Ventura County Star Stories: County News

Man enters not guilty plea in Ventura standoff

rhernandez@venturacountystar.com (Raul Hernandez) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:54:00 -0000

A 39-year-old man who is accused of shooting up his Ventura neighborhood after he had been drinking pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with a firearm upon a peace officer during his arraignment Friday.

Jeffrey Stephen Fennell of Ventura also pleaded not guilty to shooting into an inhabited dwelling and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

County marks July Fourth with community gatherings

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:01:00 -0000

Ventura County residents took to the streets Saturday to celebrate Independence Day with parades, pancake breakfasts, street fairs, and of course, fireworks.

County marks July Fourth with community gatherings

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:01:00 -0000

Ventura County residents took to the streets Saturday to celebrate Independence Day with parades, pancake breakfasts, street fairs, and of course, fireworks.

Thousands gather in county to protest taxes, government spending

shadley@venturacountystar.com (Scott Hadly) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:12:00 -0000

Several thousand people gathered at anti-tax “Tea Party” protests across Ventura County on Saturday celebrating Independence Day with a shot across the bow of big government.

It's dog-beat-dog at Day 2 of Summerfest Show

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Here’s a tip for the uninformed visitor to a dog show: If you have an urge to pet the poofed and teased head of an Old English sheepdog because those big, brown eyes are beckoning, don’t.

Squadron returns from six-month deployment in Pacific

shadley@venturacountystar.com (Scott Hadly) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

An E-2 Hawkeye squadron from Mugu returns early friday morning after a six month deployment aboard the USS Stennis.

2 budget-cutting plans urged dropped

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

California’s district attorneys, including Ventura County’s Greg Totten, are urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to reject two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation proposals aimed at reducing its budget by cutting its inmate population.

New citizens reflect on Independence Day

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

After a lifetime of waiting, 94-year-old Rosalio Rodriguez has finally achieved something he always dreamed about.

He is, at last, a citizen of the United States of America.

Rodriguez and his wife, Guadalupe, 78, who have been married for 65 years and live in Oxnard, took the Oath of Allegiance at a citizenship ceremony at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona on April 28.

Fewer drivers but more law enforcement expected

mhernandez@venturacountystar.com (Marjorie Hernandez) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Although fewer people are expected to hit the road this Fourth of July weekend, law enforcement officials said they will continue maximum enforcement during the holiday.

Taking the Solar Initiative

zbarlow@venturacountystar.com (Zeke Barlow) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

In recent years, Garcelle Embry has been watching her electric bill go up and the cost of solar panels go down. Finally, it seems as though it’s time to start producing some of her own energy and save some money.

'Tea Parties' slated in county to protest big government

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Area political conservatives are holding Fourth of July “Tea Parties” in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura to protest the use of tax dollars for President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package and its expansion of the federal government.

County wants in-depth report on RAIN as expenditures rise

kwilson@VenturaCountyStar.com (Kathleen Wilson) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

The Oxnard couple had no jobs, no home, $39,000 in debts, a history of substance abuse and a frightening future. With court deadlines looming, they faced the prospect of losing their children for good unless they could provide a stable environment.

Nine county school districts share $500,000 in equipment grants

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

State officials announced Wednesday that school districts throughout California will share more than $12.8 million for food service equipment, part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

Chief Deputy Carpenter begins campaign for county sheriff

tbiasotti@venturacountystar.com (Tony Biasotti) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Flanked by Sheriff Bob Brooks and his top aides, Chief Deputy Dennis Carpenter started his campaign for sheriff Thursday by promising a “seamless, efficient transition” if he’s elected to Brooks’ post.

Fourth of July events around Ventura County

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

This list runs with the advancer roundup story on July 4 holiday activities around the county.

IOUs, proposed cuts to education after budget deal fails

therdt@venturacountystar.com (Timm Herdt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

SACRAMENTO — Trying to put the best spin on a botched standoff that saw state officials late Tuesday night squander a one-time chance to cut $3 billion from California’s budget shortfall, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that at least schools were spared from having to absorb the loss of funds.

Summer Jobs For Youth program puts kids to work

mhernandez@venturacountystar.com (Marjorie Hernandez) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Hueneme High School student Bria Gladney applied for a job at Denny’s restaurant but was turned down.

Judge dismisses GOP lawsuit against Ventura County

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

A judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed last year by the Ventura County Republican Party against the county of Ventura, seeking to recover $11,000 the party spent to successfully defend itself in a campaign finance investigation.

Cities gear up for July Fourth festivities

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000

Parades, pancake breakfasts, music and fireworks are expected to attract crowds across Ventura County this Fourth of July weekend as the nation celebrates the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.