Santa Paula Times

01/02/2025

BREAKING NEWS FROM YOUR SANTA PAULA TIMES: 1-2-25

SANTA PAULA PEDESTRIAN DIES
FROM NEW YEAR’S EVE INJURIES

The Santa Paula pedestrian struck by a vehicle while crossing East Santa Barbara Street Tuesday succumbed to his injuries New Year’s Day.
According to Police Chief Don Aguilar, Carlos Villanueva, 77, of Santa Paula, passed mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Ventura County Medical Center.
The collision occurred Tuesday, December 31, at about 3:05 p.m., when a westbound vehicle struck Mr. Villanueva as he attempted to cross East Santa Barbara Street northbound from Davis Street. The driver, an adult female Santa Paula resident in her 70s who did not have a valid driver’s license issued at the time of the collision, stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
There is no stop sign or traffic signal at the intersection for westbound and eastbound traffic although there is such signage posted for northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection, now the scene of a floral tribute to Mr. Villanueva on the sidewalk.
The incident, noted Chief Aguilar, is now a fatality traffic collision investigation.
Anyone with information about the collision can contact Detective Yvette Solis at 805-826-7512 or email [email protected].
Photo by Alberto Felix

01/01/2025

BREAKING NEWS: JAN. 1, 2025 —
NEW YEAR'S EVE COLLISION
CRITICALLY INJURES PEDESTRIAN

On December 31, 2024, at about 3:05 p.m., a vehicle vs pedestrian traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Santa Barbara St. and Davis (9th) St. The collision resulted in serious injuries to the pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a male in his 70’s from Santa Paula, was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. The collision is under investigation.
The vehicle, driven by an adult female in her 70’s from Santa Paula, was traveling westbound on Santa Barbara St.
approaching Davis St. The pedestrian entered the intersection crossing north when the vehicle collided with the pedestrian. The driver stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The driver did not have a valid driver’s license issued at the time of the collision. There is no stop sign or traffic signal at the intersection for westbound and eastbound traffic. There are stop signs posted for northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection.
Anyone with information about the collision can contact Detective Yvette Solis at 805-826-7512 or email [email protected].
The Santa Paula Police Department reminds drivers to be observant of pedestrians crossing streets within or outside of marked crosswalks.
Photo by Alberto Felix

12/31/2024

BREAKING NEWS: Dec. 31

As of 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Ventura County firefighters have contained a vegetation fire in the Santa Clara River bottom, south of Santa Paula and west of the 12th Street Bridge. Fire crews responded to the blaze west of the 12th Street bridge shortly before 4:30 a.m., according to initial reports from the Ventura County Fire Department.
The fire is now confined to a naturally occurring debris pile of arundo and bamboo near the riverbank, measuring approximately 15 feet deep, 30 feet long, and 12 feet wide.
The vegetation fire appeared to start in a debris pile of invasive grass called arundo and bamboo that accumulated near the riverbank according to fire officials. The area is a often the site of encampments for the unhoused.
A dozer and excavator were called to assist in breaking up the vegetation, allowing firefighters to fully extinguish the fire. Residents may notice smoke in the area for the next few hours. Fire officials remain on scene to monitor the situation, but the fire is fully contained.
Photo courtesy of VCFD

12/25/2024

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Joyous Kwanzaa! Santa is on his way sharing, good cheer and love to all! The Santa Paula Times shares his sentiment and wish you all wonderful holidays. Thank you for supporting community news!

12/25/2024

UPDATE DEC. 30, 2024

The Santa Paula Unified School District confirmed that the second driver involved in the Christmas Eve head-on collision that left area residents dead is former Glen City School Principal Alfred Varela.
Varela was at the wheel of a vehicle that on Dec. 24 at about 2:20 p.m. crossed the center divider on Highway 126 and struck an oncoming vehicle.
Carlos Perez, 39, and Maria Ceja, 31, both of Santa Paula, were declared dead at the scene by first responders. Varela was injured critically and transported to Ventura County Medical Center by helicopter. Passengers in both vehicles sustained injuries; also, two dogs, one in each vehicle, were killed in the collision.
The CHP continues to investigate the crash.

