The Ventura County Fire Department has just released a new edition of its award-winning Wildfire Action Plan brochure and is urging county residents to be prepared for brush fires.

“The key to saving lives and property during a wildfire is preparation and planning,” said Public Information Officer, Capt. Ron Oatman. “It’s what we do in the fire department and we urge our citizens to do the same.”
The Wildfire Action Plan is designed to help residents answer the crucial question: Should I leave early, or stay and defend my property? Regardless of how the question is answered, preparation is the secret to success. The brochure contains information, tips and checklists to help people answer the question for themselves. “Choosing whether to leave early, or stay and defend your property is a scary decision,” said Oatman. “But knowing you’ve made the proper preparations will be a tremendous source of comfort should the need actually arise.”

Copies of the Wildfire Action Plan are available at Ventura County Fire Department stations, the fire administration building – 165 Durley Ave. in Camarillo – or as a download from the department’s Web site: http://fire.countyofventura.org.

Civic and community groups, homeowner’s associations and other organizations who would like to have a presentation of the Wildfire Action Plan are encouraged to contact Capt. Oatman at (805) 389-9736.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, Charge, City of residence, Age
Yates, Ricky, 12021 P.C., Ojai, 50
Perez, Armando, 12021 P.C., Santa Paula, 32
Medina, Randy, 11550 H&S, El Rio, 21
Santos, Oscar, 11550 H&S, El Rio, 39
Lozano, Andrew, 11550 H&S, El Rio, 23

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit served three search warrants, seized four firearms and arrested five individuals during several gang related investigations last week.
On August 14, 2008 Sheriff’s Gang investigators served two separate search warrants involving the investigation of the El Rio criminal street gang. The first search warrant was served in the 300 block of Ojai Road in Santa Paula. At this address, investigators found an inoperable .22 cal handgun. The second search warrant took place in the 2400 block of Balboa Street in El Rio, which resulted in the seizure of two sawed-off rifles and the arrest of Randy Medina, Oscar Santos, and Andrew Lozano for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
On August 16, 2008, gang investigators conducted a probation search on the residence of Armando Perez, a known Fillmore gang member. The search took place in the 17900 block of Telegraph Road in Santa Paula and revealed a loaded .22 cal semi automatic handgun. Perez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun and street terrorism.
On August 17, 2008, gang investigators served a search warrant in the 500 block of Katherine Street in the community of Oak View. The search warrant was part of a stolen vehicle investigation. During this search, a .22 cal rifle and ammunition was found in the room of Ricky Yates. Yates, a convicted felon, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 6, 2008, after many months of preparation and studying, Assistant Communications Manager and County 9-1-1 Coordinator Erin Brockus passed the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) examination.

Erin’s successful completion of this certification program demonstrates her mastery of the comprehensive body of knowledge required for emergency number (9-1-1) program management. It also confirms her commitment to the 9-1-1 profession by demonstrating her leadership in public safety communications and pledging to stay abreast of current issues and developments in the field.

Erin started her career as a dispatcher with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in October 1995. In January 2000, she was one of three dispatchers promoted to supervisory positions who replaced the sergeants working in the Sheriff’s Communications Center (SCC). In December 2007, Erin was promoted to Assistant Communications Manager and County 9-1-1 Coordinator.

The ENP certification program was developed by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). NENA’s mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability, and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties Age
(S1) Jesse Adams, Camarillo Resident - 20 Years
On August 21, 2008, at about 10:30 a.m., Camarillo Deputies responded to the 1600 block of San Rafael to a residential burglary in progress.

A resident of one of the homes in the area was on vacation, however, they had friends house-sitting. One of the house-sitters heard the doorbell ring and chose to ignore it. A short time later, a subject was seen entering the master bedroom located on the second floor. The subject was confronted and fled the area.

Detective Luna located a subject a short distance away who matched the suspect’s description. Detective Luna detained the subject and he was later identified as the individual who was seen in the victim’s master bedroom.

The suspect, Jesse Adams, was subsequently booked at the Main Jail for burglary. Bail was set at $50,000.00

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind all citizens in the county not to ignore someone knocking at their door. They may be better served by equipping themselves with a phone and, without opening the door, acknowledge the person’s presence.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Lopez, Johnny - Newbury Park - 21
(S) Ramos, Luis - Newbury Park - 22

Two Newbury Park men were arrested recently for burglary after an extensive investigation by detectives and members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit revealed they were responsible for at least 50 thefts and burglaries from vehicles during a one-month crime spree this summer.

