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Punta Gorda parking lot reopens after project to cut down on illegal street racing
The County of Ventura and the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans District 7, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.
Recognizing the need to address the escalating concerns regarding illegal street racing and related activities, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere initiated a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike. This project, carried out in coordination with Caltrans District 7 and the County Planning Division, has resulted in the installation of strategically placed speed bumps and 155 cement parking barriers, known as wheel stops, in the Punta Gorda parking lot near Mussel Shoals. The lot, located on the northbound side of Highway 101 north of the Seacliff exit, is known for its high incidence of illegal racing and associated behavior.
“When my office became aware of the public safety dangers at the Punta Gorda parking lot, we immediately collaborated with the California Highway Patrol, District Attorney Nasarenko, our County Planning Division, and the California Coastal Commission to ensure such illegal activities were curbed while still allowing public access to our beautiful beaches,” said Supervisor Matt LaVere. “Because of the strong partnerships already in place, we were able to quickly implement safety measures which accomplish both of these goals.”
The newly implemented measures serve as a deterrent to individuals engaging in illegal driving activities, such as drag racing, donuts, and other dangerous acts that not only endanger participants but also innocent bystanders. By introducing these physical impediments, the County of Ventura, District Attorney’s Office, and CHP aim to disrupt the organization of illicit races and gatherings, discouraging individuals from engaging in reckless behavior.
“This collaborative effort attacks the conditions that permit illegal street racing to occur,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “By installing speed-reducing barriers, our county is helping to save lives and restoring coastal parking lots to their intended purpose – beach access.”
The collaborative effort involved extensive planning and coordination over two years. The problem was identified after several requests were made to stop the illegal races and gatherings. The multijurisdictional approach showcased the power of partnerships in tackling community-wide challenges.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office urges residents to report any suspicious or illegal activities to local law enforcement. By working together, residents and law enforcement can continue to create safe communities in Ventura County.
#CountyofVentura
DA Nasarenko joined Victim Advocates Aimee Sosa and Jennifer Brammer this past weekend for the Safe Passage Youth Foundation street fair in Newbury Park! Safe Passage helps kids in the Conejo Valley with safety, food, and mentoring.
Always great to support a wonderful organization!
Thank you Ventura County DA’s office for all you do. Victim advocates are the unsung heroes in our criminal court system. Andrea Stewart was amazing with my family during a very dark and difficult time.
News Release: June 2, 2023
The County of Ventura - Government and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with CHP - Ventura and Caltrans District 7, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.
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Thousands of sexual assault kits, some decades old, to get DNA testing in Ventura County
Thousands of sexual assault kits, some decades old, to get DNA testing in Ventura County
www.vcstar.com
For years, sexual assault kits sat in in evidence rooms, warehouses and cold storage throughout Ventura County. Now, the evidence is getting tested.
We are so proud of our involvement with the Give an Hour - Route 91 Heals Project! Our incredible victim advocates have worked tirelessly for the victims of mass shootings. This award from the National Organization for Victim Assistance is so well deserved. Congratulations!Congratulations to NOVA's 2023 Tadini Baciagalupi Jr. Award Winner: Give an Hour, Route 91 Heals Project
Tadini Bacigalupi Jr. Award Honorees:
Michelle Richards, State Medical Board of Ohio
Melandie Deplazes, Safe Alternatives for Abused Families
Visit our website to see all the awardees here: www.trynova.org/boardawardwinners (also in linktree) #WhyWeAdvocate #awards #victimsrights #supportsurvivors #victimadvocacy #crisisresponse #NOVA
News Release: June 1, 2023
Sheriff Jim Fryhoff and District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the launch of a new website for the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. At VCSAKI.com the public can learn about this important initiative and track the multi-agency effort to test untested sexual assault kits. The site also provides victims with the ability to contact a member of the District Attorney’s Office who can assist them in determining the status of their own sexual assault kit or obtain resources vital to their healing process.
The Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) is a countywide initiative to submit every untested sexual assault kit for DNA testing, investigate unsolved sexual assault cases, and prosecute offenders. In December 2021, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Forensic Services Bureau was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to support this effort. The Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices are joined in this effort by every local law enforcement agency in the county, the Ventura County Health Care Agency, and the Coalition for Family Harmony.
Local law enforcement agencies and the Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau are in the final stages of inventorying all untested sexual assault kits which includes reviewing police reports and other records related to those crimes. When the inventory is complete, the VCSAKI partners anticipate submitting approximately 3,000 untested sexual assault kits for testing.
“Testing approximately 3,000 sexual assault kits dating back to the late 1970’s is a daunting task, but we owe it to the victims of these heinous crimes to do everything we can to attempt to hold their offenders accountable,” said Sheriff Fryhoff.
“Testing each and every kit is the right thing to do,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “It promotes public trust between law enforcement and the victims we serve, and it marks a significant step forward in our commitment to seeking long-awaited justice for survivors of sexual assault.”
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