Category: Public Safety

Free Water Safety Classes At the Yarrow Family YMCA June and July

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — June, July, and August are the peak months for childhood drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Yarrow Family YMCA branch of the Southeast Ventura YMCA is hosting free water-safety classes for ages 5 through 12 with little or no water experience.

YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program offers multiple sessions. The 12-class session runs from June 29 through July 16. Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Two-week sessions of eight classes each are from June 8 through June 17 and from June 22 through July 2, with a number of afternoon class times available.

Ventura County Fire Dept. places Truck 29 into service for the Santa Clara River Valley

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department announced today that Truck 29 has officially been placed into service, enhancing fire protection and technical rescue capabilities for the Santa Clara River Valley and the entire county.

Truck 29 is a new 100-foot tractor-drawn aerial apparatus manufactured by Rosenbauer and equipped with specialized tools and equipment designed to support highly technical rescue operations and structure fire response throughout the region.

Until the completion of the new Fire Station 29 in Santa Paula, Truck 29 will temporarily operate out of Fire Station 27 in Fillmore.

Ventura County Fire Department to hold Academy 63 Graduation on June 18

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the graduation of Academy 63.

Please join us at the date, time, and location below as we welcome our newest firefighters and celebrate their hard work, commitment, and dedication in completing our 20-week firefighter academy.

Bilingual report — Roadway improvements planned for State Route 34 for enhanced traffic safety

SOMIS — AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. in partnership with the County of Ventura will be performing off-Site roadway improvements to the recently completed Somis Ranch Apartments to enhance safety for future residents, as well as the general public. As previously announced on the April 2d press release, the project will include construction of two new bus stops, new right- and left-turn lanes, a new traffic signal at the entrance to the housing development, roadway widening, drainage upgrades, updated signage and striping, and the addition of a bike lane. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and the traveling public along SR-34.

Bilingual report — Thirty cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.

“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.

Bilingual report — Registration underway for Allan Hancock College’s annual Women’s Fire Camp

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invites women ages 15-25 to get a first-hand look at life as a firefighter at Hancock’s annual Women’s Fire Camp. The camp will be held May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.

Women who sign up for this event will work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.

Steaming Ahead: Port of Hueneme secures $11.25M Federal Grant to expand capacity and modernize infrastructure

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme was awarded $11,250,000 in federal funding on April 28 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as part of the competitive Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The investment brings needed wharf and berth upgrades to streamline operations at one of the nation’s leading hubs for fresh produce and automobiles.

“Strategic investments like this ensure the Port of Hueneme remains a reliable, forward-looking gateway for global trade,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. “This funding will allow us to continue delivering economic value for our region while supporting a more resilient national supply chain.”

Bilingual report — Warm May temperatures signal the start of peak ‘Mosquito Season’ following early mosquito activity in 2026

VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — E-Bike Safety Measure Passes

(April 28), the E-bike Safety Measure (Item 46) passed unanimously. Supervisor Jeff Gorell brought this forward in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

This measure builds on the strong work already happening locally and aims to evaluate best practices across California—including education, enforcement, and policy options. A report will be provided to the Board with recommendations to improve safety. 

As e-bike use continues to rise, so do challenges like unsafe riding, collisions, and confusion around the rules. This is about working together—families, schools, law enforcement, and our community—to keep our kids safe.

Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) Division Chief Dan Horton promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is proud to announce the promotion of Division Chief Dan Horton to Assistant Chief of Operations.

Chief Horton’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his 25-year career with VCFD.
He has served in every rank within the department — from Firefighter through Division Chief — demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, service, and operational excellence at each level.

Bilingual report — Update regarding sewage discharge affecting Port Hueneme and Oxnard beaches

OXNARD —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division has collected ocean water samples from the public beaches affected by the sewage release that occurred on April 21, 2026.  The samples collected on April 23, 2026, indicate that the beaches from Port Hueneme Beach Park south to the Point Mugu Naval Base meet State ocean water quality standards and are now open.  All beaches previously closed due to the sewage release have been re-opened, and warning signs have been removed.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report

VENTURA — Ocean water quality results from samples collected this week indicate that ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

Rincon Beach – South of Creek

Surfer’s Knoll Beach

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Chief Advisory Committee application period opens

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Police Chief Advisory Committee. Those interested in applying can do so online. The application is open to residents or business owners in the City of Santa Paula.

