywhere. In Oxnard, especially on the main drags, you will not be getting anywhere quickly. I've seen traffic backed-up at all hours of the day (even in the wee hours of the AM). It seems as though there's a constant horde of people without jobs just driving all day long. Yes, you will need to carry uninsured motorist coverage, and yes you will need it. To Oxnard drivers...you do not need to stop 10 car lengths from the light, you're only screwing people further back. In a given week, I'd say I have close calls 5-10 times, mostly within a 5 mile radius of home. People drive like there is no gas pedal, and you will likely want to murder someone by the time you pull in after work. Rose avenue is the one of the worst roads in the county, which isn't helped by the army of semi trucks using it as a shortcut to thefew businesses in the industrial parks and stores on Rose. I spent several years commuting to the SF Valley and LA, and at least LA drivers can move with a purpose. Public transit is largely non-existent though we do have buses. I will say that the Metrolink to Burbank airport is pretty handy for avoiding the traffic or parking, but that's about it. Now...jobs! In Oxnard and the county in general, the most plentiful jobs are in retail or fast food. Other than that, you're either in agriculture, working at St Johns, in the military (Navy), a defense contractor on base, local government or unemployed. There are handful of businesses, but if you drive around any industrial park in the county, you see a ton of "space available" signs. Businesses, manufacturing, etc are leaving the area and state in droves. And who can blame them? In 10-20 years, CA will be nothing but the rich, poor and government workers holding out for their pensions. As I mentioned previously, housing here is atrocious, largely driven up by the groups of 5-10+ people living in one apartment, garage or granny flat. Occupancy rates are in single digits, so rent for a studio is creeping over the $1200 mark. Home prices...I won't even go there. Sure, it may not be as pricey as LA or the Bay, but for what you're getting...no thanks. Now let's see an overview of the county in general. In the Western portion you have Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo (and Somis) Ventura is a typical So Cal beach town that grew a little too large. It's still fairly scenic though with an average downtown. Both V-town and Oxnard have a surplus of homeless, but most are pretty harmless. Ventura does have a rather large "skinhead" population. Go to any punk or hard rock show at the Ventura Theater and you'll see what I mean. Camarillo and the Conejo Valley (up the grade) is largely populated by older couples and the wealthy. A lot of folks work in Thousand Oaks, but you see the exodus during rush hour. There is always the Heritage valley up the 126, where you run into Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, etc. Not much to do out there, pretty rural. Ojai is small and artsy if you're into that sort of thing. Other than that, there's not much to the North except mountains and Lockwood Valley. So as far as things to do, you have some average hiking and the beach. Both get old pretty quick. Ventura County is largely built for farmworkers, retirees and upper middle class and upper class families. There isn't much of a singles scene to speak of. So, I guess that's it. Like I said, it's just my opinion, but I can vouch for a lot of people when I say that it's shared by many. If you're looking at moving here, be prepared for the cost, not-as-advertised weather, culture, lack of jobs, crime, traffic, etc.

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Over development and poor city planning - 7/12/2013

Many folks go on here and rant about how the Mexicans ruined Oxnard, I can tell you as a non-Latino Oxnard Local my who has lived his whole life in this city, the problem lies in poor city planning. Yes, Oxnard was once segregated, with Generational Chicano gangs being a direct result from the alienation of this community by the racism of a bygone era but these gangsters do not exhist anymore. With the recent gang injunction many of these folks have long since disappeared. You may have kids that front gang culture, but many of them have no idea and do not carry the same ethics the cold hearted gangsters of the past believed in. As a matter of fact, most of the formerly segragated communities are occupied by newer Mexicans from the state of Oaxaca and speak the Mixteco dialect. These hard working people work 14+ hours a day 7 days a week and deserve the most respect from within our community for literally putting Vegetables on our table. The real culprit in lowering property values in this city is actually the nearby Naval Installation, which creates a high demand for rental units in the South Oxnard/Hueneme area. Not to mention most of the suburbs in this areas was developed and marketed towards transitioning service members between 1960 thru the seventies, many of whome retired and are renting out their property to sailors stationed here. So within these neighborhoods you have lower-income people that move in due to the low cost of rent [possible lowest in the county] and thats when you get the drug dealing and street hustling that people assume is Gangbanging, but are simply traits of any low income enclaves in the United States. There is simply a lack of opportunity for low income folks, and becuase the suburbs/apartments/condos in the area where built between the 60's and 70's when the baby boomer ideal was one car per house hold. The modern need of everyone in the household requiring a car ensures that every block has millions of parked cars lining the streets. The city of Oxnard should have noticed this trend, instead of building more suburbs to the North towards the 101 they should have focused on creating more sustainable buisness growth and better infrastructure in the south. And here in lies the problem, the city is more accomadating towards newer development in the North and newer middle-class inhabitants who commute to work thru the 101. The heart and core of this city lies in its agriculture and working-class immigrants. The youth I grew up with had a strong do-it-yourself ethic, with many dreaming of going off to college and comming back to Oxnards to make it a better place, thats the city I know and have faith in.

