Oxnard, California

Home to 185,000 residents, the seaside community of Oxnard is known for its seven miles of white-sand beaches, views of the Channel Islands, a bustling fisherman's wharf, and an agricultural history that continues to be celebrated by such popular events as the annual strawberry festival. The second half of the 20th century brought change to this coastal gem, beginning with a population boom following World War II. The establishment of military bases at Port Hueneme and Point Mugu along Ventura County's Gold Coast and the rise of electronic, aerospace, and other manufacturing industries contributed to the growth of the city and surrounding areas. With the development of Heritage Square in the 1980s and the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District in the 1990s, the citizens of Oxnard have worked to preserve their unique history.