The sewage main that collapsed back in May 2023 at C Street and SR126 has ongoing repairs. The contract has been awarded to Toro Enterprises in the amount of $3,575,033.55; work began in June. Above is the Sewer Repair Trench Shoring. Photo and info courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=27.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmore ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=27

Sewage main in west Fillmore – Update - FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – July 10, 2023 – On March 15, 2023, a sewer main in west Fillmore suffered collapse on the intersection of C Street and Ventura Street (SR 126). The City contracted Ferreira Construction to assist with rerouting the flow of wastewater through other sewer mains. Since then, after bidding out the project for “C’ Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project, Spec. No.23-01E on May 9, 2023, the City awarded the contract to Toro Enterprises in the amount of $3,575,033.55.

Since the award of the contract, the following work/updates have taken place:
On June 14, 2023, Caltrans issued the Encroachment Permit for work in State Right to the City of Fillmore.
Dewatering in C Street began on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Work on Phase 1A commenced on Monday, June 19, 2023. Phase 1A entails the tie in of a new sewer manhole in the center of River and C Street and installation of new sewer in the southern portion of C Street, north of River Street.
Toro has completed all the work that they can in the existing traffic control set up in the State Right of Way, including some of the dewatering drilling.

Toro will continue to work on completing the project.
For questions and further information regarding this incident, please contact Troy Spayd, Municipal Services Director/ Utilities Engineer at 805-524-3701 ext. 232 or via email at tspayd@fillmoreca.gov.
Please visit www.fillmoreca.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The Cooling Center at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, will be open during the heatwave. People are more than welcome to stay inside and cool during our normal business hours from 8am-1pm, but after hours the temperature needs to be at 100 and over for the center to be open. If you have any questions please call (805) 524-3030.

HELP WANTED – Part-time Professional Caregiver needed. Housekeeping, cooking, driving and wheelchair assistance. Located in Fillmore. *References required. $15/hr. Call 805 – 402 – 8560

Above is Fillmore’s Lin Thomas who was able to leave his formal teaching career with pride when he retired in 2001 after over 37 years. During that time he restored a Model A Pickup, and drove it cross country in History Channel’s The Great Race. Inset is the car after being restored. Photos provided by Mike & Michelle Bly.
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By Michael S. Bly

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
We all have passions. Passion for our spouse. Passion for our kids. Passion for family and friends. Passion for our country. Passion for our work. Passion for our favorite sports teams.
Lin Thomas had all those passions, in spades. But he also had great passion for two more things: God, and old cars. Most days, in that order.

Now, you say ‘old cars’ and some folks might have a different picture in their mind than Lin. He wasn’t thinking of cars from the ‘60’s or even ‘50’s (he’d spit and derisively call them “modern cars”). And, he didn’t mean cars from the ‘40’s; that was the lost decade, automotively speaking. For Lin, a 1939 LaSalle was about as new as he could stomach, and over the decades several ’39 LaSalles came and went, though there were always one or two lurking in a barn or behind an orange tree on his Fillmore, California ranch.

But to really get Lin going about old cars, start talking about cars in the ‘10s and 20’s, and you were guaranteed to be regaled with a story, perfectly timed to 57 minutes – he was a high school shop teacher by trade, and the decades of impeccably timed school bells trained him to hit his mark.
From time to time, a variety of cars from that era were towed, dragged, or trailered in pieces to the ranch, including (but certainly not limited to): a 1913 Model T Touring Sedan; a 1923 Model T Milk Truck; a 1927 Cadillac; and a 1915 Cadillac. Oh, and Model A Fords. Lots of Model A Fords.

“Train up a child in the way she should go…”
Now, at some point in Lin’s life his very active youngest daughter, Michelle, was nearing driving age and was going to need some wheels to get from point A to point B. There were lots of good choices, but one stood out: a 1928 Model A Roadster. Lin labored with skill, dedication, and love for many, many months to bring that car to life, and upon completion Michelle drove it with pride through a couple years of high school, and even some time in her Jr. College years steering it 25 miles each way on a busy highway. She drove it through rain or shine, and without side curtains, because according to Lin “side curtains are for sissies”.