Tragic Hwy 126 Christmas Eve accident kills two Santa Paulans:

UPDATE DEC. 29, 2024

Authorities identified the two people killed in a Christmas Eve crash on Highway 126, between Fillmore and Piru.

Carlos Perez, 39, and Maria Ceja, 31, both of Santa Paula, died in the two-vehicle collision, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office. They died of blunt-force injuries, and their deaths were considered accidental.

The Dec. 24 head-on collision was reported shortly after 2:20 p.m. on the eastbound highway, about a half mile east of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery; three others were injured including the driver of the other vehicle.

UPDATE FROM CHP: DEC. 25, 2024

California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Moorpark Area officers are working to determine the cause of a two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday, east of Fillmore, that claimed the lives of two people.
According to CHP Officer Ryan Ayers, on December 24, at approximately 2:20 P.M., the CHP Ventura Communications Center received a call of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 126, east of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery. Upon arrival, CHP units and emergency personnel found an unresponsive 39-year-old male and an unresponsive 31-year-old female trapped within the driver and passenger seats of a 2019 Lexus. They also found a 44-year-old male within the driver seat of a 2024 Volvo. There were also a 71-year-old female and 35-year-old male who had exited the Volvo and needed medical attention. The driver of the Volvo was removed from his vehicle and was receiving medical attention from on scene emergency personnel and was later transported to Ventura County Medical Center by helicopter with major injuries as a result of this crash.
Alfredo Varela Jr., a 44-year-old male from Oak View, was driving the Volvo westbound on State Route 126, east of the Fillmore City Limits, at approximately 65 MPH. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Volvo to travel into the eastbound lane directly into the path of an oncoming 2019 Lexus, where they collided head-on. The driver and passenger of the Lexus received fatal injuries as a result of this crash. The two other passengers in the Lexus were taken by ambulance to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital for moderate injuries.
No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown.
This incident resulted in the closure of Hwy 126 for approximately 50 minutes for the on-scene investigation, and full traffic was allowed later. The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), and CalTrans responded to the scene to assist with the extraction, medical care and scene safety. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene.
This collision is being investigated by the CHP Moorpark Area office. Any potential witnesses that have not already given their statements to an investigating officer are encouraged to contact the CHP Moorpark office at 805-553-0800.

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 24, 2024
TWO KILLED IN HWY 126 CHRISTMAS EVE COLLISION
Two people died in a head-on crash on Highway 126 east of Fillmore Tuesday, Christmas Eve, at about 2:15 p.m.
Several others were injured, one critically, in the multi-vehicle accident that occurred on eastbound Highway 126 near Fine Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Ventura County Firefighters rescued several people trapped in vehicles who were transported to area hospitals; one victim was airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center.
As of 3:30 p.m., one lane had opened in each direction using the highway's westbound lanes.
This post will be updated as more information is released.
Photograph by Natalie Rainwater

12/25/2024

UPDATE FROM CHP: DEC. 25, 2024

California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Moorpark Area officers are working to determine the cause of a two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday, east of Fillmore, that claimed the lives of two people.
According to CHP Officer Ryan Ayers, on December 24, at approximately 2:20 P.M., the CHP Ventura Communications Center received a call of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 126, east of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery. Upon arrival, CHP units and emergency personnel found an unresponsive 39-year-old male and an unresponsive 31-year-old female trapped within the driver and passenger seats of a 2019 Lexus. They also found a 44-year-old male within the driver seat of a 2024 Volvo. There were also a 71-year-old female and 35-year-old male who had exited the Volvo and needed medical attention. The driver of the Volvo was removed from his vehicle and was receiving medical attention from on scene emergency personnel and was later transported to Ventura County Medical Center by helicopter with major injuries as a result of this crash.
Alfredo Varela Jr., a 44-year-old male from Oak View, was driving the Volvo westbound on State Route 126, east of the Fillmore City Limits, at approximately 65 MPH. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Volvo to travel into the eastbound lane directly into the path of an oncoming 2019 Lexus, where they collided head-on. The driver and passenger of the Lexus received fatal injuries as a result of this crash. The two other passengers in the Lexus were taken by ambulance to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital for moderate injuries.
No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown.
This incident resulted in the closure of Hwy 126 for approximately 50 minutes for the on-scene investigation, and full traffic was allowed later. The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), and CalTrans responded to the scene to assist with the extraction, medical care and scene safety. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene.
This collision is being investigated by the CHP Moorpark Area office. Any potential witnesses that have not already given their statements to an investigating officer are encouraged to contact the CHP Moorpark office at 805-553-0800.

