Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 30, 2009
[UPDATE: Brandon Torres has been arrested.]
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416.
Location: Various.
Date/Time Occurred: Various.
Officer(s) Involved: Ventura Police Officers and Detectives.
Victim(s): Confidential.
Suspect(s): Light Skinned Male, 25-30 yrs, wearing business casual attire.
Report #: 05-3484.
Narrative:
The Ventura Police Department is currently investigating several indecent exposures cases that have occurred throughout the city since late February. The investigation has revealed that these occurrences may be linked.
The suspect’s vehicle has been described as a late model silver compact or a black SUV type vehicle.
In each incident the suspect is parked on the roadway. When an intended victim or victims approach the suspect he opens the door and masturbates as the victims walk by. The suspect then drives away.
It appears that the suspect is targeting middle school aged females on their way to or from school. The Ventura Unified School District has been notified of these incidents and is taking extra precautionary measure to protect students.
The Ventura Police Department is requesting the public to educate their children who walk to and from school to be:
· Aware of their surroundings
· Walk in a group or with a friend
· Tell a trusted adult if a stranger is hanging around the school, playground, or public restroom.
· To call or have someone call 911 if they suspect suspicious activity
Occurrences are as follows:
· The 1st occurrence was on February 27, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. at Thille St @ Fitzgerald.
· The 2nd occurrence was on April 8th at 3:10 p.m.at Baylor Dr @Varsity St.
· The 3rd occurrence was on April 23rd at 8:00 a.m. at Ventura Av @ De Anza Dr.
· The 4th occurrence was on April 28th at 1900 hrs in the 200 block of Warner St.
· The 5th occurrence was on April 30th at 8:50 a.m. at Brookshire @ Woodland St.
Related Link:
>Ventura PD makes arrest in indecent exposure case
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Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 28, 2009
Last updated June 4, 2009 1:56 p.m. PST
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416.
Location: 1500 Block Daffodil Ave.
Date/Time Occurred: Updated information: April 28, 2009
Original press release date: March 2nd, 2009, 9:10 a.m.
Officer(s) Involved: Ventura Police Officers and Major Crimes Detectives.
Victim(s): Robert E. Perez Jr., 37 years of age, Ventura Resident.
Report #: 09-2960.
Narrative:
The Ventura Police Department has concluded its investigation into the stabbing death of Robert JR Perez that occurred on 3-2-09. Based upon the evidence and thorough investigation, the case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review. This process may take several weeks.
The individual the Ventura Police Department believe is responsible for his death is Claudia Valenciana.
Original Press Release:
The Ventura Police Department responded to stabbing victim in the 1500 block of Daffodil Avenue. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injury. The victim was stabbed once in the chest.
Currently the investigation is ongoing and Ventura Police Detectives are looking at several different leads. At this time there is no one in custody.
Physical evidence from the crime scene is being collected and processed. If anyone has any information that could assist in this investigation they are urged to call, Detective Corporal Starr or Detective McConathy at 339-4328 or 339-4462.
Related Links
>Claudia Valenciana named as suspect in Perez killing
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Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 27, 2009
INCIDENT:
245 PC Assault with Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:
April 26, 2009 at 11:37 hours
LOCATION:
2091 No. Oxnard Blvd (La Sirenita Bar)
VICTIM/S:
27 year-old Oxnard resident- no visible injuries
23 year-old Oxnard resident- facial injuries
23 year-old Oxnard resident- severe facial injuries
23 year-old Oxnard resident- moderate facial injuries
SUSPECT/S:
Elisandro Ramirez 25 years, Oxnard resident
Adolfo Acosta 26 years, Oxnard resident
Jose Acosta 21 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
Impounded by officers after arrests.
PREPARED BY:
Violent Crimes Unit Sergeant Terry Burr
DETAILS:
On 4-26-09 at 11:37 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a fight at the La Sirenita Bar located at 2091 No. Oxnard Blvd. Upon their arrival they located several victims in the parking lot. The victims had sustained injuries from being assaulted. All the victims were treated and taken to St John’s Regional Medical Center where they were later released.
Witnesses told officers that the suspect’s had entered a white compact and were last seen driving towards Citrus Grove and “C” Street. Officers responding to the bar observed the vehicle and made a vehicle stop detaining all the occupants. All three suspects were identified by witnesses and transported to Oxnard PD jail. All three suspects were booked into Ventura County Jail for 245 (a) 1 PC Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 182 PC Conspiracy, and 186.22 PC gang allegations.
