Introduction to Oxnard, California
Oxnard was incorporated in 1903 and is part of a metropolitan area including Oxnard, Thousand Oaks and Ventura. Oxnard is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
In 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claimed the area that is now Oxnard for Spain. About 50,000 Chumash Indians were already living in the surrounding area, taking advantage of the fertile soil and agriculturally conducive climate. The Oxnard area is now a major producer of strawberries and lima beans. Around 1900 a railroad was built to service a sugar beat refinery, providing access to the city which greatly expanded the population.
Oxnard is home to the Port of Hueneme, the only deep water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay. It is a major shipping point for automobiles and agriculture products. It is also home to the U.S. Navy's Seabees. Some of the largest industries in the area are the military, agriculture, health insurance, electronics and electronic media duplicating.
On average, rainfall totals 15.6 inches per year. Temperatures above 90 degrees occur on only about 3 days of the year. The August average daily high is a pleasant 73.9 degrees while the average daily low in that month is 60 degrees. January averages 65.6 degrees for a daily high and 45.5 for a daily low.
Leisure Activities
Local attractions include:
- The Carnegie Art Museum.
- The Gull Wings Children's Museum.
- The Elite Theatre Company.
- The Oxnard Independent Film Festival.
- The California Strawberry Festival.
- The Otis Chandler Vintage Museum.
- Heritage Square.
- The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District.
- The Seabee Museum.
- Many entertainment opportunities in nearby Los Angeles.
- The professional and college sports teams in greater Los Angeles.
