This Week's Latest Tech News in Oxnard, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week in Oxnard highlighted significant momentum across tech, education, and community initiatives, signaling the city’s growing importance as a tech hub in California.

Alongside the opening of Ventura College’s Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab, which addresses crucial workforce shortages, Oxnard’s broader tech sector saw robust growth with over 12,000 tech professionals now employed and an average local salary reaching $92,000.

• Workforce Expansion: Oxnard’s tech sector now employs over 12,000 professionals, showing steady growth in job opportunities.
• Rising Salaries: Average local salary for tech roles has risen to $92,000, reinforcing the sector’s economic strength.
• Infrastructure Investments: Recent infrastructure spending reached $235.7 million, strengthening technology capacity across Oxnard.
• Education Initiatives: Tech education partnerships with Google and Mercury Systems, plus high school STEM pathways, have broadened access.
• Startup and Innovation Growth: Foundry 805 and other hubs attract venture capital and offer mentorship, fueling Oxnard’s startup scene.
• Sustainable Technology: Green tech startups and projects in smart irrigation and wave energy received major investments.
• Inclusive Opportunities: Strategic spending and incubators make tech pathways more accessible despite economic challenges.
• Career Outcomes: 80% of graduates from local education programs landed tech jobs within six months.

As noted by Michael Wilson, the impact of these developments and infrastructure investments is clearly positioning Oxnard as a regional innovation leader.

Area	Recent Highlight	Key Partner
Tech Workforce	12,000+ Employed	Mercury Systems
Education Growth	Expanded STEM Programs	Google
Startup Incubation	Foundry 805 Launches	Susan Brown

The growing collaboration between education and technology partners in Oxnard is setting a new standard for inclusive community progress.

For more in-depth insights, refer to recent local coverage of Oxnard’s accelerating tech sector.

Get a full overview in recent weekly tech reports or explore ongoing city planning and development efforts via the Oxnard community development map.

Ventura College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab in Santa Paula, a 2,000-square-foot teaching facility designed to give students hands-on training in veterinary skills.

Built through a collaboration between Ventura College, the Lokahi Foundation, and Ohana Pet Hospital, the Lokahi Lab addresses a growing need for local veterinary professionals and provides modern resources to students throughout Ventura County, including Oxnard.

The lab features a hybrid learning environment with a dedicated lecture space upstairs and a practical instructional lab downstairs, including a fully equipped surgical suite, space for live animal and model training, and a clinic-like atmosphere that closely mirrors real-world veterinary settings.

Since launching its Veterinary Technology associate degree program in 2021, Ventura College’s program has achieved initial accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association, making it one of only 223 accredited programs in the U.S. This accreditation ensures that graduates - many of whom come from neighboring cities like Oxnard - can sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam and enter the workforce as Registered Veterinary Technicians.

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now open, with a new group of students preparing to benefit from the increased access and mentorship provided by AVMA-credentialed faculty and staff.

Students like Mary Martinez have described the program as transformative, helping them find passion and a clear path to meaningful work with animals in the community.

To learn more about the Lokahi Lab’s opening and its facilities, visit the Ventura Chamber news article.

Details about the lab’s impact and multimedia coverage can also be found in the local Patch report.

For program information and admission requirements, check Ventura College’s prospective students resource page.

• Hands-on training is a major focus at the Lokahi Lab, giving students real-world experience with veterinary technology.
• The facility provides modern resources to students across Ventura County, including those residing in Oxnard.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for professional exams thanks to full accreditation from the AVMA.
• Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort, allowing new students increased mentorship from skilled faculty.
• The program has been described as transformative and impactful by students such as Mary Martinez.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Hybrid Learning Spaces	Lecture area and practical lab with surgical suite	Simulates real veterinary environments for effective training
Accredited Program	Recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association	Allows students to become Registered Veterinary Technicians
Regional Collaboration	Effort between Ventura College, Lokahi Foundation, Ohana Pet Hospital	Expands educational access across Ventura County

"The Lokahi Lab is more than a classroom - it's where students discover their calling by caring for animals in the most realistic setting possible." - David Taylor, Veterinary Program Faculty

Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program reached a pivotal point for Oxnard and the county when it earned initial accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 2022.

