[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6554483,"mediaKeyId","5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1","parentId",5023699,"title","City employees and unions press Oxnard council for 'fair contracts'; unions stress recruitment, benefits","audioSeconds",733,"startMs",733000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1&start=733&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1/thumbnail_733000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554483/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/City-employees-and-unions-press-Oxnard-council-for-fair-contracts-unions-stress-recruitment-benefits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554483-80c2317098f506f69640afa4a3c23042/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=GnspIIscVZgfchiAfFIbAQB8z3Q6yEo2DDasmyjQRX7Qgk3FIe6NB7yJZPjMMCWrxVzn1XJKLCxzpRdOs5BfatYj10BBpbReRDPkeN0NtOtKSZhowkEl5zCHscGs6222t5JZ7gg5Q0lp5Joe7zGObdCywgqcu3-iK2VQZX15Bsw9hCoCsrvxt-Egd8Sniwcmystn-togVGm7HcB9~VnR7F8Hnwwz6FaE6fag9setsDocwaRctahxRkGMaJoGfpdXvi6FHJNkkKWT4opXA~h3LPbSJmw9d1hVh6hIGOpdVXRv-f0avKaSegLmh-A2Q1-90~7HKiS~4QhjB5YpGi~iPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Oxnard, CA","date","2025-06-18T07:01:44.417Z","article","Union representatives and city employees urged the Oxnard City Council on June 17 to approve contracts that would preserve wages and health benefits, and help the city recruit and retain staff.

What speakers said
- SEIU 721 members and shop stewards, including Sandra Diaz (SEIU steward and executive board member) and Alex Onnam (library employee and shop steward), asked for health insurance for employees and wage increases they said were necessary to keep staff in Oxnard. “We respectfully urge you not to cut our wages, our benefits,” Sandra Diaz told the council.
- Representatives of Operating Engineers Local 501 pressed similar themes. Blair Brim, business agent for Local 501, described public‑works employees’ roles — water, parks, streets and sanitation — and urged the council to negotiate wage increases to “maintain the staff that we have and attract future employees who want to live and work in Oxnard.” Ken Clench and Alfredo Trevino, shop stewards, said proposed cuts risked wage compression and longer‑term recruitment problems.

Why it matters: speakers said the city faces a labor market in which municipal jobs must compete with private‑sector pay and regional housing costs. Several said that cuts or reduced benefits would increase vacancies and raise operating costs over time.

Council and staff response
- Council members thanked speakers and acknowledged the difficulty of balancing labor costs with the city’s budget outlook. City Manager Alex Nguyen’s office provided a public overview of the city’s fiscal position in the meeting materials; several council members said they were aware of the city’s fiscal constraints but urged continued good‑faith negotiations.
- Speakers also requested steps to secure binding arbitration clauses in contracts; library shop steward Alex Onnam asked the council to support binding arbitration so disputes could be resolved without protracted litigation.

Outcome and next steps
- The meeting’s public‑comment record included multiple union speakers and no immediate council votes on labor contracts. Council members said staff and negotiators will continue bargaining and brief the council on any tentative agreements that require ratification.

Ending: Union leaders said they would keep bargaining and mobilizing members; council members reiterated the need to balance competitive wages with the city’s fiscal plan and asked staff to continue reporting on budget implications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Union representatives and city employees urged the Oxnard City Council on June 17 to approve contracts that would preserve wages and health benefits and help the city recruit and retain staff.","taxTitle","Oxnard City, Ventura County, California","taxId",3809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554487,"Oxnard residents press council over ICE raids; council reiterates sanctuary stance and shares resources",1947,1947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1&start=1947&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1/thumbnail_1947000.jpg","/articles/6554487/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Oxnard-residents-press-council-over-ICE-raids-council-reiterates-sanctuary-stance-and-shares-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554487-200897c579d5ecaf74d85160279adefb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=m7Xvx7qpCssSTUeFrVz5K~kAhVQ0CgaJblhg7igAghdePw73o-jDyj2KSDNgZIqY9oaL1EX-QBx~tF23QJ9EcJvD47uLlEzHz-a-ni3ADI9NQ0JyhlHvCTZQFSy9PqJfeRU2Z-3kz68ZqJU2h~PJziaEdEPLd243LIYmCCGWtVu-iFsUvcTXm8wJ03ZRMF4GW4K1zryuPuQzwdd4GJSaD7--bW8CFgw3D60fXcsTQ2kRKb~74ebf2sUevHnxJvTrv0ylw2d75rG23kIVDGdOvCzQyjHuEv6Tv55E04DkWhvtyRrfBX2VXtcP2Ztz8ff46J50Gs4RfsiY5~9P3RAMPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents and community groups told the Oxnard City Council on June 17 that recent ICE enforcement actions are terrorizing neighborhoods and workplaces and asked city leaders to do more than issue statements.