The Police Chief Advisory Committee will be comprised of 5-7 members from the community. The committee may take on roles including but not limited to: reviewing policies and practices, community concerns, and recommending public safety strategies. The committee’s purpose is advisory only, and it will not act in an oversight capacity.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — This is what’s at stake on the Central Coast

Across the country, we’re seeing renewed efforts to expand fossil fuels and lock in decades of climate risk.

Here on the Central Coast, we know what that means.

We’ve seen what happens when systems fail — and we’ve spent decades building something better.

To protect that progress, CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

We can’t go back.

Protect our progress ?

Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Urgent: Stop the $460M Jail Expansion – Protect Our Immigrant Community

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).

The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.

The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community

Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.

Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions. 

Two Citizen Life Saving Citations to be presented at VCFD Awards April 23

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Fire Department will honor 43 employees, first responders, and civilians for excellence in support of the department’s public safety mission at our annual awards ceremony on Thursday, April 23 at the Ronald Regan Library in Simi Valley.

Two Ventura County residents will be awarded life-saving citation medals for their critical role helping a member of our community during a life-threatening emergency.

County of Ventura 2025 Medical Examiner’s Office Overdose Report

2,097 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during the 2025 calendar year. Jurisdiction was accepted for 1,078 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 796 cases. Of the cases investigated, 216 deaths were due to overdose with illicit drugs, medications, alcohol or other substances.

Of the 216 overdose deaths, 199 were accidents, 14 were suicides, two deaths were of undetermined manner, and one death was a homicide. Of these overdose deaths, men accounted for 154 deaths (71.3%) and women accounted for 62 deaths (28.7%).

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Introducing the 2026 “Great Navigators” of District 2

You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards on May 7, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Amgen campus in Thousand Oaks.

Join us as we celebrate the “Great Navigators” of our community—these exceptional honorees representing Education, Public Safety, Community Leadership, Prosperity, and Environmentalism. Each awardee reflects the very best of Ventura County—an educator shaping future leaders, a first responder dedicated to keeping our communities safe, a community leader making an impact on the lives of many, an innovator strengthening our local economy, and a community garden collective advancing sustainability, local food access, and environmental stewardship.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. 

In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions. 

There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s Office highlights its Homeowner Protection Measures during Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month – March 2026

“As a safeguard to homeowner’s records, in 2013, the Ventura County Recorder’s office worked with the District Attorney’s office to identify the document types criminals typically use in committing real estate fraud. We began mailing out Fraud Prevention Advisory Notices to property owners immediately after one of those documents was recorded in our office, and we were one of the first counties in the entire state to do so,” said Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters. “We now mail on average over 4,000 notices a year.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves new program to support veterans and first responders

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a new program during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and transition services for veterans and first responders. Ventura County Behavioral Health, in collaboration with The Veteran Mentor Project, will lead the program, with services scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2029. The partnership will support local veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life through the Veterans Mentorship Program.

California Lutheran University taps pandemic response leader as chief strategy and growth officer

“One of the most precious gems of California Lutheran University is our reputation,” John Nunes, president of Cal Lutheran, said. “It’s a gift bequeathed to us by our founders and by those who have stewarded this mission for decades. Dr. Hill’s remarkable, God-given gifts shine at the intersection of highbrow strategizing and everyday operations. This is as rare as it is necessary in this complex academic environment.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 11.8% reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.

The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.

Massive Central Coast Drilling Plan advances with more than 175,000 comments in opposition

CENTRAL COAST — The public comment period has closed on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand oil and gas leasing across Central California, drawing approximately 175,000 comments in opposition from community members, organizations, and local stakeholders.

The proposal would open up roughly 850,000 acres of public lands and federal mineral estate to potential oil drilling and fracking across Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and surrounding counties, including areas near neighborhoods, recreation lands, and critical water resources.

Guest contribution — New bill targets toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on California Crops

AB 1603 sets a timeline to end PFAS pesticides by 2035. Group sights report that show counties at risk include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties

SALINAS — Currently, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” pesticides are used annually on California crops, resulting in PFAS residues on produce consumed across the nation. California Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–44) has introduced AB 1603, legislation to phase out PFAS pesticides. Co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, and the Center for Environmental Health, the bill would establish a progressive timeline to end use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035, while giving growers time for transition to safer alternatives.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Chuck Scherrei Promoted to Deputy Chief

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) today announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to Deputy Fire Chief, a key leadership position responsible for day-to-day service delivery across the department.