Michelle loved her Roadster. She drove it everywhere, and loved the double takes she’d get from passersby. Afterall, it’s not every day you see a teenage girl smiling from ear to ear behind the wheel of a Model A.
Michelle learned many valuable lessons about cars and driving during those years. Such as, always check the gas, oil, and water. Make sure there is air in the tires. While driving, anticipate stops, and be sure to keep track of what other drivers are doing. Pointing a Model A in the right direction is easy enough, but as every old car driver knows, turns and stops are requests more than demands.

Well, it’s a story told too many times, but life happens, and eventually the need came to sell the Roadster and send it down the road to a new home. Sad time on the ranch.

Fast forward to 1998: Lin was still teaching shop at the local high school, which he loved, but the years of dealing with bureaucracy and miniscule budgets had worn him down, and he didn’t have much gas left in the tank. But he had a crazy idea: teach a car restoration class, restore a Model A Pickup over the school year, and drive it cross country in History Channel’s The Great Race.

Fast forward to 1998: Lin was still teaching shop at the local high school, which he loved, but the years of dealing with bureaucracy and miniscule budgets had worn him down, and he didn’t have much gas left in the tank. But he had a crazy idea: teach a car restoration class, restore a Model A Pickup over the school year, and drive it cross country in History Channel’s The Great Race. This was the inspiration he needed to finish his career out strong, so in 1999, 2000, and 2001, Lin and his auto restoration classes restored a Model A Pickup each year and took a team of students and adult drivers from coast to coast in the very vehicle the kids had restored and rebuilt from the ground up.

Lin was reinvigorated and renewed, and was able to leave his formal teaching career with pride when he retired in 2001 after over 37 years. The first of the pickups ended up at the Fillmore, California museum. The third one went to a private owner. And the 2nd pickup, the 2000 pickup, came back to the ranch thanks to Lin’s wife Judy.
Over the following years, Lin & Judy had a blast with that 1928 Model A Pickup. They drove it on tours (sometimes with the Model T Club…faux pas?), in parades, and around town and countryside. For many years, it was the best running, and sometimes only running, old car on the ranch.

“…and when she is old she will not depart from it.”
During that time, Lin had a mission to someday have another old car in Michelle’s garage. He suggested, he conspired, he pleaded, and he prayed. But the perfect intersection of right timing, right car, and adequate garage space just never materialized.

In 2019, Lin was diagnosed with cancer, and after a brave and gracious battle Lin went to be with the Lord on May 27, 2022. During the last weeks of his life, Michelle, along with her sister Lindy, mom, and many family and friends, was able to spend 6 weeks caring for her daddy. They had many conversations about many topics…but old cars were always on Lin’s mind. And, there was one thing Michelle could not stop thinking about: that old Model A Ford Pickup from the 2000 Great Race. She asked permission to bring it to a new home in Idaho, and daddy, with a smile, said “it’s yours, kiddo!”
In July 2022, with some expert help from a few members of the Ventura County Model A Ford Club, Michelle was able to drive her mom to Lin’s funeral and memorial service in the Model A.

In September 2022, the Model A was trailered up to Idaho. It was still fairly drivable, but it was very “tired” as a few wise men put it. In January 2023, the Model A was turned over to the pros at Rotten Leonard’s Jalopy Shop in Lewiston, Idaho, and a frame-off restoration began.

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Fillmore Towne Theatre hosted its first talent show with its new owner Sean McCully who purchased the theatre back in 2021. The event was a overall success and the house packed. Pictured above were the judges for this year’s show as they waited for the performances to begin. Photo by Carina Monica Montoya.
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Written by Carina Monica Montoya

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Fillmore Town Theatre held a talent show. It was the first talent show held at the theatre since its new owner, Sean McCully, purchased it in 2021. The event was a success and packed a full house. The ten contestants were Luv2dance students who performed advanced hip-hop; Luv2dance (girls ages 6-8); singer Madisson Galante; Fourth grader Grace Fertig who danced ballet to a Kelly Clarkson song; comedian Safari Dave; Mariachi H.E.L.; singer Michael Kirby; comedienne Brenda Pontiff; Dancers Monica, Sara, and Karina; and guitarist/singer Graciela Herrera. First place went to Luv2dance Minis; Second place went to singer Michael Kirby; and third place went to dancers Monica, Sara, and Karina. The winners were exceptional performers and were judged on a scale of 1-5, stage presence, quality of performance, audience reception, and creativity. The judges were Lisa Prather, the Entertainment Chair for Relay of Life Conejo Valley and Santa Clarita Valley; comedian William Hubbard; Luana Barajas, an 8th grade English teacher at Fillmore Middle School; Erin Fagundes, a veteran actress, producer and director; Shawn Adams-Lanz, a veteran producer in Ventura County; and Miss Alynette, a radio personality who hosts All Things 805, and also hosts on KCOP, KOSJ, KQAV, KQIE, KWIE, and KXFM.

