Santa Paula Times

12/04/2025

BREAKING NEWS: 12-4-25

MAN KILLED IN OXNARD AREA WRONG WAY CRASH

On December 03, at approximately 2147 hours, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Ventura Communications Center (VCC) began receiving calls of a two-vehicle, head-on traffic
crash, involving a silver Toyota pickup and a white Chevrolet pickup, on SR-34 (E. 5th Street), east of Wood Road.
A Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 23-year-old male, was traveling eastbound on SR-34, at an undetermined speed. At the same time, a Chevrolet Silverado 2500, driven by a 47-year-old
male, was traveling westbound on SR-34, at an undetermined speed, approaching the Toyota from the opposing direction.
The driver of the Toyota allowed his vehicle to cross into the opposing lane and began traveling wrong-way. As a result, the two vehicles collided head-on and came to rest within the westbound lane. Both occupants were transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where the 23-year-old
male was pronounced deceased, and the 47-year-old male sustained major injuries.
SR-34 was closed between Wood Road and Las Posas Road for approximately two hours to facilitate the investigation and process the scene.
It is unknown if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this crash.
This crash is being investigated by the CHP Ventura Area office. Any potential witnesses that have not already given their statements to an investigating officer or have potential dash camera footage are encouraged to contact the CHP Ventura office at (805) 662-2640.

12/01/2025

BREAKING NEWS: 11-30-25

COLD WINDS ON THE WAY!

Heads Up! This week gusty Santa Ana winds are expected Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. After the November rains, tree roots may still be weakened and there is a risk of downed trees and tree limbs. Secure outdoor objects and avoid parking under trees during the upcoming wind events!

11/27/2025

We wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. Among the things we are thankful for is you, and your support of community journalism.
We will be closed Thursday and Friday to observe the holiday but we will be checking our emails and phone messages.
Do have a safe and peaceful holiday — and GO CARDINALS!

11/23/2025

BREAKING NEWS:

CARDINALS WHOOP THE BELLFLOWER BUCCANEERS, CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FRIDAY AT CLU

The at-large entry to the Division 12 playoffs Santa Paula (8-5) defeated Bellflower (8-5) 17 to 14 in the semifinals of Division 12 at home in the cold breezy wind Friday night.

This Friday night Santa Paula Cardinals (8-5) will travel to face Grace Lancers (10-3) of Simi Valley. The Championship game will be played at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on Friday night beginning at 7 PM.

11/22/2025

Cardinals Win! Congratulations to a team with heart and talent!

🤩Congratulations on the win tonight, Cardinals!!! Moving on up to the next round!

Final score
Cardinals: 17
Bellflower: 14

11/21/2025

BREAKING NEWS FROM SAFETY FOR CITIZENS NOV. 21 —

POWER OUT, DRIVER INJURED WHEN TREE FALLS ONTO SEMI-TRUCK ON HWY 126!

TREE FALLS ONTO DRIVING SEMI TRUCK, SENDING DRIVER TO HOSPITAL, FRIDAY IN SANTA PAULA:

A eucalyptus tree fell onto a driving semi truck Friday morning, November 21 of 2025, in the area of the east bound 126 Highway near 10th Street.

VC Fire provided the update per their radio traffic. CHP reported that the driver was medically transported from the scene. Information on their condition was not available. The semi was described as a white Volvo sleeper, per the CHP website.

The tree was reported to be blocking all east bound lanes. A transformer had also been hit, and power lines were down, the CHP additionally reported. East bound 126 Highway was shut down with traffic being diverted off at 10th Street.

As of 12:00pm, CHP requested that west bound lanes of the 126 be shut down in the area.

Crews were working on clearing the lanes of debris. CalTrans and a heavy duty tow truck for the semi were requested. Traffic was heavy in the area.

No additional information was available at this time.

Picture posted the CHP Ventura Office on X.

11/17/2025

BREAKING NEWS: 11-17-25

LA CONCHITA AT RISK OF LANDSLIDE:

VC ALERT —
Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter elsewhere!Advisory issued to the Community of La Conchita Due to Ongoing Rainfall and Risk of Landslides.
Cumulative rainfall totals observed near La Conchita over the past 14 days now exceed 7.00 inches. This amount is similar to the rainfall totals recorded before past landslides. Current rainfall and geological conditions resemble those that contributed to the significant damage in 1995 and
2005. As a result, the threat of landslides and/or debris flows near homes is high. Rapidly changing geological conditions are unpredictable and may pose a serious risk to people in the immediate area. Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter elsewhere.
Due to the complex nature of the geologic hazards at La Conchita, local public safety personnel have no way to predict when a failure of the hillside may occur. Despite preparation and monitoring, evacuation alerts may come too late. Residents should pay close attention to weather forecasts and rainfall rates, as well as warning signs of imminent hillside failure.
For more information on the La Conchita area or to track rainfall totals, click HERE.
The Community of La Conchita has been deemed a geologic hazard area by the County of Ventura. County officials advise against entry into the area under any circumstance.

