Ventura County 2025-2026 - California Grand Jury Reports

From the annual report

The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.

📑 Year-End Report

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The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.

Individual reports (7)

June 25, 2026 — Countywide Response to Public Complaints About Fireworks

22 pages 12 findings 5 recommendations

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Supporting files — 56 (20 attachments · 36 references)

Findings & Recommendations 12 findings

F01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that there is no public consensus regarding the discharge of fireworks, even if it is deemed illegal.

F02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that most fireworks complaints are nonspecific in location and do not result in a warning or citation.

F03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that despite numerous and varied efforts by law enforcement, the fire department, and the district attorney to educate the public, the number of complaints has not decreased.

F04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that there are varied responses to fireworks complaints among Ventura County law enforcement agencies.

F05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that Fillmore is the only city in Ventura County that allows the purchase and/or discharge of “safe and sane” fireworks, and some of these fireworks are illegally transported to, and discharged in, other parts of the county.

F06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the use of drone technology to respond to complaints provides benefits to law enforcement, including quicker response times and better identification of offenders.

F07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that there are occasions when civil citations have been issued and citizens can challenge and go through an appeal process to reduce or eliminate any fines. The reduction or elimination of any fines impacts the effectiveness of enforcement actions.

F08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that, with the exception of Fillmore during a limited time around July 4th, through a set of city and Ventura County Fire Protection District regulations, discharge of fireworks is illegal throughout Ventura County.

F09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the cities of Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, and Port Hueneme have fireworks host liability ordinances.

F10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Oxnard Police Department has been a leading Ventura County law enforcement agency in implementing strategies to respond to public complaints about fireworks.

F11: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that there is no fireworks host liability ordinance that applies to the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.

F12: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Paula and Port Hueneme have existing fireworks host liability ordinances; that Fillmore has a strict liability ordinance regarding fireworks; and that Ojai, Moorpark, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks do not currently have fireworks host liability ordinances. RECOMMENDATIONS

Additional Recommendations 5

Not linked to specific findings.

R01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors pass a host liability ordinance regarding fireworks, applicable to the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. (F-11)

R02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Ojai, Moorpark, Camarillo, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks develop their own fireworks host liability ordinances. (F-12)

R03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Fire Department maintain ongoing communication with CAL FIRE’s Public Safety Fireworks Enforcement Task Force to learn about recommendations to enhance enforcement and compliance with fireworks laws. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06)

R04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Fire Department interface regularly with Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee to inform the committee about recommendations from CAL FIRE’s Fireworks Enforcement Task Force. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06)

R05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee meet regularly to strategize best practices to enhance responses to fireworks complaints and establish best practices for enforcement of fireworks regulations. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F- 04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-11, F-12) RESPONSES Responses invited, but not required, from: The following appointed officials within 60 days: Fire Chief, Ventura County Fire Department (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F- 09, F-10, F-11, F-12, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-04, R-05) Responses required from: The following elected officers within 60 days: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F07, F-08, F-09, F-11, F-12,

June 25, 2026 — Giant Weed, Giant Problem: Arundo in Ventura County

29 pages 13 findings 6 recommendations

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Supporting files — 62 (13 attachments · 49 references)

Findings & Recommendations 13 findings

F01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds no evidence of a long-term countywide coordinated Arundo eradication plan nor a budget line item to track spending on Arundo removal efforts, despite Ventura County Board of Supervisor’s partial agreement with the 2015-16 Civil Grand Jury’s recommendation to do so.

F02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds multiple government agencies and nonprofit organizations are involved in Arundo eradication efforts, but no specific group has been empowered to create a coordinated countywide Arundo eradication plan.

F03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds Public Works is not always following best management practices regarding Arundo removal, resulting in continued regrowth of an invasive weed.

F04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that failure on behalf of the Ventura County Public Works Agency to observe best practices on invasive plant removal in a very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone has resulted in informal abatement notices from Ventura County Fire Department and public complaints to the Civil Grand Jury.

F05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the county agency in charge of controlling the growth of Arundo on county-owned land (Public Works) does not have the budget needed to observe best practices in eradicating Arundo.

F06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that a clear understanding of Public Works’ expenditures related to Arundo control was unavailable based on the lack of cost accounting for Arundo removal activities (vegetative removal project work is combined so Arundo-specific labor and expenses cannot be determined).

