CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Category: Public Safety
Sept. 17 — County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Reminder: Zone Zero wildfire regulations Town Hall next week
Sept. 17 — Bilingual report — City of Ventura to host 2025 State of the City and Open House at City Hall
Through September — EQ25’s announces Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial calendar of events
Oct. 25 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. presenting ‘Disaster Preparedness Workshops’
Nov. 6 — Ventura County Fire Dept. to present ‘2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony’
Nov. 20 — VCFD and City of Moorpark Public Safety Expo
Bilingual report — Dec. 2 — City of Santa Paula Hosts Pavement Management Plan — Cycle II Presentation & Community Workshop
Dec. 12 — Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint
Amigos805 taking a break for the holiday season
Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
Amigos805.com will be taking a holiday vacation, off Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 and returning to work Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Please submit all your news and events by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 for the last newsletter of the year.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
***
President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use
“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”
Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 20
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.
Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
Ventura County Public Works Agency brings on new leadership to Watershed Protection District and Engineering Services
VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Department Directors to its leadership team. Now a few months into their respective roles, Jeff Palmer oversees the Watershed Protection District and Anastasia Seims leads Engineering Services, both bringing a variety of professional experience and expertise that will enable the agency to continue providing preventative and proactive support —as well as emergency response — to help keep Ventura County safe.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…
2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures
(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations
public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.
The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.
“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”
Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s California Strong Distributes $152,000 to Mountain Fire Victims
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — California Strong, founded after the 2018 California wildfires and Borderline Shooting by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, distributed $152,000 in immediate support to those who lost their homes in the recent Mountain Fire. Checks were handed out on December 11 at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.
Fire victims filled out a needs assessment form prepared by the Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VC VOAD). The VC VOAD reviewed the applications and selected funding recipients. Those who couldn’t attend the December 11 distribution, can stop by the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 E Thousand Oaks Blvd.) during business hours and pick up their checks.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District records now online
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a searchable online database that provides the public with information on Ventura County facilities that are permitted, registered or the subject of complaints.
The district’s Public Data Portal offers direct access to records that previously needed to be provided by staff. It is searchable by address, city, company name and type of facility or complaint. The data is updated weekly on Thursdays. Some search results can be downloaded in a spreadsheet.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!
As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.
I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events
Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!
The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!
Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.
First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.
This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.
Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.
Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges safe driving and responsible celebrations this holiday season
VENTURA — As the holiday festivities approach, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members to celebrate responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs that may impair driving ability.
From December 12 to January 1, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ aimed at keeping roads safe from impaired drivers who jeopardize the safety of everyone.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Tsuyoshi Hasegawa writes definitive account of the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II’ and more news, events
The emeritus professor’s new book unpacks how inept leadership by the Russian ruler precipitated the fall of the Romanovs.
AMR Ventura County paramedic and EMT receive recognition for life-saving CPR incident
VENTURA COUNTY — Following a nationally recognized day of giving thanks, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and its affiliate Gold Coast Ambulance (Gold Coast) leadership hosted a private presentation on Nov. 29, to award CPR Save certificates to one of its crews for the life-saving support they provided this past March.
When a female patient in her 50s experienced cardiac arrest on March 30, 2024, AMR paramedic Johnny Villegas and EMT partner Brooke Keeling, along with Gold Coast paramedic intern, Nathanael McCourt — training with AMR — quickly responded on-scene to administer life-saving hands-only CPR aid.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Recovery
As many members of our community are recovering from the Mountain Fire we have an opportunity to help a local farm that makes a big impact on the lives of many community members. You’re invited to help Mulberry Lane Farm with a Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop!
Come and join my office and community members throughout the county in supporting Mulberry Lane Farm and its inspiring mission. This small farm in Somis is home to The Upside of Downs, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with special needs in our community.
Through their Up on the Farm day program, participants engage in hands-on, hearts-in agricultural learning. They gain new skills, practice old-fashioned farming methods, and build meaningful connections with nature and one another—all while accompanied by caregivers, parents or job coaches. This incredible program, offered at no cost, provides a space for special needs adults to thrive and contribute in a way that uplifts our entire community.
Bilingual report — U.S. Small Business Administration to provide assistance to residents affected by the Mountain Fire
“We are pleased that the SBA will be on-site and available to provide guidance and individual support to residents affected by the Mountain Fire,” stated Melissa Livingston, Director of the Human Service Agency and Coordinator for the Local Assistance Center. “The financial assistance that will be offered through the SBA is an essential element of the recovery process for our community and will do much to help support residents as they navigate the financial impacts of recovery and rebuilding.”
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Update – Mountain Fire and Community Resources
This Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of a community that shows such extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience—especially in the face of challenges like the Mountain Fire. For many of our neighbors, this season has been unimaginably difficult. If you’ve been affected, please know I am here to support you every step of the way.
Next week, we’ll be holding a Phase 2 Debris Removal Workshop to help residents navigate the next steps in recovering and rebuilding their properties. It’s part of an on going effort to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to move forward.
If you need assistance, resources like 211 and Food Share are available for you. For those looking to give back, donations and volunteer efforts are a powerful way to make an impact. Donations can be made with the Ventura County Community Foundation for the Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund or you can learn about volunteer needs through the United Way volunteer program.
