Heather Schmidt Consulting Services Contact: 805.561.2776
KEY REQUESTS
At 8 meetings since the November 2024 election, former and current council members made both generalized comments regarding immigration enforcement, as well as thirteen (13) specific requests of staff and/or for items to be added to the agenda relative to the issue.* The specific requests were:
1.On 2/4/2025, Councilmember Michaela Perez requested that staff create a “Know Your Rights” information section on the City’s website, and
2.to share that “Know Your Rights” information to City social media and Weekly Packets emails.
3.She also, at this same time, requested staff develop a grant to offer to non profits for immigration related education purposes. Councilmembers Gabe Teran and Gabby Basua reiterated these requests.
4.On 2/4/2025, Mayor Luis McArthur requested staff bring forward a “deep dive” for the public to understand what a Sanctuary City actually means.
5.On 5/20/2025, Councilmembers Michaela Perez and Gabe Teran requested staff come forward at a later date with transparency on what is delaying the many requests on immigration assistance and education, and to improve transparency regarding delays, funding issues, etc.
6.On 6/17/2025, Councilmember Gabe Teran requested an update on a future agenda regarding the City’s capacity to support organizations relating to “Know Your Rights” trainings, legal aid, etc.
7.On 6/17/2025, Mayor Luis McArthur directed staff to research and bring forward at a future date information on the City partnering with schools and the county to provide mental health services for people impacted by the immigration raids.
8.On 7/1/2025, Councilmember Gabe Teran requested/reminded staff bring back to council the possibility to organize with Supervisor Vianey Lopez the development of a legal defense fund.
9.On 7/15/2025, Councilmember Michaela Perez requested the city bring in an expert to present “Know Your Rights” training at a future meeting or special City Hall event,
10.and to return with a developed plan for legal resources for immigrant families,
11.and requested the City join Los Angeles in the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Councilmember Gabe Teran agreed with these requests.
12.On 7/15/2025, Councilmember Aaron Starr requested staff return at a later date with the capacity for, and/or a proposed, amicus brief for the City to file relative to ongoing lawsuits regarding immigration activities.
13.On 7/15/2025, Councilmember Gabriella Rodriguez requested staff look into and report back on a later date on the capacity for the city to form a committee to develop ways to support immigrant families.
*Meeting dates: 11/19/2024, 12/3/2024, 2/4/2025, 5/6/2025, 5/20/2025, 6/17/2025, 7/1/2025, 7/15/2025 3 / 25
Subject: City Council: July 29, 2025 | Agenda Item No. L.2. Candidate Processing Fee Ordinance From:
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 10:48:16 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Monday, July 28, 2025 10:48:54 PM GMT-07:00 Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, & City Councilmembers:
My name is Ronald Arruejo, and I am speaking as a previous candidate for a City of Oxnard elected office during the 2020 election.
I ask the City Council to approve the recommended action in Agenda Item No. L.2. Candidate Processing Fee Ordinance, specifically to "authorize the City Clerk to process refunds to candidates who paid a $25 candidate processing fee since 2018, provided a written refund request is submitted to the City Clerk within one year of the ordinance's effective date". I am not opposed to the implementation of the fee as I do believe it provides a minimal amount of recompense for the city for their time and paperwork without being overly burdensome, and I am glad that it is kept (and will be implemented correctly) for future elections.
I am glad that it has been noted that "the City will send written notification to each candidate regarding their eligibility to request a refund". As the candidate forum moderator for the INCO in the 2022 general, 2023 special, & 2024 general, I encourage the City/City Clerk to reach out to me if they have any trouble reaching some of the candidates. A minority of the candidates did not (necessarily) use their FPPC contact information and they were (more easily) contacted via other means (social media, alternate phone number, etc.).
Please approve the recommended action in Agenda Item No. L.2. Candidate Processing Fee Ordinance.
Thank you.
Best,
Ronald J Arruejo
6 / 25
Subject: Comment to be ready at today city council meeting From:
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 11:51:18 AM GMT-07:00 Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 11:51:31 AM GMT-07:00 I am writing in strong support of allocating $1 million to support families in Oxnard impacted by ICE. Our immigrant neighbors are an essential part of this city they work, raise their children, and contribute to the community, yet they are disproportionately harmed by detention and deportation. These funds will help stabilize families, provide access to legal and mental health resources, and ensure that no child suffers because a parent has been taken. I urge the Council to invest in protecting our most vulnerable families and to stand on the side of compassion and justice.