Investigators are unsure about what had started the fight; there was gang slogans yelled during the incident by one of the suspect’s.
An investigation is continuing.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 26, 2009
Date/Time: April 26, 2009/0158 hours
Incident: Homicide
Victim: Seth Scarminach, 16 years old
Location: 2400 Block of Maricopa Highway (Highway 33)
Suspects: Hispanic male(s), approximately 16-20 years old
Contact: VCS Major Crimes Bereau, (805) 477-7000
Details:
On 2/26/09 shortly before 2am, firefighters and paramedics responded to a stabbing in the unincorporated community of Meiners Oaks.
Sheriff's investigators say their preliminary indication is that he was stabbed during that altercation with another party goer.
Investigators describe the suspects as Hispanic male(s), approximately 16-20 years old.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Ventura County Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau at (805) 477-7000.
UPDATE 1: A 14-year-old suspect was arrested at his Mira Monte home at 7:20 p.m. Sunday. Sgt. Joe Evans said the crime is being investigated as gang-related, and extra patrol has been assigned to cover the Ojai Valley tonight.
The suspect was arrested without incident and charged with murder. He was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Oxnard.
Related Links
>VIDEO: Arrests made in Meiners Oaks murder (Keyt.com)
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Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 20, 2009
INCIDENT:
Negligent discharge of a firearm
DATE/TIME:
04/19/09; 1955 hours
LOCATION:
400 block of Gibraltar
SUSPECT/S:
Joseph Aguilera, 30 years
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Mike Van Atta
DETAILS:
Officers of the Oxnard Police Department responded to a family disturbance in the 400 block of Gibraltar St. Once on scene it was learned that Joseph Aguilar fired one shot into the air from a handgun in an attempt to break up a fight between two family members.
Aguilar went back into the residence and refused to come out. Neighboring residents were evacuated for public safety. Aguilar surrendered to Police at approximately 2045 hours. Aguilar was later booked into Ventura County Jail for negligent discharge of a firearm.
An investigation is continuing.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 19, 2009
INCIDENT:
243(d) PC, Felony battery
148(a)(1) PC, Delay peace officer’s duties
166(a)(4) PC, Violation of gang injunction
DATE/TIME:
4/19/09 at approximately 0200 Hours
LOCATION:
Circle K located at 2008 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard
VICTIM/S:
Withheld at this time
SUSPECT/S:
Cain Martinez, 27 years of age.
WITNESS/ES:
Withheld
PREPARED BY:
Detective Alex Arnett , Telephone 486-6297, DR09-08943
DETAILS:
On 4/19/09 at approximately 0200 hours, Oxnard Police Officers observed a fight in progress in the parking lot of Circle K located at 1954 North Ventura Road. Police officers arrived in the parking lot and attempted to detain one of the subjects involved in the fight. This person is later identified as suspect Cain Martinez. Martinez flees the area pursued by an Oxnard Police Officer. After a foot pursuit and struggle, Martinez is taken into custody.
The investigation determined that Martinez entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and sat in the passenger’s seat. The owner of the vehicle confronted the suspect and a fight ensued.
During the fight the victim sustained an orbital fracture around his left eye, a fractured nose, and a fractured jaw. The victim was transported to Saint John’s Hospital and treated for the injuries.
Martinez is a known Colonia Chiques gang member and was served with the Colonia Chiques gang injunction. The incident occurred within the boundaries of the Colonia Chiques “Safety Zone.”
Martinez was arrested and charged with felony battery, two counts of violation of the Colonia Chiques gang injunction, and delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duty.
An investigation is continuing.
Related Links
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Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 17, 2009
INCIDENT: Officer Involved Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 17, 2009 @ 5:40 P.M.
LOCATION: Third Street @ Roosevelt Avenue
DRIVERS:
Officer Robert Valenzuela, 28 years of age
Joel Fabian Gonzalez, 27 years of age, resident of Oxnard
VEHICLE:
Black and White Police motorcycle
Brown 1992 Toyota Corolla
PREPARED BY:
Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator, DR# 09-08821
DETAILS:
On Friday, April 17, 2009 at about 5:40 P.M., Officer Robert Valenzuela was responding to a call of a possible robbery suspect, involving a gun, on a Gold Coast Transit Bus. Officer Valenzuela was responding Code 2 (emergency lights activated) to assist in locating the armed robbery suspect.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Officer Valenzuela, the rider on the black and white police motorcycle, was traveling westbound on Third Street towards Roosevelt. Mr. Joel Fabian Gonzalez was stopped southbound at a stop sign on Roosevelt Avenue. Mr. Gonzalez was waiting for traffic to clear to make a left turn from southbound Roosevelt Avenue to eastbound Third Street.
