Category: Public Safety

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

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

“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.”

805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.

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

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“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

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2026 • Comments Off

“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.”

Feb. 25 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Breakfast Club to receive Mountain Fire Update

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2026 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Flood Watch in effect as storm prompts Evacuation Order and pier closure in Ventura. Please see related Central Coast stories

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2025 • Comments Off

• Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination
• Ventura County Emergency Information website update
• Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
• City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm
• Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)
• Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather

VENTURA — A Flood Watch is in effect for the City of Ventura from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, through 10:00 p.m. Thursday, December 25, as an Atmospheric River storm system is expected to bring prolonged and heavy rainfall to the area. Total rainfall amounts of 5 to 6 inches are possible in Ventura.

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, through 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, and a Wind Advisory is in effect from 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, through 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 25.

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

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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.?

Ventura County Emergency Information website update

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Winter Storm Information

Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a significant storm forecast to bring up rainfall totals up to 4.00 inches in coasts and valleys and 8.00 in mountain areas of Ventura County Tuesday evening through Thursday.

Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2025 • Comments Off

EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire

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ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake

City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2025 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service is forecasting a moderate to strong storm that will impact San Luis Obispo County from Tuesday, December 23 through Saturday, December 27. Heavy rainfall is expected with high rainfall rates and high winds.

A Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 4 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 10 PM and a High Wind Watch in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 12 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 3 PM.

Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2025 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm for Santa Barbara County that is expected to occur Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through Thursday, December 25, 2025. Light rain is possible on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and Monday, December 22, 2025. Flooding in low-lying areas, flash flooding, and strong winds are possible.

There are no evacuations in place at this time. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions at your home, leave the area before the rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.

Public safety officials are monitoring the incoming storm and will continue to assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place, are necessary.

SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College would like to take a moment to acknowledge the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced by the Santa Barbara and SBCC communities including students and employees (faculty and staff) regarding recent events with law enforcement/ICE on Cliff campus. We want to ensure that our SBCC campuses remain safe places that prioritize learning, with dignity and respect.

The series of events that occurred last week at SBCC are very concerning. SBCC was not informed in advance of law enforcement activities on our campuses, including the Department of Homeland Security’s visit to Antioch University (who rents facilities at SBCC), ICE staging in the SBCC West Cliff Campus parking lot, or the dignitary training by the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with River Community Church, has activated the Foul Weather Shelter Program on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in response to forecasted rainfall of at least one-half inch.

As part of this activation, 40 motel rooms have been reserved at a local motel for individuals 62 years and older and/or with those with chronic medical conditions. Rooms are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who are not placed in a motel room will receive a stay-warm kit.

Bilingual report — Ventura offers fifth Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with the City of Santa Paula and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is excited to announce its fifth Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class, now offering its second Spanish-language session.

The CERT program is a free, 24-hour training opportunity open to 40 residents from Ventura and Santa Paula. Participants learn how to safely and effectively respond to local emergencies, including reducing fire hazards, providing basic medical care, assisting professional responders, conducting light search and rescue, and more. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, a training manual, and a disaster start-up kit with a helmet, gloves, vest, and safety goggles.

Bilingual report — The County of Ventura Resource Management Agency appoints new Code Compliance Director

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

“Jonathan brings a broad base of experience, strong customer service values, and a collaborative, problem-solving approach to Code Compliance,” said Rob Mullane, Director of the Resource Management Agency. “His passion for public service, thoughtful approach to resolving challenges, and familiarity with Ventura County will be a tremendous asset to our agency and the County as he helps advance key initiatives and strives for service excellence for the community.”

Bilingual report — Ventura Police urge responsible celebrations this holiday season

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As holiday celebrations ramp up, so does the risk on our roads. In December 2023, 1,038 people across the U.S. lost their lives in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura Police Department joins agencies statewide in urging drivers to celebrate responsibly and keep impaired driving out of their holiday plans.

Tthrough New Year’s Day, Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

Allan Hancock College celebrates Nursing and EMT Program graduations in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders and healthcare workers as a combined 137 individuals graduated from the college’s fire, emergency medical technician (EMT), and nursing programs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.

The fire and EMT academy graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc, while the nursing graduation took place at the Marian Theatre on the college’s Santa Maria campus.

A total of 30 cadets graduated from the fire academy on Dec. 11, marking the end of a rigorous 18-week program consisting of 624 hours of classroom and field instruction. Before the ceremony, the cadets gave a live demonstration of the skills they learned at the academy, including running fire hoses, dousing burning cars and extricating “victims” from vehicle wrecks outside the PSTC’s burn tower.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police spread holiday cheer at annual Shop with a Cop

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for Teen Explorer Program

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites local teens to step behind the scenes of real police work as applications open for the Teen Explorer Program. Designed for high school students ages 14–18, the program offers a rare, hands-on look at law enforcement while helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections in their community.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan member information potentially exposed in data breach

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) recently discovered that one of its contracted business partners suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the potential disclosure of member information to an unauthorized third party.