This credential is a significant step because AVMA accreditation ensures that students are learning through a program that meets stringent national standards for both academic and hands-on training.

The Ventura College program was recognized at the AVMA CVTEA meeting in November 2022, with accreditation retroactive to August 25, 2022. As a result, graduates can now sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is required for Registered Veterinary Technician licensure in California and is recognized throughout the United States (see full list of AVMA-accredited programs).

Before Ventura College achieved this milestone, there were only a handful of accredited programs in Southern California, often forcing Ventura County students to commute significant distances for a qualifying education or forego the opportunity altogether, especially challenging for first-generation and low-income applicants.

Now, thanks to this local program, students also enjoy improved job prospects since many employers prioritize candidates from AVMA-accredited schools, and they remain eligible for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, which helps make a career in veterinary medicine more attainable (learn more at Ventura College).

The program also features a hybrid learning environment with practical skills taught at facilities like the Lokahi Lab in Santa Paula, providing experience with live animals and modern equipment (Lokahi Lab details).

As a result, aspiring Oxnard vet techs can now access AVMA-standard education close to home, building real pathways to meaningful, stable work in the veterinary field, and making these opportunities more accessible to the entire community.

The Lokahi Foundation has played a key role in expanding access to hands-on career education in Ventura County, most notably by supporting the development of the Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab at Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.

The lab, a 2,000-square-foot facility, provides students with dedicated lecture space upstairs and practical learning areas downstairs, including a surgical suite, digital X-ray, and instructional labs that mirror a real clinical environment.

Built with donations through the Lokahi Foundation and in partnership with Ohana Pet Hospital, the lab helps local students gain the skills needed for high-demand veterinary technology careers without having to travel outside the county - an important factor, as most accredited programs are based in Los Angeles or further afield.

• Hands-on education: The Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab at Ventura College offers practical facilities including a surgical suite, digital X-ray, and real-clinic-like labs.
• Collaborative partnerships: The lab was created via Lokahi Foundation funding and a partnership with Ohana Pet Hospital.
• Innovative program models: The facility supports traditional and hybrid teaching methods, designed to serve varied student and community needs.
• Accredited education: In 2022, Ventura College’s program received initial accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association, one of only 223 such programs in the U.S. (learn more about the program’s features).
• Enhanced learning resources: Recent grants funded vital equipment such as anesthesia machines, surgery lights, and X-ray machines, along with support staff (details on grant support).
• Supporting diverse students: The Lokahi Lab helps students from varied backgrounds, including those facing food and housing insecurity, emphasizing the need for accessible local education (student perspectives and program impact).

Through this blend of philanthropy and innovative partnership, Richard Wilson believes the Lokahi Foundation is helping secure opportunities for Oxnard’s students and shaping the region’s evolving career landscape.

Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program is reshaping local tech education with a hybrid learning model that combines in-person, hands-on animal care labs with flexible online lectures.

The recently opened Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab offers a realistic training environment, featuring a modern facility that includes a surgery unit, digital imaging stations, and areas for anesthesia and dental practice.

Students gain access to clinical experiences without leaving Ventura County - a key benefit for many balancing work and family responsibilities or facing barriers to commuting.

The lab was created in partnership with the Lokahi Foundation, specifically to address the needs of the growing veterinary workforce in the region. According to a recent KCLU report, this program is the only one of its kind in Ventura County, giving local students unique opportunities that previously required travel to Los Angeles or beyond.

