Oxnard Snapshot
If California is truly full of fruits and nuts, then Oxnard supplies much of the former. The City of Oxnard's economy is driven by agricultural (including a huge annual strawberry crop), as well as international trade, defense, manufacturing, and tourism. It has a council-manager form of government. The city council -- comprised of a mayor, mayor pro tem, and three council members -- establishes city policies. The city manager supports the needs of the council, implements council directives, and manages the day-to-day operations of some 15 departments. Incorporated in 1903, Oxnard is the largest city in Ventura County. It's located some 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles and has a population of about 200,000.