Andrea Ramos
7 / 25
Subject: E. 1.
From:
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 12:57:33 PM GMT-07:00 Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 12:57:47 PM GMT-07:00 Good afternoon,
In the wake of recent ICE raids, I urge the City of Oxnard to do the following:
Allocate Emergency Funds of at least $1,000,000 for housing, food assistance, and legal support to families impacted by ICE actions and facing family separation.
Provide City Resources and Infrastructure to community-based organizations and community-led groups responding to this crisis including the use of public spaces for community organizing, resource distribution, and legal clinics.
Publicly Condemn the Raids and affirm Oxnard’s commitment to the safety and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Develop a Long-Term Protection and Recovery Plan that includes mental health services, family reunification support, and city-wide education campaigns on Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness Plans.
Join the ACLU’s Lawsuit challenging the unlawful and unconstitutional actions carried out by federal immigration agents. Oxnard must stand in solidarity with other California communities demanding accountability and an end to the terrorizing of immigrant families.
Thank you,
Shannon Anderson
8 / 25
Subject: CONCERNS: Safety for the City of Oxnard residents from ICE activity in Oxnard From:
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:31:17 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:31:31 PM GMT-07:00
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT
For July 29, 2025 City Council Meeting
Agenda item: E1 (Item not on the Agenda)
Topic: Safety for the City of Oxnard residents from ICE activity in Oxnard Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I thank you in advance for considering this public comment. I kindly request that you please agendized this topic in the future so that the Council may fully engage in an open discussion where the public can hear your thoughts and suggest a course of action that you will take to keep the City of Oxnard safe from ICE activity. ICE is causing havoc to say the least by their reckless behavior, violent-prone approaches, possibly illegal searches due to what it seems to be racial profiling, and instilling fear by their harmful tactics. Their behavior cannot be tolerated and needs to stop by this Council. The optimal action would be to not allow ICE in this community.
You, as a Council, must consider creating and approving a City Ordinance requiring the City Police to notify the Oxnard community when ICE will be in the community if/when they have a judicial warrant to serve. They cannot be allowed to roam without a legal, judicial warrant to serve. City alerts must be sent via various approved methods and sent to community organizations that serve and advocate for the immigrant community.
This ordinance should also include a requirement of ICE agents to not use deceptive tactics such as wearing masks and wearing unrelated police/law enforcement clothing. They must have a badge on their person, and when asked by the community--they should be able to identify themselves by name and agency they are with and wear the appropriate identifying clothing. Their vehicles should also have license plates and when driving, should follow the driving laws of this State and City. Many have observed their reckless driving including excessive speeding and weaving between car lanes.
The ordinance should also prohibit ICE from being present near schools, hospitals, places of worship and child care centers. Their presence brings immediate danger to those areas.
ICE is creating havoc in our community and it is impacting the lives of the people you represent including our business community.
As a local resident with business interests in Oxnard, there has been a significant drop of business activity in the Colonia area and this hurts the community and businesses alike. Drive by and you will observe Colonia (normally such a vibrant community) now appears to be a ghost town. Many of these community members "feed" us, take care of our elderly, take care of our children, and much more. They are citizens and non-citizens. They need safety!
With ICE being present and creating havoc and instilling fear with their reckless behavior and violent prone tactics, businesses are suffering from a lack of commerce. Residents rather stay home than to shop because they want
to be safe and who can blame them. People are fearful of being put in harm's way due to ICE presence. You need to help us! Please listen to the community and please help keep this beautiful City safe from ICE. The Oxnard police force has been a strong community builder in the past because they have shown respect for this community. Let's not lose that respect just as the community will not lose respect for you in return, and that of our Police force if you advocate for us and keep us safe.
Both of you need to protect us and keep us safe!
Thank you in advance for your support.