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Weather - 11/12/2012

Year round the weather rarely peaks 80 but usually stays around 70 and cooler. Ocean winds come mostly from the southwest and keeps the air clean of smog and lingering heat. Santa Ana winds do, however, play a part in mid to late October and beginning of November which brings winds to a strong steady wind and elevates temperatures to 80 and higher.

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born and raised in oxnard california - 8/15/2012

i was born and raised in oxnard california. beautiful strawberry fields, wonderful climate, variety of people, variety of languages, i wouldnt leave oxnard for nothing. i am a homeowner, young, with a family, all my family born and raised in oxnard. i am of hispanic origin.

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Living in Oxnard - 8/5/2012

Oxnard is a coastal city with excellent sub tropical weather 75 degree average year around, but a high cost of living. It is a great place to retire. A beutiful place to visit and see all kinds of sights just 27 miles south of Santa Barbara.

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better than arizona,not better than oakland - 8/8/2011

the weather in oxnard is nice,not too hot usually cold,cool to warm.otherwise not much else positive i can say on oxnard.i was welcomed much better in oakland than oxnard.

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Don't be a beach addict - use your brain! - 1/13/2011

I see many reviews about the nice beaches. People write about how they feel perfectly safe in the lovely beach areas and say many things that might entice unwary people to actually come here. Don't! The people writing those reviews are beach addicts, and have probably had their brains fried from too much sunshine. Yes, beach addicts will be very impressed by the nice beaches in Oxnard, and the fact that you can have a house right on the beach, and the fact that there are bars on the beach, yada yada yada. But Oxnard is not a very nice place. Yes, I too have heard it referred to as "Northern Mexico", "Tijuana", etc. And it is a quite apt description. Yes, there are gangs here - LOTS. One reviewer wrote something to the effect that you can't say people are criminals just because they are Mexican, and that is true. There are Mexicans here who do not engage in any violent activity. And there are also Mexicans here who do. Are Mexican gangs "not that bad"? They are not in the slightest bit "not that bad"! Black gangs on the east coast are "not that bad". They usually don't kill innocent people. Membership requirements for joining a mexican gang range anywhere from just getting "jumped in" to killing a rival gang member to murdering an innocent civilian. Make no mistake, they are murder organizations, and should be avoided as best you can. Use your brain. Yes, there are "nice areas" in Oxnard. But does anyone really buy that people who live in the bad areas can't walk (or drive) 5 blocks to get to the nice areas? Of course they can. Do vatos like the beach? Of course they do, and they also hate the people who live on or near the beach. So, if you're a beach addict who just loves the Oxnard beaches, by all means, buy a house here. Come for the nice beaches, and stay for the Juarez style action! Should we embrace other cultures, as one poster said? It depends on the culture! Use your brain and keep your butt safe. California has nice beaches all along its coast. The coast of California is something like 1500 miles long, with many cities running all along the length of it, and -believe it or not- most of those cities don't have THAT much crime. Oxnard DOES. So, if you happen to find yourself in Oxnard and start to fall in love with the NICE beaches... take a picture. It's not worth living here, or even staying here more than a few hours. The worst bad neighborhoods are the ones that look like nice ones. I've walked through ghettos in New York and felt A LOT safer than I do living in the "nice part" of Oxnard. And yes, the city still has those horrible potholes. Take my word for it. I'm leaving Oxnard the MOMENT I get the means to do it. BTW, my comments about Oxnard do not apply to the rest of Ventura county AT ALL! The city of Ventura has even more beautiful beaches and way less crime! Thousand Oaks is a gorgeous city with hardly any crime and a great deal better access to L.A. than Oxnard, if you need it! Ojai has GREAT hiking and beautiful cold creeks and sulphur hot springs that the locals say may cure your various ailments, and a lot of famous movie stars have ranches there and the oranges that grow in the groves at Meditation Mountain are some of the most delicious you will ever taste. Ventura county is beautiful! Oxnard, however, sucks. Please stay away from Oxnard. (Unless you are a beach addict, of course).