Johnny Lopez and Luis Ramos drew the attention of investigators when probation searches of their residences revealed stolen property from nearby thefts and burglaries that occurred during the previous month in the Hillcrest Park Apartments and Conejo Creek Condominiums.

After identifying evidence and interviewing the two men, investigators linked Lopez and Ramos to at least two residential burglaries as well.

Lopez is in custody at the Todd Road Jail in Santa Paula with bail set at $85,000.00. Ramos is being held without bail due to an immigration hold in addition to his criminal charges.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 8-19-2008, members of the Simi Valley Police Department’s Narcotic Unit along with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotic Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2200 block of Sequoia Avenue, Simi Valley. This search warrant was in response to citizens complaining of suspicious narcotic sales activity at the residence. A small quantity of methamphetamine was located inside the residence. Rodney Zeugin was arrested for possessing methamphetamine and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Katherine Beck was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Deborah Salas was arrested for possessing methamphetamine, being under the influence of a controlled substance and for parole violations. Zeugin and Salas were booked into the Ventura County Jail pending court proceedings. Beck was released with a notice to appear.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Matilija Canyon
Date & Time: August 20, 2008
Units Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics / Air Unit / U.S. Forest Service / D.E.A.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2008, Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Air Unit and the United States Forest Service, eradicated 5 large-scale marijuana cultivations in the Los Padres National Forest in Matilija Canyon, north of the city of Ojai. Approximately 11,000 marijuana plants were eradicated with a potential street value of over 22 million dollars. The plants from this grow were later destroyed.

The multiple gardens were discovered earlier this month during aerial reconnaissance and were located in multiple drainages and canyons along Matilija Canyon Road, from Highway 33 to the locked gate at the end of the road. Makeshift campsites used by the growers were found in each of the grow sites. Each campsite was littered with trash and debris, irrigation pipe, camping equipment, and chemicals used in fertilizing the plants. This type of activity found at these grow sites is known to cause significant damage to the environment, e.g., stream deviation, tree and brush cutting and removal, landscape terracing, etc.

It is believed those responsible for this grow are tied to a drug trafficking organization; however, no arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing.

The Sheriff’s Department would also like to remind the public of the potential danger to anyone who might accidentally come across one of these illegal marijuana grow sites. If anyone has information concerning a marijuana grow, please contact your local law enforcement agency or WE-TIP if you would like to remain anonymous.

Our own Ventura County Cops Running For Charity (CRFC) adventure race took place during July. Seven Ventura County Sheriff Deputies competed as a team to successfully raise $33,000 for local Ventura County medical charities. We traveled to Iceland for an International 55Kilometer ultra-marathon trail race.
We arrived in Iceland to experience a nice, sharp, cold rain. Needless to say, we thought we were prepared. However, where was the snow? After all, the country’s name is not “Rainland.”
Soon, Iceland held up to the name and reputation as we traveled across the countless glacier covered mountains and valleys.
Iceland is the world’s newest landmass and is comprised of a giant series of glaciers, rivers, mountains and volcanoes ringed by beautiful, but cold farmland along the coast. A deep chill engulfed us as we stepped out of our bus to begin the race. We had traveled about 4 hours deep into the wilderness where “Raw” is the best descriptor.
We had about 15 minutes of prep time and the race gun was fired. It was surreal to see the seven of us running in rain and snow gear. Shiver was the word for the day, what a new experience for us. Remember, we practiced in Ventura County with the July trail temperatures that averaged between 95 and 100 degrees.
The race-day temperature varied between 30 to 35 degrees, and it brought on a constant shift between sleet/ice and horizontal rain. The 20 mph wind chill is what really brought on the challenge, driving our core temperatures to hypothermic as we ran through mountains ranges of rugged snow-fields and through (not over) 6 different rivers. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: El Rio
Date & Time: August 2008
Recently an old Lotto Scam was discovered in the unincorporated area of Ventura County. This particular case was initiated by a company calling itself “Pacific Healthcare, Inc.”.
Typically, in a scam of this nature, a fraudulent company will send a letter or an email to the potential victim telling the victim they won a lottery. The company will sometimes attach a ‘good faith’ check for the victim to deposit. The fraudulent company will advise the victim to send money back to them to cover such expenses as ‘taxes’ on the winnings. The check sent by the dishonest company is also fraudulent. The scam hopes the victim will send the requested money back to them before the victim is advised the ‘good faith’ check was fraudulent. A majority of these scams originate from outside of the US and investigation and prosecution of them is difficult at a local level.