F07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that programs to eradicate Arundo in the Ventura River and Santa Clara River Watersheds are actively funded and well- organized by watershed councils, Ventura County Resource Conservation District, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, and many others.

F08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds no active watershed council or Arundo eradication project exists for the Calleguas Creek Watershed.

F09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds scant information (little web presence and no published archive of past meetings) about the activities of the Ventura County Weed Management Area organized under the Agricultural Commissioner.

F10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Weed Management Area has been operating for years with no strategic plan, despite all parties to the memorandum of understanding agreeing to develop one when the group was formed.

F11: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that a lack of coordinated information sharing among members of the Ventura County Weed Management Area has likely led to unnecessary redundancies in limited state grant awards.

F12: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that with a demonstrated benefit to cost ratio of Arundo eradication, lack of a countywide Arundo eradication plan results in wasted taxpayer money, groundwater waste, native habitat destruction, and increased fire hazards resulting in increased liability exposure to the county. Giant Reed, Giant Problem: Arundo in Ventura County 21

F13: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Planning Division of the Resource Management Agency has not updated their Wetlands Permitting Guide in 20 years, presenting incomplete and outdated information. RECOMMENDATIONS

Additional Recommendations 6

Not linked to specific findings.

R01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors resurrect the Ventura County Arundo Task Force and request participation from key stakeholders (Public Works/Watershed Protection District, Agriculture, Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Resource Conservation District, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ventura County Weed Management Area, private landowners, etc.) to fund and develop a 10-year Arundo eradication plan specifically for the Calleguas Creek Watershed. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02, F-07, F-08, F-12)

R02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Ventura County Resource Conservation District assume the role as lead agency of this task force based on its long history of leading watershed councils, success overseeing Arundo eradication projects elsewhere in the county, and ability to secure necessary permits and collaborate with key state agencies and other key stakeholders. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04)

R03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors reallocate funds from Public Works’ operations and maintenance budgets that involve invasive vegetation removal, redirecting these funds to the appropriate task force or watershed council to support Arundo eradication following best practices. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07)

R04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors allocate necessary funds in its next budget to support existing Arundo eradication programs as requested by the Santa Clara River Watershed council. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02, F-12)

R05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Agricultural Commissioner commit to improving the governance of the Ventura County Weed Management Area, expedite the creation of a strategic plan, and establish a basic website presence as soon as possible to publish meeting notices, agendas, and minutes to increase openness and transparency, promote information sharing among members and the public, and to highlight the important work it is doing around the county. This needs to be completed by October 31, 2026. (F-09, F-10, F-11)

R06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Ventura County Planning Division of the Resource Management Agency update their Wetlands Permitting Guide to conform with other recent efforts to streamline permitting processes. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-13) 22 Giant Reed, Giant Problem: Arundo in Ventura County RESPONSES Responses required from: The following governing bodies within 90 days: Ventura County Board of Supervisors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-12, R- 01, R-02, R-03, R-04) Ventura County Resource Conservation District (F-02, F-07, F-08, F-10, F-11, F-12, R-01, R-02,

June 25, 2026 — Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project

18 pages 18 findings 6 recommendations

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Supporting files — 25 (5 attachments · 20 references)

Attachments (5) Att-001 Att-002 Att-003 Att-004 Att-005 References (20) Ref-002 Ref-003 Ref-004 Ref-005 Ref-006 Ref-007 Ref-008 Ref-009 Ref-010 Ref-012 Ref-014 Ref-016 Ref-017 Ref-018 Ref-019 Ref-020 Ref-021 Ref-022 Ref-023 Ref-024

Findings & Recommendations 18 findings

F01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai was exempt from obtaining competitive bids based on price when selecting a development manager for its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application and contract under an area of California law that expressly exempts contracts for certain professional services.

F02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai was required by law to conduct a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when selecting a development manager for its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024.

F03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai did not conduct a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it included DignityMoves as its development manager in its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024.

F04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the recommendation of DignityMoves by the County of Ventura Community Development Division did not absolve the City of Ojai from conducting a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it included DignityMoves as its development manager in its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024.

F05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai’s claims of insufficient time did not absolve the City of Ojai from conducting a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it included DignityMoves as its development manager in its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024.