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the blackhole of Oxnard - 3/11/2010

...is where i want to escape from. i want out, now! <_<

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Oxnard Remains One of the Safest Cities. - 2/22/2010

During the early 2000, Oxnard has experience a significant decrease in crime, such as violent crime, assults, rapes, and burgleries. Most recently, the Oxnard Police Department, and the District Attorney has imposed a court order gang injunction that covers six square miles of central Oxnard and another is being considered for south Oxnard. Since these injunctions were implemented, gangs are prohibit from being out on the streets after 10 p.m. If gangs are caught violating their curfew, they are immediately arrested by authorities. Those who say: stay away from Oxnard, needs to do their research before critizing Oxnard as an unsafe city to live, work, or visit. Yes, Oxnard has its problems with crime like any other American city, and to accuse Hispanics as the only ones who are committing crimes is false! Again, do your research people!

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DO NOT MOVE HERE!!! - 1/27/2010

sure it is pretty cheap to live here but the crime is waaay worse then is reported. people do not report crime in oxnard. i was born and raised here and moved out of oxnard when i was 17. things were not soo bad when i was a kid but over the years they got horrible!!! drugs are out of control!!!! everyone here is a tweeker!!!!! prostitution is horrible too!!!!! OVER RUN WITH ILLEGALS!!!! WAAAAY TOO MANY PEOPLE PER HOUSE! AND IT SMELLS! HORRIBLE PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY!!!! my husband and i went to red lobster here for fathers day a few months back and our car was broken into in broad daylight!!! with a whole bunch of people and other cars parked in the parking lot. terrible terrible place!!!!!

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The truth about Oxnard - 1/1/2010

I have lived in this area since 1990 and its really a shame to see the city let itself go. The perfect climate, great access to the bigger city if you need it and escape to the beach the nearby Channel Islands and mountains. I am perplexed at Oxnard's lack of initiative to clean up the horrendous crime rate and to make it a safe place to live. Too much emphasis on writing fix it tickets for no front license plates rather than tackling the real crimes such as gang bangers and murder. The whole area is infected by gang scum that going to the Pacific View Mall in Ventura requires customers to wear a bullet proof vest and carry a firearm for safety. Constant stabbings, and it really gets worse near Port Hueneme area with murders. It is a shame because there are many great stores and nice areas, but if you're looking to move to Oxnard, stick with the areas closest to the river and beach. Anywhere else is really putting you and your family's life at risk. BTW, the roads will do a number on your car... new car in Oxnard? Not for long!! City does nothing to alleviate its pothole issues and the county is even worse.

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Not safe - 3/28/2009

This place is called North Mexico.(My local friend said) About 80%? of people in this area are Mexican. School, education is really bad. Awful!! Lots mexican gangs living in oxnard. Local person told me "you shouldon't buy house because this whole town is ghetto." Lots of high price housing area are surrounded by ghetto. Winter is freezing cold to me even evening in summer. No job if you can not speak spanish. I hate this place.

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Climate - 11/30/2008

Mild temperature year round

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Oxnard Beaches are Southern California's Best Kept - 10/7/2008

Crime in Oxnard is mostly kept to "certain" areas. Most of the outer lying parts of Oxnard are new and beautiful, and the beach areas are superb!! I don't feel unsafe living here at the beach at all! It feels like a small community where everyone watches out for each other. Everyone is out riding their bikes, skateboarding, walking, surfing, sailing, and playing in the sand!

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Climate - 10/4/2008

As a resident of Oxnard for near 20 years and originally from Boston I find the climate here better than anywhere else. Temperatures do not fluctuate more than 25 degrees between summer and winter though with the amount of daylight changing you still feel a seasonal shift. You are within 1 hr of skiing in the mountains or sailing in the ocean. Living at the beach in Oxnard is like going home to paradise at the end of every work day. People wonder why I resist leaving on the weekends or going on frequent vacations. Every day living in Oxnard is like being on vacation.

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Climate - 10/4/2008

As a resident of Oxnard for near 20 years and originally from Boston I find the climate here better than anywhere else. Temperatures do not fluctuate more than 25 degrees between summer and winter though with the amount of daylight changing you still feel a seasonal shift. You are within 1 hr of skiing in the mountains or sailing in the ocean. Living at the beach in Oxnard is like going home to paradise at the end of every work day. People wonder why I resist leaving on the weekends or going on frequent vacations. Everyday living in Oxnard is like being on vacation.

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