A NEW CHAPTER FOR HEALTHCARE IN OXNARD By Steve Mangapit, Chief Operating Officer, Western Growers
Recently, we opened the doors to Western Growers’ brand-new Cedar Health Center in Oxnard, Calif. Like our other Cedar Health Centers, this primary care medical clinic is exclusive for members of Western Growers Assurance Trust and Pinnacle. And while there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches (and yes, even snacks), what really made the day special was the energy in the room. You could feel it—hope, pride and a deep sense of purpose all coming together. We’ve listened to our members talk about the challenges of accessing affordable, high-quality care close to home. We knew we needed to do more. Not just for the sake of convenience—but also for the well-being of the folks who power our agricultural community every day. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. And now, here we are. Cedar Health Center was built with our members in mind—every detail, every service, every friendly face you’ll see when you walk in. From zero-dollar copays to a bilingual care team that understands the community it serves, this place isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about dignity. It’s about respect. And it’s about showing up for people in a way that really matters.
During the event, I had the pleasure of standing alongside Dr. Raymond Lopez, our Medical Director at Cedar. He said something that stuck with me: “Healthcare isn’t just about treating the body—it’s about caring for the whole person.” That really sums it up. At Cedar, we’re not rushing people in and out the door. We’re taking time to listen, to understand, and to make sure every patient feels seen and valued. We were also honored to be joined by Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, who presented our team with a Certificate of Recognition, and his words echoed what so many of us were feeling: that this clinic is going to make a real difference in people’s lives. After the ribbon came down, we invited everyone inside for a tour. It was incredible to see our guests meet the healthcare team, explore the beautiful new space and get a firsthand look at what we’ve created together. This isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning. We’re committed to making Cedar Health Center a true resource for our members, their families and the broader Oxnard community. And we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to stop by and see it for yourself. Until then, thank you for being part of this journey. We’re excited for what’s ahead.
Western Growers COO Steve Mangapit leads the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of Cedar Health Center in Oxnard.
11 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com May | June 2025
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