Category: Public Safety

Oct. 22 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department to host second e-bike safety workshop

“E-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement have become significant concerns in Ventura, and we are committed to addressing these issues head-on through education and enforcement,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “This workshop is an opportunity for residents to learn about safe and legal e-bike use and to engage directly with our officers. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and foster a culture of responsible e-bike use in our community.”

Oct. 30 — Bilingual report — Kick off fall with community conversations at ‘Coffee with a Cop’

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department and Lovewell Tea & Coffee invite the community to a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Lovewell Tea & Coffee, located at 2271 N. Ventura Avenue in west Ventura.

“Events like these remind us of the importance of connecting with our community on a regular basis and personal level,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “We value every opportunity to listen, engage, and build stronger relationships with those we serve.”

Dec. 17 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to discuss Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act Community Forum on immigration

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.

The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.

Bilingual commentary — It’s Been Quite a Year

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. By David Magallanes •…

Twenty-six recruits graduate from Hancock’s Law Enforcement Academy

SANTA MARIA — Twenty-six recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 6 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.? 

The graduating recruits of Class #23-126 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 856 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. Nearly all of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast law enforcement agencies.? 

“You have strapped into the seat of one of the greatest rollercoaster rides of your life,” Grover Beach Police Chief John Peters told the graduates. “This profession will have you experiencing more things than you ever imagined.” 

Ventura County Fire Awarded Grant to Enhance Child Passenger Safety

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) received an $86,880 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agency announced (Nov. 15).

This funding will support VCFD’s mission to raise awareness and educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children. The grant will facilitate a range of vital initiatives aimed at enhancing child passenger safety within Ventura County.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s investment in our community underscores the shared commitment to protecting our youngest residents while traveling on our roadways.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community,” stated Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “This grant will help us strengthen our initiatives in child passenger safety and raise awareness about the importance of properly securing children in vehicles.”

Guest contribution — Farmworker communities call new regulation of cancer-causing pesticide racist

The Department of Pesticide Regulation allows for 14 times more 1,3-dichloropropene in the air than the official State cancer risk level

OXNARD — (On Nov. 8) dozens of concerned Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley residents gathered at the La placita de Oxnard to protest a new regulation of a cancer-causing pesticide that is the fourth most used in the Ventura County, 1,3-dichloropropene. The speakers at the rally included Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, Kari Aist, Maria Navarro, Maria Trejo, Carmelo Castañeda, Rocio Madrigal, Eulalia Mendoza, Bill Allayaud, and Ron Whitehurst. All made their feelings clear: this new regulation does not protect farmworker communities and is racist. Video of the event can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/100077352068463/videos/1275332433143901.

Bilingual report — Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

CAMARILLO — The fire agencies of Ventura County will come together to pay tribute to the firefighters who have lost their lives in service to community members. The annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial remembrance will be hosted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ventura County Government Center, located at 800 S. Victoria Avenue.

This year, the name of Ventura City Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Clapsaddle will be added to the roll call of the fallen.

Clapsaddle, 59, passed away on August 20, 2022. He served the Ventura City Fire Department for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and son, Tanner.

“As Matt’s name is etched in stone, our hearts continue to ache at losing our teammate and friend. Matt was an energetic mentor, infusing our fire family with his boundless joy and unwavering excitement for life,” shared Fire Chief David Endaya. “Matt’s sacrifice and dedication serve as a lasting testament to the valor of our firefighting community.”

Lumina Alliance Launches Gun Safety Campaign

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Intimate partner violence can happen without the presence of a firearm- but an abuser having access to a gun can make dangerous situations turn deadly. Nearly two-thirds of intimate partner homicides in the United States are committed with a firearm, and when abusers have access to firearms, women are 5x more likely to die. This violence is also not isolated to one relationship or household- almost 60% of mass shootings are domestic-violence related. Domestic violence restraining orders – an order issued by the court when they find that someone poses a potential threat of violence to a former or current intimate partner – are a necessary tool in protecting our communities from gun violence.

One805 Donated Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 Devices and SmartWool Socks to Santa Barbara County Firefighters Today

SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, November 6, 2023, One805 presented donations to Chris Mailes, President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Santa Barbara County. The event took place at 6300 Hollister Avenue at 12 p.m. 

Thirty-seven Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, which help firefighters navigate through low visibility conditions by helping them see hazards invisible to the naked eye, were donated to Santa Barbara County Firefighters. One805 ran a “fundraiser within a fundraiser” at its One805Live! Fall Music Festival in September, earning enough to purchase fourteen Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, with a promise from Seek Thermal to match, who exceeded its match promise with an additional nine extra devices to cover each fire station in the county. 