The last talent show featured at the Fillmore Theater was in 1919 and was a major town event. Boys dressed up like Charlie Chaplin in a lookalike contest. It was during a time when the town’s theater was the gathering place for entertainment. The Fillmore Theatre today “is dedicated to connecting artistic expression to the human experience, with the aim of fostering a sense of community through various artistic mediums such as musical concerts, community theater, arts education events, film festivals, and arts presentations.”

Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 5p.m. - 7p.m. the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department will participate in “ National Night Out” an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department.
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Fillmore community members are invited to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with deputies, firefighters, and other first responders.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that make our neighborhoods safer. Come out and enjoy light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages donated by generous community businesses. Come see our Bomb Unit, SWAT display, and Fillmore’s very own, K9 “Thor.”

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our community members to meet and greet different team members assigned to various Sheriff’s Office specialized units for an evening of fun activities,” said Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. “Events like this help strengthen relationships between law enforcement and all our community stakeholders. Together, we can solve problems and make our communities safer.”

The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continuing community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department invites the community to come out and ask questions, get crime prevention advice, get to know the officers in your neighborhood, and have some fun. Click on this link https://natw.org/about/ for more information on the National Night Out campaign.

Nature of Incident: National Night Out
Location: Fillmore Police Station 524 Sespe Avenue Fillmore, CA 93015
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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Monday, July 10, 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is thrilled to announce that it is a recipient of the Pinnacle Award for 2022 – a designation given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to network agencies who demonstrate exemplary programmatic success and fiscal responsibility. BBSVC was one of only eight agencies across the United States selected to receive the award and accept it on the BBBS of America National Conference main stage on June 29th in Anaheim.
In addition to earning the Pinnacle Award, BBSVC had a strong presence at the Conference: CEO Danica Selvaggio co-presented an educational session with program partner Bank of America - represented by Mary Noor (Market Executive) and Danielle Curtin (Product Manager and BBSVC mentor) - on the success that BBSVC’s Professional Mentoring Program has delivered for youth across Ventura County for the last three years. “The Professional Mentoring Program is one that I’ve been excited to watch grow,” says Selvaggio. “We’ve been fortunate to have a partner like Bank of America who has supported the program’s evolution year-over-year to meet the changing needs of the community and deliver a top-tier mentoring opportunity for volunteers and youth alike.”

On the final night of the event, Kobe - BBSVC’s Youth Leadership Council President for Fillmore and a high school mentor to an elementary school student – was invited to not only interview the event's emcee, television host Rocsi Diaz, he was also invited to introduce her on the main stage to over a thousand conference attendees.
“Originally, youth were invited to make introductions in English,” says Selvaggio. “But we advocated with the BBBS of America Conference organizers and emphasized how so many of the youth, families, and volunteers we serve are bilingual. They were excited to have Kobe represent our Hispanic and Latine communities by kicking the night off with a Spanish-language introduction! This was his first time presenting on-stage, and he was a natural. We’re so proud of him.”
After an invigorating week of learning, the BBSVC team is back in Ventura County to kick off an exciting program year: in addition to implementing National Conference education, BBSVC is also opening a brand new Youth Room in Ventura and preparing the first cohort of its Mentor Academy – a program that expands on the success of the agency’s Professional Mentoring Program with Bank of America to offer more opportunities for career exploration through mentorship.
Community members interested in getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County for another exemplary year as a youth, parent/guardian, volunteer mentor, or supporter may contact the agency’s main office at 805.484.2282 or visit https://www.bbsvc.org

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) has been connecting Bigs and Littles in professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships in Ventura County and neighboring communities since 1970. Supporting over 1,000 youth annually between community or school-based volunteers and youth ages 6-21 years old, BBSVC is committed to bringing their life-changing program to every child in Ventura County who needs it. BBSVC is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding.

Mathew Gomez, Port Hueneme 37

During the month of June 2023, a Moorpark Patrol Deputy took a report from a female juvenile. The juvenile alleged she was sexually assaulted continuously over an approximate two-year period. Deputies learned that Mathew Gomez, an acquaintance of the victim, was the suspected abuser.