Speakers from VC Defensa, SEIU and other community organizations described arrests they characterized as “kidnappings” at worksites and immigration‑courthouse pickup points and urged the council and city agencies to back rapid‑response legal and social‑service networks. “ICE is violent. ICE is invading neighborhoods and workplaces,” a virtual caller identified as Sharon said during public comment. Vanessa Valdez, a Chicana lawyer and president of the Latinx Bar Association, said local volunteer groups had provided 24/7 rapid response and “know your rights” trainings and asked the city and county to coordinate resources and legal support for families affected by recent arrests.

Why it matters: Speakers and some council members said the raids are reducing school attendance and work participation, with ripple effects for education funding, local businesses and public safety. Council members and staff repeatedly referred to California law limiting local participation in federal immigration enforcement and to the city’s sanctuary‑policy practice, but residents said public reassurances have not eased fear in some neighborhoods.

What speakers asked and what the council said
- Community organizers asked for (a) formal, public reassurances from city departments that local police would not assist ICE in immigration enforcement; (b) active coordination with VC Defensa, 805 UndocuFund and other rapid‑response groups to provide legal counsel and family reunification support; and (c) clear instructions for schools and employers about reporting and immediate assistance. VC Defensa representatives said they were fielding calls around the clock and were organizing trainings and presence at schools and workplaces.
- Mayor Louise McArthur and City Manager Alex Nguyen (as referenced in public remarks) told the council the city does not have a formal collaboration with ICE and, per state law, Oxnard’s police do not act as immigration agents. City staff reiterated that the city had no ICE detention contract and noted public guidance posted on the city website about “know your rights” resources and a local rapid‑response hotline for Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties (805‑870‑8855). City Attorney Steven Fisher also read the closed‑session notice early in the meeting and later announced there were no reportable actions from the council’s closed session.

Details speakers emphasized
- Multiple speakers described arrests at workplaces, in fields and outside immigration court appearances and said those incidents disrupted families’ ability to work and to send children to school. Several parents and school‑district officials said attendance dipped at local schools after a round of arrests; one council member noted the resulting decrease in average daily attendance can reduce school funding.
- Organizers described outreach and legal help provided by VC Defensa, 805 UndocuFund and other volunteers, and urged the city to provide logistical or financial help to support rapid‑response teams’ 24/7 efforts. Vanessa Valdez said Mercy legal teams were deployed to graduations and other events to reassure families.

Council reaction and near‑term steps
- Council members expressed sympathy and, in several speeches, called for the city to continue publicly reaffirming protections for immigrant residents. Councilmember [District references given in meeting] urged transparency in communications and requested follow‑up about resources the city can mobilize for families — including mental‑health supports for children affected by trauma.
- City Manager Alex Nguyen and city staff said they would continue coordination with the county and community partners, maintain the city website’s “know your rights” materials and monitor requests for assistance. Staff also noted the limits of local authority: enforcement of federal immigration law is outside city control, and state law (SB 54, the California Values Act) governs local‑federal interactions.

What the city will not do
- City staff and the mayor repeated that Oxnard Police Department policy and state law prevent direct city participation in federal immigration enforcement; several council members said the city would not provide local resources to ICE and urged police transparency where concerns arise.