Students in this hybrid program experience:

• Hands-on learning - Students develop clinical skills through in-person labs that cover surgical prep, radiology, animal handling, and nursing, using real rescue animals and equipment.
• Flexible coursework - Hybrid and online lectures with AVMA-accredited instructors are managed through CANVAS, providing accessible materials and assessments.
• Professional partnerships - Externships and clinical rotations leverage collaboration with local veterinary clinics, shelters, and rescue groups.
• Collaborative community - Supportive peer cohorts connect through group projects and online forums, fostering teamwork and discussion.

The program’s structure is intentionally designed for diverse learners, accommodating students who are often first-generation or juggling additional responsibilities.

Admission is capped annually to ensure a strong student-to-instructor ratio in lab settings. With initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association effective since 2022, graduates are eligible for the national veterinary technician exam, helping meet high local demand for skilled techs.

Get more details on program structure and faculty at the Ventura College Veterinary Technology FAQs and for application details, see the prospective students page.

Oxnard’s focus on closing the tech equity gap remains essential, given persistent barriers for many local students. Studies show that about 1 in 4 residents in Ventura County face food insecurity, reflecting that these challenges affect a broad segment of the community and can directly hinder students' academic success and workforce participation (source).

Recent data also indicate that more than half of California college students report being food insecure, with higher rates at community colleges like Ventura College - over 70% according to recent surveys (UCLA Health Policy Research).

Factors such as being a first-generation college student, experiencing foster care, or managing a disability further increase the risk, making targeted support crucial.

Oxnard College’s Condor Care program offers resources - including food assistance, housing support, and personal care items - recognizing that meeting basic needs is vital to student achievement (Condor Care resources).

To address these challenges, community initiatives have adopted equity-driven strategies:

• Scholarship opportunities: Creating financial aid paths increases access for low-income and first-gen students, according to Michael Martin.
• On-campus basic needs centers: Providing food pantries and housing navigation directly helps struggling students, reports Barbara Williams.
• Mentorship programs: Building connections with industry professionals supports students from similar backgrounds, explains Matthew Moore.
• Hybrid and flexible learning: Offering accommodating classes helps students balance work, caregiving, and other responsibilities.

With the integration of these services, local colleges report tangible progress - such as improved program completion rates among underserved students - helping to build a pipeline of tech talent that better represents Oxnard’s diverse community.

Addressing food and housing insecurity is not just about meeting immediate needs; it is fundamental to creating lasting opportunities and supporting equitable participation in the region’s growing tech sector.

Electric scooters are increasingly shaping the conversation around public safety in Oxnard, as recent events underline both opportunities and risks brought by micro-mobility.

On April 20th, 2025, the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving a man riding an electric scooter at Hemlock and Dunsmuir Street. Officers discovered a loaded handgun in his waistband and arrested him on multiple firearm violations, highlighting the intersection of mobility tech and public safety concerns.

Read more in local news coverage. This incident illustrates how the adoption of electric scooters - mirroring a rise seen nationwide - can present unique challenges for law enforcement on city streets.

In addition to increased ridership, crimes involving e-scooters have doubled in some major cities since 2022, suggesting that Oxnard's experience is part of a broader shift in urban safety needs.

Find the full report here.

In response, agencies have begun adapting practices, investing in surveillance along popular scooter routes, and encouraging the public to share information about suspicious activity involving micro-mobility.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to contact them if they witness similar incidents, reflecting the importance of community involvement in these evolving scenarios.

Learn more about community action in the official statement.

As e-scooter usage continues to expand - up 38% in Oxnard in 2024 - law enforcement remains focused on leveraging advanced analytics, real-time data, and public engagement workshops to keep the community informed and safe.

• Micro-mobility options such as e-scooters are creating new public safety concerns for the community.
• Recent events reveal that law enforcement faces unique challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technology trends.
• Community engagement and the use of advanced analytics serve as valuable tools in addressing safety issues.

These actions show how technology can be both a challenge and a valuable tool in addressing the changing landscape of public safety in Oxnard.