As Officer Valenzuela approached Roosevelt Avenue, he veered into the two-way left turn lane to bypass stopped vehicles on Third Street. At this time, Mr. Gonzalez pulled out into the intersection directly in front of Officer Valenzuela. Officer Valenzuela attempted to avoid the collision by veering to his left. Unable to avoid a collision, the police motorcycle collided with the front bumper of the Toyota causing Officer Valenzuela and the motorcycle to go down.
Mr. Gonzalez and the passenger in the Toyota did not sustain any injuries as a result of the collision. Officer Valenzuela sustained several abrasions on his arms and legs, as well as a complaint of pain to his chest and body. Officer Valenzuela was transported to St. John’s Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public. If you witnessed the collision or have any information regarding this collision please contact the Traffic Investigator, Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.
An investigation is continuing.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 17, 2009
INCIDENT: 245(a)(1) PC, Stabbing
DATE/TIME: 4/16/09 at approximately 1946 hours
LOCATION: 1411 South D Street Street, Oxnard
VICTIM/S: 38 year old Hispanic male. Name withheld pending notification of relatives
SUSPECT/S: Alejandro Sernas, 31 years old
SUSPECT VEHICLE: 90’s black or dark blue 4-door Ford Explorer
PREPARED BY: Detective Alex Arnett, 385-7650, DR 09-08746
DETAILS:
On 4/16/09 at approximately 1946 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 1400 block of South “D” Street. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim and noticed he had been stabbed in the groin area and had a superficial wound to the right side of his face. Due to the severity of the wound, the victim was immediately transported to Saint Johns Hospital.
According to the victim and witnesses, the suspect was driving a 1990’s black or dark blue Ford Explorer and hit the victim’s parked vehicle while the victim was seated in the driver’s seat. The suspect and victim confront each regarding the collision. Relatives of the victim and a passenger in the suspect vehicle confront each other in the middle of the street. The suspect made a statement reference retrieving a gun and returned to his vehicle. Minutes later, the suspect returned with a large knife and attempted to stab one of the victim’s relatives; however, the victim intervened and was stabbed in the groin by the suspect. The suspect attempted to stab the victim in the chest, but cut the victim across the left side of his face. The suspect got back into his vehicle and fled the area prior to officer’s arrival.
After the officers arrived at the location, the suspect returned to the crime scene driving the Ford Explorer. Oxnard Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested the driver, 31 year old Alejandro Sernas, after he was positively identified by the victim and witnesses.
Sernas was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
An investigation is continuing.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 14, 2009
Last night (4/13/09) at the Knights of Columbus annual "Public Safety Night Dinner" Oxnard officers made an arrest in a felony battery.
At approximately 9:00 pm last night several Oxnard officers attending dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall (at 6th and D St) were alerted by someone in the back of the hall about an assault taking place in an alley adjacent to the building. Two Oxnard officers, Assistant Chief Jason Benites and Commander Eric Sonstegard immediately ran outside to offer assistance.
As they arrived outside a few seconds later they saw a victim down on the ground and an individual running from the scene. The individual running was identified by witnesses as the perpetrator of the assault. Assistant Chief Benites and Commander Sonstegard, who were both in uniform, gave chase and quickly scaled a fence in the area. The chase went for approximately two blocks and lasted approximately two minutes. At that point Commander Sonstegard caught up with the suspect near the intersection of 5th and C Streets. The suspect was taken into custody by Commander Sonstegard at that location.
The suspect has been identified as Aaron Lee Hart (age 41, transient). He was arrested and is facing felony battery charges.
The victim, identified as Alex George Urratio (age 46, transient), received numerous cuts to his face, and lost at least one tooth in the battery.
It is unclear at this time what motivated the battery.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 14, 2009
Location: 11-100 block of Violeta Road
Date/Time Occurred: April 13, 2009, shortly before 5pm
Victim/s: John Hernandez, 26 / Ruby Hernandez, 22
Suspects: 2 suspects
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is looking for two suspects after a gunshots rang out in a Saticoy neighborhood. The shooting happened just before 5:00 p.m. Monday on 11-100 block of Violeta Road.
A couple was driving in a parking lot when gunfire hit their vehicle. As the suspects ran off, the victims were able to drive to a nearby residence where a family member drove them to the hospital.
The 26-year-old passenger, John Hernandez, was shot in the torso. He underwent surgery at the Ventura County Medical Center and is expected to live. The 22-year-old driver, Ruby Hernandez, suffered only minor injuries from broken glass.