Community context and next steps
- Organizers said they would continue to hold demonstrations and legal trainings and asked the council to meet with VC Defensa and other groups to discuss a locally led response plan. Council members asked staff to report back on whether additional city resources — including public‑information campaigns and school‑district coordination — can be formalized.

The meeting’s public‑comment portion included more than 40 speakers on immigration and related community safety issues; city staff said the council would continue coordinating with volunteer legal networks and community groups and would post resources on the city website.

Ending: City officials and speakers agreed the issue will stay on the council’s radar; residents asked for continued, specific follow‑up, including direct meetings between council members, city staff and community organizers.","Dozens of residents and community groups told the Oxnard City Council on June 17 that recent ICE enforcement actions are terrorizing neighborhoods and workplaces and asked city leaders to do more than issue statements.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554479,"Oxnard council adopts FY2025‑26 budget and related measures; summary of votes and contract actions",251,4031000,4282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1&start=4031&end=4282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023699-f430a83b5197d45610fc3c0cc961ece1/thumbnail_4031000.jpg","/articles/6554479/Oxnard-City/Ventura-County/California/Oxnard-council-adopts-FY202526-budget-and-related-measures-summary-of-votes-and-contract-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554479-6ebd5c986fa637be30a468a745b0e0fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=CQAjsDSTXFrCDUnaJvkQLb6mtQJc6iOoDH2HUZqDnWB4F3NjKNr5~H9VGS878jDjGcCupoyAybK-FWdWI1fxjrn8DtBkhOVgaA1ZbhaL4XEJIZQyZE8aUnTk3y3YoyGC14PSWTqdzEqpLQznxF0z-6DApYSMG4aOwQCCJ1muRLajaAbF4aKHwM7Egp2-cBN0MlZYkUnTcZh9M60K5Qznl7ID7BPJEVJYEjVzMibBCV2s7yI22kaCUzt~zPS8xWiNpNuVeaxGcGFXHE8kigMkolIU6~Zj7lI1GiXgcEPu3jvAZgAjyudb95793q6A--kX4-1dbevafHm4M4qTQFnJQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxnard City Council on June 17 approved the city’s fiscal year 2025‑26 operating and capital budgets, related administrative resolutions and a package of contracts and assessments. Several measures were adopted after public hearings and committee review; a small number of items drew divided votes.

Key outcomes (what the council approved)
- Budget package: The council adopted the FY2025‑26 operating and capital budgets and related resolutions: (1) operating and capital budget; (2) full‑time equivalent positions; (3) classification and salary schedules; (4) financial management policies; (5) the appropriation limit; and (6) the master fee schedule. Several votes recorded showed a single dissenting vote from Councilmember Aaron Star on items tied directly to the general fund (Star voted no on the overall budget resolution number 1 and on several accompanying personnel and policy resolutions).
- Community Facilities Districts and assessments: The council adopted the special tax rates and assessments for several community facilities districts (CFDs). Council separated CFD 5 (River Park) for a standalone vote; CFD 5’s proposed levy was approved unanimously after neighborhood outreach.
- Maintenance and landscape assessment districts: The council held public hearings and adopted assessments for waterways and landscape maintenance districts. Several district items passed; one motion related to a particular assessment passed 6–1 with Councilmember Star dissenting and two councilmembers recused on specific parcels they identified as conflicts.
- Contracts and procurement actions: The council approved a one‑year professional services agreement for safety training with EHS International and other consent items. A notable vote amended an existing contract for Tyler ERP (TG Consulting Services) to extend the term and increase the amount; that amendment passed 6–1 (Councilmember Star voted no amid concerns about using a former city employee as a sole consultant).
- Public‑safety pension levy: The council adopted the annual property‑tax rate for voter‑authorized public‑safety pension obligations. The measure passed 6–1.
- Homelessness and shelter funding: The council approved cost‑sharing agreements with Ventura County for a permanent year‑round shelter (vote outcome recorded in the meeting) and later discussed a Mercy House operating agreement; the shelter funding and operating measures are in the packet and were moved forward for the coming year.