F06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai could not support its claim of insufficient time to conduct a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency prior to submitting its Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024.

F07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai was required by law to conduct a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it awarded a contract to DignityMoves on May 27, 2025.

F08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai did not conduct a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it awarded a contract to DignityMoves on May 27, 2025.

F09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai issued a series of findings on of Resolution No. 25-19 dated May 27, 2025, to justify the awarding of a contract to DignityMoves as its sole source development manager on May 27, 2025, without conducting a fair and competitive selection process. Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project 13

F10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai could not support its claims on of Resolution No. 25-19 dated May 27, 2025, that DignityMoves was uniquely qualified and that no other development managers could have been identified.

F11: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai could not support its claim on of Resolution No. 25-19 dated May 27, 2025, that it was obligated to award a contract to DignityMoves because DignityMoves was listed in the grant application.

F12: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai could not support its claims on of Resolution No. 25-19 dated May 27, 2025, that it was obligated to award a contract to DignityMoves because it faced a short timeline to spend 50% of the grant due to delays leading up to the deadline.

F13: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the City of Ojai’s claims of insufficient time did not absolve the City of Ojai from conducting a fair and competitive selection process based on qualifications and competency when it awarded the contract to DignityMoves on May 27, 2025.

F14: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that there was significant turnover of staff and elected officials at the City of Ojai during this process which contributed to the issues in this report.

F15: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found a lack of full public transparency throughout the process of the City of Ojai selecting DignityMoves for the Encampment Resolution Funding grant application in January 2024 and awarding the contract in May 2025.

F16: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found a lack of alignment within the Ojai City Council, and between the city and local residents, resulting in delays that impacted the progress of the project.

F17: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the County of Ventura Community Development Division acknowledged recommending DignityMoves to the City of Ojai and providing a copy of the recent and successful City of Thousand Oaks Encampment Resolution Funding grant application that included DignityMoves.

F18: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the County of Ventura Community Development Division aided in the development of, and then certified, the City of Ojai’s 2024 Encampment Resolution Funding grant application without confirming that a fair and competitive selection process had occurred. Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project RECOMMENDATIONS

Additional Recommendations 6

Not linked to specific findings.

R01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, by January 1, 2027, the City of Ojai develop policies and procedures that support conducting a fair and competitive selection process in all cases moving forward. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07,

R02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, by January 1, 2027, the City of Ojai implement a plan to improve its public transparency throughout the selection process in all cases moving forward. (F-15)

R03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, by January 1, 2027, the City of Ojai implement a plan to gain alignment among employees, elected officials, and local residents before initiating large and complex projects. (F-16)

R04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County of Ventura Community Development Division be clear in its discussions with local cities that any recommendations still need to be vetted through a fair and competitive selection process in all cases moving forward. (F-17, F-18)

R05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, by January 1, 2027, the County of Ventura Community Development Division amend the Memorandum of Understanding, Ventura Countywide Homelessness, to include language requiring a fair and competitive selection process in all cases moving forward. (F-17, F-18)

R06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, by January 1, 2027, the County of Ventura Community Development Division develop policies and procedures that confirm a fair and competitive selection process has occurred before certifying grant applications in all cases moving forward. (F-17, F-18) RESPONSES Responses required from: The following governing body within 90 days: Ojai City Council (F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-08, F-10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-15, F-16, R-01, R-02,

June 25, 2026 — Part 2: Jail Facilities

18 pages

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Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.

June 25, 2026 — Setting the Record Straight on Presumptive Workers' Compensation Claims

18 pages 10 findings 10 recommendations

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Supporting files — 30 (14 attachments · 16 references)

Attachments (14) Att-001 Att-002 Att-003 Att-004 Att-005 Att-006 Att-007 Att-008 Att-009 Att-010 Att-011 Att-012 Att-013 Att-014 References (16) Ref-003 Ref-005 Ref-006 Ref-007 Ref-008 Ref-009 Ref-010 Ref-011 Ref-012 Ref-013 Ref-014 Ref-015 Ref-016 Ref-017 Ref-018 Ref-019

Findings & Recommendations 10 findings

F01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the California Labor Codes for workers’ compensation presumptive claims are complex, convoluted and lead to confusion.

F02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that safety workers of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department each encounters unique stressors and occupational hazards that can lead to injury or illness.