If you have any information about this shooting, call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-Tips.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 13, 2009
Investigators concluded interviews today from yesterday’s nearly five hour siege in an east Ventura residential neighborhood where it’s estimated that the Suspect (Fennell) fired at least fifty rounds of ammo from inside his residence and at Ventura Police Officers. Ventura Police have released the name of Officer Dan Stegner as the SWAT Sniper that fired the round that hit the suspect in the shoulder.
During the siege the suspect indiscriminately fired handgun and high-powered rifle rounds from his backyard and from inside the two-story home on Jade Drive, many of the rounds were later determined to have struck homes in the area and also Ventura City Fire Station #4 nearly which is nearly two blocks away.
Despite on-going efforts by the SWAT Crisis Negotiators, the 
suspect refused to surrender and continued to fire shots in and from his home. Stegner fired a single shot from his weapon as the suspect appeared in his view moving through the downstairs area of the home and was struck in the upper torso and shoulder area.
After he was shot the suspect was again contacted by SWAT Crisis Negotiators and agreed to surrender by crawling unarmed out the front door of the residence. Once the suspect exited the residence, SWAT officers where able to safely take the suspect into custody and rush him to EMS personnel staged two blocks away.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s home revealed a cache of numerous high-powered rifles, shotguns, handguns and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Due to the number of shots fired by the suspect, Police are asking nearby residents to notify the Ventura Police Communications Center at (805) 650-8010 immediately if they discover damage related to this incident.
Related Post
>Assault with deadly weapon against peace officer
Related Links
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 12, 2009
In Atlanta, Georgia, residents seeking crime reports and information are met with resistance.
According to the article, "Fred Pangle uses a neighborhood map, Post-it notes and word-of-mouth to track crime statistics" because he can't get the information he needs from his local police department.
From charging a fee for reports to agencies refusing to provide residents with statistics or access to reports, residents have complained about the lack of access to information regarding their community.
The Oxnard Police Department has proven once and again that they are more than willing to provide the community with information regarding crime, statistics and information by providing us with access to information to pass on to our readers.
As a matter of fact, this blog was created as a direct result of media bias, and only because our local media was not printing complete information regarding important cases.
We would like to remind our readers that while it is easy to blame OPD for everything, one should remember that they are doing everything they can to not only keep us safe, but also informed.
This story from Atlanta shows just how different our local law enforcement is run in comparison to other cities.
Just recently, both Oxnard & Ventura have joined to provide access to traffic collision reports online.
When not protecting us, they are looking for ways to make it easier for us to have access to as much information as possible.
Straight to You was specifically launched by David Keith to directly communicate with Oxnard residents. He was the first in the nation to launch this type of media outreach.
If you ever feel that they are not being fair, it is important to communicate your concerns in a fair manner and offer solutions instead of harboring negative feelings and complaining.
OPD has already proven they listen to the community.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 12, 2009
Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
Locations:
1.Vineyard Avenue @ “H” Street
2.Gonzales Road @ Entrada Drive
3.Rose Avenue @ Gonzales Road
4.Channel Islands @ Peninsula Road
Details:
The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted multiple Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoint on April 11, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 02:00 A.M. The checkpoints were conducted at four different locations in Oxnard.
Officers screened 1172 motorists who passed through the checkpoints.
There were 3 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 49 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 33 vehicles were towed and the owners of the vehicles will face a minimum release fee of $496.00. That fee does not include towing and storage fees.
The Oxnard Police Department will continue conducting Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints in effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer throughout the year. The checkpoints are funded through grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 11, 2009
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416, Sgt. Jack Richards 805-339-4482.
Location: 900 Blk Jade Drive, Ventura, CA.
Date/Time Occurred: April 10, 2009, 5:50 p.m.
Officer(s) Involved: VPD Patrol Officers, VPD SWAT Team, Ventura County Sheriffs Dept, VPD Detectives.
Suspect(s): Jeffrey Fennell, 39 yrs, Ventura Resident
Arrested for:
245(a) 2 PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon w/Firearm
245(d) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon against a Peace Officer
246 PC – Shooting into an Inhabited Dwelling
246.3 PC – Discharge a Firearm w/Gross Negligence
69 PC – Obstructing, Resisting Executive Officers in Performance of their duties, including Threats of violence.
Narrative
On April 10, 2009 at about 5:50 p.m. Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to a reported call of a domestic disturbance with shots fired inside a residence.