During the investigation, further evidence was discovered that linked Gomez to the crime. Detectives learned that Gomez was currently a resident of Port Hueneme.

On July 12, 2023, detectives located Gomez in Port Hueneme. Gomez was contacted and arrested for several aggravated sexual assault crimes and possession of child pornography. Gomez was also in possession of a concealed firearm, controlled substance for sale, and a high-capacity gun magazine.

The Directed Enforcement Unit authored a search warrant for Gomez’ residence. During the execution of the search warrant additional items of contraband were discovered. Detectives located additional firearms, high-capacity magazines, controlled substances, and paraphernalia indicative of drug sales.

Gomez was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on 13 criminal counts related to sexual assault, firearms, drug sales and possession charges. Gomez is currently in custody while being held on $500,000 bail.

The investigation is currently ongoing. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office believes there could be additional victims. If you have any information regarding Mathew Gomez or this case, please contact Detective Greg Webb at 805-371-8309.

Nature of Incident: Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Juvenile, Possession of Child Pornography, Felony Weapon Violations, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale.

Report Number: 23-76459
Location: 4700 Block of South Moorpark Avenue in Moorpark, CA
Date & Time: 07/12/23 @ 12:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Thousand Oaks Makor Crimes Sexual Assault Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Police Investigations Bureau

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent:

(S) Gomez, Mathew Port Hueneme 27
(V) Juvenile Female Moorpark 14

Prepared by: Detective Greg Webb
Approved by: Captain Kevin Lynch

HELP WANTED – House cleaning person for private home. Eight hours a week between M – F from 7:30am – 11:30am and/or 2:30pm – 6:30pm. Well paid. Call 805 – 524 – 9929. (7/13).

Above is Ari Hopper’s wife Susannah Easley Hopper.
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Above is Ari Hopper, Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge as of today. The Refuge is closed to public access due to the sensitive nature of California condor recovery efforts and physical access limitations, like no public roads leading to the Refuge. Find out more info at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hopper-mountain. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is the Ari Hopper Land Claim, c. 1887. Photo courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

We’ve all seen the sign for the Hopper Canyon turnoff on Highway 126 between Fillmore and Piru. But how did it get its name? Were there large grasshoppers there or an abundance of rabbits? No, it was named for one of the earliest pioneer families – the family of Ari and Susannah Hopper.

Ari Hopper was born in Lafayette, Missouri in 1923 to William and Nancy Armstrong Hopper. He was one of four boys, all of whom migrated to California. Susannah was one of nine children born to Stephen and Rebecca Cunningham Easley. Besides Susannah, her brothers Pleasant, Samuel and Warham came to California. Sister, Missouri, married Benjamin Warring and settled on the Buckhorn Ranch near Piru. The Easley’s parents also came west.

Ari and Susannah married in 1845 in Missouri and came to California in 1852 and first lived in the other “Santa Clara” up north before coming to our valley in the late 1860s. The 1870 census found them in Township 1 of Santa Barbara County in the San Buenaventura Post office. At that time Ventura County was part of Santa Barbara County. According to the census they were living near Stephen Easley (Susannah’s father) and Benjamin Warring.

Ari Hopper was one of those historical figures who seemed larger than life. He was known for at least three things: being a great bear hunter, having a presence and voice which commanded attention, and being a master of pit cooking meat.
Of course these skills were not mutually exclusive. In the book “Bears I Have Met”, written by Allen Kelly in 1903 this story was related as having been shared around a campfire. Names of those in the party were not given.

“Old Ari Hopper has had more queer experiences with bears than anybody. He has given up hunting now, but he used to be the greatest bear-killer in the mountains. Ari has a voice like a steam, fog-horn—the effects of drinking a bottle of lye one night by mistake for something else, and when he speaks in an ordinary tone you can hear him several blocks away. You can always tell when Ari comes to town as soon as he strikes the blacksmith’s shop up at the cross-roads and says, ‘Holloa’ to the smith. Ari was out on the Alamo mountain one day and got treed by a big black bear—”

“A black bear on the Alamo?” interrupted Dad. “There ain’t nothing but Grizzlies and Cinnamons over there. I was over there once—”

“Hold on, Dad, it’s my turn yet. You never heard of a Grizzly climbing a tree, did you?”
“Oh, well, if you’ve got to have your bear go up a tree, all right. We’ll call it a black bear. Besides, if it’s one of Ari’s bear stories, anything goes.”