Don’t fall prey to these types of scams. Contact your local law enforcement agency before taking any action on this type of ‘lottery winnings notification’.

Federal and local authorities this morning arrested seven men on federal charges of possessing child pornography as part of an investigation that has led to charges against a total of 52 defendants who allegedly used peer-to-peer networks to exchange graphic images and videos.

The charges are the result of a coordinated investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which received extensive assistance from a number of other agencies, including the United States Secret Service. The investigation is the first time law enforcement has conducted a coordinated sweep broadly targeting peer-to-peer users who share child pornography.

All of the defendants are charged with possession of child pornography, and some of the defendants are charged with additional offenses, such as production of child pornography and committing crimes while registered sex offenders. Those charged include a law enforcement officer, attorneys and men with previous convictions related to the child pornography.

One particularly serious case involves a man named Gary Samuel Cochran, a 50-year-old Huntington Beach man who has previously been convicted in state court of child molestation and possession of obscene materials that depicted minors engaged in sex acts. Earlier this year, investigators found evidence that Cochran was not only sharing child pornography, but that some of the images were pictures he took of a young girl. As a result, he is charged with both possession and production of child pornography. Because of his prior convictions, Cochran faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison if convicted of possessing child pornography, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in prison if convicted of producing child pornography. If convicted of committing these offenses while a registered sex offender, Cochran would receive an additional 10 years in prison.

Other defendants charged in this investigation with possession of child pornography include:

Eric David Lacey, a 48-year-old man who was living above a child daycare facility in Hollywood while being sought in a child pornography case out of North Dakota that was featured on America’s Most Wanted;

Evan Craig Stephens, 36, an Upland man who is a registered sex offender after being previously convicted of child molestation; and

George Tyler Farmer, 39, of Oxnard, who was previously convicted of molesting a 6-year-old girl.

These cases are the result of a coordinated investigation in which law enforcement used sophisticated computer programs to track down computers on which child pornography was being stored and made available to others via peer-to-peer networks, which is an increasingly popular method to share files on the Internet. Using software programs such as Limewire, computer users can join networks that allow the sharing of files across the Internet, often for no charge. Law enforcement is able to use these same networks to identify and target individuals using the networks to share child pornography.

“As criminals exploit technology to commit their crimes – whether it be identity theft, money laundering, distribution of child pornography, or any other criminal conduct – law enforcement will quickly react to develop equally sophisticated means to track down their wrongdoing,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien.

Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, said: “There is perhaps nothing more reprehensible than an act in exploitation of children – those members of our society who, because of their age and inexperience, are especially vulnerable to manipulation and deceit. America's children are its most cherished and valuable resource. The FBI will continue to do all that it can to protect them from those that would rob them of their innocence.”

Robert Schoch, Special Agent in Charge for the ICE office of investigations in Los Angeles, stated: “Today, those involved in child exploitation – like everyone else – are using the remarkable reach of the Internet, and peer-to-peer technology is the latest frontier. But we have a message for child sex predators who think they can escape justice by hiding in Cyberspace. We will do everything in our power and use every tool at our disposal to keep our children safe – whether they are around the block or around the world.”

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, unless that person has previously been convicted of a child exploitation crime, in which case any conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The cases announced today were investigated by the FBI's Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In additional to the FBI, the SAFE Team is made up of investigators with the California Department of Justice, the United States Postal Inspection Service, ICE, the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. ICE received substantial assistance from the United States Secret Service, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, the Thousand Oaks Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services’ Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

(V) Leming, Kaylee Thousand Oaks 18

(S) Mendoza, Jose Moorpark 19
(S) Castro, Julio Moorpark 20
(S) Male Juvenile Moorpark 17

On 08-14-2008 at about 11:25 P.M., Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Moorpark Police Department responded to the 13000 block of Quail Summit in regards to a robbery that had occurred about five minutes previously at Peach Hill Park. The victim reported that as she was walking through the park with friends they were approached by three male Hispanics who, after asking for a cigarette, pulled a knife and demanded her purse. The victim was carrying a digital camera and quickly took a picture of the suspects who, after continuing to threaten the victim and her friends with the knife, completed the robbery by taking the purse and the camera.

Deputies began searching the area and located three males matching the description in the greenbelt area near Laurelhurst Road. Jose Mendoza and Julio Castro were taken into custody at that location. The male juvenile fled on foot but was located a few minutes later by other deputies near Quail Summit and Fireside Lane.