I continue to be moved by the stories of generosity and resilience that define our community. A neighbor using water from their pool to help protect a home before evacuating. First responders carrying disabled residents to safety. Volunteers standing shoulder to shoulder with families, helping sift through the ashes of what was lost. Past fire victims gathering with those currently impacted, sharing insights, lessons, and hope.
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Being a Crime Victim
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.
SHOPPERS
• Shoppers beware in crowded stores and shops for pickpockets that work in teams. In a common method, one suspect distracts the victim while the other suspect intentionally bumps the victim and removes a wallet from a back pants pocket simultaneously. Keep wallets in a bag snug close to your body or in a front pants pocket to avoid this.
Bilingual report — Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler to retire after decades of service
“Reflecting on my years with the Ventura Police Department, I feel immensely grateful for the privilege to serve this community and work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals—both our sworn officers and professional staff,” shared Chief Schindler. “Ventura has been more than just a place to work; it’s been home. I am thankful for the many relationships I’ve built with our residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunities to work together to make our city a safer, stronger community. It has truly been an honor to serve Ventura.”
Bilingual report — Local Assistance Center to close (on Nov. 23) after serving close to 300 households impacted by the Mountain Fire
VENTURA — After serving for 10 days as a one-stop center for fire recovery information and assistance, the Local Assistance Center that was run to assist residents impacted by the Mountain Fire will close its doors on Saturday, November 23, at 7:00 p.m. Residents still seeking services are encouraged to visit the Center by Saturday or they may obtain services after Saturday by visiting existing local County and City of Camarillo government offices.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Disaster Bridge Loan Fund NOW AVAILABLE!
Ventura County Animal Shelter — Mountain Fire — Animal Rescue & Response
We would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our shelter staff, volunteers, and Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) during the recent Mountain Fire. In the midst of the emergency, 446 animals were brought to us for safety, either by their families or by members of our Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team, 38 of whom worked TIRELESSLY to rescue and transport animals from the fire’s path, often through hazardous conditions!
Our amazing shelter staff who worked 12-hour shifts, caring for animals at both the Camarillo Shelter and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They managed intake, provided safe shelter for animals, and gave comfort to families who had lost so much.
We also want to recognize the 121 VCAS volunteers who collectively worked 416 hours at the Camarillo Shelter, managing donations, cleaning kennels, and comforting animals whose families had been evacuated.
Guest contribution — As America Recognizes Great American Smokeout (on Nov. 21), Take a Step Towards Kicking the Nicotine Habit
Have you thought about kicking the nicotine habit to improve your health and reduce your chances of acquiring lung cancer or heart failure?
If you’re looking for extra motivation, then consider quitting smoking during the Great American Smokeout that takes place this Thursday, Nov. 21. Doing so won’t only improve your health, but it will also reverse years of likely damage done to your heart and lungs.
When it comes to giving up the nicotine habit, naturally, you may say that’s easier said than done, as giving up smoking can seem to be a daunting task. You may also think that it’s too late to quit smoking and reverse years of impact on your health.
Tim Blaylock appointed new executive director of the Humane Society of Ventura County
OJAI — The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) announced today the appointment of Tim Blaylock as its new Executive Director.
With over 30 years of experience in leadership and non-profit management, Blaylock brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization’s mission of improving the lives of animals in Ventura County.
Ventura County Fire Dept. — Sparking Joy: Annual Holiday Toy Drive Returns to Brighten the Holidays
This heartwarming community campaign centers around collecting new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teenagers in Ventura County. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the drive Spark Of Love will prioritize supporting those will work to prioritize families affected impacted by the recent Mountain fire.
Donations of non-perishable food and toys can be made at any participating Spark of Love donation location, ensuring that your generosity directly impacts our local community.
Farm Bureau of Ventura County — UPDATED list of Resources and Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series Linked Below
A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) will be available onsite this week to assist ranchers and growers.
November 19th, Tuesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010
November 20th, Wednesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010
November 21st, Thursday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010
Bilingual commentary — The Spookiness of the Santa Ana Winds
As I type out this article, the Santa Ana Winds are howling. They are blowing leaves, sending them into the air, and piling them up in front of doors like snow during a blizzard. True to their reputation, these winds have spurred a fire nearby, leaving me and my community in a smoky environment, both inside and outside our homes.
Southern California has the unique misfortune of hosting the Santa Ana Winds, which occur unfailingly throughout the year at random intervals. Like stories that are told among families over generations, they carry a mystique that is both unsettling and fascinating.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell update — Mountain Fire Relief
Following the impact of the Mountain Fire, please know that there is a strong network of agencies working tirelessly to support your recovery. Today, we launched a Local Assistance Center, in Camarillo, providing resources for those affected. Whether you need information on housing, financial assistance, or guidance on cleanup and rebuilding, there is help available for you and your family.
As you begin to rebuild, I want you to know that I am here for you. Together, we’ll navigate this path and help our community rise stronger than before.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many residents, businesses, and nonprofits that have stepped up in impactful ways to support recovery. Your kindness and commitment are truly making a difference during these challenging times.