Bilingual commentary — National Greasy Foods Day: A Warning or a Celebration?

Last week I noticed that October 25 was National Greasy Foods Day. Initially, I didn’t know if this was a joke or a celebration.

As it turns out, this day is deemed worthy of a “limited celebration.” This culinary observance is meant to celebrate greasy foods, which we all love, but only as a “special treat” of which we should partake only occasionally. 

There are many good reasons to emphasize the “occasional” nature of this kind of food that, unfortunately, many of us tend to crave.

One805 Live! Fall Music Festival Raises $800,000 in Support of Santa Barbara County First Responders

SANTA BARBARA — On September 22, 2023 One805 held its Fall One805LIVE! Festival with headliner Maroon 5, in which more than $800,000 were raised to support Santa Barbara County first responders.

One805’s flagship event took place on Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate in Summerland (venue donated by Costner), where approximately 3,000 guests attended, as well as over 100 volunteers, vendors, and production crew who worked diligently to make sure the event ran smoothly. 

“It took us about seven months planning to put the event together, with a lot of help from many generous people and artists who came together for the cause,” said Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith, Co-Founder/Chairman & CEO. “ Having a band, like Maroon 5, take time out of the world tour to play for us, at no cost, is a testament to the incredible support we have had locally.”

Bilingual report — Golden Oaks Neighborhood in Ojai Earns Firewise Recognition

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Golden Oaks neighborhood in Ojai, which became the sixth community in Ventura County to earn recognition from the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program.

Firewise recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk by following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“Ventura County has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years,” Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi said. “When neighborhoods come together to create defensible spaces and make it harder for embers to light buildings on fire, it significantly reduces the risk for the entire community.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Preparing for Wildfires

Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness I hear frequently about the acute level of crisis homeowners are facing when it comes to wildfire insurance — rates are going up dramatically, and in many cases, homeowners don’t have options because insurance companies aren’t…

Ventura County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team Superheroes to Visit Hospitalized Children on Halloween

CAMARILLO —  Superheroes will descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Halloween to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team will don costumes and rappel from the hospital’s roof, stopping along the way to wave to pediatric patients and their parents. Afterwards, the superheroes will go inside the hospital to visit patients, parents and staff, while handing out coloring books, play packs and small gifts for the children.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Seeding climate solutions for California’s amphibian communities and iconic beaches’ and more news, events

Biologist Cherie Briggs and geographer Ian Walker receive University of California Climate Action Grants to advance their respective efforts in restoration and conservation.

Bilingual report — Tree Top Lane HOA becomes Fifth Firewise USA Community in Ventura County

CAMARILLO — Tree Top Lane Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks earned recognition as a Firewise USA community, the National Fire Protection Association announced.

The program recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“After seeing the fire that consumed Lahaina, our community finally realized that no one is immune, especially here in SoCal, so we decided to become a Firewise community,” Alfonso Canella, a board member for the High Point at Tree Top Lane HOA, said.

Tree Top Lane becomes the fifth community in Ventura County with the Firewise USA designation.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Wildfire Insurance Town Hall Wednesday Oct. 18

Join me this Wednesday for a Wildfire Insurance Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This is a great opportunity to learn more about recent developments regarding Wildfire Insurance and the State’s insurance strategy.

Wednesday, October 18th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cold Spring Elementary School
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest; wellness centers; fentanyl awareness; and more

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.

In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.

While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.

Oxnard College’s Camarillo-Based Fire Academy Opens New Facility

OXNARD — The Oxnard College Fire Academy unveiled its latest multi-use facility on Wednesday; the structure, an apparatus bay, is dedicated to the Academy’s founder, Ed French.Construction began on the $6.4 million state-of-the-art facility in 2019. It provides a learning space for students and cadets to gain hands-on experience with tools and fire science apparatus, helping develop and hone their firefighting skills. The facility also houses the program’s equipment and fleet of firefighting vehicles. 

“We are excited to expand our facilities at Oxnard College’s esteemed Fire Academy based in Camarillo,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “Our new apparatus bay provides much-needed space for Ventura County’s next generation of firefighting recruits to develop their skills and house the program’s expansive inventory of cutting-edge equipment.” 

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Red Flag Warning Issued through Sept. 28

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch encompassing the Santa Barbara County mountains (including the Santa Ynez Range) and the South Coast.