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 24, 2024
TWO KILLED IN HWY 126 CHRISTMAS EVE COLLISION
Two people died in a head-on crash on Highway 126 east of Fillmore Tuesday, Christmas Eve, at about 2:15 p.m.
Several others were injured, one critically, in the multi-vehicle accident that occurred on eastbound Highway 126 near Fine Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Ventura County Firefighters rescued several people trapped in vehicles who were transported to area hospitals; one victim was airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center.
As of 3:30 p.m., one lane had opened in each direction using the highway's westbound lanes.
This post will be updated as more information is released.
Photograph by Natalie Rainwater

12/22/2024

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 22
SANTA PAULA POLICE

The popular clerk shot Dec. 11 at the "Thomas 99 Cent Plus Store" on West Harvard Boulvard has died as a result of his injuries.
According to Santa Paula Police Chief Dan Aguilar, the store employee, Georges Touma, age 50, of Ventura, had remained in critical condition since the incident occurred at about 5:55 p.m. at the store, located east of Steckel Drive. The distinctive green building is across from a small apartment complex in an area of strip malls and small businesses. Mr. Touma died Saturday morning at Ventura County Medical Center.
Those who patronized the store first took to social media after the shooting and again when the news was released of Mr. Touma's death, offering sympathy and support to the family and expressing outrage at his murder.
The investigation is continuing as SPPD Detectives work on leads related to the homicide. The SPPD is requesting the public's assistance in reporting additional information, including surveillance video, to the Detective Bureau. Detectives are focusing on any information from witnesses on Harvard Boulevard, including areas near the store and surrounding neighborhoods before, during, and after the crime occurred. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Yvette Solis, 805-826-7512 or via email [email protected].
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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ACTUALIZACIÓN:
Víctima de un tiroteo en una tienda minorista de descuento de Harvard Blvd. muere a causa de heridas
Santa Paula, Calif. - La víctima de una herida de bala en el tiroteo ocurrido en la tienda "Thomas 99 Cent Plus Store" en Harvard Blvd. murió como resultado de sus heridas. El empleado de la tienda, Georges Touma, de 50 años y residente de Ventura, se encontraba en estado crítico desde que ocurrió el incidente. La investigación continúa.
Los detectives del Departamento de Policía de Santa Paula están trabajando en pistas relacionadas con la investigación. El Departamento de Policía solicita la ayuda del público para que proporcione información adicional, incluido el video de vigilancia, a la Oficina de Detectives. Los detectives se están centrando en cualquier información de los testigos en Harvard Blvd., incluidas las áreas cercanas a la tienda y los vecindarios circundantes antes, durante y después de que ocurrió el crimen.
El crimen ocurrió el 11 de diciembre de 2024, aproximadamente a las 5:55 p. m. Se insta a cualquier persona que tenga información sobre este incidente a que se comunique con la detective Yvette Solis, (805) 826-7512 o
envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected]
Crime Stoppers del condado de Ventura pagará una recompensa de hasta $1,000 por información que conduzca al arresto y la denuncia penal contra la(s) persona(s) responsable(s) de este crimen. La persona que llama puede permanecer anónima. La llamada no se graba. Llame a Crime Stoppers al 800-222-TIPS (8477).

12/12/2024

UPDATE 2:
4:35 p.m.