Votes at a glance (selected formal actions taken in the meeting record)
- Appointment to Cultural Arts Commission: Mayor’s appointment of Melia V. So to the Cultural Arts Commission (District 5) — carried 7–0.
- Consent agenda (other than pulled items): carried 7–0.
- K2: Agreement for publication of legal notices — carried 7–0.
- K4: Third amendment to TG Consulting Services (Tyler EPL licensing module) — carried 6–1 (Star no). Motion increased contract and extended term through 11/30/2025.
- K6: Safety training agreement with EHS International — carried 7–0.
- L1 (Waterways maintenance district assessment): adopted — carried 6–1 (Star no).
- L2 (Landscape maintenance district resolutions): Recommendation 2 carried 6–1 (Star no; recusals noted for specific parcels where councilmembers had conflicts); Recommendations 3 and 4 carried 7–0.
- M1 (CFDs): CFD 5 (River Park) carried 7–0 separately; the remainder of CFD resolutions passed 6–1 (Star no).
- M2 (Public‑safety property tax assessment): carried 6–1 (Star no).
- M3 (FY2025‑26 budget package): the operating & capital budget adopted 6–1 (Star no); FTE positions adopted 6–1 (Star no); classification & salary schedule adopted 7–0; financial management policies adopted 6–1 (Star no); appropriation limit adopted 7–0; master fee schedule adopted 7–0.
- M4 (Third amendment — county cost share for permanent year‑round shelter): carried with council majorities recorded (see staff report and minutes for roll call on specific line items); one member voted no while recusals were in effect for a councilmember who declared a conflict of interest on the item.

Notable debates and concerns raised
- TG Consulting Services amendment (K4): Councilmember Star objected to extending and substantially increasing a contract with a sole‑proprietor consultant who is a former city employee, saying the rate and the decision process were concerning; other council members and staff said the consultant had unique subject‑matter expertise needed to complete the Tyler EPL implementation and that the amendment was the least‑cost path to finish the project.
- Budget votes and debt financing: Councilmember Star opposed the budget package on philosophical grounds, arguing Oxnard should not use long‑term borrowing for capital projects without voter approval and urging tighter spending; other council members and staff noted the fiscal constraints, deferred projects from prior litigation over bond issuance and the policy tradeoffs between cash funding and issuing debt for large multi‑year capital projects.

Next steps and implementation risks
- Several adopted measures rely on continued staff implementation and, in some cases, external approvals. Completion of the Tyler EPL licensing module remains dependent on consultant support and staff stability; staff described this as a final, time‑limited amendment to finish implementation.
- A pending appellate and Supreme Court petition in the city’s bond litigation remains a risk to future debt issuance (staff advised plans assume no new bond issuance until the litigation is resolved).

Where to find details
- The council packet and staff reports filed with the city clerk contain the full text of each resolution, contract amendment, the FY2025‑26 proposed budget and the enacted classification/salary tables. For specific roll‑call votes and the exact wording of motions, consult the official meeting minutes and audio available on the city’s website.

Ending: The city adopted its budget and a package of administrative resolutions for FY2025‑26, moved forward several maintenance and district assessments after public hearings, and approved contract amendments and homeless‑shelter cost‑sharing; one councilmember registered repeated dissent on budget and assessment items, and a few items drew recusals and requests for staff follow‑up.","At a lengthy June 17 meeting the Oxnard City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025‑26 operating and capital budgets and a package of related resolutions (FTEs, salary schedules, financial policies, appropriation limit and master fee schedule). The council also approved several district assessments, contracts and amendments. The council recorded a","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City employees and unions press Oxnard council for 'fair contracts'; unions stress recruitment, benefits

Oxnard residents press council over ICE raids; council reiterates sanctuary stance and shares resources

Oxnard council adopts FY2025‑26 budget and related measures; summary of votes and contract actions