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Christmas Eve wildfire on North West slope of Arroyo Verde Park

Just before 7pm on Christmas night, a wind driven wildfire started on the North West slope of Arroyo Verde Park near the middle of the recreational area. The fire was on a hill, approximately 100ft X 100ft in size and was in deep chaparral and trees spreading at a moderate speed. The Ventura Fire Department was currently on or responding to multiple emergencies in the city prior to the fire and one engine was available in the city to respond. A Ventura City engine, en route to another emergency, diverted to Arroyo Verde Park and arrived within two minutes of the initial alarm, established a water supply, and initiated a direct attack. Fire crews from the Ventura County Fire Department responded into the city from Camarillo, Rincon, and Oxnard to provide automatic aid. Crews worked in two divisions, surrounded the fire, used power tools to cut trees and place a control line around the fire. A fire hydrant, in close proximity, provided ample water—which significantly aided efforts to stop and control the blaze.

Ventura Police secured the park and provided traffic control, providing clear entry for fire equipment. The fire was knocked down within 35 minutes and fully extinguished in 90 minutes. The fire was contained to less than a quarter acre in. The fire was started by human activity, no evidence at the scene indicated whether the fire was set intentionally. The incident is currently under review by a Ventura Fire arson investigator. If anyone has any information in regard to suspicious activity in Arroyo Verde Park, please contact the Ventura Police Department.

Bail for “suspected” killer Brandon Ellis set at $5 million

Brandon Ellis captured in Rosarito, Mexico. police shooting

Brandon Ellis captured in Rosarito, Mexico.

The bail for “suspected” killer Brandon Ellis has been set at $5 million. Ellis has been charged with murder and the attempted murder of Alexa Payne (20) who had had a previous relationship with him. She is expected to survive the shooting. He is also charged with being a felon in possession of  a firearm which is rather insignificant at this point.

Holiday Toy Drive for local Ventura County children

Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer to these children in need, there are programs that help coordinate through Children and Family Services – Foster VC Kids and Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), involving hundreds of donors and volunteers for the Holiday Toy Drive.

A team of businesses throughout the community have joined together to invite and encourage the public to donate unwrapped toys and other gifts to these underprivileged kids through CSA. Toy donation locations included Ventura County Fire Stations, Ventura County Government Center, The Oaks and Pacific View malls.

During the week of Christmas, toys will be distributed through the Holiday Toy Store where foster caregivers and low-income parents can shop for free. Donations and gift options range for ages 0-teens, and include baby dolls, matching games, books, bicycles, clothes, board games, sporting equipment, movie passes, music gift cards, arts and crafts and more. Any and all contributions will greatly benefit local VC children. Putting a smile on a child’s face this Christmas is a present all in itself, if you are searching to donate something that little bit special, maybe a trike? They are ideal for christmas and they can help a child to learn to ride and have some fun, not only this time of year but all year round, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Every year we do our best to increase gift donations to these kids in need,” explains President of the Children Services Auxiliary Board, Teresa Brumit. “With the support of the VC Fire Departments, local malls, volunteers and everyone who donates, we’re able to collect and distribute a ton of wonderful gifts. Every child deserves that special holiday miracle, and we’re fortunate we have the opportunity to make their holiday wish come true.”

About Ventura County Human Services Agency, Foster VC Kids
Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.

About Children Services Auxiliary
The Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is a volunteer run organization whose mission is to meet the needs of Ventura County’s court-dependent children. These children have been displaced from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Auxiliary also serves youth who have recently transitioned from the foster care system. The CSA Board of Directors work closely with Ventura County Children and Family Services to identify the needs of the court-dependent children and transitioning youth.

DUI Checkpoint Nets 1 Arrest

The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Saturday December 20, 2015, at Seaward Ave. and Alessandro Dr. between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 2:15 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

DUI/Drivers License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries.  A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

During this Checkpoint,

391 Vehicles Screened
1 DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested
1 Suspects arrested for illegal drugs (possession/transportation/sales)
3 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
10 Citations issued

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role.  They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

 

Drunk Driving Ruins the Holidays

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Crackdown

If you’re enjoying the holidays with a drink, The Ventura Police Departmenthas a message for you:Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Due to the increase in drunk-driving-related fatalities around the holidays each year, law enforcement agencies across America will be actively searching for and arresting drunk drivers from December 18 to January 3. If you are unlucky enough to get into an accident with someone who has consumed alcohol then you should look intolaw firms like these car accident lawyers Abbotsford to see if you can get compensation.