When officers arrived they contacted the female victim that had just fled the home. Officers immediately surrounded the residence and a short time later reported hearing multiple shots fired from within the house. Officers continued to maintain a perimeter around the residence as shots continued to be fired from inside the house, they also began to evacuate nearby residences. Ventura Police SWAT arrived and took over the incident.
The suspect continued to fire and exchange shots with SWAT Officers. The suspect was shot in the upper torso area and then surrendered. He was rescued by SWAT personnel and transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center and is being treated for his injuries and is expected to survive. Ventura Police Detectives are still on scene continuing to investigate the incident.
Related Post:
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 10, 2009
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416.
Location: Ventura Pier.
Date/Time Occurred: April 9, 2009, 12:19 a.m.
Officer(s) Involved: Numerous Ventura Police Officers.
Victim(s): Kyle Campbell 21 yrs, Camarillo Resident, and
Kelsey Cosner 20 yrs, Camarillo Resident.
Suspect(s): Teddy Conroy 26 yrs, Las Vegas, NV.
Report #: 09-4793.
Narrative:
On the above date and time, the 911-dispatch center received a call from the victim of a stabbing. VPD officers responded to scene and contacted the victims on the pier. The suspect was also contacted on the pier and was taken into custody without incident. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail for an assault with a deadly weapon.
The suspect, Teddy Conroy, started an argument and punched the victim Kyle Campbell in the face. The two men were yelling at each other when Conroy armed himself with a knife and attempted to stab Campbell several times. Campbell sustained a minor laceration on his chin from the attack. Campbell’s girlfriend, Cosner, sustained minor scratch marks on her arm from the blade of the knife, but her injury did not require any medical attention. Campbell’s injuries were not life threatening and they were treated at the scene.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 10, 2009
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416.
Location: Ace Cash Express, 9340 Telephone Road, Ventura.
Date/Time Occurred: 8:50 a.m., April 9, 2009
Officer(s) Involved: Numerous Ventura Police Officers.
Suspect(s): Adult black male, 30 yrs, Black Hair, Dark Eyes, 6’ – 3”, 220 pounds, Black Hooded Sweatshirt, Black Warm-up Pants.
If you have any information about this crime, you can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Narrative:
On Thursday, April 9, 2009 at about 9:05 a.m. Ventura Police Officers responded to a call of an Armed Robbery that just occurred at above location. Officers arrived within minutes of the call and found the suspect(s) had already fled the area.
When the robbery occurred the suspect contacted the lone employee and brandished a handgun and demanded money. The suspect then took an undisclosed amount of currency and fled on foot through the parking lot. Witnesses in the area believed that there may have been a vehicle related to the crime; it was described as a Green 80’s or 90’s Chrysler or Dodge Sebring. The victim/employee called 911 once the suspect left the area.
Ventura Police Major Crimes Detectives also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Ventura Police have had other similar robberies over the last month that could be possibly related to this incident.
Any other witnesses are encouraged to contact Detective Cpl. Bob MacInnes at 339-4472.
Read more...
Reporter:
Ellen Rodriguez
April 8, 2009
Contact: Watch Commander, 805-339-4416.
Location: Auto Zone, 2610 E. Main St.
Date/Time Occurred: April 7, 2009, 8:40 p.m.
Officer(s) Involved: Numerous Ventura Police Officers.
Victim(s): Auto Zone.
Suspect(s):
#1:Black Male Adult, 35-40 years, 6’ – 3”, 270 pounds, wearing a white hat, green jacket and black pants.
#2: Black Male Adult, 30-35 years, 6’ – 0”, 200 pounds, wearing a maroon jacket and dark pants. Both were armed with handguns.
Narrative:
On the above date and time both suspects entered the business. Each pulled out handguns and confronted the employees and customers inside the store.
After taping each of the customers’ and employees’ hands together, the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the registers and office. Both then fled the store on foot and were last seen running southbound away from the business. None of the victims sustained any injuries.
If you have any information about this crime, you can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Read more...
Order your free Child Safety Kit, learn how to discuss bullying with your child and how to help prevent child abductions.
On May 20, 2009, an intruder wearing a dark jumpsuit and a motorcycle helmet, entered the home of Davina & Brock Husted. After a brief confrontation, the suspect murdered both the husband and pregnant wife while the children were at home.
The City of Ventura is currently hiring to fill temporary jobs ranging from $8.23 to $40 an hour. This includes after school programs, sports official, and driving positions.
We compiled a list of Oxnard PD's twitter feeds, according to beat sections.