The clerk at a popular Santa Paula discount store remained in critical condition Thursday after suffering a single gunshot wound Wednesday evening, according to Police Chief Don Aguilar.
The 50-year-old clerk himself called the Santa Paula Police Department just before 6 p.m. on Dec. 11th to report he had been shot at the Thomas 99 Cents Plus store, located at 233 W. Harvard Blvd., east of South Steckel Drive. The brightly painted green store is across the street from an apartment complex and the strip mall containing the DMV among other businesses.
Aguilar said no other employees or shoppers were in the store at the time of the shooting.
The store remained closed and the parking lot blocked off with yellow caution tape Thursday afternoon as SPPD Detectives investigated the shooting.
The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived and remained at large Thursday.
Aguilar said the shooting is under investigation and urged anyone with information to contact Detective Yvette Solis at 805-826-7512.
Crime Scene photos by Javier Manzanares

UPDATE: 1

SANTA PAULA POLICE SEEK GUNMAN!

Santa Paula Police Department Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred at the “Thomas 99 Cent Plus Store” located at 233 W. Harvard Blvd. A store employee sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital.
A 911 call was received by SPPD Dispatch on December 11, at about 5:55 p.m., and officers immediately arrived on scene.
The investigation revealed that an unknown male adult suspect entered the store and a shooting occurred shortly after. The suspect fled the scene.
The Ventura County Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel treated the victim at the scene. The male victim, age 50 from Ventura, sustained “significant injuries from the gunshot wound” said Chief Don Aguilar, and was transported to the hospital. He is continuing to receive medical treatment.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Yvette Solis, (805) 826-7512 or email [email protected]
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Santa Paula Police Department continues to focus on fi****ms related offenses and urges residents who
possess fi****ms to secure them in safes or install gun locks. For more options on safe gun storage visit:
https://projectchildsafe.org/securing-your-firearm/
The Santa Paula Police Department, collaborating with Project ChildSafe, is offering complimentary gun locks to
increase gun safety in the community. Gun locks are available upon request at Police Department Public Lobby,
Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 12

Shooting on West Harvard Blvd: There are scant details as yet on a reported shooting at the Thomas 99 Cents + Store located at 247 W. Harvard Blvd. that occurred Wednesday evening. A portion of West Harvard Boulevard and the alleyway behind the business were closed for hours due to the investigation.
This story will be updated as more information is obtained from the Santa Paula Police Department.
Photo #1 by Rusty Solis
Additional Crime Scene photos by Javier Manzanares
Atención: traducción al español en la sección de comentarios.

12/10/2024

[👇 para español 👇] Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Monday through Wednesday for Much of Southern California

The National Weather Service warns of critical fire weather conditions across the region.

The worst impacts in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are anticipated Monday night through Tuesday, particularly in the Santa Ana Wind corridor.

What to Expect:

- Strong Santa Ana winds
- Extremely low humidity
- Elevated fire danger

Take Action Now:

- Avoid activities that can spark a fire, such as using power tools or outdoor grills.
- Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.
- Have an evacuation plan ready.

Stay updated with the latest forecasts and alerts. Safety first!

For more information, visit https://readyforwildfire.org.

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Se esperan condiciones meteorológicas peligrosas por incendios de lunes a miércoles en gran parte del sur de California

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional advierte de condiciones meteorológicas críticas de incendios en toda la región.

Los peores impactos en los condados de Los Ángeles y Ventura se anticipan la noche del lunes al martes, particularmente en el corredor del viento de Santa Ana.

Qué esperar:

- Fuertes vientos de Santa Ana
- Humedad extremadamente baja
- Elevado peligro de incendios

Tome medidas ahora:

- Evite actividades que puedan provocar un incendio, como el uso de herramientas eléctricas o parrillas al aire libre.
- Asegure los objetos de exterior que puedan ser arrastrados por el viento.
- Tenga preparado un plan de evacuación.

Manténgase al día de las últimas previsiones y alertas. La seguridad es lo primero.

Para más información, visite https://readyforwildfire.org.

12/10/2024

This is a potentially destructive event — be aware and stay safe!

[👇 para español 👇] Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Monday through Wednesday for Much of Southern California

The National Weather Service warns of critical fire weather conditions across the region.

The worst impacts in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are anticipated Monday night through Tuesday, particularly in the Santa Ana Wind corridor.

What to Expect:

- Strong Santa Ana winds
- Extremely low humidity
- Elevated fire danger

Take Action Now:

- Avoid activities that can spark a fire, such as using power tools or outdoor grills.
- Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.
- Have an evacuation plan ready.

