Committee urges code update to modernize Oxnard disaster council

The Oxnard Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee on March 24 recommended City Council introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 (section 6-5) of the Oxnard City Code to modernize the Disaster Council.

Emergency Services Manager Candy Campbell said the existing ordinance dates to about 1950 and does not reflect current emergency operations center (EOC) leadership structures or modern practices. The proposed amendment updates disaster council membership to match current EOC leadership, allows the council to convene as needed for coordination and planning reviews, and aligns the ordinance language with the city’s updated Emergency Operations Plan.

Committee members supported the modernization and asked about outreach to schools, partnerships with organizations such as the Red Cross, and how staff capacity will affect implementation. Campbell said the emergency services team is small (she described being "a team of 1" at present) and stressed using partner organizations to expand outreach to vulnerable communities; staff also noted the city offers CERT training and coordinates with Red Cross preparedness efforts when requested.

The committee moved and seconded the recommendation; the motion carried 2-0 and the item will go to the City Council for introduction by title only and further consideration.