Beautification Plan May Get a Boost

South Oxnard could get a boost from new landscaping and strengthened ties among small business owners, city officials said this week.

City Councilman John Zaragoza said he has met with colleagues to discuss a south Oxnard beautification campaign. The program is aimed at lining streets with palm trees and encouraging residents to plant trees in their yards. Such a move would make the area more attractive at a time when officials are planning to extend Pacific Coast Highway through this part of town, Zaragoza said.

Meanwhile, City Councilman Dean Maulhardt said he is working with south Oxnard residents and business operators to “work up a committee like the [Oxnard] Downtowners,” a coalition of store owners trying to draw more shoppers to their business district.

Officials say south Oxnard needs attention, given its relatively high rate of juvenile crime and low income levels. They have launched some major projects there recently, including a $4.5-million grant to curb youth crime.

The latest plans were announced Tuesday night during a City Council meeting at Hathaway Elementary School in south Oxnard.