F03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources department has limited expertise in presumptive workers’ compensation claims administration.

F04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that workers’ compensation education for deputy sheriffs relating to presumptive claims is insufficient to ensure understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

F05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources department lacks a knowledgeable advocate to guide and aid deputy sheriffs through the presumptive workers’ compensation process.

F06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the California Division of Workers’ Compensation provides advocates for workers’ compensation claimants through their Information and Assistance Unit. However, this resource is underused by claimants despite contact information provided regularly by claims administrators.

F07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds there has been recent increased communication between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Risk Management but finds that productive communication and collaboration on workers’ compensation issues still need to be improved.

F08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office does not have an early intervention program to diagnose the development of cancer and other diseases in deputy sheriffs.

F09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that there are opportunities to develop more fully satisfying and relevant “light duty” programs that would benefit the Sheriff’s Office and better prepare the recovering deputies for return to regular duty.

F10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that despite serious concerns regarding the costs of Ventura County Sheriff’s Office workers’ compensation leaves of absence, these costs have never been audited. Setting the Record Straight on Presumptive Workers’ Compensation Claims Setting the Record Straight on Presumptive Workers’ Compensation Claims RECOMMENDATIONS

Additional Recommendations 10

Not linked to specific findings.

R01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and County Risk Management executives formalize a collaborative partnership through regular communications, aiming to better support deputy sheriffs with workers’ compensation illnesses or injuries and address shared challenges in workers’ compensation claims, by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02, F-06, F-07)

R02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and County Risk Management establish a process to assess and resolve challenges related to presumptive claims, and develop actionable solutions to improve outcomes, by October 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02, F-06)

R03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County Risk Management and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office coordinate training on workers’ compensation regulations for the Sheriff’s Human Resources staff, supervisors, and personnel who interact with deputy sheriffs’ filing claims, by October 31, 2026. (F-01, F- 02, F-03)

R04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends proactively educating all deputy sheriffs on presumptive workers’ compensation, including the deputies’ specific responsibilities during the claims and treatment process. It is recommended that this training takes place within three years of first employment, but after their initial academy and on-the-job training, with plans to be completed by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-02,

R05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office implement an advocacy-based workers’ compensation program, featuring designated trained personnel to assist injured or ill deputy sheriffs through the entire claims and treatment processes, by December 31, 2026. (F-01, F-05)

R06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department contact and meet with officers of the California State Division of Workers’ Compensation Information and Assistance Unit in Ventura County to better understand the services the unit provides, and then communicate information about this resource to their employees, by October 31, 2026. (F-06)

R07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County Sheriff’s Office adopt preventative health programs for deputy sheriffs, including comprehensive annual physicals and emotional wellness programs – similar to initiatives established by the Ventura County Fire Department, by December 31, 2026. (F-02, F-08)

R08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends strengthening the “light duty” program through development of a diverse portfolio of productive “light duty” assignments to improve employee engagement and program value, by December 31, 2026. (F-09) -2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury

R09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Controller- Auditor conduct an audit of Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriffs’ leave of absence costs, by December 31, 2026. (F-10)

R10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, Risk Management and Human Resources petition state representatives to resolve inconsistencies between the California Labor Code’s 75-day investigation deadline with the 120-plus days allotted for a Qualified Medical Evaluator to complete their examination and report, by December 31, 2026. (F-01) RESPONSES Responses required from: The following governing body within 90 days: Ventura County Board of Supervisors (F-01, F-02, F-10, R-09, R-10) The following elected officer within 60 days: Ventura County Sheriff (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, R-02, R-03,

June 25, 2026 — Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County

21 pages 17 findings 3 recommendations

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Supporting files — 57 (13 attachments · 44 references)

Findings & Recommendations 17 findings

F01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is well positioned to respond to wildfire threats.

F02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the public has a responsibility for wildfire preparedness by making themselves aware of and heeding Ventura County Fire Department guidelines.

F03: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department has primary firefighting responsibility in the Local and State Responsibility Areas.

F04: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department acts as first responder for fires in the Federal Responsibility Area.

F05: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds Oxnard, Ventura and Fillmore have local Fire Departments and the remaining cities contract with Ventura County Fire Department for fire services. Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County

F06: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Fire Communications Center responds to all non-law enforcement 911 calls.

