California Highway Patrol

On February 3, 2009 at approximately 12:51 p.m., a major injury traffic collision occurred on SR-150, west of Loma Drive. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Kenneth Ballard, 49 years of age from Ojai, was driving his 1999 Porsche Boxster and was stopped facing eastbound on the south (bottom) shoulder of SR-150, just west of Loma Drive. Julie Gaynor, 27 years of age from Oak View, was driving her 2006 Nissan Pathfinder westbound on SR-150 and was approaching Ballard from his left side. For unknown reasons, Ballard failed to observe Gaynor’s vehicle approaching from his left and he attempted to make a left turn across the traffic lanes. As he did so, his vehicle traveled directly in front of Gaynor, who was unable to stop in time. The front of her Pathfinder then collided into the left side of Ballard’s Porsche.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, and both Ballard and Gaynor were later transported to Ojai Valley Community Hospital for their injuries. Ballard suffered a broken neck and several broken ribs. Gaynor had minor injuries and complained of pain to her upper body. The cause of the collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.