“The bear treed Ari,” resumed the other, “and just climbed up after him in a hurry. Ari went up as high as he could and then shinnied out on a long limb. The bear followed, and Art kept inching out until he got as far as he dared trust his weight. The bear was climbing out after him and the limb was bending too much for safety when Ari yelled at the bear: ‘Go back, you’d——d fool. You’ll break this limb and kill both of us. Want to break your cussed neck, goldarn ye?’

“Well, sir, that bear stopped, looked at Ari, and then down to the ground, and then he just backed along the limb to the trunk, slid down and lit out for the brush. Ari swears that the bear understood him. Bears have a heap of sabe, but I’m inclined to think that it was Ari’s stentorian roar that scared him away.”

Ari seems to have been very adept at tree climbing. “Sunflower” reported in the July 14, 1883, Ventura Signal that, “Uncle Ari was out looking for a cow that had a young calf. He found the cow but could not find the calf so he set the dogs on the cow to make her hunt it up, but instead of running to her calf she ran Ari up a tree, and he climbed pretty lively for an old man.”

Ari wasn’t the only renowned bear hunter in the family. The May 1, 1880, Ventura Signal reported Mrs. Ari Hopper had recently dispatched a large grizzly. In September of the same year, the Signal noted that Mrs. Hopper had killed an eagle with a wingspan of 7’ 2" and on the same day killed a rattle snake. It should also be noted that Mrs. Hopper regularly “supplied the venison” for the 4th of July barbecues,

Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, Ari Hopper was called on to oversee the cooking of the meat for any gathering, with the venison frequently supplied by his wife. He oversaw barbecues in Sespe, Ventura and in Santa Paula. In 1875 he was in Santa Paula and according to the Ventura Signal of July 10 of that year, Ari knew “just how to roast an ox to perfection.”
Ari was also often called upon to be the featured speaker at various events. An ardent Democrat, he frequently spoke at political gatherings or other causes dear to his heart. The July 7, 1883, Ventura Signal reported that he had spoken in Newhall on temperance, and they wanted him to return to speak again. Writing after Ari’s death in 1905 in the Ventura Free Press, a writer commented that “Hopper had a voice that could be heard. It could come as close as near being heard in the next county as could the voice of any man.”

At least once Ari’s skill as the pit master and as an orator met. For the 4th of July in 1891 the new community of Fillmore celebrated the day conveniently close to the Sespe station (probably Kenney grove) with a major event. The cooking of the meat was of course under the eye of Ari Hooper Entertainment included the Ventura City Band, the Sespe Choir singing “We will Stand by the Flag,” and the Declaration of Independence read by C. J. McDevitt of the Santa Paula Chronicle. The main event was a speech by Thomas Toland of Ventura. Toland by 1891 was practicing law in Ventura, having previously practiced in Santa Paula in the firm of Toland and Guiberson. He was considered an up and coming orator. On this day he was not able to start his speech until 12:15. As one writer recalled in 1906 “He (Toland) was twisting the lions tail and tearing the red coats to tatters throwing cargo and cargo of tea overboard in Boston Harbor. He was just in the prettiest of his talk. That particular place where an orator knows he will make a hit. All of a sudden and when the crowd was hanging on to his word with mouths agape, a stentorian voice broke out. Ari Hopper opened his mouth, and from “yon mountain to yon mountain,” to quote T. Wallace More, there went the reverberating sound. “The meat is done.” Toland found himself talking to the atmosphere and the side of the hill.” Toland later said he had never been left alone so suddenly.

In 1897, Rebecca Hopper Riley, Ari and Susannah’s daughter died. She and her family had been living in Covina. Ari and Susannah apparently moved to Covina to be closer to their motherless grandchildren. It was there on January 21, 1898, that Ari was killed. According to the Los Angeles Herald, Ari was going rabbit hunting with his grandson. While driving his buggy down a wash, his shotgun slipped out of the buggy, the hammer striking the front axle. The full load of number 5 shot lodged in Ari’s side. He told his grandson he was fatally shot. He only lived a short time.

Together Ari and Susannah had six children with three living to adulthood. Susannah passed away in Covina in 1905.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is temporarily expanding Intercity bus service and its roadside assistance service to help visitors enjoy a smooth and easy trip to the X Games California 2023 on July 21-23 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.