F07: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Fire Communications Center utilizes a network of cameras to scan for wildfires in the remote parts of the county.

F08: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds emergency preparation guides and emergency notification systems are available to the public.

F09: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department has created a unified county fire and medical response force.

F10: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department has created four 18-person crews to fight fires in remote areas of the county with the goal of keeping them 10 acres or less.

F11: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Ventura County Fire Department has Mutual Aid agreements with neighboring counties, as well as state and federal agencies, to supplement its firefighting capabilities.

F12: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the Mountain Fire was ignited by embers from the previous Balcom Canyon fire.

F13: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that current technology cannot detect buried embers.

F14: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that canines can be trained to detect the scent of buried embers.

F15: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that expertise in wilderness canine search techniques exists in current K-9 Search and Rescue organizations, including in Ventura.

F16: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds obtaining and training a new K-9 costs approximately $20,000.

F17: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds the cost of a trained canine vs. the cost of damage from wildfires makes an evaluation of obtaining a K-9 trained in buried ember detection worth pursuing. RECOMMENDATIONS

Additional Recommendations 3

Not linked to specific findings.

R01: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Ventura County Fire Department investigate the feasibility of incorporating a canine into post-fire investigations by December 31, 2026. (F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15, F-16, F-17)

R02: The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, serving as the Board of Directors for the Ventura County Fire Department, support any Ventura County Fire Department effort to obtain and train an ember- detecting canine, including financially up to $20,000, by December 31, 2026. (F-16, F- 17) Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County 15 RESPONSES Responses required from: The following governing bodies within 90 days: Ventura County Board of Supervisors serving as the Board of Directors for Ventura County Fire Department (F-16, F-17, R-02) Responses invited, but not required, from: The following appointed officials within 60 days: Chief, Ventura County Fire Department (F-10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15, R-01) 16 Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County REFERENCES Ref-001. Interviews with various officials and other interested parties. Ref-002. NOAA Global Climate Report. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202602, Ref-003. Ready Ventura Preparedness Guide. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://s48240.pcdn.co/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/ReadyVC_PreparednessGui de_5.5x8_FIN Ref-004. National Interagency Fire Center. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://nifc.gov Ref-005. VCFD Firewise Program. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://fire.venturacounty.gov/firewise/, Ref-006. 2022/2023 Ventura Civil Grand Jury Final Report. Water Availability For Wildfires in Ventura County. June 12, 2023. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://vcportal.venturacounty.gov/GDJ/docs/reports/2022-23/GJ-Report_2022- 23_WaterAvailabilityForWildFiresInVenturaCounty.pdf Ref-007. California State Legislature. California Assembly Bill 367 (AB 367). Accessed March 17, 2026. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB3 67. Ref-008. Alert California Camera System. Accessed March 17, 2026. https://s48240.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/VC-Alert-and-Warning-Plan- September-2023.pdf. Ref-009. OES Alert and Warning Plan. Accessed March 17, 2026. https://s48240.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/VC-Alert-and-Warning-Plan- September-2023.pdf, Ref-010. Ventura Public Works Water and Sewer Service Areas. Accessed March 17, 2026. https://publicworks.venturacounty.gov/wsd/servicearea/, Ref-011. CAL FIRE. Mountain Fire. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/11/6/mountain-fire Ref-012. Ventura County OES. Mountain Fire damage. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://vcoes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/79fc1177ec104999b76e46112c 0a2487 Ref-013. How Powerful Is a Dog’s Nose. Phoenix Veterinary Center, July 23, 2020. Accessed March 25, 2026. https://phoenixvetcenter.com/blog/214731-how- powerful-is-a-dogs-nose. Ref-014. Coates, Jennifer. Dog Nose Facts You Probably Didn’t Know. PetMD, May 28, 2020. Accessed March 25, 2026. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/5-dog- nose-facts-you-probably-didnt-know Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County 17 Ref-015. Detection dogs can now be used to sniff out smoldering embers in the aftermath of a forest fire. International Association of Fire Services, May 15, 2018. Accessed March 30, 2026. https://ctif.org/news/detection-dogs-can-now-be-used- sniff-out-smoldering-embers-aftermath-forest-fire Ref-016. CAL FIRE. Defensible Space. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/defensible-space. Ref-017. Ventura County K-9 Search and Rescue. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.vcsark9.org/. Ref-018. Climate Check: Heat Risk in Ventura County. Accessed April 16, 2026. https://climatecheck.com/california/ventura Ref-019. Grover’s Mill Podcast. Cadaver Dogs: 5 Things You Didn’t Know, September 10, 2018. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://medium.com/@groversmill/the-truth- about-cadaver-dogs-5-things-you-didnt-know-a53344a43ee7. Ref-020. Holloway, Kimberley. EBSCO. Cadaver Dogs, 2024. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/science/cadaver-dogs Ref-021. Office of the State Fire Marshal. Canine Unit. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-engineering-and-investigations/- /media/26a707e784884453a3bfb87fca026168.ashx. Ref-022. Ventura County OES. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://sheriff.venturacounty.gov/patrol-services/office-of-emergency-services/. Ref-023. USDA Press Release. Accessed April 16, 2026. https://www.usda.gov/about- usda/news/press-releases/2026/03/31/usda-prioritizing-common-sense-forest- management-moves-forest-service-headquarters-salt-lake- city#:~:text=USDA%20Policies- ,USDA%20Prioritizing%20Common%20Sense%20Forest%20Management%2C %20Moves%20Forest%20Service%20Headquarters,people%20who%20depend %20on%20them. Ref-024. VCFD Fire Hazard Reduction Program. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://fire.venturacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-program-fhrp Ref-025. California Fire Safe Council. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://cafiresafecouncil.org/about-us/about/, Ref-026. Ojai Valley Fire Safe. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://firesafeojai.org/. Ref-027. CAL FIRE. Palisades Fire. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire, Ref-028. Cook, Kyle. Marshall Fire ignited by previously buried embers and Xcel power line, investigators conclude. Rocky Mountain PBS, June 8, 2023. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://www.rmpbs.org/news/marshall-fire-cause-xcel-power-line- buried-embers. Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County Ref-029. Phillips, Grant. Ventura Fire Chief warns of winds this fire season. Ojai Valley News, May 5, 2026. Accessed May 7, 2026. https://www.ojaivalleynews.com/news/county/ventura-fire-chief-warns-of-winds- this-fire-season/article_72282e7a-877e-4249-884b-c100c8c285a7.html Ref-030. Ventura County Executive Office. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://venturacounty.gov/county-executive-office/about-us/ Ref-031. VCFD Emergency Response. Accessed May 15, 2026. https://fire.venturacounty.gov/emergency-response/ Ref-032. Carlson, Cheri. CAL FIRE to review county fire department’s response to 2024 blaze. Ventura County Star, February 2, 2026. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2026/02/02/cal-fire-to-review-county-fire- departments-response-to-2024-blaze/88440361007/ Ref-033. Carlson, Cheri. Ventura County is building a $32M radio system. Here’s why. Ventura County Star, September 5, 2025. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2025/09/05/ventura-county-is-building-a- 32m-radio-system-heres-why/85618874007/ Ref-034. Ventura County Fire Department. Accessed June 3, 2026. https://fire.venturacounty.gov/about-vcfd/ Ref-035. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Accessed June 3, 2026. https://fire.fandom.com/wiki/California_Department_of_Forestry_and_Fire_Protec tion Ref-036. The Cost of Starting a K-9 Unit. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.policemag.com/articles/the-cost-of-starting-a-k-9-unit Ref-037. Electronic Detection Dogs Equip Agencies with High-Tech Tracking Partners. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/behind-the- shades/2025/06/electronic-detection-dogs-equip-agencies-high-tech-tracking Ref-038. Make a Donation. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.vcsok9.org/donate Ref-039. About Cal OES. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal- oes/about-cal-oes/ Ref-040. Emergency Telecommunications Failure. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.undrr.org/understanding-disaster-risk/terminology/hips/tl0211 Ref-041. Working Dogs: Detection. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2021-aaha-working-assistance-and-therapy-dog- guidelines/working-dogs-detection/ Ref-042. Mountain Fire losses mount; recovery begins. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://vccf.org/mountain-fire-losses-mount-recovery-begins/ Ref-043. DeMuro, Rich. How wireless companies keep signals alive in wildfires. KTLA5, January 15, 2025. https://ktla.com/news/california/wildfires/how-wireless- companies-keep-signals-alive-in-wildfires/ Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County 19 Ref-044. Myth Busted. Things IR can’t see through. Accessed June 5, 2026. https://www.iirt.sg/the-challenges-and-limitations-of-infrared- thermography/#:~:text=in%20Infrared%20Thermography- ,Emissivity,deep%20within%20walls%20or%20machinery. Ref-045. Fire-Fighting Dogs: Sniffing Out Arson, Wildfires, and More. Accessed June 9, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/fire-fighting-dogs/ ATTACHMENTS Att-001. Wildland-Urban Interface map. Maps. Ventura County SALC. Accessed June 5, 2026. Att-002. National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC). 2025 National Interagency Standards for Resource Mobilization. Accessed March 31, 2026. Att-003. California Firewise Insurance Notice. National Fire Protection Association News and Articles. Accessed April 19, 2026. Att-004. Palisades Fire Impact. Aon Q1 2025 Global Catastrophic Recap. Accessed May 18, 2026. Att-005. Data supplied by Ventura County Fire Department, email, January 15-16, 2026. Att-006. Request for canine ember detection training information, email, Canine Accelerant Detection Association (CADA), Dec 26, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026. Att-007. Mutual Aid Agreement. May 1, 2020. Obtained from VCFD Nov 17, 2025. Att-008. Ventura County Emergency Operations Plan – 2025, p. 16. Accessed June 3, 2026. Att-009. Reciprocal Services Agreement between the United States Coast Guard, Channel Islands and the Ventura County Fire Protection District. Accessed June 3, 2026. Att-010. Gray Book. Allotments for Contract Counties. Obtained from VCFD November 17, 2025. Att-011. Hardy, Marian. Water Search With Dogs. Accessed June 4, 2026. Att-012. REACH Hueneme Donation for Police Department Canine Unit. Accessed June 5, 2026. Att-013. Ventura County Fire Department News Release, November 7, 2025. Accessed June 5, 2026. Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County GLOSSARY TERM DEFINITION CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Cal OES California Office of Emergency Services DOI U.S. Department of the Interior FCC Fire Communications Center FLIR Forward Looking InfraRed FRA Federal Responsibility Area. U.S. Forest Service primary firefighting agency IR InfraRed heat detecting technology. Typically identified as FLIR K-9 Dog (canine) LRA Local Responsibility Area. VCFD primary firefighting agency OES Office of Emergency Services SRA State Responsibility Area. CAL FIRE primary firefighting agency, except VCFD is contracted by CAL FIRE to be primary agency VCFD Ventura County Fire Department (also known as the Ventura County Fire Protection District) USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USWFS U.S. Wildland Fire Service, created April 3, 2026. WUI WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI). A geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code, Sections 4201 through 4204, and Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the Fire Code Official to be at a significant risk from wildfires including Hazardous Fire Area. Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County 21