The victim and witnesses positively identified the suspects. All of the stolen property was recovered and the knife was located near the suspects. When reviewing the photographs on the camera deputies found that one of the last photographs taken was that of two males attempting to cover their faces with their clothing. The clothing worn by Julio Castro and Jose Mendoza matched the clothing worn by the two males depicted in the photograph.

The juvenile was booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Detention Center while the two adults were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Their bail was set at $200,000.00.

The juvenile was charged with Penal Code Section 211, Robbery and Penal Code Section 186.22, Participating in a Criminal Street Gang.

Julio Castro was charged with Penal Code Section 211, Robbery and Penal Code Section 186.22, Participating in a Criminal Street Gang.

Jose Mendoza was charged with Penal Code Section 211, Robbery, Penal Code Section 148.9, Giving false information to a peace officer and Penal Code Section 186.22, Participating in a Criminal Street Gang.

Location: Various locations around the City of Camarillo
On 08-15-08 at approximately 0420 hours, the Camarillo Police Department began receiving calls for service reference graffiti vandalisms that occurred at various locations throughout the City of Camarillo. The vandalisms consisted of swastikas and other hate related racial writings. Approximately nine victims have been identified thus far. At this time, it is undetermined whether these incidents are related to previous graffiti crimes of a similar nature.

These crimes are under investigation. Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Peter Seery at 805-383-4800.

California Highway Patrol

On August 16, 2008 at approximately 5:45 in the morning, a major injury traffic collision involving two vehicles occurred on the Rose Avenue off-ramp from US 101 northbound.

Sergio Franco-Martinez, 21 years of age from Canoga Park, and his right front passenger, Osiel Hernandez, 20 years of age from Canoga Park, were traveling in a 1998 Honda Civic and were exiting from the northbound 101 at the Rose Avenue off-ramp. Javier Samarron-Villa, 43 years of age from Oxnard, was driving his 1989 Ford Aerostar, and was entering onto the US 101 freeway from northbound Rose Avenue (Rose Avenue cloverleaf). Due to Martinez’s excessive speed, he failed to negotiate a turn in the roadway and his vehicle slid across the off-ramp toward an adjacent rock embankment. Martinez’s vehicle then flipped and went airborne over the embankment. His vehicle then collided into Villa’s vehicle, which was already on the cloverleaf heading toward the US 101. Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene and were able to remove all of the parties from their vehicles.

Martinez, and his passenger, Osiel Hernandez, was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Martinez suffered major injuries including a skull fracture and a severed right finger. His passenger suffered numerous lacerations to his head and face. Mr. Villa, who was the sole occupant of his vehicle, was uninjured. Martinez was subsequently arrested for felony DUI but could not be booked into the Ventura County Jail due to the severity of his injuries.

The collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
Enlarge Photo

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
Enlarge Photo

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Police Department is seeking help from the public in the identification of two robbery suspects. Attached are surveillance photos taken inside the business of suspect-1.

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair ( Surveillance photo ).
Suspect-2: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, medium build, short
black hair

On Wednesday, July 16,2008 at about 8:50 P.M., a male suspect-1 entered Victor's Market located at 365 Main St. in the city of Fillmore. The suspect-1 grabbed two cases of beer and ran out of the store without paying for them. The store clerk followed the suspect-1 in his effort to stop the theft. The suspect-1 turned and punched the clerk on the face, then pulled out a knife and brandished it at the clerk. As this was taking place, a second suspect-2 walked toward the clerk and yelled obscenities at him aiding suspect-1 in his getaway with the beer. Both suspect s are believed to have driven away in a small black car. The clerk suffered minor injury that did not require medical attention.

The Ventura Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspects responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Fillmore Crime Stoppers at (805) 524-0970.

California Highway Patrol

On August 12, 2008 at approximately 8:18 a.m., an injury traffic collision involving a motorcyclist occurred on US 101 southbound at the Oxnard Boulevard off-ramp

Oscar Juarez, 31 years of age, from Camarillo, California was riding his 2003 Suzuki motorcycle on US 101 southbound and was exiting at the Oxnard Boulevard off-ramp. For unknown reasons, he suddenly lost control and struck a raised curb at the end of the off-ramp, causing the motorcycle to tilt onto its side. Juarez was ejected from the motorcycle where he struck the roadway and suffered a fractured wrist. He was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard for his injuries but was later released. Juarez was subsequently arrested for unrelated charges.

DUI was not a factor in this collision. The incident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On June 17, 2008, Daniel Robert Quinn was booked into the Ventura County Jail for 10851 VC/Unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, 23152 VC/Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and two counts of violating his probation.