Oxnard Resident/Business Owner
Herrera Family
9 / 25
Oxnard CA 93030
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. 10 / 25
Subject: ICE
From:
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:43:27 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:43:31 PM GMT-07:00 To the Oxnard City Council,
While I don’t live in Oxnard I will be negatively impacted by the effects of ICE on our farm worker community, as will all Californians. I find it hard to describe the moral repulsion and horror I’m experiencing as I watch ICE arrest and detain and abuse our hardworking field hands and other service workers, many of whom are either legal, or were in the process of becoming legal before this conman got into the Whitehouse and started changing the rules…illegally IMHO. These people, who have committed no violent crimes and have lived here for many many years, should have been given a clear and affordable path to citizenship long ago. It is now up to our local governments to defend US…not iCE. And you should be giving the local police the ability and authority to defend ALL”Californians”, no matter their status. I humbly beseech you to stand up for our valued Latino community against this racist “ethnic cleansing” being carried out by unidentified, masked neo-nazis…because that is who they are and what they are doing. Thank you for anything you can do to stop these atrocities.
Sincerely,
Sue Williamson
Ojai
May all beings be happy and free from suffering!
11 / 25
Subject Public Comment, Agenda Item K 1, Today's City Council Meeting From Nick Eckenwile
To Cityclerk@oxnard org,luis mcarthur@oxnard org,gabe teran@oxnard org,bert perello@oxnard org,aaron starr@oxnard org,gabriela rodriguez@oxnard org,gabriela basua@oxnard org,mich Cc city attorney@oxnard org, alexander nguyen@oxnard org, Planning@oxnard org, jeff pengilley@oxnard org Date Sent T uesday, July 29, 2025 1 48 34 PM GMT 07 00 Date Received T uesday, July 29, 2025 1 49 25 PM GMT 07 00 Attachments Oxnard 2929 2931 Albany Dr HAA letter pdf Good afternoon,
The California Housing Defense Fund submits the attached public comment concerning agenda item K 1 at today's City Council meeting Thank you! Nicholas Eckenwiler
Staf
f Attorney
12 / 25
Jul 29, 2025
City of Oxnard
300 West 3rd St
Oxnard, CA, 93030
Re: Proposed Housing Development Project at 2929-2931 Albany Drive
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Dear Oxnard City Council,
The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) submits this letter to remind the City of its obligation to abide by all relevant state laws when evaluating the proposed 20-unit housing development project at 2929-2931 Albany Drive, which includes 2 very low-income units.
These laws include the Housing Accountability Act (“HAA”), the Density Bonus Law (“DBL”), AB 130, and California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) guidelines.
The HAA provides the project legal protections. It requires approval of zoning and general plan compliant housing development projects unless findings can be made regarding specific, objective, written health and safety hazards. (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subds. (d), (j).) The HAA also bars cities from imposing conditions on the approval of such projects that would render the project infeasible (id. at subd. (d)) or reduce the project’s density (id. at subd. (j)) unless, again, such written findings are made. As a development with at least two-thirds of its area devoted to residential uses, the project falls within the HAA’s ambit, and it complies with local zoning code and the City’s general plan. Increased density, concessions, and waivers that a project is entitled to under the DBL (Gov. Code, § 65915) do not render the project noncompliant with the zoning code or general plan, for purposes of the HAA (Gov.
Code, § 65589.5, subd. (j)(3)). The HAA’s protections therefore apply, and the City may not reject the project except based on health and safety standards, as outlined above.
Furthermore, if the City rejects the project or impairs its feasibility, it must conduct “a
2201 Broadway, PH1, Oakland, CA 94612
www.calhdf.org
13 / 25
thorough analysis of the economic, social, and environmental effects of the action.” (Id. at subd. (b).)
CalHDF also writes to emphasize that the DBL offers the proposed development certain protections. The City must respect these protections. In addition to granting the increase in residential units allowed by the DBL, the City must not deny the project the proposed waivers and concessions with respect to set back to railroad track, and corridor preservation and yard setback, reduce required parking spaces from 40 to 31, allow uncovered parking and give a visitor parking reduction. If the City wishes to deny requested waivers, Government Code section 65915, subdivision (e)(1) requires findings that the waivers would have a specific, adverse impact upon health or safety, and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact. If the City wishes to deny requested concessions, Government Code section 65915, subdivision (d)(1) requires findings that the concessions would not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions, that the concessions would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety, or that the concessions are contrary to state or federal law. The City, if it makes any such findings, bears the burden of proof. (Gov. Code, § 65915, subd. (d)(4).) Additionally, the California Court of Appeal has ruled that when an applicant has requested one or more waivers and/or concessions pursuant to the DBL, the City “may not apply any development standard that would physically preclude construction of that project as designed, even if the building includes ‘amenities’ beyond the bare minimum of building components.” (Bankers Hill 150 v.