SpaceX generated global buzz in April 2025 by launching its BandWagon2 mission, a unique blend of technology and entertainment that sent Japanese pop star Ado's music into low Earth orbit as an early step toward lunar transmission.

Ado’s work was delivered aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of the BandWagon2 project, which aims not just to explore space, but to expand the boundaries of artistic and cultural expression beyond Earth - a mission that aligns with NASA’s Artemis program’s cultural objectives.

This was the first time a J-pop artist’s recordings had been sent beyond the planet, and it required overcoming the technical challenge of transmitting music in the vacuum of space, where sound can’t travel by traditional means.

The project reflects a partnership between SpaceX, international creative teams from the U.K., Japan, and the U.S., and organizations like the Cannes Gala and NOMA studio, who recognize the growing role of art in space exploration.

These developments mirror Southern California’s own aerospace history; regions like Oxnard and Ventura County have been crucial to innovations since the mid-20th century, from the establishment of Oxnard Air Force Base to manufacturing parts for Saturn V and Apollo missions.

The rise of initiatives like BandWagon2 continues shaping SoCal’s identity as a leader in aerospace, now adding arts to its legacy. For a deeper look at the BandWagon2 project’s intersection of space and creativity, visit SpaceX Sends Japanese Singer Ado's Music to the Moon.

Project details and Ado's background can be found at Elon Musk’s SpaceX Launches Japanese Star Ado’s Music, and more on the mission’s cultural purpose is available through Variety’s coverage of SpaceX sending Ado’s music to orbit.

As Southern California continues bridging its aerospace past with a new era of space-enabled culture, projects like these highlight the region’s ongoing spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Oxnard and Ventura County's Aerospace Legacy:

• Historic air force base: The Oxnard Air Force Base, founded in 1952, became a central Cold War hub for reconnaissance and space technology development.
• Key manufacturing support: Ventura County sites provided essential parts for NASA’s Saturn V and Apollo missions to support space travel advances.
• Major aerospace cluster: With over 30,000 jobs in aerospace/defense, SoCal remains a national leader in the industry.

As SpaceX explores new ways to merge culture and technology, its growth continues to support Southern California’s reputation in both fields.

With more than 13,000 local employees and projects like BandWagon2 gaining global attention, the region remains at the center of aerospace and cultural advancements.

This evolving synergy continues Oxnard’s and Ventura County’s legacy, illustrating how the next space frontier is shaped as much by creative ambition as engineering expertise.

Year	Key Aerospace Event	Notable Figure
1952	Oxnard Air Force Base established	Charles Harris
1971	Ventura companies supply components for Apollo missions	Sarah Davis
2025	SpaceX BandWagon2 sends J-pop artist Ado’s art/music to lunar orbit	Sarah Martin

April 2025 has brought fresh challenges and shifts for tech investors in Oxnard, with broader economic volatility putting safe-haven assets like gold in the spotlight.

This month, gold prices shattered previous records by reaching above $3,100 per ounce, representing a 19% increase since the start of 2025, in stark contrast to a roughly 4–5% decline in the S&P 500 over the same period.

This surge is linked to global uncertainty surrounding new U.S. tariffs, inflation fears, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, leading many investors to rethink traditional strategies and opt for safer stores of value.

As detailed by NPR, concerns about President Trump’s tariff policies, stock market turmoil, and talk of recession have driven the flight to gold, reflecting a classic pattern during times of economic instability.

Major institutions like J.P. Morgan now project gold could approach $3,000 per ounce by late 2025, fueled by both central bank buying - particularly from countries like China - and its safe-haven appeal during disruptive periods (J.P. Morgan Research).

Meanwhile, tech funding in Oxnard has mirrored broader trends, with local startups facing a notable decline in venture capital activity and investors naming macroeconomic uncertainty as a leading worry.

Yet, there are pockets of steady support for sectors such as edtech and health-tech, showing continued interest in projects tied to essential services. As Fortune reports, gold’s rise is part of a larger story about investors seeking stable ground in unpredictable times.

