River Ridge Golf Club

Oxnard, California
Part 3

by Ed Stone

California’s major industry became agriculture as the population of immigrants coming from the east coast and Europe grew. In the late 1800’s, ranchers Albert Maulhardt and Johannes Borchard believed sugar beets would be a profitable crop for the area. They created a business arrangement with Henry Oxnard who constructed a factory to process the harvests. With a pledge of 18,000 acres of sugar beets from local farmers a factory was built in the heart of the rich fields. The Southern Pacific Railroad constructed a spur right to the factory site so the processed beets could be shipped to market. The town that grew up around this facility became known as Oxnard.

Since then, agriculture has been big business in this fertile valley where most crops are harvested at least twice a year. Popular weekly activities are the farmer’s markets held in the downtown Plaza Square and at the Channel Islands Harbor. Originally, sugar beets were the primary cash crop, but today the strawberries reign and hence the area is called, “the Strawberry Coast.”

The quick access to water and easy availability of harbors attracts boaters and other water sports adventurers. The Channel Islands Water Taxi service offers a Progressive Dining Program, an excellent way of sampling the best eateries in the Harbor. Five restaurants offer outstanding seafood, steaks, pasta, and vegetarian meals. Select in advance the items you want at each location, and upon arrival, your meal is prepared and waiting.

Museums of all kinds populate this seaside community. The influence of water is seen in several museums that feature nautical themes. The Ventura County Maritime Museum located in the Channel Islands Harbor complex is well worth a visit. John Kelly, selected as one of the top 100 artists in America by American Artist Magazine currently has an outstanding twelve-piece suite on display called an “American Sea Odyssey.”

The Seabee Museum allows you to view World War II, Korean and Vietnam War exhibits with memorabilia including uniforms and weapons. Port Hueneme Museum displays how working docks have changed over the years. Many nice exhibits featuring antique bottles, rare shells and pioneer items are found here.

Just southeast of Oxnard, visitors can study the life and history of our 40th president, Ronald Regan at the Ronald Regan Library and Museum. This museum is in Simi Valley and is a must see for its historical significance.

For art lovers, the beautiful and classical Greek architecture of the Carnegie Art Museum sets it apart from most galleries of this market size. This museum is almost 100 years old and displays some of the best in regional and national art exhibits.

Click on selected photos for expanded view.

CONTACTS:

Images copryrighted CGA