Red Flag Warning Duration: 5 pm Tuesday, Sept. 26th through 9 am Wednesday, Sept. 27th, 2023. Relative Humidity (RH) may not reach criteria; however, predicted winds are strong enough to warrant Red Flag issuance. Coastal temperatures are forecasted to be between 75-85°F.

Red Flag Watch Duration: 9 am Wednesday, Sept. 27th through 5 am Thursday, Sept. 28th. Fire Weather Watch means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds may combine to produce a significantly increased risk of fire danger.

A Red Flag Warning signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Winds are predicted to come from the North NW-N with gusts of 30-50 MPH. Isolated gusts up to 60 MPH are possible in the Gaviota and Montecito areas. The strongest winds are expected during the evening and overnight hours through and below passes along the Santa Ynez range. If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire spread, which could threaten life and property.

Anchored in Preparedness: Port of Hueneme Hosts Multi-Agency Emergency Trainings

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme is working with local fire departments on various training exercises to better prepare for a variety of emergency situations.

This week, crews from Ventura County, Oxnard and the Naval Base fire departments boarded the Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) car carrier vessel Oberon. This exercise is part of the ongoing effort to enhance awareness of Port and maritime operations to the local fire departments. The Oberon training focused on how to respond to emergencies involving electric and lithium powered vehicles and infrastructure. More than 370,000 cars come in through the Port of Hueneme on approximately 300 car carrier vessels annually, which accounts for a major part of the Port’s core business as the top 6 auto port in the US.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Fee-Waived Pet Adoptions through Sunday (109% Over Capacity!)

Dear Friends,

Our shelters are, once again, OVERCAPACITY with cats, kittens, and dogs. To help alleviate the overcrowding we are holding a FEE-WAIVED pet adoption promotion through Sunday, September 24, 2023. This is an urgent call for help from adopters, fosters, and rescue partners. Overcrowding is an ongoing issue despite the success of our recent adoption event, Clear The Shelters, where 115 animals were adopted out.

Pets available for adoption, foster, or waiting to be reclaimed can be found at www.vcas.us/pets, and our adoption process is outlined at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Thank you,
Ventura County Animal Services

*Please note: Promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. This promotion applies to all animals EXCEPT dogs under one (1) year of age.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Beginning Term as Central Coast Community Energy Chair

I am honored to have been elected the Chair of the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Policy Board of Directors. For those who don’t know, 3CE formed beginning in 2021 as our new, locally-owned electricity provider. Our reach spans 30 cities and 5 counties, from Carpinteria to the Santa Cruz Mountains. With no investors or shareholders, the revenue generated by 3CE stays local, helps keep rates lower than SCE and PG&E, and provides millions for rebates and incentives that lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, during last week’s 3CE Policy Board of Directors meeting, we adopted the FY 2022-23 Operating Budget that includes approximately $16M for Energy Programs. During my time as Chair, I am looking forward to increasing the awareness of the important work 3CE is doing.

UCSB — The Current — ‘When the brain leaves the body, does identity move with it? Depends on who you ask,’ and more news, events

For answers, John Protzko and his team looked to philosophers, professionals and laypersons. Their conclusions could help answer moral and legal questions if scenarios in today’s science fiction ever become reality.

One805 Assistance for Local First Responders Gets Boost with Direct Relief and Yardi Systems Donations

SANTA BARBARA — One805 is honored and delighted to receive two separate donations from Santa Barbara-based organizations that will help support their ongoing support for mental health for local first responders.

Created in the aftermath of the devastating Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslides, One805 has been laser focused on ensuring mental health and other support for those who sacrifice so much to protect all of us, particularly before, during and after local natural disasters. Both Direct Relief and Yardi share this concern. 

Santa Paula Police Explorers Excel in Regional Tactical Competition

SANTA PAULA — Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Channel Islands Challenge” regional competition in Oxnard August 11-13, 2023. Seven Santa Paula Police Explorers participated and competed with other explorer posts in a three-day competition. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful with a first place, second place, and four (4) third place awards.

The competition, hosted by the Oxnard Police Explorers, included explorer posts from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Oxnard Police Department, Riverside Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department, and California Highway Patrol.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hurricane Hilary Impacts Possible Across Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are forecasting the potential for Hurricane Hilary to impact central and southern California counties, including any area within Santa Barbara County. Moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, coastal storm surge and erosion, and hazardous sea conditions are possible. These conditions may start locally as early as Sunday afternoon (August 20).

The National Weather Service has also issued a FLOOD WATCH for the foothills above Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria and the Eastern Santa Ynez mountain range due to the potential for heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary. The FLOOD WATCH is in effect from Sunday (August 20) at 4pm through Monday (August 21) at 11pm.