City of San Diego (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 755, 775.)
Furthermore, the project is exempt from state environmental review under the Class 32 CEQA categorical exemption (In-Fill Development Projects) pursuant to section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines, as the project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as the applicable zoning designation and regulations; the proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. The subdivision requested as part of the project is also exempt from CEQA under section 15315 of the CEQA guidelines. Finally, the project as a whole is eligible for a statutory exemption from CEQA pursuant to AB 130 (Pub. Res. Code, § 21080.66), which was signed into law on June 30, 2025 and effective immediately (Assembly Bill No. 130, 2025-2026 Regular Session, Sec. 74, available here). Caselaw from the California Court of Appeal affirms that local governments err, and may be sued, when they improperly refuse to grant a project a CEQA exemption or streamlined CEQA review to which it is entitled. (Hilltop Group, Inc. v. County of San Diego (2024) 99 Cal.App.5th 890, 911.)
2 of 3
14 / 25
As you are well aware, California remains in the throes of a statewide crisis-level housing shortage. New housing such as this is a public benefit: by providing affordable housing, it will mitigate the state’s homelessness crisis; it will increase the city’s tax base; it will bring new customers to local businesses; and it will reduce displacement of existing residents by reducing competition for existing housing. It will also help cut down on transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by providing housing in denser, more urban areas, as opposed to farther-
flung regions in the state (and out of state). While no one project will solve the statewide housing crisis, the proposed development is a step in the right direction. CalHDF urges the City to approve it, consistent with its obligations under state law.
CalHDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission includes advocating for increased access to housing for Californians at all income levels, including low-income households. You may learn more about CalHDF at www.calhdf.org.
Sincerely,
Dylan Casey
CalHDF Executive Director
James M. Lloyd
CalHDF Director of Planning and Investigations
3 of 3
15 / 25
Subject: Item E.1 Comment
From: Susana Barron
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:04:22 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:04:44 PM GMT-07:00 Dear Mayor Luis A. McArthur and Oxnard City Council Members, I’m both a worker and a resident here in Oxnard. I’m writing today not just as a member of this community, but as someone who has seen firsthand the human cost of the ICE raids in our community.
Just last week, I took two U.S. citizen children across the border to say goodbye to their father after he was detained and deported by ICE. They didn’t understand why their government had taken him away. And frankly, I didn’t have a good answer for them.
What I do know is this: our community is in crisis, and the City of Oxnard must act now.
We are calling on you to take immediate, concrete steps to protect our residents and support those affected.
Specifically:
First, we request that you allocate at least $1 million in emergency funds to support families affected by these raids. The city will inevitably bear the cost of this crisis. The only question is whether that cost will be spent on helping families stay afloat or on law enforcement and emergency services after desperation turns into survival- driven crime. History makes this clear: when families are pushed to the edge, they do what they must to survive.
Oxnard must be a leader in this effort and not look to other cities to take the lead.
Second, we urge you to make City resources available to the organizations doing the work on the ground. Open up public spaces for community organizing, resource distribution, and legal clinics. Let the community help the community with your support.
Third, we need you to speak out. Publicly condemn these raids and affirm Oxnard’s commitment to the safety and dignity of all its residents, regardless of immigration status. Silence sends a message, and right now it’s the wrong one. While it’s encouraging that individual council members have spoken out against ICE, what’s needed now is a formal resolution from the full City Council. Oxnard must go on record publicly and collectively calling on our federal representatives to advocate for the removal of ICE and other federal immigration enforcement personnel from our city.
Fourth, we ask you to help us plan for long-term healing. That means mental health support, help for families trying to reunite, and education campaigns on Know Your Rights and emergency planning.
And finally, we ask you to stand with other cities and join the ACLU’ s lawsuit challenging the unlawful and unconstitutional actions of federal agents. Our city must be on the right side of history and the side of its people.