As part of the nationalDrive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign period; police, sheriff and the CHP will be deploying DUI Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols during the upcoming 17 day DUI Enforcement Campaign throughout the region. Ventura PDs conducting a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday December 19, 2016.

There are 10,000 reasons to crackdown: in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver. In December 2013 alone there were 733 people killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Twenty-three of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day. California was witnessed to 98 deaths and another 1,852 injured in alcohol involved collisions in December 2013. If someone is a victim of a drunk driving accident then their whole world for the next few months will just be wrapped up in legal disputes and trying to recover from their injuries. That whole process can be easily prevented if people stopped driving after drinking.

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Chief Ken Corney. “Drunk driving is a choice you make, and when you make that choice, people get hurt or die. That’s why we’re joining with law enforcement nationwide to share the message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” “The safest way to get home,” Chief Corney said, “is to drive sober or catch a ride with a sober designated driver.”

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. Depending on which country you are in, the punishments for drink driving can be extreme and they’re not worth risking your freedom for. For example, if you get caught drink driving in the UAE, consequences may include a hefty fine, jail sentence and disqualified license. So, it’s better for everyone if you just nominate a designated driver in UAE or hire a chauffeur service to ferry you around. But whatever you choose, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Ventura PD reminds everyone to follow these simple tips to stay safe:

  • Plan a safe way to get home before you attend the party. Alcohol impairs judgment, as well as reaction time. If you’re impaired you’re more likely to choose to drive drunk.
  • Designate a sober driver; take public transportation, a car service, or a call a sober friend of family member to get home.
  • Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
  • Use your community’s sober ride program.
  • If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.

If you’re caught drinking and driving you could face jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, towing fees, and other DUI expenses, totaling $10,000 on average. That’s not a small price, and that doesn’t even count the heftier price you could pay: the price of your life or someone else’s. If you find yourself facing the consquences of a DUI or a DWI, you might be interested in someone like this philadelphia criminal lawyer who might be able to help you to deal with the outcome.

In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, Chief Corney is calling on everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911! If you see a dangerous driver call immediately! If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely. “We’ve got to work together to make our roads safer thi

s December and year-round,” he said.

Remember, driving after drinking should never be an option. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Funding for this holiday campaign is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ventura Hillside Conservancy looking for volunteers for tree planting Sat., Dec. 19, 9am-12pm

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

We know it’s a very busy time of year but Ventura Hillside Conservancy hopes that you can put your holiday shopping on hold for a couple of hours this Saturday, Dec.19, and help us plant trees from 9 a.m. – noon at our Big Rock Preserve.

Volunteers both young and old are encouraged to join us as we dig holes in the soil and plant young trees along the Ventura River Parkway. If you joined us last month at our first Tree Planting Party, you know how much fun it is to dig in the dirt with 100 new friends. If you missed out, here’s your chance to pitch in and help us start approximately 75 young trees off on the right foot.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our friends at REI, we will be giving away free REI t-shirts to the first 25 people to arrive!

To get to Big Rock Preserve, take Highway 33 toward Ojai and exit at Casitas Vista Rd. Turn right, park underneath the highway overpass and walk to the bike path. Take a left at the bike path entrance and we will be set up a short way ahead – near the mural. Please wear pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring a shovel and a friend!

If you have questions, give us a call 643-8044. Hope to see you on Saturday!

10th Annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service Sun., Dec. 20, at 3pm in Ventura’s Plaza Park

All are invited this Sunday afternoon, December 20, at 3 pm to participate in the 10th Annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service in Ventura’s Plaza Park, across from the post office, at Santa Clara Street and Fir.  Services will be in the gazebo.  We will remember by name 17 men and women who died homeless in our community in the past year. We know that those who lack a home die young compared to the rest of us.  Of those we will remember on Sunday, 3 were in their 30s; 5 in their 40s, 6 in their 50s, 2 in their 60s, and 1 was  82 and blind.  They died in bushes, in alleyways, in encampments, on sidewalks and in motels.  They left behind children, and spouses, siblings and parents.  Come help us remember them and join us in a silent walk through downtown Ventura to solemnly say that we want to live in a community where everyone has a safe and warm place to live. 
 
Participating clergy include:
Neal Andrews, member, Quaker community and Ventura City Deputy Mayor
Pastor Jim Ayars from Ventura Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Pastor Kris Bergstrom from Church of the Foothills (United Church of Christ)
Rev. Ed Brock, Interim Minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
Pastor Jim Duran – The River Community Church
Pastor Sam Galluci from the Harbor Church
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall – First Church of Christ
Rev. Judy Prando – Center for Spiritual Living
Pastor John Robison – College United Methodist Church