Here are some resources you can use to get the latest information:

Port of Hueneme hosts Countywide effort to prepare for potential Tsunami weather events

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme’s operations team joined by security partners, NAVSEA, Amergent Tech, Oxnard Emergency Services, VCFD, ILWU Local 46, City of Port Hueneme, Ventura County OES, California OES, ocean shipping customers, and port operators, led a full day of training at the Port today to highlight the importance of successful and timely incident management during a possible tsunami wave to the US West Coast. This year’s exercise program, an integral part of “August Wave”, was born out of a grassroots effort amongst regional partners throughout the County following the Tonga volcano-spurred tsunami of January 2022. “August Wave” consists of several training events in August and finalizes on August 30. Yesterday the port ran its exercise as part of the series that was coined “August Wave” based on the shared tsunami exercise scenarios all taking place in August.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. – Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches (this week), the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, and students to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop- off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

California Ramps Up Wildfire Prevention Work with projects in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties

SACRAMENTO – California continues to prepare communities against the devastating impacts of wildfires, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing new investments today that will ramp up defenses around homes, reduce overgrown vegetation, improve evacuation routes for rural communities and more.
The $113 million in new funding, made possible by the $52 billion California Climate Commitment budget, will support 96 wildfire prevention projects across the state – with more than 8 in 10 grants directed towards vulnerable or underserved communities.

(Grants awarded to Wildland Resisidents Association (WRA), Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department (applicant); California State Parks-San Luis Obispo Coast District, City of Pismo Beach, City of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council; Central Ventura County Fire Safe Council, Inc. and Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. See full grant description HERE.)

Bilingual report — Oxnard Receives $16.5 Million in State Funding for Building Rice Ave. Overpass, Santa Clara Levee Construction and Channel Islands Harbor Water Quality

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will receive $16.5 million in funding for critical infrastructure initiatives as part of the 2023-24 California State budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“With the support of Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and Senator Monique Limón, Oxnard has secured significant funding to build and repair essential infrastructure that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. 

Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

VENTURA — Through unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors (on July 11) appointed Gina Johnson to the position of Chief Probation Officer, effective July 11, 2023. Chief Johnson has served the Probation Agency since 1991. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Chief Deputy Probation Officer and, most recently, the Interim Chief Probation Officer.

“Chief Johnson has been with the department for 33 years and seen every nook and cranny of the organization,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Matt LaVere. “The Probation Agency is a complex organization and I have all the confidence in the world that she will succeed in this role.”

Ventura County Fire Department Adds Rescue Ambulances

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department placed four rescue ambulances into service today in Camarillo, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley to improve service for people experiencing medical emergencies.

The ambulances are assigned to Station 50 in Camarillo, Station 26 in Santa Paula, Station 30 in Thousand Oaks and Station 41 in Simi Valley. They are staffed by the firefighter paramedics who had been assigned to squads at those stations. The new rescue ambulances allow those paramedics to continue their existing work and provide vital transportation service to patients when emergency activity creates potential delays in transport to a hospital.

“After initial assessment and medical assistance, it is important to get patients who need higher levels of care to the hospital quickly,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tenant Protection Ordinance coming to Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and more news, events

County to Consider Tenant Protection Ordinance On Tuesday, June 27th the Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance to further strengthen the County’s tenant protection ordinance.   This proposal will make important changes to extend access to tenant protections to…

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Report Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities

VENTURA COUNTY — In the period 2016 to 2022, there were 25 deaths of persons detained in jails operated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.  Causes of deaths included suicide, drug overdose and medical complications. The 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation concerning current policies and practices to prevent deaths and promote safety of persons detained in the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and Todd Road Jail. 

Bilingual report — Disaster Recovery Center opening June 22 in Oceano

SAN LUIS OBISPO — On Thursday, June 22 a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Oceano to provide resources to residents who were affected by the February and March storms. The DRC is a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and County of San Luis Obispo.

The DRC will be open Thursday, June 22 through Monday, June 26 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Oceano CSD Board Room, 1655 Front Street in Oceano.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Live fire training burn schedule

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), in cooperation with the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA), the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) will be conducting prescribed burns on two adjacent properties, June 22 and June 23, at OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve and Nye Ranch, respectively. Both properties are located off Santa Ana Road in Casitas Springs and the burns will occur on approximately 40 acres of grassland currently inundated with non-native and noxious weed species.

