The life of the first Latina Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was celebrated last Saturday afternoon at Pacifica High School’s stadium in Oxnard. 

The football stands and part of the track at the school were filled with family, friends, and supporters.

Ramirez, 73, was hit and killed by a GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck while walking in a crosswalk on the way to a Heritage Square concert in Oxnard at 6:40 p.m. before sunset on Friday Aug. 12, 2022.

As the first Latina Ventura County Supervisor, Ramirez was proud to lead a life of public service in Ventura County for decades. She served on the Oxnard City Council for ten years prior to being elected Ventura County’s District 5 Supervisor in 2020, was a fierce advocate for Oxnard and worked steadfastly to represent the diverse voices in her beloved City. 

She was known for her stance in fighting for clean air and water and environmental justice as well as women’s reproductive rights. Prior to being elected to the Council in 2010, she worked as a longtime legal aid attorney serving low-income communities in Ventura County. 

“I offer my sincere condolences to her husband, Roy Prince, and her family. We will miss Carmen tremendously. We worked together often, while I was serving as Supervisor and she was Oxnard’s Mayor Pro Tem, and this camaraderie continued when she was elected Supervisor and I served as Mayor. She was passionate about environmental justice and creating a better future for our city. Her kindness, love and deep compassion for the community was felt by everyone. She will be dearly missed,” stated Said Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza.

Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom chose Vianey Lopez, another Latina, to fill her District 5 seat until the next election.

In remembrance of her, organizers played a few of Ramirez’s campaign commercials during the service.

In her own voice people in attendance could hear her say she grew up in a place like La Colonia in Oxnard.

Although her status changed from legal aid attorney in La Colonia to councilwoman in Ventura County, Ramirez’s advocacy of promoting government accountability, economic vitality, and proper health protections to residents never waivered. 

The City of Oxnard and the county of Ventura are forever indebted to Carmen Ramirez for her many years of inspired public service and leadership. The City Council and staff extend their deepest condolences to Supervisor Ramirez’s family, loved ones and the many community members of Oxnard and Ventura County who are grieving this tremendous loss.

Ramirez is survived by her husband, Roy Prince, and two stepsons. Her brother Ricardo Ramirez died from COVID-19 in 2021.

The Ventura County Community Foundation has set up a Carmen Ramirez Legacy Scholarship fund for Public Service.

For more information visit vccf.org/carmen-ramirez-donate.