R17: Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County 15 RESPONSES Responses required from: The following governing bodies within 90 days: Ventura County Board of Supervisors serving as the Board of Directors for Ventura County Fire Department (F-16, F-17, R-02) Responses invited, but not required, from: The following appointed officials within 60 days: Chief, Ventura County Fire Department (F-10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15, R-01) 16 Wildfire Preparedness in Ventura County

December 31, 2025 — Compliance Reviews

8 pages 7 recommendations

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Supporting files — 1

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Additional Recommendations 7

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R01: states: R-01. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission review, reevaluate and revise Commission by-laws to facilitate better communication and nurture stronger collaboration between the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Commission and VCAS. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The BOS, the Commission and VCAS responded as follows: “Your Board and the County’s proposed response to the Grand Jury Report states that Recommendations R- 01, R-02, R-05 and R-06 will be implemented with anticipated completion in 2026.”

R02: states: R-02. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission enhance accountability by establishing a transparent process and structured procedure to fulfill its core advisory role with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The BOS, the Commission and VCAS responded as follows: “Your Board and the County’s proposed response to the Grand Jury Report states that Recommendations R- 01, R-02, R-05 and R-06 will be implemented with anticipated completion in 2026.” The Civil Grand Jury found that recommendations 01 and 02 have been addressed by way of a “Change of Culture.” The hiring of a new VCAS director and his direct approach to tackling communication and collaboration issues have resulted in better cooperation. Continued face-to-face contact with all the rescue shelters around the county could improve the ability for VCAS to address countywide issues and outline them for the BOS.