Those children I brought to Tijuana are still asking when their dad will come home. I hope, if nothing else, we can give them a city that fights for them.
Warm regards,
Susana
--
Susana Canales Barrón
16 / 25
"Disaster recovery does not begin for anyone until everyone is included." DONATE TODAY! 18 / 25
20 / 25
21 / 25
22 / 25
Subject: Fwd: available to answer questions......
From: "Lopez, Luly" <[email protected]>
To: Dee Lai <[email protected]>
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:52:16 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:52:28 PM GMT-07:00 ---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: phil molina
Date: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Subject: available to answer questions......
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected] [email protected] , Alicia Percell Mr. Mayor, etc.
There are a few items on the agenda for tonight's meeting that touch on the office of the elected City Treasurer.
I have notified you of my thoughts on each item and if you or any member of the Council feel I should attend the meeting or be available by phone (thet City Clerk can call me at 805-988-6029) to provide verbal responses please let me know. Otherwise, if any concerns are voiced that you feel I've already provided information on, please feel free to read or have the city clerk read my comments into the record:
FIRST
I approve of the proposal to direct staff to work with me to modify the Bank of America agreement to consider more beneficial arrangement for the City.
"Consent Item L-3 This item was received and file. Councilman Starr requested that the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer investigate whether it would make sense to modify the agreement with Bank of America to earn interest on our cash balances rather than receiving an earnings credit that only offset bank charges. No action was required. Consent Item L-3 This item was received and file.
Councilman Starr requested that the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer investigate whether it would make sense to modify the agreement with Bank of America to earn interest on our cash balances rather than receiving an earnings credit that only offset bank charges. No action was required.
Consent Item L-3 This item was received and file. Councilman Starr requested that the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer investigate whether it would make sense to modify the agreement with Bank of America to earn interest on our cash balances rather than receiving an earnings credit that only offset bank charges. No action was required."
SECOND
I was not allowed or asked nor did I have any participation in this specific monthly report and I cannot vouch for its accuracy or completeness nor compliance with GAGAP(Generally Accepted Government Accounting Principles).
I also have no knowledge of '999 'TREASURY FUND 0000...' "Monthly financial reporting for GC 41004
23 / 25
BACKGROUND California Government Code Section 41004 requires the City Treasurer to submit to the City Clerk and to file with the City’s legislative body each month, a written report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances. City Finance staff and the City Treasurer have worked together on the formatting of these reports and staff is presenting it to comply with the requirements of California Government Code Section 41004.
'999 'TREASURY FUND 0000 UNDEFINED SUBFUND 'Asset 11,035,527.48 522,880,044.59 'Liability (11,035,527.48) (522,880,044.59)"
THIRD
The City Attorney needs to provide clarity on the designation of “CFO, Assistant Treasurer” whether it applies to the Corporation or the City officials. If it applies to the City, it needs to be corrected from the “Assistant Treasurer” that does not exist in statutory government codes to instead reflect and require that the Elected City Treasurer perform an independent review of the contracts exceeding $200,000 as defined by the Appellate Court and the California Attorney General’s opinion.
Golf Course item:
"b The City requires the following for any contract: ● For a corporation, the signatures of the Board President, CEO or Vice President and of the Board Secretary, Assistant Secretary, CFO or Assistant Treasurer; ● For an LLC, the signatures of at least two managers of the LLC (company directors, not lower-level managers); or ● For a partnership, the signature of a partner. If the partnership is a limited partnership, the signer must be a general partner. If the company has a different structure, or if the above-listed persons are not the appropriate signers, please submit to the City Attorney legally-binding documentation stating who can sign and bind your company. Pg 16" --
Respectfully,
Phillip Molina, CPA(retired), MBA, Certified Mediator
City of Oxnard Elected City Treasurer
24 / 25
Subject: Written Public Comment
From: Valeria Resendiz >
To: [email protected]
Date Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:59:40 PM GMT-07:00
Date Received: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:59:56 PM GMT-07:00 Good afternoon City Councilmembers,
My name is Valeria Sarahi Resendiz Vega and I've lived in Oxnard since 1999. I write in advance of today's Tuesday July 29 city council meeting requesting that you add the 805 Immigrant Coalition's requests to a near future agenda.
Sincerely,
Valeria Resendiz
District 6
25 / 25