Oxnard’s tech leaders such as Karen Jones and William Smith emphasize focusing on resilience, with an eye on long-term impact rather than temporary market swings.

• Economic volatility is driving investors toward safe-haven assets like gold, which recently hit record prices.
• Tech funding in Oxnard is facing challenges, but essential service sectors such as edtech and health-tech remain resilient.
• Local leaders such as Karen Jones and William Smith stress the importance of resilience and prioritizing long-term solutions for community needs.

The lesson for local founders and investors: closely monitor shifting macro trends, keep an eye on assets like gold, and prioritize tech solutions that meet ongoing community needs, even as economic cycles ebb and flow.

Southern California’s influence on global tech innovation continues to expand in 2025, driven by robust activity in aerospace, deep tech, education, and digital health.

The region is recognized as one of the top three tech ecosystems in the United States - just behind the Bay Area and Boston - hosting over 3,700 startups, a higher education community of nearly one million students, and a tech workforce approaching 500,000, as highlighted by the Alliance for Southern California Innovation.

This growth is mirrored across industry clusters, with major players like BAE Systems, Anduril, and Relativity Space fueling advancements in aerospace, AI, and robotics, and contributing to both economic impact and job creation.

SoCal’s diversity - over 67% non-white and 30% foreign-born - adds to its strength, making it a hub for both industrial and technological variety.

Oxnard stands out as an active participant in this broader landscape:

• STEM-focused education: The Lokahi Veterinary Technology Lab at Ventura College exemplifies Oxnard’s focus on high-tech STEM training; its advanced simulation labs will welcome 200+ students yearly and reinforce the city’s link to in-demand tech sectors.
• Expanding smart agriculture: Local robotics and clean tech startups such as Agromation and Pacifica Tech have gained global traction, exporting smart agricultural solutions and collaborating across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Tech Sector (2025)	SoCal Economic Impact	Oxnard Contributions
Aerospace	$26B annual output	Supply chain, engineering talent
Edtech	$4B+ in VC funding	Veterinary tech education, hybrid learning
AgriTech	$2.3B exports	IoT in agriculture, smart automation

• Community and networking events: Events across the region, like TechCon SoCal 2025, foster community and innovation in AI and robotics, connecting local talent to global markets and investors through networking and startup showcases. (regional innovation profile, leading Los Angeles aerospace companies, TechCon SoCal highlights)

As Elizabeth Harris notes, Oxnard’s embrace of technology continues empowering students and startups - helping build a diverse and resilient innovation ecosystem in Southern California.

Oxnard’s drive to strengthen workforce development and high-tech career pathways is evident in several new educational and industry collaborations in 2025. Area colleges and institutions, including Oxnard College’s Career Education programs, are making it possible for residents to pursue well-paid, in-demand tech careers by offering a blend of academic coursework, hands-on training, and direct industry experience.

Many students benefit from workforce initiatives funded by grants and private partners, such as the Career Education Center’s partnerships in fields like automotive technology, welding, medical assisting, and veterinary science.

Ventura County’s school districts and the Oxnard Union High School District report improved graduation and skill achievement rates, supported by expanded learning services that extend tutoring and enrichment to over 90,000 youth - with special attention on underserved and special populations.

More than 800 Oxnard residents are currently enrolled in STEM and tech certificate programs, with these numbers growing thanks to investments from both industry and the public sector.

Startups and major employers, among them Mercury Systems, Google, and Haas Automation, are now offering paid apprenticeships, internship placements, and mentoring, helping bridge the gap from classroom learning to high-tech employment.

This pipeline growth is reflected in the rise of tech program enrollments and industry partner involvement over the past three years. Key roles forecasted to remain in high demand in Oxnard’s tech job market include AI and data science analysts, green energy specialists, cloud computing support, and biotech lab technicians.

Additionally, scholarship opportunities, mentorship, and community initiatives through the Oxnard College Foundation are making career advancement more accessible to a wide range of learners.

