Por El Latino Newsroom
redaccion@latinocc.com
As Donald Trump became again president, law enforcement leaders in Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, have addressed concerns about their involvement in immigration enforcement.
In a statement released this week, the Committee formed by the Ventura County Sheriff office and the Police departments of Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and the Highway Patrol, reaffirmed their longstanding policy of not participating in the enforcement of federal immigration laws and emphasized their commitment to maintaining trust within the community.
“To be very clear, Ventura County law enforcement has not historically participated in the enforcement of immigration laws. We do not intend to change that practice,”
read the statement signed by the Chiefs and Ventura County District Attorney, Erik Nassarenko.
Officials underscored that effective law enforcement relies on trust and cooperation between residents and officers.
Fear related to immigration status, they noted, could deter victims and witnesses of crimes from coming forward, ultimately hindering public safety efforts.
Ventura County law enforcement operates in compliance with California’s SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, which limits local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
While rare, the county jail may transfer noncitizens to federal immigration authorities under specific circumstances involving serious crimes.
In 2023 and 2024, 43,761 individuals were booked into the Ventura County jail and of those, only 88 (0.2%) were transferred to immigration officials.
These cases involved charges such as lewd acts on a child, assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and burglary.
“Safe communities need effective law enforcement. We do not want the fear of immigration status to inhibit members of our communities from interacting with officers and deputies, especially when they are victims or witnesses in criminal cases services,” the statement emphasized.
At the same time, law enforcement leaders expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence the community places in them, pledging to maintain their position on immigration enforcement.
They called for continued community support to ensure safety and mutual cooperation.
SIMI VALLEY’S MAYOR DIES
Simi Valley’s Mayor, Fred D. Thomas, a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for the local community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 21, surrounded by his family, he was 67 years old, informed the City Manager, Samantha Argabrite.
Thomas was first elected to the Simi Valley City Council as mayor in November 2022 and was re-elected to a second term this past November.
During his tenure, he was known for his unwavering commitment to the community and his deep care for its citizens.
Before joining the City Council, Thomas devoted two decades to the Boys & Girls Club board, including four years as board president.
His civic contributions extended to roles on the Simi Valley Gang Task Force, the Simi Valley Crime Prevention Task Force, and as an executive board member of Neighborhood Council #1.
Most recently, he served on the board of the Simi Valley Police Foundation, including three years as its president, underscoring his dedication to the safety of the community and its police department.
Thomas’ commitment to youth and community welfare earned him numerous accolades, including the Simi Valley Community Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2013, the Kiki Camarena Award from Californians for Drug-Free Youth for his drug education efforts with the DEA, and the 2021 Boys & Girls Club Champion of Youth Award.
Beyond his public service, Thomas was a successful entrepreneur. He began his career as a graphic designer, became a partner in a real estate marketing firm, and later founded a national direct mail marketing company in 1992.
He also owned a commercial printing company, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to innovation and business.
“This is an incredibly sad time. Fred was a caring man, an excellent leader, and a true testament to a life well lived,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dee Dee Cavanagh.
Thomas had lived in Simi Valley since 1994, he is survived by his two daughters, Brandee (Brandon) and Kristen (Jay), two grandchildren, Shane and Summer, and his partner, Ashley.
Details about memorial services have not been announced. The City Council will discuss steps moving forward during its January 27 meeting.
JESS RAMIREZ NAMED OXNARD HARBOR PRESIDENT
Jess J. Ramirez, a longtime member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 46, was sworn in Thursday as president of the Oxnard Harbor District during a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme.
Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez administered the oath of office.
Ramirez, who has devoted more than 51 years of service at the port, began as a casual longshoreman and worked his way up to a respected leadership position.
He succeeds Commissioner Celina L. Zacarias, who recently concluded her tenure as board president.
Ramirez’s new role represents the culmination of a career focused on community service, education and economic growth.
Throughout his time at the port, Ramirez has supported numerous charitable efforts, including assisting the Tarahumara people of Chihuahua, Mexico, and advancing youth education in Oxnard.
He has also backed the Oxnard Film Society Summer Film Series, the Boys & Girls Club and relief initiatives for schoolchildren in Guatemala.
A champion of environmental stewardship, Ramirez has emphasized green initiatives, including an urban tree project designed to reduce the port’s ecological impact.
He has represented the district at major industry conferences such as Trans-Pacific Maritime, Finished Vehicle Logistics and FuturePorts, in addition to numerous customer events.
“Where others focus solely on business growth, I strive to ensure we attract the right partnerships and invest in opportunities that drive both economic and social value,” Ramirez said. “It is this attentiveness that has enabled the Port of Hueneme to create opportunities that not only spur economic development but also build social capital and investment in the community.”
Ramirez noted that his latest term would be his last, reflecting on decades of public service and highlighting his commitment to retiring on his own terms: “I look forward to continuing to build community. I want to retire as a lifelong public servant, and my legacy belongs to those I’ve served and to my daughters and grandchildren.”
PUBLIC WORKS IN SB
The City of Santa Barbara announced the advancement of the implementation of the Westside and Lower West Neighborhoods Transportation Management Plan through the FY2024B Pavement Maintenance Project on San Andres Street.
The project aims to repave the roadway and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, reflecting a broader commitment to community-focused infrastructure upgrades.
Phase one of the project, now complete, focused on essential sidewalk repairs along San Andres Street between Canon Perdido Street and Micheltorena Street, as well as sections of Sola, Anapamu, and Victoria Streets.
“These upgrades addressed deteriorated pedestrian pathways, enhancing accessibility and safety for residents,” said the City in a press release.
Currently, phase two is underway, led by Granite Construction Company.
This phase emphasizes intersection safety improvements, including the installation of curb extensions, rapid flashing beacons, and enhanced lighting.
“These measures aim to create safer crossings and visibility for all road users. However, temporary traffic impacts should be anticipated, including one-way closures and detours on San Andres Street,” the City said.
The authorities also stated that electronic message boards along the roadway will be placed to provide advance notice to minimize inconvenience to the public.
“Phase two is expected to conclude by mid-March 2025,”.
The final phase of the project, scheduled to begin after phase two’s completion, will include extensive roadway repaving and restriping and is anticipated to wrap up by April 2025.
Streets such as San Andres (from Canon Perdido to Micheltorena Streets) and Canon Perdido (from Marilla Avenue to Wentworth Avenue) will see significant upgrades. Additional midblock lighting installations on San Andres Street, between Carrillo and Micheltorena Streets, will further enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
Funding for the project comes from multiple sources, including the Measure A Safe Routes to School Program Grant, a Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant for intersection upgrades, and Measure C funds dedicated to sidewalk repairs and street repaving.
For more information on these enhancements, visit the Westside and Lower West Neighborhoods Transportation Management Plan website.