On July 4, 2008, Quinn was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for an unknown illness. Quinn remained hospitalized since July 4th.

On today’s date, at approximately 0628 am, Quinn died at the Ventura County Medical Center. An autopsy was performed today, it was determined that Quinn died from natural causes.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory, led by Laboratory Manager Renee Artman, has been granted accreditation under a new international program managed by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). This accreditation applies to testing operations carried out in the laboratory, including DNA, firearms and toolmarks, microscopy and general chemical analysis, shoe print comparisons, tire track impressions, toxicology, post mortem toxicology, blood alcohol, and controlled substances.

In a separate action on June 21, 2008, ASCLD/LAB had already accredited the Forensic Sciences Laboratory under the same international program (ISO) with respect to its management of the breath alcohol instruments used throughout the County of Ventura.

Jeff Matson, commander of the Technical Services Bureau stated that the accreditation achieved by the Forensic Laboratory is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its staff members. “It is a team effort with Renee as the Team Captain.”

“Achieving this prestigious recognition,” Renee Artman said, “demonstrates that the Forensic Sciences Laboratory meets established standards for its operation. The Sheriff’s Laboratory has always provided the highest quality work to our law enforcement agencies, our community, and the entire justice system. The accreditation process is a stamp of approval for the Laboratory’s entire quality system, including its technical procedures, document control processes, and the management system. It is a milestone for us, and I am very proud to be a part of this process. I commend the entire Laboratory staff for their hard work and dedication. It is an exceptional group of employees, who through their thorough knowledge of science and experience help to solve crime and contribute to a safer community.”

To obtain this accreditation, the Laboratory was inspected against more than 400 requirements promulgated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the major standard-setting organization for testing laboratories worldwide. In addition, the Laboratory was inspected against supplemental ASCLD/LAB requirements and more than 100 requirements published by the FBI for DNA testing laboratories.

The on-site inspection occurred during April 7-11and covered both technical and management operations at the Laboratory. Accreditation was granted to the laboratory during the August 2, 2008 ASCLD/LAB Board meeting. In September a representative of ASCLD/LAB will formally present the accreditation certificates to Sheriff Bob Brooks in a ceremony to celebrate this achievement.

Sheriff Bob Brooks is equally proud of the Laboratory’s groundbreaking achievement. When asked about the accreditation, he stated, “Several years ago I challenged our Lab personnel to obtain the highest accreditation available in the industry. Through dedication and commitment to the highest quality standards, they exceeded my expectations by being the first forensic laboratory in the country to receive ASCLAD LAB international accreditation for the breath alcohol calibration program. Now the same international accreditation standards have been obtained for the entire testing laboratory. The people of Ventura County are well served by the excellent work that they do to support our public safety efforts.”

California Highway Patrol

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is warning the public of the dangers of leaving a child alone inside a sweltering-hot vehicle.

“When left in the sun, it only takes a minute for the inside of the vehicle to become like an oven,” said CHP Captain Whiteford of the Ventura Area office.

Heat isn't the only danger; children left in running cars can injure themselves or others by accidentally hitting a gear and putting the car in motion.

“Not only is it dangerous, it is illegal to leave a child in a car,” Captain Whiteford added.

“Kaitlyn’s Law,” also known as the “Unattended Child in a Motor Vehicle Act,” states that anyone who leaves a child of six years old or younger inside a vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 years old can be fined $100.

To increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around motor vehicles, the organization 4 R Kids Sake has designated the month of August as “Purple Ribbon Month.”

In support of this campaign, the CHP has affixed a purple ribbon to the antenna of all its patrol cars. The ribbons are in memory of children who have lost their lives, including 6-month-old Kaitlyn Russell who died from hyperthermia after being left unattended in a parked vehicle August 15, 2000.

“As a driver, you are responsible for all of your passengers’ safety while the vehicle is running and when it is parked,” reminded CHP Captain Whiteford.

The CHP urges anyone who sees an unattended child in a vehicle to immediately call 911.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Abel Escalante, of Cypress Park, CA:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Deputy Juan Escalante, who selflessly dedicated his life to protecting the citizens in his community. We are forever grateful for Juan’s commitment to public service and that sacrifice will never be forgotten by the people of California. We join all Californians in sending our thoughts and prayers to Juan’s family and friends as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Escalante, 27, died August 3, after being shot to death outside his parents’ home as he left for work at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife and three children.

In honor of Deputy Escalante, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.