VCTC strongly encourages people heading to the X Games to take advantage of public transit, to carpool or to walk or bike to the event. Public transit options during the X Games include VCTC Intercity and Gold Coast Transit District bus service, as well as Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink rail services. For people who must drive, VCTC will offer roadside assistance through its Freeway Service Patrol along a segment of Highway 101 in Ventura.

“X Games California 2023 is an exciting event for Ventura and Ventura County,” said VCTC Chair and Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Bryan MacDonald. “VCTC is happy to provide safe, affordable transportation options to help visitors get to the X Games without the hassle and expense of driving and parking.”

VCTC Vice Chair and District 1 Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere said X Games visitors are supporting sustainability and helping to ease traffic congestion when they use public transit, bike or walk to the events.
“People going to the X Games can help the environment by taking the bus or train, carpooling, or using active transportation,” LaVere said. “Fewer vehicles will be on the road, which in turn reduces greenhouse-gas emissions.”
VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said the X Games and similar community events are a good opportunity for people to explore public transit options in Ventura County.

“Visitors can take the bus or train, or a combination of both, to travel to the X Games and see how public transit can become a part of their everyday travel plans,” Erickson said.

ADDITIONAL INTERCITY BUS SERVICE

VCTC will provide boosted service on three routes during the X Games:
• Highway 101, which serves Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks;
• Highway 126, which serves Fillmore, Santa Paula, Saticoy and Ventura;
• Coastal Express, which serves Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta and UC Santa Barbara.
The Highway 101 and 126 routes will be extended to Thompson Boulevard and Figueroa Street in Ventura. The Coastal Express route will also stop at Thompson and Figueroa instead of Santa Clara and Oak streets. The Highway 101 route, which normally operates Monday to Saturday, will be extended to Sunday for the X Games.

Riders can get more information at goventura.org/xgames. Riders are also encouraged to use VCbuspass, a contactless regional transit pass that can be used on any bus operator in Ventura County. To get a pass, download the Umo Mobility app on an Apple or Android phone. VCbuspass cards can also be purchased at goventura.org/vcbuspass or by calling VCTC’s Regional Transit Information Center in advance of the X Games at 800-438-1112.

Visitors to the X Games are encouraged to take advantage of the Youth Ride Free and College Ride programs, which allow youths 18 and younger and students enrolled at participating colleges to ride any bus in Ventura County for free. For more information, including participating colleges, visit https://www.goventura.org/vctc-transit/free-fare-programs/.

VCTC buses are specially equipped with spaces to store bicycles. Most buses have either front-mounted bicycle racks and undercarriage compartments. E-bikes are allowed if they do not have lithium batteries.
VCTC buses are also equipped with lifts to assist riders who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.

ADDITIONAL METROLINK RAIL SERVICE
As part of its new weekend service, Metrolink will operate two round trips Saturday and Sunday between L.A. Union Station and the Ventura County Fairgrounds on the Ventura County Line. Ventura County residents can board in Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, East Ventura and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The expanded weekend service, which began July 1, will continue after the X Games.

The service is made possible through funding from VCTC.
For train schedules and rider information, visit https://metrolinktrains.com/x-games
EXTENDED FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL
To assist motorists, VCTC will temporarily extend its Freeway Service Patrol to a segment of U.S. 101 through Ventura during the X Games.

One FSP tow truck will patrol U.S. 101 from Johnson Drive to California Street from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily July 21-23.

The FSP program places roaming tow trucks along freeways with the goal of quickly getting disabled vehicles moving again at no cost to the motorists. Drivers provide such services as changing flat tires, providing a gallon of fuel and taping leaky hoses.

The program aims to reduce congestion and prevent secondary accidents. FSP trucks currently operate along three segments of Ventura County highways during peak traffic periods Monday through Friday. In 2022, FSP drivers provided direct assistance to 3,387 motorists.

For more information, visit https://www.goventura.org/getting-around/fsp/.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org and in Spanish at goventura/org/buenas.
About Metrolink
Metrolink is Southern California’s regional passenger rail, operating seven lines along a 538- mile network that travels across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. More information is available at metrolinktrains.com.
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Melissa Bravo and Denise Ybarra were identified as the suspects in a tire slashing spree spanning three separate evenings. Bravo and Ybarra caused more than $4,000 in damages to at least twelve different vehicles.

