The Oxnard City Council chamber transformed into a legal battleground on April 7th, 2026, as Manuel Herrera, founder of Citizens for a Better Oxnard, formally served a notice of intent to recall Councilmember Aaron Starr.
Speaking on behalf of a grassroots coalition from District 3, Herrera, a lifelong resident of District 2—delivered a blistering address that accused Starr of betraying the public trust and fostering a "culture of intimidation" in city government.
Herrera claimed that the coalition had obtained four times the number of signatures Starr originally needed to qualify for office, allegedly signaling a widespread rejection of his leadership just 15 months into his current term.
The recall proponents allege that Starr has consistently voted against the interests of his constituents, specifically targeting his record on disadvantaged communities, renters, city employees, and immigrants.
Herrera further alleged that Starr has used his platform to spread misinformation and prioritize a personal "ideology" over the clear public input of District 3 residents.
A central and chilling theme of the testimony was the claim that many District 3 residents were too terrified to speak for themselves, allegedly fearing retaliation in the form of lawsuits, character attacks, and misleading media campaigns.
Aaron Starr, a prominent local figure known for his "Moving Oxnard Forward" initiatives and high-profile legal challenges against city tax measures, was not present during the initial portion of the comments but was reportedly the target of a physical process server at the meeting.
Starr has long maintained that his actions are aimed at ensuring government efficiency and protecting taxpayers from what he describes as "administrative overreach."
Recall proponents, however, allege that his approach has instead caused confusion and distrust, claiming he is more dedicated to his own agenda than the well-being of the broader city.
To proceed with a recall, California law requires proponents to gather a specific percentage of signatures from registered voters within the district; Herrera’s claim of having four times the necessary amount suggests a significant organizational effort behind the move.
The "Citizens for a Better Oxnard" coalition noted that they would not be intimidated by Starr's significant campaign funds or personal loans, citing the community's history of opposing major projects like additional power plants.
As the notice of intent has now been served, the city clerk will begin the formal process of verifying the documents, marking the start of what is likely to be a high-stakes and expensive political battle for the future of District 3.