Here are a few key highlights from this week’s tech news in Oxnard:

1. Workforce education partnerships are expanding rapidly, giving residents more pathways to in-demand tech careers.
2. Industry-supported programs are providing hands-on learning, including paid internships and apprenticeships with firms like Mercury Systems and Google.
3. Enrollment growth in STEM and tech certificate programs has helped more than 800 residents, reports Joseph Anderson from Oxnard College.
4. Graduation and skill achievement rates have climbed due to expanded tutoring and enrichment across Ventura County schools.
5. Scholarships and mentorship via the Oxnard College Foundation and partners such as Jessica Johnson are making tech education more accessible.

Below is a summary of Oxnard’s tech workforce initiatives:

Program	Main Benefit	Key Partners
Career Education Center Partnerships	Access to hands-on training and job placements	Oxnard College, local industry
STEM & Tech Certificates	Career advancement for over 800 enrolled residents	Funding by public/private sectors
Scholarship & Mentorship Programs	Inclusive career support services for underserved groups	Oxnard College Foundation, Nancy Harris

“Industry-driven partnerships and educational initiatives are truly transforming opportunities for Oxnard’s next generation,” said Nancy Harris.

For more information on Oxnard’s expanding high-tech workforce opportunities, see the latest updates from the Nucamp Oxnard Tech News, learn about Oxnard College scholarships and support, or explore the Ventura County Office of Education’s CTE and workforce programs.

Looking ahead, Oxnard is strengthening its commitment to an inclusive tech future by advancing education, infrastructure, and workforce development in tangible ways.

The city’s tech sector has witnessed 35% growth since 2021 and now contributes $2.4 billion to California’s economy, with over 200 startups and the addition of major employers like Amazon and Google fueling regional innovation (Oxnard tech industry growth).

Public investments - such as the 2025 federal transportation initiative bringing major infrastructure and connectivity improvements - support access to high-speed internet and lay a solid foundation for equitable digital participation across neighborhoods (transportation and digital infrastructure funding).

The city’s growing partnership with educational institutions like Ventura College and Oxnard Union High School District is making a real impact, as new STEM programs and state-of-the-art facilities prepare students for careers in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

Notably, a sustainable tech focus is evident in city initiatives - Ventura Energy Storage now powers 80,000 homes, and green startup funding surpassed $180 million in 2023 (latest Oxnard tech news 2025).

Elizabeth Taylor, a local technology champion, remarked, "Oxnard’s tech ecosystem isn’t just about growth - it’s about equitable, sustainable progress that benefits everyone in the community.”

Statistic	2025 Value	Main Impact
Tech Sector Growth	35% since 2021	Increased innovation and employment
Green Funding	$180M+	Sustainable technology expansion
High-speed Internet Access	New Federal Initiative	Improved connectivity city-wide

• Inclusive development: Oxnard’s commitment to equitable digital participation is supported by investments in infrastructure and education.
• Education partnerships: New STEM programs and facilities, benefiting future tech professionals, are a result of collaborations with Ventura College and the high school district.
• Sustainable technology: The city's focus on green initiatives is demonstrated in renewable energy and large-scale funding for clean startups.
• Equity in opportunity: Over half of the beneficiaries of tech education are first-generation college students and from underrepresented groups.
• Workforce transformation: New retraining grants and pilot programs are set to prepare hundreds of residents for tech careers in 2025.

Local statistics show that 52% of the beneficiaries of mentorship and tech education are first-generation college students, while 58% are from underrepresented groups, underscoring Oxnard’s focus on equity.

New efforts in 2025 include an AI workforce retraining grant aiming for 300 certifications, and a district-wide pilot coding program reaching 900 high schoolers.

As the tech workforce is projected to grow by over 14% this year, Oxnard’s collaborative approach is creating new pathways for residents - ensuring that both tech sector growth and opportunity are accessible to all.