Deputies from the Camarillo Police Station responded to numerous reports of vehicles with their tires slashed throughout the city of Camarillo. The victims reported their tires were slashed during the late evening hours of 05/06/2023, into the early morning hours of 05/07/2023.

This crime spree was linked with two additional cases of tire slashings in the city of Camarillo. These two incidents occurred on 04/11/2023, and 04/20/2023. These crimes were linked based on the similarity of how the tires were slashed and the same vehicle being involved.

In all of these cases, the sidewall of the tires were punctured. The puncture mark was in a straight line consistent with being stabbed by a knife. Some of these individual investigations had video surveillance that captured the complete incident, the suspects, or the suspect vehicle.

Detectives from the Camarillo Investigations Bureau reviewed all the associated video surveillance from each crime. After reviewing the video surveillance, detectives were able to identify the vehicle and the suspects involved in the crimes. The suspects were identified as Melissa Bravo and Denise Ybarra.

On 05/24/2023, Melissa Bravo was stopped while driving her Jetta in the unincorporated area Somis. During a subsequent search of Bravo’s Jetta, detectives located two kitchen knives and one folding pocketknife. Detectives determined these were the knives used to puncture all the victims’ tires. Bravo was arrested and booked at the Main Jail.

On 06/28/2023, Denise Ybarra turned herself in at the Camarillo Police Station. Ybarra was arrested and booked at the Main Jail.

Bravo and Ybarra were charged with PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, six counts of PC 594(b)(1)- Vandalism Over $400 and five counts of PC 594(b)(2)(A)- Vandalism Under $400. Bravo and Ybarra are currently out on bail with a pending court date of 07/21/2023.

Report Number: 3-49724
Location: Various locations in the city of Camarillo
Date & Time: 04/11/2023, 04/20/2023, and 05/07/2023
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Patrol Services, Camarillo Investigations Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

Bravo, Melissa Jasmine Camerillo 28
Ybarra, Denise Nicole Oxanrd 29

Prepared by: Detective Kris Doepking
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

In June of 2023, a Newbury Park residence in a gated community was targeted by a sophisticated burglary crew. A month-long investigation by the Thousand Oaks Career Criminals Unit and the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit led to the arrests of two suspects.

In June of 2023, suspects committed a residential burglary in Newbury Park. During the investigation, detectives learned the suspects conducted surveillance of the victims over the course of three days. The victims, who are owners of a small restaurant, were watched at their place of business and followed to their home during this time. The suspects eventually committed the burglary while the victims were away at work.

Through this investigation, detectives identified the suspects and learned they were residing in South Los Angeles. On July 7, 2023, the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit and the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit watched the suspects as they appeared to case a community in the city of Irvine. With the assistance of the Irvine Police Department’s Investigations Unit, the two suspects were arrested as they attempted to commit a residential burglary. Burglary tools were located on the suspects during the arrest.

Quickly following the arrests, Thousand Oaks detectives conducted the service of a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in South Los Angeles. During the search, evidence was recovered including high end jewelry and handbags, cash, two-way handheld radios and vehicle trackers.

The suspects were booked into the Orange County Jail with a bail amount of $300,000, where they remain on charges of 182(a) PC and 459 PC, Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary. The suspects will also be extradited to Ventura County where they will face additional residential burglary charges.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind citizens to be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious people and vehicles by promptly calling 911 or our non-emergency line (805) 654-9511. If you see something, say something.

Report Number: 23-73443
Location: Cities of Thousand Oaks and Irvine
Date & Time: July 7, 2023
Unit(s) Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Investigations – Career Criminals Unit, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Irvine Police Department Investigations Unit.

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

(S) Juan Carlos Ovledo Vargas Los Angeles 42
(S) Claritiza Ovideo Vasquez Los Angeles 57

Prepared by: Sergeant Dillan Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Kevin Lynch

Santa Paula, Calif. – An adult male in his 50’s who suffered gunshot wounds in Santa Paula died after lifesaving efforts by medical personnel. No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.

On July 8, 2023, at about 3:15 p.m. the Santa Paula Police Department received a call of a gunshot victim on Whipple Rd. Police Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene shortly after and saw an adult male laying on the ground. The victim was treated at the scene by medical personnel and transported to an area hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries.

The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Santa Paula Police Department detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident can call Detective Virani at (805) 525-4474 Ext. 145 or email SPCrimeInfo@spcity.org