Stay updated with the latest forecasts and alerts. Safety first!

For more information, visit https://readyforwildfire.org.

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Se esperan condiciones meteorológicas peligrosas por incendios de lunes a miércoles en gran parte del sur de California

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional advierte de condiciones meteorológicas críticas de incendios en toda la región.

Los peores impactos en los condados de Los Ángeles y Ventura se anticipan la noche del lunes al martes, particularmente en el corredor del viento de Santa Ana.

Qué esperar:

- Fuertes vientos de Santa Ana
- Humedad extremadamente baja
- Elevado peligro de incendios

Tome medidas ahora:

- Evite actividades que puedan provocar un incendio, como el uso de herramientas eléctricas o parrillas al aire libre.
- Asegure los objetos de exterior que puedan ser arrastrados por el viento.
- Tenga preparado un plan de evacuación.

Manténgase al día de las últimas previsiones y alertas. La seguridad es lo primero.

Para más información, visite https://readyforwildfire.org.

12/09/2024

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 8
SANTA ANA WIND EVENT & PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS

Updated December 8, 2024 at 2:00pm
Weather Summary

The National Weather Service is forecasting a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) wind event for Ventura County Monday December 9 – Wednesday December 11, and has issued a RED FLAG WARNING. Winds are expected to start Monday afternoon, peaking during the early morning hours Tuesday, and tapering off by late Wednesday. The current forecast is calling for sustained winds at 35mph, with a potential for gusts to 60mph. In addition to wind, very low relative humidity ranging from 5%-7% is anticipated, with no overnight recovery. While the impact of winds will cover most of Ventura County, the current forecast calls for high intensity conditions in Thousand Oaks, Piru and Fillmore.
Southern California Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
Southern California Edison is presently monitoring 46 circuits for potential PSPS starting Tuesday 12/10/24 from 12am-9pm. Additional information on the circuits being monitored can be found by visiting the Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Dashboard. For more information on the forecast, visit the National Weather Service.

12/09/2024

All aboard for the 17th annual Odd Fellows Lodge 314 Holiday Train display, now ready for visitors —- and nostalgic travelers —- under the historic Clock Tower on East Main Street, Santa Paula! Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and other times for private tours and events! For more information, visit the Santa Paula Odd Fellows 314 page!

12/06/2024

BREAKING NEWS: DEC. 6
THE VENTURA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL SHARED THIS ALERT FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

12/05/2024

Breaking News: Dec. 4

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Dec. 4 that Bruce Boyer, of Chatsworth, has been charged with four felony counts of perjury for submitting multiple fictitious voter registration applications.
Boyer, a perennial political candidate who has run for Ventura County Sheriff, County Clerk, and congress, made his first court appearance Dec. 4 and his arraignment was continued to January 17, 2025.
Boyer is accused of submitting four fraudulent voter registration forms to the County Registrar in the months preceding the November 2024 election. Each form was handwritten and attempted to register various fictitious characters to vote. Each fraudulent registration form included Boyer’s home address and was signed under penalty of perjury.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that every vote is lawful and that those accused of compromising the integrity of our election process face consequences,” District Attorney Nasarenko said.
The case was investigated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, after the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Office detected the voter registration forms and flagged them as suspicious. Senior Deputy District Attorney Tony Wold, a member of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Boyer was released on his own recognizance.

12/03/2024

Breaking News: Dec. 2
A 3.3 earthquake was reported in Piru, about 16 miles east of Santa Paula.

12/01/2024

The Holiday Parade will light up Main Street starting in one hour at 6:30 p.m. The Santa Paula Times would love to see and perhaps publish your Holiday Parade photos! Send your photos to our email. [email protected] if you would like to share your parade adventure with all of Santa Paula! Be sure to include the name of the photographer and, if possible, the entry! And, while you're downtown this evening, visit the sneak preview of the Odd Fellows Lodge annual Christmas Trains! Because the Odd Fellows and their elves are still working on the trains, admission is only $2 each! Then, come back next week to see the Train Display in all its glory!