OXNARD

city, Ventura county, California, U.S., near the Pacific coast, between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Founded in 1898, it developed around a sugar-beet factory financed by Henry Oxnard. The surrounding alluvial plain was the basis for agricultural industries. With the development of harbour facilities at adjacent Port Hueneme and nearby military installations, the city grew rapidly and acquired diversified manufactures. Oxnard College opened in 1975. Inc. 1903. Pop. (1992 est.) city, 144,805; (1990) Oxnard-Ventura PMSA, 669,016.