R03: states: R-03. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission support Ventura County Animal Services in developing proactive strategies and implementing community-targeted spay/neuter, licensing, and micro-chipping programs. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025.

R04: states: R-04. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission support Ventura County Animal Services’ re-engagement with local rescue and foster groups and other effective and proven methods that lead to long-term decreases in shelter population. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The 2024-2025 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury did not receive a response to Recommendations 03 or 04 However, the purchase of a mobile medical unit in 2026, via grants, allows VCAS to go to places and communities traditionally seen as too far away to service. It delivers four full-time surgeons and technicians to whatever event or clinic it is directed. This unit is a large tow-along trailer, smartly wrapped in multiple languages to welcome everyone. This unit requires a truck, equipped with a generator to power everything, to tow it. It is one of two new mobile units. The second unit was donated to the County and is smaller, but self- contained. This second unit allows VCAS to visit remote “Feral Pack” locations and perform capture and spay/neuter services onsite. (Exhibits 1 to 4)

R05: states: R-05. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Ventura County Animal Services Commission, and Ventura County Animal Services review, re-evaluate, and revise the Contract City Animal Services Agreements to better conform to 2025 Best Practices for animal welfare, control, shelter, and field services. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The BOS, the Commission and VCAS responded as follows: “Your Board and the County’s proposed response to the Grand Jury Report states that Recommendations R- 01, R-02, R-05 and R-06 will be implemented with anticipated completion in 2026.” The 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that the VCAS Director decided to leave all contracts in place for the current year and possibly the next. The reasoning behind this was to better understand exactly where things stood and therefore better understand what new Contracts would need to address. If contracts were to be renewed based on current 120% capacity numbers, they would not reflect nor address the changes seen in, for example, an 80% capacity operation. This approach allows the VCAS to test varied solutions before settling on one way forward through a new binding Contract.

R06: states: R-06. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Ventura County Animal Services implement mental health programs specifically targeted to address the effects of compassion fatigue on the staff and volunteers working at Ventura County Animal Services. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The BOS, the Commission and VCAS responded as follows: Your Board and the County’s proposed response to the Grand Jury Report states that Recommendations R- 01, R-02, R-05 and R-06 will be implemented with anticipated completion in 2026. The 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury found that while no new programs to address Compassion Fatigue had been currently implemented, the changes in Culture and Public Contact Practices, aimed at a community supported animal population reduction, will also reduce the pressure felt by staff when faced with overwhelming numbers of housed Animals. This is one major contributor to Compassion Fatigue: feeling Compliance Reviews 3 overwhelmed and unable to provide proper care and comfort to housed animals. Here again, better communication from the counties Rescue Shelters would greatly enhance the overall functionality of the VCAS.

R08: states: R-08. The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission assist Ventura County Animal Services in securing grants for special care, education, and training programs not covered in the Ventura County Animal Services annual budget. This needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. The 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that VCAS has pursued and secured numerous grants: • In April 2025, Animal Services Foundation of Ventura County awarded $1,700,000 to cover three years of staffing for the Mobile Vet Clinic, and an additional $201,000 for purchasing the unit. (Exhibits 1 to 4) • In December 2025, Ventura County Community Foundation contributed $125,000 to help fund the spay, neuter, and vaccine clinics. • Also in December 2025, Wings of Rescue provided $10,000 to support spay/neuter services, and a private donor generously contributed $21,000 to assist with spay, neuter, and vaccine clinics. • In February 2025, Animal Services Foundation of Ventura County provided another grant of $1,350,000 to help the VCAS add six additional staff members. • VCAS also retained and has been able to spend down the remaining $180,000 from Humane World, which was allocated to VCAS for our Pets for Life Program. • Altogether they have raised a total of $3,587,000 to be used over the next two years to support ongoing programs and strengthen their community. Exhibits 1-4 Exhibit 1: Mobile Vet Clinic (Photos provided by Ventura County Animal Services 3/4/2026) Exhibits 2, 3, and 4: Interior of Mobile Vet Clinic Compliance Reviews 5

Additional documents

Documents found alongside this year's reports, not grand jury reports or responses.