Scherrei’s promotion marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, leadership development, and service to the Ventura County community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency and Ventura County Library expand access to literacy programs for youth in custody

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula breaks ground on Santa Paula Creek Bridge Project

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula marked an important milestone on March 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge, a project that will improve access, connectivity, and safety while establishing a connection over the Santa Paula Creek. 

Mayor Carlos Juarez, Vice Mayor Jenny Crosswhite, Councilmember Pedro Chavez, City Manager Dan Singer, and Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears were in attendance to celebrate the start of construction, along with City of Santa Paula department directors, staff members, project partners, and community members.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula — Flock Safety acknowledges inadvertent Accesses by out of state law enforcement agencies

SANTA PAULA — Flock Safety, the provider of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to law enforcement, has announced, through audit logs within their ALPR platform, it has confirmed access by out of state law enforcement for a period of time. As a result, Ventura County Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Paula Police Department, had their ALPR networks inadvertently accessible by out of state law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety has accepted accountability and implemented plans to address the issue.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) — Bennett authors legislation package on home hardening using lessions learned from Mountain, Thomas fires

“For years, we have worked on cultivating an enhanced sense of urgency in how Sacramento discusses wildfire prevention in the built environment,” said Asm. Bennett. “We remain committed to pursuing and supporting proven methods that reduce loss of life and property and give our communities greater chances in surviving fast-moving blazes. I’m proud to author a bill package that focuses on community resilience and is informed by firsthand experience of AD-38 residents following the Mountain and Thomas fires.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Holding ICE accountable

I am infuriated that ICE is using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill Americans. No one should have to live in fear.

I voted NO to granting ICE billions of taxpayer dollars without proper oversight, and now I am demanding that DHS implement common sense guardrails to protect the constitutional rights of all of us.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises. 

View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE

UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events

Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update

Ventura County will see multiple storm systems this week, bringing periods of rain, colder temperatures, and possible travel impacts. The first storm has already moved through, with 0.75–2.5 inches of rain recorded. Light, intermittent showers may continue through Tuesday afternoon. A second, colder system arrives Tuesday evening, bringing about 0.5 inch of rain locally (up to 1.5 inches in foothills and mountains). Snow levels may drop to 3,000 feet, with 1–3 inches of snow possible along the Grapevine, which could impact travel. A final storm is expected Thursday, with 0.5–1 inch of additional rain.

For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website.

ICE OUT OF (U.S. 101) 805 BRIDGE BRIGADE protest in Ventura/Santa Barbara counties to be held Feb. 14

This Valentine’s Day, nine communities are gathering at local overpasses to peacefully declare their support for their immigrant neighbors, for democracy, and for the just America our country has the potential to be.

All events start at 11:00 am. Bring your signs and flags! Meet your neighbors and make new friends.

Here are the nine locations. (This post’s listed address is just for the Ventura site, as Mobilize only allows one location per post.)

Bilingual report – Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination in Ventura County

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. 
In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions. 

CAL FIRE to Review VCFD Operations on wildfire that preceded Mountain Fire

THOUSAND OAKS — Delivering on a commitment by Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, the Ventura County Fire Department has reached an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for an independent review of VCFD’s operations during a wildfire that preceded and eventually led to the Mountain Fire.

“CAL FIRE is the nation’s leading expert on wildfire operations,” Chief Gardner said. “No agency is better prepared to conduct this type of review and provide recommendations to enhance our future work.”

The Balcom Fire was started by a tractor clearing brush in the Balcom Canyon area near Somis. Firefighters contained it at 1.8 acres.

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department seeks community input on first-every Community Wildfire Protection Plan

“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.” 

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Explorers achieve 1st and 2nd place awards in National Tactical Competition

SANTA PAULA — On Jan. 17 and 18, 2026, Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Chandler Tactical Competition” in Chandler, Arizona. There were eight Santa Paula Police Department Explorers who participated and competed with other explorer posts from across the Country. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful, receiving a 1st place award and a 2nd place award. The national competition, hosted by the Chandler Police Department, included 42 explorer posts representing city, county and federal law enforcement agencies from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

After 100 years of industrial use, Crooked Palm now permanently protected for recreation, ecological restoration

“Crooked Palm’s transformation from an abandoned industrial site to protected land is a victory for Ventura and all Californians. Restoring this land protects habitat, strengthens regional climate resilience, and opens healthy access to the outdoors in a community where it’s needed most,” said Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region and California State Director for Trust for Public Land. “For the first time in more than a century, this land will increase connection to the Ventura River and provide the public with the physical and mental health benefits that come with close-to-home access to nature.”

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