11/15/2025

GREAT RESOURCE FOR LARGE ANIMAL OWNERS DURING STORM!

Preemptive Large-Animal Evacuations – Ventura County

With the incoming rainstorm expected to arrive Thursday night and continue through early next week, EVRT will begin offering preemptive large-animal evacuations starting Thursday. Forecasts show the potential for flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flow, especially in areas with recent burn scars, low-lying terrain, or known flooding history.

If your property is in any of these high-risk zones—or if you are simply concerned about conditions—please contact Ventura County Animal Services (805-388-4341) to request a preemptive evacuation by following the prompts until you reach the extension for the emergency dispatch line. Early action helps ensure the safe and timely relocation of your animals before weather conditions worsen.

Please Note:
At this time, the Ventura County Fairgrounds will not be available as an evacuation site due to its own flood-zone designation. Owners requesting evacuation assistance will need to identify and arrange their own evacuation destination in advance.

Our qualified volunteers will transport your animals safely to the location you designate within Ventura County.

If you believe you may need assistance, please reach out as early as possible to avoid delays once the storm arrives. 805-388-4341

11/15/2025

CARDINALS WIN!

🏈 Cardinals with the W! Congrats SPHS Cardinal Football

11/14/2025

BREAKING NEWS: 11-15-25 STORM DRENCHES SANTA PAULA

AS OF 9 A.M. SATURDAY THE STORM DRENCHED SANTA PAULA WITH WITH 2.75 INCHES OF RAIN. THIS POST WILL BE UPDATED.

BREAKING NEWS: 11-14-25 STORM UPDATES

As of 9 a.m. this Friday morning Santa Paula 1.09 inches of rain fell on the city with more coming. Different scenarios on storm activity are posted on VC Emergency. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and groceries so you won't have to leave home over the weekend, and if need sandbags get them NOW at VCFD Station 29, 536 W. Main St., Santa Paula. Visit https://emergency.venturacounty.gov/ for details and updates!

11/14/2025

UPDATE: Nov. 14
Supervisor Kelly Long emailed members of the Blue Ribbon Committee and others noting the Nov. 13 meeting where the future closure of Santa Paula was addressed.
“I know there was a lot of information to digest,” wrote Long, “but the main takeaway I hope all can resonate with is that we know that access to medical services is critical in the Santa Clara Valley and I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, County staff and the community to ensure this happens.
“I heard you last night and I will continue to work and advocate for access to needed medical services in the valley that are long-term sustainable for the good of our whole community.”
Financially sustainable alternatives to a new Santa Paula Hospital — a matter of discussion for a decade and now DOA — to be located in East Area 2 were a part of the presentation and noted:
• Based on health needs of the community, service provision may include:
• Enhanced Urgent Care
• Radiology
• Expanded clinics (Public Health, Behavioral Health, Ambulatory Care, Human Services Agency)
Identify site and service delivery infrastructure, to include:
• Potential lease opportunities in Santa Clara Valley
• Potential for rehabilitation of existing structures in Santa Clara Valley.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the report at their meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18 at approximately 10:30 a.m. There will be no action taken which would be required for closure.
We will update this post.

BREAKING NEWS: NOV. 13

VC LEADERS SAY NEW SANTA PAULA HOSPITAL CAN'T BE BUILT AS ENVISIONED

Supervisor Kelly Long, County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson and Ventura County department heads told a standing-room-only crowd at Santa Paula Hospital that the facility would be closed in coming years and a long-planned replacement can't be built as planned.
County administrators cited new laws, funding cuts and lagging revenues — as well as mandated seismic upgrades required in 2030 that would trigger closure — as causes that are impacting not only the Health Care Agency but also other departments.
Elected and community leaders in the crowd questioned county personnel. Several noted their frustration with the county after five years of discussions, while others said healthcare impacts could be deadly. Finances and funding alternatives were also addressed by members of the audience as well as county intentions.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the report at their meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18 at approximately 10:30 a.m. There will be no action taken which would be required for closure — slated for 2030 — and alternate plans to replace the facility.
We will update this post.