Conduent Business Solutions, a longtime administrative services vendor for GCHP, reported that the cyberattack compromised a single employee’s email account, permitting the attacker to gain access to some files between Oct. 21, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025. Upon discovery of the incident on Jan. 13, 2025, Conduent immediately safeguarded its systems and started an investigation. Conduent notified law enforcement of the incident and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to assess the potential disclosure of protected health information.

26 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

“Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for after more than a year,” Guadalupe Police Chief Michael Cash told the graduating recruits. “You have overcome every obstacle presented to you to get to this moment.”

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Dec. 9

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

Bilingual report — City of Ventura’s Foul Weather Shelter Plan reactivated for 2025

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday safety tips to prevent being a crime victim

by Community Contributor • November 24, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.

Bilingual report — Office of Traffic Safety awards $185,000 grant to the Ventura Police Department for Traffic Enforcement Program to increase safety on roads

by Community Contributor • November 24, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Traffic Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Guest commentary — Communities across California call unscientific regulation of Cancer-Causing 1,3-D racist. Demand phaseout of fumigants and 1-mile buffer zones around schools

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805.

OXNARD — At five news conferences (on Nov. 18), farmworker communities across our State were scheduled to speak of their outrage over the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s recent policy regarding California’s third most used synthetic pesticide, the cancer-causing fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D; brand name Telone). They are also deeply concerned about the increasing use of not just 1,3-D but other harmful drift-prone fumigants near schools and daycares and call for significant changes to the regulation of fumigants, especially near schoolchildren in California.

These news conferences, all sponsored by Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR), will be held in Watsonville, Fresno, Modesto, and Oxnard, as well as a statewide event online.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura searches for next Fire Chief to lead an all-hazards department

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has opened recruitment for its next Fire Chief, seeking a progressive and collaborative leader to guide one of California’s oldest fire departments.

Ventura’s Fire Department responds to more than 18,000 calls each year from six stations serving a diverse coastal community of over 110,000 residents. Rooted in a legacy dating back to 1875, the department has evolved into a modern, all-hazards agency known for its commitment to preparedness, prevention, and professional service.

Ventura County Fire Dept. awarded grant to enhance child passenger safety

by Community Contributor • November 19, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has received a $95,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to expand its child passenger safety initiatives. The grant runs through September 2026 and funding supports programs that reduce injuries and fatalities among children in motor vehicle crashes by promoting proper car seat use throughout Ventura County.

The grant will allow VCFD to continue its collaboration with Safe Kids Ventura County, led by Ventura County Public Health, to educate parents and caregivers, distribute child safety seats to families in need, and train new Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs).

First Amendment Coalition represents Buen Vecino in lawsuit for public records about high-profile immigration raids in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SAN RAFAEL — On behalf of nonprofit community organization Buen Vecino (in Simi Valley), the First Amendment Coalition, with attorneys Gregory Pleasants and Shaffy Moeel, filed a Public Records Act lawsuit against Ventura County and its sheriff to compel disclosure of video footage showing what deputy sheriffs did at a controversial immigration enforcement operation.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Neighbors,

The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of storms heading toward Ventura County beginning late Thursday and continuing through Sunday. With significant rainfall expected, I want to ensure you have the latest information to stay prepared and safe. Read a full update about the weather event at VCEmergency.com.

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas 6:00 pm Thursday, November 13 ? 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025:

Mountain Fire Burn Area – Upgraded from Advisory to Evacuation Warning
Matilija Canyon / North Fork, Camino Cielo

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Second wave of storm arrives late Friday (Nov. 14). Heavier rain anticipated for south Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Mountains

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Storm Update
A series of storms is moving through Santa Barbara County. The first storm has passed, and a second storm is expected late Friday, November 14, into Saturday, November 15.

During the first storm, the South County received about 2–4 inches of rain, with some areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains getting over 5 inches overnight. North County saw about 1–2 inches. The storm caused localized flooding, downed trees, and rocks and debris on roads.

The second storm is expected to bring 2–3 inches of rain to South County and 3–6 inches to the Santa Ynez Mountains. North County will likely receive less rain than other parts of the county. According to the National Weather Service, this storm will produce heavier bursts of rain over short periods, unlike the steady rain from the first storm. A Flood Watch will be in effect for most of Santa Barbara County from 1AM – 10PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

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