2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury — Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County

In the 2017 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters’ ability to protect structures. Ventura County frequently experiences conditions of low humidity, high winds and dry brush, conducive to dangerous wildland fires. Ventura County has ninety-six percent of its rural and unincorporated lands classified as very high fire zones.

The 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation of current protocols and procedures utilized by 15 Ventura County public water purveyors to supply adequate water for wildland fire suppression.

The Grand Jury finds that having written procedures for actions taken by public water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and/or Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to wildfires is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County.

The Grand Jury finds that most public water purveyors do not have adequate backup power in the event of disruptions due to fire damage or loss of utility power.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Speak Up to Stop Gun Violence

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.

Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.

Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.

Lumina Alliance collaborates with San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation, furthering its commitment to bring quality legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking

As of February 1st, 2023, San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) and Lumina Alliance have collaborated to bring high quality, free legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in San Luis Obispo County. Legal assistance for survivors, previously provided by Lumina Alliance, will now be provided solely by SLOLAF. This collaboration allows for continued extensive, wrap-around care for those impacted by power-based violence. Survivors wanting to access SLOLAF’s family law services can contact them directly at (805) 781-6418 or email them at familylawintake@slolaf.org

Summer Swim Sessions Start Soon At The Simi and Yarrow YMCAs

The Simi Valley YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA have opened registrations for their first summer session of swim programs. This session’s swim lessons are from June 19 through July 29 (no lessons from July 3 to July 8).

Group and private lessons are available for members and non-members in the community. Classes are offered in the afternoon and early evening during the week and on Saturdays for children as young as 3 years old. Children are grouped by age and taught the same skills. Lessons are once per week and class sizes are at a 1 to 5 instructor-student ratio.

Bilingual report — Punta Gorda parking lot reopens after project to cut down on illegal street racing

The County of Ventura and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.

Recognizing the need to address the escalating concerns regarding illegal street racing and related activities, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere initiated a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.

New Ventura County, Ventura City Firefighters Graduate 60th Academy

CAMARILLO – Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy graduated (May 26), joining the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.

“Our standard is excellence, delivered with pride,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “These new firefighters have shown throughout their training that they are ready to deliver that level of service to our community. Now, the work to live up to that promise and their new badges begins.”

The Ventura County Fire Department added 31 of those firefighters to its ranks. The new firefighters will allow the department to add a paramedic squad in Simi Valley and replace firefighters who have retired or left the department. The two other firefighters will join the Ventura City Fire Department.

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Service to Simi Valley — Advanced Life Support Squad Added at Station 41

The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Simi Valley today. Squad 41 will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service.

Squad 41 will be stationed at Fire Station 41 on Church Street near E. Los Angeles Avenue in Central Simi Valley.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tangible Progress Addressing Homelessness, Montecito Flood Control Master Plan

Tuesday, May 23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Montecito Union School
385 San Ysidro Road
The County is investigating mitigation options for flooding in Montecito. A flood mitigation master plan will be created to guide the planning, design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions share feedback with County Flood Control.

Project updates and information can be found on the County website at: www.countyofsb.org/mfcmp.

Individuals with general questions about the master plan efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (805) 568-3440 during business hours or email FCContact@countyofsb.org.

Ventura County, Ventura City Firefighters to Graduate 60th Academy

Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy will graduate May 26 and join the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.

Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the ceremonies and demonstrations.

· WHO: Firefighter trainees, executive staff, elected officials
· WHAT: Academy 60 Graduation
· WHERE: VCFD’s Regional Training Center, 104 Durley Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010
· WHEN: May 26, starting at 1 p.m.
· WHY: To celebrate their accomplishments and assign them to their first fire stations

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Department Peace Officers Memorial on Sunday May 14, 2023

The Santa Paula Police Department will be honoring all fallen peace officers at the city’s police memorial monument on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The event commemorates National Police Week, May 14 through May 20. The public is invited to attend.

The event will include representation of the Santa Paula Police Department Honor Guard and the Santa Paula Police Law Enforcement Explorers. The ceremony will include a posting of the colors, the reading of the names of peace officers in the history of Santa Paula who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the release of doves. The memory of those fallen officers are being remembered during the Santa Police Department’s 100-year anniversary, 1923-2023.

Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative Receives $455,000 from CA Coastal Conservancy For Habitat Restoration Projects

Recently, the CA Coastal Conservancy awarded $455,000 to the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative (WRC) to develop and execute three wildfire resilience and habitat restoration projects: a creeks and open spaces initiative for Goleta, a collaborative project in partnership with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County in the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, and the refinement of essential tools for resilience planning. These three priorities were identified through the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Regional Priority Plan (RPP).